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Lifestyle

Is it perimenopause or insulin resistance? Why insulin resistance may be making your perimenopause worse

I've been seeing more and more women in the clinic who are dealing with insulin resistance, and a lot of them aren't even aware of it. Its usually the stubborn weight gain and skin tags that are obvious clues for me. If I suspect insulin resistance, I usually refer them for some blood tests to get a clearer picture. Insulin resistance happens when insulin levels are consistently high. The hormone insulin helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. With insulin resistance, the body's cells don't respond normally to insulin. Glucose can't enter the cells as easily, so it builds up in the blood. This can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. This reduced ability to respond to insulin affects metabolic flexibility, making it harder...

probiotics

Probiotics and what you need to know

Probiotics are something that I've noticed many people take without really knowing what they are taking and if they provide any benefit. It seems that there is still some confusion regarding the benefits and prescribing of probiotics, especially when they are purchased over the counter at the chemist or online. To help guide you in purchasing and taking probiotics for maximum benefit, i have provided some information below. Probiotics can be incredibly beneficial for our digestive health and overall well-being. However, not all probiotics are created equal, and understanding some key factors can help you make informed choices. There are many different kinds of probiotics, or species of beneficial bacteria, and each acts on the body in different ways Different strains of probiotics offer different benefits. It's essential to choose a...

cholesterol foods

What is causing my high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a topic that causes so much confusion when it comes to our health. Cholesterol is necessary in our body as it helps to build our sex hormones – estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, vitamin D and is essential for our cell membrane health and bile production. When our levels of cholesterol are tested the standard blood tests will usually include Total Cholesterol HDL LDL Triglycerides LDL cholesterol is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can cause fatty deposits to build up inside the walls of our arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain. HDL cholesterol helps to remove the LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream which is why it’s often referred to as “good” cholesterol. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, used...

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Are your hormones sabotaging your weight loss?

Have you tried everything and are still struggling to get rid of that extra weight around your middle? While calories and diet quality are important factors when it comes to managing weight it may be your hormones at play. How do hormones affect your weight? Hormones support many important functions within the body, including your ability to maintain muscle, sleep, lose body fat, and experience stress and hunger. When a hormonal imbalance occurs, it becomes significantly harder to lose weight. The main hormones that affect your weight are Cortisol: your body makes cortisol in response to stress, but most of us are in a state of fight or flight too much of the time, and our cortisol is high as a result. High cortisol levels over time deplete happy...

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Nutrients to support your immune health during Winter

While it’s not possible to completely prevent or avoid colds and viruses there are things we can do to support our immune system this Winter. With 70% of our immune system in our gut it seems logical that the food we eat is one of the most important ways to support our immune system. Natural, wholefoods deliver the enhancing, protective properties we need.  It’s also a good time to eat foods high in flavonoids, which support your immune system, think bright, colourful and seasonal foods and herbs. There are also a few nutrients and lifestyle changes to keep an eye on or to include during the Winter months that specifically support our immune system. Vitamin C No surprise here – vitamin C is long known for its role in...

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health

How to support your health during Christmas and New Year

Its 5 weeks until Christmas. Whats you plan for supporting your health through this time? Are you thinking its a write off already that will be full of indulgence that is out of your control but you will start a diet in the new year? Its such a common and easy pattern to fall into but it often leads to feelings of helplessness and constant dieting mentality. How about reframing that thought? How about thinking of what you can do and how you will look after yourself over this time.  We are out of our normal routines but every time we eat and drink its an opportunity to nourish ourselves and an opportunity to choose health. Remember this. Just because its a time of celebration it doesnt have to mean a sacrifice...

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Why do I feel so bloated?

Do you often feel bloated and tired? We’ve all experienced bloating at some point or maybe all the time. There are a number of reasons that can cause bloating and fatigue and I see it so often with clients for a range of different reasons. Its common but not normal to feel bloated. Its also important to consult a health professional to work out what is causing the problem rather than second guessing and eliminating foods that you think are causing the problem. So here are some common reasons for feeling this way, which are not always food related. Stress This probably doesnt seem that logical but it can happen especially when we spend the day running around and inhaling our food as we go. Properly chewing our...

7 Reasons to see a Nutritionist

I find some people look at me a bit blankly when I tell them I'm a Nutritionist which makes me think that maybe it isn’t that obvious how I help people. Here are some reasons why anyone would need to see a Nutritionist you’re not sure what food you should be eating anymore. You’re so confused by all the diets and superfoods that are promoted you have lost your way with what to eat your digestion isn’t working as well as it used to. You have IBS or feel bloated, lethargic or you have a lot of gurgling or constipation you are trying to manage your weight but you are not sure what diet to follow or how to go about it. No matter what...

How gut health is key to clear skin

When it comes to beautiful skin its easy to focus on beauty from the outside in when its just as important to focus on beauty from the inside out. Your skin is not just a layer, its an organ and is an amazing indicator of what is going on inside your body - specifically your gut health. A lot of skin conditions from acne, dry skin to redness are a manifestation of our body’s internal needs, particularly nutritional ones. If our body is not getting the nutrients it needs or digesting food properly due to poor gut health, our skin wont receive the support it needs. Also if we are not detoxifying properly the skin will suffer. This can affect skin elasticity and collagen production resulting...