Keep Calm And See A Naturopath
January 8, 2014 Leave a comment
I guess there is a “Keep Calm” poster for everyone, so keep calm and smile 🙂
Naturopathy, Herbalism, Nutrition, GAPS Diet
January 8, 2014 Leave a comment
I guess there is a “Keep Calm” poster for everyone, so keep calm and smile 🙂
January 4, 2014 1 Comment
The shape, size, colour and smell of your poop can tell you lots about your health and diet so give it a look.
March 12, 2013 Leave a comment
A great article that summarizes the foods that support each organ of elimination and detox.
February 18, 2013 Leave a comment
Top 11 Biggest Lies of Mainstream Nutrition
Great article by Authority Nutrition breaking the myths of modern diet and what has been thought to be healthy that is proven to be actually harmful and unhealthy. Of course one can see political and financial reasons behind these lies supported by nutritionist, doctors and manufacturing industries and propagated through the media and medical articles.
February 9, 2013 Leave a comment
The combined action of this formula containing Milk thistle, Dandelion root, Gentian and Ginger is to stimulate digestive secretions to aid digestion and strengthen and tone the whole upper digestive system.
Milk thistle and Dandelion root also help with the breakdown of fat and liver detoxification. Gentian is one of the most bitter herbs. The bitters not only stimulate digestive secretions through neuronal pathways via the tongue but also assist the body to maintain normal immune function in the digestive system.
The Digestive tonic is indicated for sluggish indigestion, lack of appetite or to simply aid digestion.
Dosage: 2 mL three times a day 15 minutes before meals with some water or juice.
You may order the Digestive tonic from here.
January 25, 2013 Leave a comment
It’s great in a shake which I have after the gym as a post-recovery shake. I usually add:
The above shake provides you with high quality protein, good fat, carbohydrates and fibre plus lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant phytonutrients.
January 10, 2013 Leave a comment
Angelica sinensis commonly known as Dong quai, has been traditionally used for gynaecological ailments including menstrual irregularities and cramps, retarded flow, PMS and menopausal symptoms. It relaxes and stimulates the uterus at the same time producing a balancing effect and it also has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system.
December 29, 2012 3 Comments
by Savvas Ioannides N.D.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is now recognized as a complex endocrine disorder with multiple possible etiologies and clinical manifestations. It is defined as hyperandrogenism (increased male hormones) and chronic anovulation (luck of ovulation) in cases in which secondary causes of these signs have been excluded.
Blood tests | Lipid and lipoprotein studies – cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides. |
Hormonal tests | Including oestrogen, progesterone, free testosterone levels, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level (DHEAS), prolactin levels, and (SHBG). |
Fasting glucose, glucose tolerance test and insulin levels | Insulin sensitivity is associated with PCOS. Approximately 10% of women with PCOS have type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 30-40% of women with PCOS have impaired glucose tolerance by the age of 40 years. |
Ultrasonography | A transvaginal ultrasound imaging (sonogram) or a pelvic ultrasound may be done to demonstrate the presence of polycystic ovaries and other abnormalities. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasonography showing > 10 follicles per ovary; follicles usually occur in the periphery and resemble a string of pearls. |
Herbal treatment will focus on balancing hormonal levels, hepatic clearance of oestrogen, female reproductive toning, adaptogens, weight loss and anti-diabetic herbs.
Herb | Justification |
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) | Antibacterial, carminative, enhances insulin sensitivity because MHCP (a water-soluble compound) activates the key enzymes that stimulate insulin receptors, while inhibiting the enzymes that deactivated them |
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) | Glycyrrhenetic acid seems to inhibit the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts androstenedione to testosterone in the ovary. Glycyrrhenetic acid also inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which results in decreased conversion of cortisol to cortisone and the state of apparent mineralocorticoid excess. In PCOS, elevated 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is responsible for androgen excess, possibly via its effect on glucose metabolism. |
Gymnema sylvestre (Gymnema) | Gymnema is used as an antidiabetic, hypoglycaemic, lipid-lowering agent and to support weight reduction. Gymnema is indicated for PCOS, due to its insulin modulating activity and the added benefits of reducing the elevated triglycerides associated with PCOS. |
Paeonia lactiflora (Peony) | The active constituent in Paeonia lactiflora is thought to act directly on the ovary to reduce the production of androgens in a dose-dependent manner. It increases the activity or aromatase, which promotes the synthesis of oestradiol from testosterone. Formulas containing Peony may also improve progesterone levels by normalizing ovarian function when the activity of aromatase is inhibited. It has been used to treat hyperprolactinaemia, ovarian failure and androgen excess. The biofeedback in the pituitary and hypothalamus rely on aromatase to regulate prolactin and GnRH.Licorice and Peony combination reduces testosterone levels and improves the oestradiol to testosterone ratios after 4 weeks of administration. Pregnancy rates also improve. After prolonged administration, LH to FSH ratio is significantly lower. This combination stimulates pituitary dopamine receptors, which seem to be responsible for the gradually improving LH/FSH ratio. |
Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra) | Schisandra is a hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, nervine and antioxidant. It helps to improve liver function in terms of detoxification and hormone clearance. As an adaptogen, it will improve mental, physical and sensory performance and help to cope with stress. |
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) | Vitex has demonstrated to down-regulate the production of excess prolactin via a dopaminergic activity. Hyperprolactinaemia is a common condition in PCOS. It has also shown to have an anti-androgenic effect. It is beneficial for ovulatory factors associated with PCOS. Clinical experience has shown that it is valuable in PCOS, especially when combined with other herbs, probably because of its action in reducing prolactin. |
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) | Ginger is a circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and digestive stimulant. It is also hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic. It is useful in amenorrhoea brought up by cold. |
The list above is not exhausted and there are more herbal remedies that might be indicated in a case of PCOS depending on the presentation of the person since the condition is multifaceted. Nutrition is of utmost importance and nessessary multiple nutrient supplementation is warranted.
Exercising daily is essential especially in the morning as it increases metabolism – a minimum of 45 minutes 4-5 times a week of aerobic exercise to help lose weight, improve insulin resistance, lower cholesterol, increases SHBG and maintain cardiovascular health. If possible get a personal trainer to help achieve ideal body weight.