Morning sickness can be so incredibly debilitation and for some women, e.g. with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), it can be worse than childbirth itself! Some tips to manage morning sickness include...
MORNING SICKNESS
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.
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...
THE VAGUS NERVE
The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve and is the longest nerve in the body. It is the nerve that connects the brain to the digestive system and vice versa. The gut-brain axis is controlled by the vagus nerve. Activation of the vagus nerve can be beneficial in treating both digestive disorders and supporting healthy mood.
THE HORMONES AFFECTING ACNE
We have all heard of hormonal acne but which hormones exactly are the culprits? Let me introduce you to a class of hormones called androgens.
COMING OFF THE PILL (WITHOUT CAUSING ACNE)
When we cease taking the pill there can be a flare up of androgens, which are male-type hormones such as testosterone. When coming off the pill we want to lower our production of androgens as this is what can cause post-pill acne.
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.