HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
How does alcohol affect gut health?
How does alcohol affect gut health? By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Most people enjoy a few drinks a few times a week while relaxing in the evening or while socializing. Alcohol is a part of society and culture in most parts of the world. Drinking too much obviously has negative health effects. The quantity differs among individuals; some people can get away with heavy drinking all their life and live to a ripe old age. Other people experience health consequences from light to moderate drinking fairly early in life. They tend to be people with underlying poor gut and [...]
Food addiction is a type 2 diabetes risk
Food addiction is a type 2 diabetes risk By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Research has shown that people with food addiction are at more than 5 times the risk of type 2 diabetes, even if they are not overweight. Food addiction usually refers to carbohydrate addiction. Consuming more carbohydrate than your body can process raises the risk of insulin resistance. Eventually insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes. This is more likely to happen in overweight people but slim people are at risk too. Everyone has their own unique carbohydrate tolerance. For some people, it doesn’t take a [...]
Help for plantar fasciitis
Help for plantar fasciitis By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Do the soles of your feet hurt to step on first thing in the morning? Are your feet painful to walk on if you’ve been sitting for several hours and then try to get up and walk? It could be plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain in adults. It is caused by a strain of the ligaments in an area of the foot called the plantar fascia. This is a thick, pearly white tissue with long fibres that begins at the heel [...]
Balancing your hormones
Balancing your hormones By Dr Sandra Cabot When your hormones are out of balance you can have a wide range of symptoms and it can be hard to work out what is going on. To pinpoint the problem, you can have blood tests to measure the levels of the hormones FSH, TSH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone (free and total) and DHEA-S. These blood tests are very accurate. When a woman's FSH blood level is consistently elevated to 30 mIU/mL or higher, and she has not had a menstrual period for a year, it is generally accepted that she has reached [...]
What causes gynecomastia (breast growth in men)?
What causes gynecomastia (breast growth in men)? By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Gynecomastia means overdevelopment or enlargement of breast tissue in men or boys. The breasts become larger and often grow unevenly. The condition is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone oestrogen and the male hormone testosterone, but there can be other causes as well. Gynecomastia is fairly common, especially in older men who are overweight. Although not harmful, breast development in men can signify underlying hormonal and metabolic problems which could be harmful. What causes male breast development? As men age, their testosterone level [...]
Fatty liver can weaken your immune system
Fatty liver can weaken your immune system By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Are you aware of the risks of having a fatty liver? It’s an incredibly common condition but few people are fully aware of the repercussions. Did you know fatty liver adversely affects your immune system? Your liver actually contains immune cells. If your liver is not healthy and not functioning well, you are at higher risk of immune system problems like infections and autoimmune conditions. A healthy liver enables your entire immune system to work more efficiently. Your liver carries out more functions in your body than [...]
These foods help prevent kidney stones
These foods help prevent kidney stones By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Kidney stones are very common; up to one in ten people will experience them. Passing a kidney stone is one of life’s most painful experiences. Anyone who has had a kidney stone will want to do anything in their power to prevent getting more. Kidney stones are more common in men than women, and the tendency to develop them does run in families. The most common type, around 65 percent, are made up of calcium and oxalate. Other stones consist of uric acid (as in sufferers of gout), [...]
What to do if you’ve had your gallbladder removed
What to do if you’ve had your gallbladder removed By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries. A lot of people end up quite confused about what they should be eating and which supplements they can be taking. You might be left with new and unpleasant symptoms after surgery. Your doctor may have told you it’s fine to eat and drink whatever you like, and you’ll be fine. The fact is many people feel far from fine after getting their gallbladder removed. It is common to experience all sorts of digestive problems, and [...]
Look and Feel Better Naturally
Look and Feel Better Naturally By Jesse Clark We aren’t really sure why herbal and natural healthcare is considered alternative medicine. After all, Mother Nature is the best healthcare provider out there. But we’ve been conditioned to believe that medications are the best way to “get better.” In reality, though, medicine often tends to mask symptoms. Instead, it’s important to treat the underlying cause and to focus on the whole self before resorting to drastic measures. What Conditions Can Natural Medicine Treat? A naturopathic physician can treat many health conditions. These include digestive disorders, allergies, arthritis, depression, and [...]
Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids
Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Haemorrhoids are a common problem. The information in this article will give you some strategies to help manage haemorrhoids and reduce the risk of their occurrence. What exactly are haemorrhoids? They are dilated swollen veins that occur in the lower rectum and anus area. They can be considered as varicose veins in the lower bowel. Blood clots may form inside the haemorrhoids, which can make them hard, painful and swollen. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort or pressure to extreme pain in the back passage and anus, [...]