When our blood sugar is out of whack it can cause fatigue, irritability, anxiety, sugar cravings, acne, weight gain and more. Balancing our blood sugar is essential to optimising our health and our hormones.
CANDIDA AND THRUSH
Thrush is a super common women’s health complaint. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus, which can happen when there is too little other beneficial bacteria (probiotics) such as Lactobacillus to help keep the levels in check. The vaginal ecosystem should be dominant in Lactobacillus, which keeps the vaginal pH acidic, to keep other problem causing microbes at bay.
THE PROBLEM WITH IRON TABLETS
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, so if you've been told you have low iron and been prescribed an iron tablet by your GP, you're not alone. However, not all iron tablets are created equal...
PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (PPROM)
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a complication that can arise in pregnancy. When it happens, the aminonic membrane (the sac) surrounding the baby breaks (ruptures) before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Once the sac breaks, there is an increased risk of infection.
BOOSTING IMMUNITY
It's that time of year again... cold and flu season. What we eat, drink and think has a dramatic effect on our immune system and general health and wellbeing. Here are my top tips for preventing colds and flus...
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is diabetes which occurs during pregnancy (gestation). Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between weeks 24-28 by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). It causes elevated levels of blood sugar/glucose levels which can affect the pregnancy, the health of the mother and the health of the baby.
GUT HEALING FOODS
As a naturopath and nutritionist, I'm often asked which foods are helpful to "heal the gut". In chronic digestive conditions, the best advice is to seek 1:1 advice from a professional as what you need will differ from what someone else needs. Testing is always helpful. However for the general population who are looking to improve their gut health, the following foods may be beneficial...
HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the reason women undergo pap smears or smear testing. HPV is a common virus which can reside in the cervix, and if it stays there for long enough, can result in cervical cell changes (CIN) and eventually can result in cervical cancer.
METHYLATION, HORMONES + MOOD
Methylation is a process which you may or may not have heard about. It is the act of donating a methyl group from one compound to another compound, altering the chemical structure and changing it into something else. This process is happening in all of our bodies, all of the time.
VITAMIN C ICE LOLLIES
Sometimes getting supplements in can be tricky, and you need to get creative. I have many a trick up my sleeve for sneaking supplements and medicines into little ones, or to hide the taste and texture from even the fussiest of adults.