When one member of the family, office, social circle etc. starts improving their health, the impact is catching. Everyone wants to know what that new healthy person is doing! They want it too! So be a trailblazer for health and start falling in love with your health and potential again!
Find out today how your DNA can affect your health. By understanding how nutrients can affect your gene expression and how they are linked to your individual diet, exercise and lifestyle. Our GENES can not be changed, but you can change how well they function by making the right choices. This means, if you know your genes, you can make better-informed decisions to MAXIMISE your HEALTH! 🌱
It’s not rocket science to understand that when taking specific individualised nutrients and following a DNA diet tailor-made for you, that your body can work as it should. As all HEALTH comes from within. 🥦🥑🍅🍌🍋
Personalised nutrigenomics and nutrition is the medicine for today and the future. So forget one size fits all! Your Fitness DNA Health and Being plan is essential in helping you reach your full potential for Healthy Living and Healthy Ageing.
To find out more and book in for your DNA Health and Wellbeing test please contact me. 🤗
Fermented foods and beverages, such as sauerkraut, kimchi
and kombucha, were a regular part of our ancestors’ diets for thousands of
years. Originally a method of preserving produce from harvest time through the
cold days of winter;[1]
fermentation involves adding a bacterial or yeast starter to a food. These organisms convert starches
and sugars to alcohol or acids, lengthening the food’s shelf life and producing
the unique and tangy flavours we associate with fermented foods. Recently, these
foods have seen a resurgence in popularity, not for their shelf lives but for
their claimed digestive health benefits. As probiotics have also risen in
popularity for similar reasons, let us explore how fermented foods stack up
against a high quality probiotic.
It All Begins In
The Gut
Our interest in strategies to improve digestive health has been
fuelled by an expanding body of research indicating that poor gut health
negatively affects many other body systems.[2]
Specifically, imbalances in the microbiome, the ecosystem of
approximately 38 trillion bacteria and other organisms living in your
digestive tract, have been connected not only to gut disorders but to
mood, immune, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, cancer and even
cardiovascular disease.[3],[4] (To find out more about the microbiome, read this blog).
Research shows that taking live beneficial bacteria, such as
probiotics, can improve microbiome health, reducing the symptoms of many
health conditions,[5],[6] improving general health and lowering the risk of diseases such as those mentioned above.[7]
In light of this, probiotic supplements and fermented foods, both
sources of potentially beneficial bacteria, have been put forward as
effective options for improving microbiome health. Consequently, there
is a misconception that they are interchangeable; however, there are
fundamental differences between them.
The Pros of Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when
administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.[8]
Research has shown that specific types (strains) of probiotics, at
defined doses, can help manage particular health conditions or symptoms,
such as hayfever[9] or bloating.
To understand this further, let us use irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), a painful digestive disorder, as an example. (To read more about
IBS, click here). Research indicates that the specific probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, can relieve the bloating, intestinal pain and inflammation of medically diagnosed IBS.[10],[11]
This benefit occurs when the probiotic is taken at a dose of 20 billion
colony-forming units (CFU), which is a way of expressing the amount of
live bacteria contained per probiotic capsule or dose of powder.
Scientists give probiotic bacteria three names we can use to identify
them and connect them to their health benefits: genus (e.g. Lactobacillus), species (e.g. plantarum),
and strain (e.g. 299v). To get the health benefits associated with that
strain, all three names must match the probiotic used in the scientific
research, as well as the dose. (If you want to learn more about why
strains are so important, click here).
Luckily, you can find information on strains and
doses in a probiotic supplement just by reading the label. By choosing a
probiotic from a reputable brand committed to quality, you can feel confident
that you will receive:
A
guaranteed strain of bacteria effective for your health condition
A
correct quantity of live bacteria necessary for the benefit you require
Bacteria
that are alive at the label dosage until the expiry date
So, if you are looking to improve a particular health condition,
choose a strain-specific probiotic for best results. What’s the easiest
way to find the right probiotic for your condition? See a Natural
Healthcare Practitioner.
Fermented Foods Vs Probiotics
Although fermented foods contain live bacteria, the microbes
responsible for fermentation do not confer the same health benefits as a
probiotic supplement. In fact, an expert panel of scientists concluded
that fermented foods have unidentified microbial content, meaning there
is no guarantee of what bacterial strains or doses will be present in
them. For this reason, they are fundamentally different from probiotics.[12]
That being said, many people experience non-specific digestive health
benefits from including fermented foods in their diet, which could be
related to the bacteria present, however, more research is needed to
confirm this. Since fermentation breaks ingredients down into simpler
parts, these foods are generally easier to digest, and fermentation also
increases the nutritional value of the food.[13] If you are healthy and do not require specific health benefits, fermented foods may be appropriate for you.
Be aware that, while fermenting at home can be fun, it is
not a risk-free process. Exposure to oxygen, for example, can allow mould,
yeast and less beneficial bacteria to grow. High-quality probiotics, on the
other hand, are produced under strict hygienic conditions that minimise the
risk of introducing ‘bad’ microorganisms into your gut. If your digestive
system is sensitive, you may be better off taking a probiotic.
Choose What’s Right For You
Fermented foods are a tasty addition to the diet and do appear to provide some non-specific digestive benefits to relatively healthy people, on the proviso that they are prepared correctly. However, for support with specific health conditions, it is important to choose a specific probiotic strain, at the right dose, for your condition. If you would like further information please contact me.
Did you know that The WHO estimates between 10 and 50% of indoor environments in Australia, Europe, India, Japan and North America are affected by indoor dampness, making them susceptible to mould growth?
📖https://www.who.int/airpollution/guidelines/dampness-mould/en/
To find out and learn if biotoxin exposure (CIRS) from mould and water-damaged buildings could be affecting your health and causing chronic inflammation and immune activation please contact me.😁
Clear
waste produced during its normal, healthy activities
Remove
compounds (e.g. hormones) from circulation that have completed their tasks
Neutralise
toxins that can harm your body, and
Fight
off pathogens (infectious organisms) that could otherwise make you sick
Once it’s completed these tasks, the next step is to eliminate these unwanted substances. It does this by packaging them up and sending them to your intestines to be eliminated in your poo!
So, How Often Should You Poo?
As your digestive tract is one of the main avenues for removing waste
from your body, it’s ideal to pass at least one well-formed stool
daily; this ensures the efficient clearance of toxins from your body.
Anything less than this, and you might be experiencing constipation.
But why does this occur? What impact is it having within your gut?
And most importantly, what can you do to address the underlying causes?
Read on to learn what to do when you don’t poo.
Constipation Characterised
The
medical definition of chronic constipation (CC) involves experiencing the below
symptoms for at least a three-month period:
Hard or lumpy stools;
Reduced frequency of defecation (less than three bowel motions per week);
A sensation of not passing the entire stool (i.e. a feeling of incomplete evacuation); or
However,
under this definition, straining to pass a hard stool each day, or only going
several times a week, can be seen as ‘normal’, leading people to believe their
symptoms are benign or harmless.
Unfortunately, this may not be the case. CC increases the risk of
complications such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, faecal impaction and
faecal incontinence.
As your digestive tract is one of
the main avenues for removing waste from your body, it’s ideal to pass
at least one well-formed stool daily
Let’s Leave the Laxatives
For some, it may seem logical to simply take a laxative to move
things along. Yes, laxatives can certainly help, however, whether
they’re softening the stool or speeding up gut motility (the muscular
contractions of your intestines that move the stool through the colon),
they’re not addressing the underlying dysfunction that triggers
constipation. Additionally, regular laxative use carries the risk of the
bowel developing a dependence on them to pass a stool.
Addressing the true cause of constipation requires us to examine the
health of the gut, with a special spotlight on the microbiome.
The Microbiome-Constipation
Connection
Your
intestinal microbiome is a living colony of 38 trillion beneficial bacteria,
yeasts and fungi that work synergistically to keep your gut, immune system and
entire body healthy. When it comes to bowel regularity, your microbiome plays
two hugely important roles:
Converts the fibre from your food into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
SCFAs regulate your gut motility as well as provide fuel for your gut
cells, keeping your digestive system healthy. Insufficient fibre intake,
or not having enough good gut bacteria, can cause low levels of SCFAs,
decreasing gut motility and leading to constipation. In fact, research
has shown that constipated patients have lower levels of SCFAs compared
to those with diarrhoea.[2]
Prevents pathogenic (bad) organisms from overgrowing in the gut.[3]
These unwanted organisms can trigger microbiome-disrupting
inflammation, and also produce gasses such as methane, which slow gut
motility. Together, these negative effects can produce constipation.[4]
In order to remedy your microbiome issues and eliminate your constipation, there are two key ingredients you can call on.
Prebiotics Promote the Poo
The first ingredient to look for when restoring the microbiome to
treat constipation is partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG). PHGG is a prebiotic,
which is a group of fibres that provide your beneficial bacteria with
the food to make SCFAs. Research shows 5 g/d of PHGG to provide
particular benefit to those with constipation, demonstrating the
capacity to soften the stool, increase the weekly number of bowel
motions, and decrease abdominal pain, straining with bowel motions, and
laxative use.[5]
Research shows 5 g/d of PHGG to
provide particular benefit to those with constipation, demonstrating the
capacity to soften the stool, increase the weekly number of bowel
motions, and decrease abdominal pain, straining with bowel motions, and
laxative use.[5]
The Strain that Stops the
Strain
The second ingredient is the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v.
Probiotics are live, beneficial microbes that support the health of
your gut and intestinal microbiome. To read more on what probiotics are
and why selecting the right strain is important, click here.
A primary action of probiotics, including 299v, is to help the
beneficial organisms within your microbiome to grow and flourish. This
creates more good bacteria that then produce more SCFAs, which we now
know is very useful for combatting constipation! Beyond this, 299v can
also produce antimicrobial substances that prevent pathogenic microbes
from surviving within the gut,[6] reduce inflammation within your digestive tract,[7] and prevent pathogenic organisms from attaching to your gut lining.[8]
Together, these actions result in increased stool softness, gut motility,[9] and the feeling of complete evacuation,[10] whilst also reducing symptoms such as abdominal pain.[11]
Get Things Moving
If you’re moving your bowels less than once a day, passing hard stools, straining, or experiencing a sense of incomplete evacuation, your microbiome may need support. Taking PHGG and 299v to ensure good gut motility and promote SCFA production may be just what you need to get things moving. Talk to a Natural Healthcare Practitioner about accessing this constipation-combatting duo today!
The wonderful spice Turmeric continues to gain popularity in treating all sorts of health conditions. However, what should turmeric actually be used for?
How does it work within the body?
What is it that you should be looking for when choosing turmeric supplements available in the market place?
🎧 Listen to this ‘Your Health Guide’ podcast episode where Laurence is joined by Naturopath, Nick Breen, to separate the evidence from the hype on the benefits and uses of turmeric
Listen Now on iTunes – https://apple.co/2OCeFCK
and now on SPOTIFY – https://spoti.fi/2Pu8L7v\
#turmeric #inflammation #naturalmedicine #nutrition#podcast #yourhealthguide #metagenicsau
In order to manage ongoing pain, the underlying cause, inflammation, must be addressed and resolved. Natural Medicines and certain dietary and lifestyle interventions enable your body to calm and resolve the inflammatory response.
Our Pain is Insane
With 20% of Australians suffering from chronic pain, and pain being the most common reason someone will visit a healthcare Practitioner in Australia,[1] there is no question that we’re a nation in pain and inflamed!
To understand how to reduce pain, we need to look at its main cause, inflammation, which is triggered in response to tissue injury or infection. The inflammatory process is designed to initiate healing and also to keep you resting while healing occurs. For this reason, the swelling that comes with inflammation stimulates nerves around the affected area, sending signals to your brain that something is wrong by causing you pain, and consequently restricting your movement.
In states of chronic pain, however, the resolution does not occur, and instead, the body becomes stuck in the initiation phase, with persistent inflammation and pain. To reduce chronic pain, then, we need to address both phases of inflammation – initiation and resolution.
Find out how YOU can shift your body’s level of inflammation and begin on the road to a pain-free life, with 10 Natural Things You Can Do for Your Chronic Pain.
‘Take Diabetes 2 Heart’ is one of their current campaigns, as too many Australians with type 2 diabetes are in a bad relationship with their heart. Nearly two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes don’t know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes. This initiative is about inspiring people who have diabetes, and the people who love them, to take positive steps to better heart health. The following tips are a great place to start to take better care of your heart!
Natural Health Practitioners are best placed to help you take care of your heart.
If you would like more information please contact me.💚❤💚
The wonderful spice Turmeric continues to gain popularity in treating all sorts of health conditions. However, what should turmeric actually be used for?
