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gut health Tag

Alison Tehan Nutrition / Posts tagged "gut health"
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...

What is causing my bloating?

There are so many causes of bloating and its not always about the food. This is an area that can confuse so many and I want you to know that its not always about the food as I outline below. Yes some food groups can cause our gut to bloat after eating them. This can be a normal physiological reaction. Normal bloating shouldn’t cause too much discomfort and it passes after a short period of time. I believe our bodies are designed to eat real, whole foods. Our bodies know what do to with them, they are designed to break them down and digest them. As we get older it becomes harder to digest foods such as dairy as we stop producing much of the enzyme to...

sugar craving

Why am I craving sugar?

Do you have a sugar craving at the same time each day or straight after a meal? I see people who are so committed to eating well and looking after their body yet still they feel like something has taken over their body at 3pm every day. Or it may be straight after a lunch or breakfast that is seemingly healthy then bang you are hit with an insatiable need to devour a muffin or a block of chocolate. Sugar or simple carbohydrates help release a burst of our feel good hormone dopamine, so you feel good for a little while. But almost as quickly, you “crash” and return to feeling low, and the cycle starts all over again. In the long term, this can mimic the effects...

liver detox

Estrogen Detoxification

For our body to process estrogen it requires a 2 step process through our liver and gut. Women can experience what is known as estrogen dominance and this can be usually as a result of inefficient estrogen detoxification via these 2 pathways. This can look like heavy / painful periods PMS headaches fibroids endometriosis symptoms mood swings tender breasts Once the estrogen has left its receptor in the body and is no longer needed it is moved to the liver to be broken down in 2 phases before entering the gut. If the liver is functioning optimally to break down then estrogen, it will move through the 2 phases. Estrogen is then moved to the gut to be excreted. If the gut microbiome (bacteria) is balanced and healthy the estrogen will be excreted. However if its not...

womens health

Perimenopause and diet

 Perimenopause, diet and what is going on? Irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, sound familiar? These could be new symptoms you're experiencing due to perimenopause? And what the hell is perimenopause? There is definitely a lack of information for women out there about what to do and how to support our bodies during this hormonal transition. Peri is a Greek word for "around" or "near" menopause. Perminenopoase begins on average at age 40 and usually about 10 years before menopause, for some it seems to start happening earlier. Perimenopause is when a woman's ovaries begin to make less oestrogen and the body responds. It's a phase that lasts until menopause. It’s definitely a time we really need to take more care of our bodies, slow down...

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...

Steps to better digestive health

Our gut is central to every aspect of our health. It is where we digest and absorb the goodness from our food. If functioning well, we effectively utilise all the nutrients we put into our body and it gets what it needs to function effectively. When your digestive system is off, your health can suffer in all sorts of ways. This includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn or gas.  You may also experience food allergies, weight gain, skin problems and more. If unaddressed, these symptoms can easily manifest into more chronic health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, motility issues, anxiety, depression and more. Here are some easy tips of what can help support your digestive naturally. Chew your food A key tip to improve your...