HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Endometriosis – your best chance to cure it
Endometriosis - your best chance to cure it Endometriosis is often a chronic relapsing condition and presents as painful menstrual bleeding, pelvic and back pain. It can also cause painful sexual intercourse and pain during a bowel action. Constipation, bloating and digestive symptoms are other possible symptoms. Endometriosis has been in the news lately because it is common affecting 5%-10% of women and adolescents of reproductive age. It is a common cause of infertility and up to 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Between 50% and 80% of women with pelvic pain have some degree of endometriosis. Many [...]
The Complex Puzzle of Weight Loss Success
The complex puzzle of weight loss The extremely popular and recent use of the drugs known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), for weight loss is still a controversial area. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonists are used for diabetes management, but also for weight loss. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is the generic name of the active substance in the medications Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. Ozempic® and Wegovy® are given as injections and Rybelsus® is offered as an oral medication. GLP-1 agonists stimulate receptors for the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, which increases insulin production from [...]
Liver FAQs
Liver FAQs Do you have inflammation? If your blood levels of ferritin and/or vitamin B 12 are too high this is often a sign of liver inflammation. When the liver is damaged ferritin (stored iron) and vitamin B 12 can leak from the liver into the blood. Elevated levels of ferritin and vitamin B 12 can be an early sign of liver inflammation and damage. A healthy liver reduces inflammation. Do you want to slow down ageing? Of course you do! The liver is the major manufacturer of the most powerful antioxidant in [...]
5 Foods to Stave off Colds this Winter
5 foods to stave off the colds this winter By Jessah Shaw, Adv Dip (Nut Med) No one enjoys being sick, and at this time of the year colds and the flu seem to be rampant. While you may be craving high-carb foods such as bread, pasta and hot chips, when you are sick you need to be choosing foods that are nutrient-dense and immune-boosting. Keep reading for 5 foods to stockpile this winter: 1) Bone broth More and more frequently bone broth has been talked about, and for good reason. What we [...]
Osteoporosis – How you can have stronger bones
Osteoporosis – How you can have stronger bones Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You can have significant bone loss with no signs or symptoms at all. Your bones need to last your entire life. Having strong bones will help you have a longer and better quality life. Causes of Osteoporosis Deficiencies of vitamin D and vitamin K. Elevated levels of parathyroid hormone, commonly caused by longstanding unrecognized vitamin D deficiency. Mineral deficiencies - calcium, magnesium, boron, strontium, manganese, zinc, copper & silicon. Low intake of vitamin C and/or protein which weakens the collagen in bones. Low levels of [...]
Important pancreatitis risk factor you should know
Important pancreatitis risk factor you should know By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Pancreatitis is common. It means inflammation of the pancreas and can either be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis can be a medical emergency. Knowing the risk factors is important for protecting your health. Your pancreas produces digestive enzymes as well as several hormones, the most well known of which is insulin. What causes pancreatitis? These are the most common risk factors: Heavy alcohol consumption Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, because of its close proximity to the pancreas Fatty pancreas due to insulin resistance or type 2 [...]
More muscles equals faster metabolic rate
More muscles equals faster metabolic rate By naturopath Margaret Jasinska As we age we lose muscle mass. This typically causes a slowing down of the metabolic rate. Fortunately there are ways to help preserve your muscle mass and maintain an efficient metabolism as you get older. Sarcopenia means loss of muscle mass The medical definition is the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and function with age. It typically begins in the late 50s but can begin earlier or later in life, and the speed at which it progresses varies. Sarcopenia can greatly reduce your quality of life [...]
These foods raise the risk of lupus in women
These foods raise the risk of lupus in women By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Systemic lupus erythematosus is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in women. New research published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research has found that a high intake of ultra processed foods increases the risk of lupus by more than 50 percent in women. Those women with positive anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies were at highest risk. These are antibodies that indicate connective tissue autoimmune disease either right now or in the future. Only women were tested in this particular study, so men who eat ultra [...]
90 percent of people with chronic kidney disease aren’t aware their kidneys are failing
90 percent of people with chronic kidney disease aren’t aware their kidneys are failing By naturopath Margaret Jasinska A recent Australian study has found that 90 percent of people with stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease are undiagnosed. This is a frightening statistic because chronic kidney disease can significantly shorten a person’s lifespan. Chronic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms at all. The majority of kidney function can be lost before symptoms start to appear. By then it is usually not possible to halt or slow the progression of kidney failure. The kidneys are bean shaped [...]
Children need Magnesium
Children need Magnesium By Dr Sandra Cabot Magnesium is a critical mineral for the function and growth of the bones, muscles and the nervous system. Magnesium is required for over 300 enzyme systems in the body and is critical for energy production and metabolism. Magnesium is predominantly found in dark green leafy greens and legumes and if your child does not get enough of these foods, they will be deficient. Most of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones so a blood test is not an accurate measure of total body magnesium levels. Symptoms and [...]