The first step in supporting the thyroid is interpreting thyroid blood test results. Learn why TSH is not the only marker for thyroid dysfunction and why its important to understand the role reverse T3 plays.
Read MoreThe first step in supporting the thyroid is interpreting thyroid blood test results. Learn why TSH is not the only marker for thyroid dysfunction and why its important to understand your own thyroid test results.
Read MoreWe’re all different, so it makes sense that our ideal diet would be different too…This is exactly what the Autoimmune Protocol does for those burdened with disease. It’s a passion of mine, so I created a beginners guide that breaks down exactly what we do with this treatment!
Read MoreWe all want to wake up and feel beautiful, radiant and confident in our own skin. While we should be able to do this without a second thought, regardless of colour or texture, sometimes underlying conditions or shifts in the body can get in the way of our beautiful glow and spirit.
Read MoreThere is a strong connection between the thyroid and gut health. Studies have shown that low thyroid hormone production can lead to leaky gut and impaired digestive health can impair thyroid function. Optimal digestion supports a reduction in the antibodies associated with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's and Graves.
Read MoreUnderstand the complexities of a condition known as SIBO and how it can be a driving factor in thyroid conditions.
Read MoreWe’re all trying our best to live clean, green lives. It’s one thing that we know is beneficial for our overall health. Only, these days the world we live in makes it harder to escape them. Environmental toxin exposure is concerning; from the food we eat and the water we drink to the products we clean our bodies and homes with. More often than not they’re laden with high doses of toxins that have devastating effects on our health in the long-run.
Read MoreThe thyroid gland is a powerhouse in the human body. But because a lot of it’s magic happens behind the scenes in the endocrine (hormonal) system, when things go wrong they can be hard to pick up on. There are a few telltale signs that we tend to think nothing of, but when they begin to arise collectively (or sometimes on their own), they begin to point to a thyroid problem.
Read MoreIn today's day and age we are working longer hours, not getting enough sleep and turning to coffee and sugar to push through the exhaustion. Only to wake up the next day and do it all over again. This my friend, is a recipe for burnout.
Burnout otherwise known as adrenal fatigue, is a chronic negative response caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion and occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to cope with the constant demands of life.
Read MorePremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health condition experienced by up to 75% of women of reproductive age. PMS is a group of symptoms, both physical and emotional, experienced by a woman in the two weeks leading up to menstruation, also known as the luteal phase. With symptoms usually subsiding shortly after menstruation begins.
In some cases PMS can develop into premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, effecting about 3-6 % of women. PMDD be so debilitating that it impacts one's quality of life. Women who have had major depression are more at risk than others to experience PMDD.
Read MoreYou might be surprised to learn that there is more than just one type of oestrogen.
Oestrogens are a group of steroid hormones produced in various organs (not just the ovaries) and the level of these oestrogens change throughout life and in physiological and pathological conditions.
While oestrogen is typically thought of as a female hormone, it is produced by males also. In women, this group of sex hormones are responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts, endometrium, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Within the oestrogen hormone family, there are three main forms to focus on:
Read MoreIt’s the beginning of the year and as we all settling back into work and life the pressures and stress can begin to creep up again.
Female reproductive health is an area I work a lot with in clinic and a very common theme with many of my clients is the impact stress has on the female reproductive system.
Before we get into how stress impacts sex hormones I really want to get to the core of what stress is and how it can present itself.
Stress is defined as “a state in which homeostasis is threatened or perceived to be threatened.”
Read MoreMagnesium is one of my favourite nutrients.
I fist became acquainted with magnesium back when I was a first year naturopath student.
I used to consume coffee like it was going out of fashion in order to get me through assignments, deadlines and full time work. Until that is, I learned about magnesium.
You see coffee consumption actually works against the body when we are stressed, not only does it increase the excretion of B vitamins required to help combat stress, but it also triggers cortisol release.
Read MoreStress has become common place in our day to day lives. Whether it be associated with work, money, family, or something else, stress can have a massive impact on our lives.
While short burst of stress are actually good for you, chronic long term stress has been clinically proven to cause a vast array of negative effects on health including thyroid health.
The essential trace mineral, selenium, is of crucial importance to human health. It is a necessary component of several major metabolic pathways including thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense and immune regulation.
While the body requires selenium, it does not produce this mineral, therefore selenium must be obtained through the diet or supplementation.
Read MoreYou have most likely heard of the Gut brain Axis, referring to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (brain) and the enteric nervous system (gut), linking emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with peripheral intestinal function. But do you know much about the Vagus nerve that’s responsible for connecting them?
The vagus nerve aka the “wandering nerve” is a multi branched nerve that extends from the cerebellum in the brain down to the lowest viscera of the abdomen, reaching out to the heart and other organs on the way down. It is this nerve that is responsible for the communication between the gut and the brain.
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