5 Habits To Adopt For A Healthy Digestive System

A strong digestive system is the key to a long life. Since the digestive system converts the food we eat into energy and nutrients, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Poor digestion can cause several issues, such as skin problems, gastric issues, fatigue and illness.

Want to know how to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly? Follow the tips mentioned below:

#1 Embrace a high fibre diet

Consume high-fibre diet. Fibre-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dried beans and whole grains provide many health benefits. Fibre helps regulate bowel movement and prevents constipation and other digestive conditions, such as haemorrhoids. In also helps achieve / maintain a healthy weight, lowers the risk of heart disease and controls blood sugar level.

Try to consume insoluble and soluble fibre. The main difference between both types is that insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, while soluble fibre draws in water and prevents watery stools.

For insoluble fibre, turn to wheat bran and vegetables. Meanwhile, good soluble fibre choices include nuts, oat bran, legumes and seeds.

#2 Stay hydrated

Water is critical for a well-functioning digestive system. Without enough water, your digestive system cannot dissolve fats and soluble fibre properly. As a result, these substances won’t pass through the body easily. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

#3 Eat on schedule

Having frequent meals and snacks results in regular bowel movement. Adopt a regular eating schedule. Try to have three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks each day. Also, remember to chew your food slowly for better digestion.

Avoid eating when you’re stressed out. It can cause bloating. Take a few deep breaths to calm down your nervous system before you eat.

#4 Get moving

Don’t skip your daily exercise. Exercise promotes the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It can benefit the digestive system by enhancing blood flow to the intestines and colon.

From crunches to brisk walk, do anything that gets you moving. But make sure you engage in regular exercise.

Equally important is to eliminate bad habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine. These substances can result in digestive problems, such as stomach ulcers.

#5 Naturopathy services

If you’re looking for natural solutions for digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, consider naturopathy. An alternative medicine, naturopathy entails the use of natural therapies, such as homeopathy to restore a weak digestive system. 

With an experience and experience of over 30 years, Brisbane Livewell Clinic provides naturopathy services to patients. Be it food allergies and intolerances or weight loss, you can count on their team to address different types of digestive issues.

Apart from naturopathy, Brisbane Livewell Clinic also offers massages, homeopathy and acupuncture in Brisbane, Australia. Get more information here.

The Best Part About Bowen Therapy is That it Treats the Whole Body

The Best Part About Bowen Therapy is That it

5 Myths About Menopause Which Need To Be Deconstructed

Menopause is a time in female reproductive cycle when menstruation stops. It usually occurs at an average age of 51. There are several symptoms and signs of menopause; however these vary among women.

It is true that menopause affects a woman’s health and body in a number of ways.

However, not all cases are bad. Several women enjoy a period of wellness and perfect health during the time.

We have decided to deconstruct the myths associated with menopause to help you understand what really happens during this period.

1.    Menopause begins after 50

The average age of menopause is 50 or 51. However, this does not mean that menopause begins at this age for all women. In fact, it may occur in your thirties as well as in your sixties. Perimenopause, the time when you still have period, but begin experiencing menopausal symptoms, can last up to thirteen years!

So yes, it is completely normal to experience menopause earlier or later than the average age.

2.    Everyone gains weight during menopause

Weight gain is natural during perimenopause and menopause. This is because the body’s hormones fluctuate during these periods. However, due to these fluctuations, it becomes difficult to control your weight gain. Hence, most women end up gaining at least a few pounds.

But this does not mean that weight gain can’t be prevented. A healthy diet and exercise can help you remain fit as well as maintain your weight.

3.    Sex drive decreases

Hormonal imbalance can have an effect on your sex drive. Some women lose interest in sexual activities. Additionally, almost 50% of women experience vaginal dryness. This can make intercourse painful. However, this is not always the case. So no, a decrease in libido is not certain. You can still enjoy intercourse after menopause.

4.    Hot flashes are the first sign

Hot flashes are not always the first sign but they are usually the first noticed sign of menopause. Why? Because other symptoms are so common, we hardly notice them. Other signs include fatigue, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, cravings among others.

5.    Hormone replacement therapy is the only solution

When it comes to your health during menopause, there are several options to choose from. Hormone replacement therapy is just one of them. It comes with its particular benefits and potential side effects.

You can also choose to go with supplements or other alternative forms of therapy. For example, acupuncture Brisbane for perimenopause and menopause is a favoured by most women.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers perimenopause and menopause treatment with personalised nutritional and stress management plans to help women sail through these years. You can book an online appointment with them today.

Diagnosing Arthritis - How To Know If It’s The Real Culprit Behind Your Joint Pain

Arthritis is common in Australia with approximately 3.85 million people affected. People from all ages experience chronic pain and disability due to arthritis.

With an increase in population, the number of people living with arthritis will also increase. It has been estimated that almost 7 million Australians will be suffering from some form of arthritis by 2050.

While several different types of arthritis are common, its diagnosis is often delayed because individuals neglect the pain, thinking it’s temporary.

Here’s a brief guide regarding the diagnosis of arthritis:

1.    Medical History

Medical history implies all information pertinent to this condition as well as your overall health. It includes the level of pain, if these symptoms come and go and if anything relieves the condition.

Questions related to your health habits and current and past health will also come up. You will be inquired of your recent illness (if any), travels, sport activities, job profession among other things. Substance abuse, healthy weight maintenance, diet and physical and mental stress will also be taken into consideration.

This is done to eliminate the chances of any other causes for your pain.

2.    Family History

A family history of arthritis is a major indication. Arthritis usually runs in the family. If your parents, grandparents or siblings have developed this condition, you are at risk too.

History of other rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders are also taken into account to make sure you aren’t suffering from any of those conditions.

3.    Physical Exam

A hands-on joints evaluation is a must. Visible signs of stiffness, redness and swelling are noted. Finger pain is an important indication for arthritis.

If several joints are involved, a pattern is investigated. For example, wrists of both hands or knees of both legs may be involved.

Moving the affected joints determine if there is swelling or restricted movement. Tender areas are also felt near or on these joints. Reflex action, temperature and other physical exams can be included to confirm the diagnosis.

4.    Lab or Imaging Tests

Blood tests may be conducted to check for blood cell counts, liver function and inflammation. These reports can indicate if some other disease is causing the symptoms. Joint fluid can also be drawn for further testing.

X-rays are more frequently used; however, ultrasounds and MRI exams may also be performed to diagnose arthritis. These tests highlight a number of physical features such as bone deformation or soft tissue damage.

Diagnosis of arthritis can be simple in many cases. Most don’t involve these lab or imaging testings. While arthritis can severely affect a person’s routine life, you don’t have to live with pain. Naturopathy Brisbane is an alternative treatment which is effective for treating arthritic pain.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers naturopathy services for arthritis and a number of other health conditions. You can book an online appointment with them for a personalised treatment plan.

Can You Differentiate Between Hypo And Hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland positioned at the base of your throat. It produces hormones that travel to various parts of your body and control various routine activities.

These hormones help maintain brain, heart and several other organs, and control metabolism too.

The thyroid gland can sometimes dysfunction, affecting all these activities. There are two types of medical problems which can occur to your thyroid.

First, overgrowth of the gland or nodules can occur as well. Thyroid disorders more frequently occur in women than in men.

Second, the hormone production may go awry, resulting in hypo and hyperthyroidism. Here’s how we differentiate the two:

Definition

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in hormone production which is insufficient for normal function. The gland is thus called an underactive thyroid.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces more hormones than are necessary to maintain organ function. Such a thyroid gland is also called an overactive thyroid.

Causes

Both, hypo and hyperthyroidism, are caused by autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disease is the one where the immune system becomes activated against body’s own cells.

An underactive thyroid is a result of Hasimoto’s disease, a state in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland itself.

This results in organ failure and its inability to perform routine functions. Other causes include removal of the gland, radiation treatment for particular cancers, and treatment for hyperthyroidism.

In contrast, thyroid becomes over activated because of Grave’s disease. Here, the immune system excessively stimulates the gland to produce hormones.

Symptoms

Symptoms of both conditions develop slowly. Thus, these signs are difficult to notice in the beginning.

A person with hypothyroidism may generally feel a bit tired. Later on, other symptoms develop, including weight gain, muscle and/or joint pain, increased cold sensitivity, pale skin, depression, hoarse voice, puffy face and excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Hyperthyroidism can result in unhealthy weight loss, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, irregular sleep pattern, muscle weakening, excessive sweating and less frequent menstruation.

Treatment

Treatment is possible through medication. Thyroid removal through surgery is a viable option for hyperthyroidism. It is usually conducted through an incision just underneath the collar bone. In case of hypothyroidism, hormones are supplemented through medicine.

Naturopathy can also help people suffering through these conditions. These treatments, along with conventional medical therapy, can assist in managing the condition as well as reducing associated symptoms.

A number of different healthcare clinics offer these treatments. Brisbane Livewell Clinic has experienced naturopaths and nutritionists who treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with a holistic approach. You can reach them online here.

Food Allergy Versus Food Intolerance: Know The Difference

Reactions to certain foods are more common than we think. However, not all are classified as an allergy. These reactions are more often a result of food intolerance. So, why do we often confuse the two?

It is because they share some common symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach ache.

In order to correctly identify these reactions, it is important to know the differences between them. It is also necessary to understand the symptoms that are different between the two.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is a sudden immune reaction of our body to certain ingredients in the food. Our body is naturally equipped to fight against foreign substances that can be harmful for health. These reactions mostly occur when a bacteria or virus enters our body. Rarely though, the immune system of a few people, confuses proteins in our food as foreign ones and attack these proteins. It may involve the digestion system, skin or the whole circulation system of the body.

Eight types of food commonly cause these allergic reactions. These include peanuts, wheat, milk, shell fish, tree nuts, soy and fish. About 1 in 20 children and 2 in 100 adults develop an allergic reaction to food every year in Australia.

The reaction can be mild to severe and differs person to person. The symptoms that differ from food intolerance are rashes and itchy skin, chest pain, shortness of breath and sudden drop in blood pressure. This condition can be fatal and thus immediate medical care is needed.

It is possible to prevent a reaction by minimising the intake of the particular protein causing the allergy. But expert consultation should be taken to avoid malnutrition.

Food Intolerance

It is a gradual reaction that is not life threatening but can still make a person unwell. The immune system is not involved in this case. It is mostly concerned with the digestive system and occurs when a person lacks the ability to break down certain foods. For example, the most common intolerance observed is for lactose in which the person lacks an enzyme that can break down lactose, the milk sugar.

Small amounts of such foods usually do not cause a reaction in people who are intolerant to them. Symptoms can be a combination of gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, nausea and bloating; skin reactions include eczema and asthma.

It is better to consult a nutritionist to prepare a supportive dietary plan. Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers the services of one of the best nutritionists in Brisbane. This Brisbane clinic also offers a number of other services including food allergy and food intolerance testing. 

Biopuncture: An Alternative Treatment to Relieve Pain

Chronic pain is the third most serious health condition after musculoskeletal and cardiovascular problems in Australia. According to Pain Management Research Institute, one in five Australians, including children and adolescents, are dealing with chronic pain. The prevalence is much higher among people over 65 and is estimated to rise to 5 million by 2050.

Due to the ineffectiveness as well as the side effects of conventional treatment, more and more people are now looking for an alternative medicine to find a relief for pain. Amongst others, biopuncture is a rapidly growing alternative therapy used to treat common pain and inflammatory problems through injection-based techniques.

 

What is Biopuncture?

Biopuncture is an injection-based therapy in which small amounts of highly diluted natural products are injected into specific body zones to inhibit inflammatory processes and improve the body’s ability to repair. The majority of the products used in the therapy are drawn from plants to release trigger points and repair damages in a natural way. While it can be used as an alternative therapy when conventional treatments have failed, it is mostly used alongside conventional programs. Using biopuncture along with exercise and physical therapy can give patients endurance, strength and better posture to prevent relapse.

How Does the Treatment Work?

Biopuncture uses plant-based, ultra-diluted formulas which are injected on the specific regions of skin or into muscles to relieve pain and inflammation. With direct injection of medicine into the areas of pain, the treatment generates a much faster healing response than conventional therapies. Unlike conventional medicine, biopuncture does not suppress the symptoms with high dose of chemical substances. Rather, it stimulates the body’s natural healing process to eliminate pain and heal the body.

 

What Conditions Are Usually Treated with Biopuncture

Biopuncture can heal all kinds of pain and inflammation, be that in joints, soft tissues or in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract. All of these have cells that secrete chemicals and cause pain and inflammation. Patients with the following conditions may particularly benefit with the treatment.

• ·        Musculoskeletal problems, including joint pain, plantar fasciitis, sprains and strains, tendonitis, shoulder pain, nerve pain, mild to moderate arthritis, back and neck pain, lumbar pain and post-surgery pain.

• ·     Medical problems, including bronchitis, hay fever, asthma, migraine, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and sinusitis.

Is Biopuncture Safe?

Biopuncture is far safer than conventional medicine due to the diluted nature of the products. While patients may experience pain and discomfort for a day after the injection, it may subside as the body’s healing process gets stimulated.

Visit Brisbane Livewell Clinic to get biopuncture treatment from expert homeopaths in Bulimba. The practitioners at the clinic use a holistic approach to heal the body in a natural and safe way. Book an appointment for consultation and therapy by calling at (07) 3861 5881 now.