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Digestion, Digestive, Digestive Health, Digestive Problems, Immune System

Ultimate Benefits of Good Gut Health

The Ultimate Benefits of Good Gut Health includes a Healthy Mood, Reduced Inflammation, and a Strong Immune System.

Having a cold, feeling depressed, or having joint pains are all inflammatory conditions that are also influenced by your gut microbiome.

These tiny gut inhabitants influence seemingly unrelated areas such as your throat, joints, or your brain.

Your Gut Health and Immune System Work Hand-in-Hand

Your immune system’s main job is to protect you from disease-causing microorganisms.

Since these are mainly inhaled or swallowed, the immune system needs to be most active in your respiratory and digestive tracts.

Some bacteria have a positive influence on your immune system

On the other hand, some bacteria have a positive influence on your immune system.

Fortunately, certain strains of probiotic bacteria improve the bacterial balance in your gut, with beneficial flow-on effects for your immune system.

And so have been shown to reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

If you struggle with frequent colds and flu, working with a natural healthcare practitioner to strengthen your gut microbiome can help.

A healthy gut microbiome interacts with the intestinal immune system in ways that increase your body’s immune defenses.

However, a microbiome out of balance, which does not contain high levels of beneficial bacteria, is less likely to help you resist infection, including colds and flu (click here to read more about what might upset your gut microbiome).’

How Gut Bacteria Causes Inflammation

Another possible consequence of poor gut bacterial balance is inflammation.

This is a key feature in autoimmune and allergic conditions.

In these conditions, the immune system sees harmless substances as threats and stimulates an immune response against them.

Fortunately, certain probiotic strains, namely LGG® and Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33®), can stimulate your immune system to produce anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing inflammation and symptoms.

For example, research in hundreds of people has shown that LP-33® significantly improves hayfever symptoms.

Interestingly, LGG®, when taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, can reduce the incidence of eczema (an inflammatory skin disease) in children, by supporting the healthy development of the gut microbiome and the immune system.

If your immune system is in overdrive, make an appointment with a natural healthcare practitioner at Your Wellness Centre to help bring it back into line.

How Gut Bacteria Affects Your Mood

More and more research is finding that inflammation is an unexpected cause of depression.

Inflammation throughout the body, and even inflammation of the brain, may contribute to depression.

If gut inflammation can influence mood, you may be wondering if specific probiotics can improve mood or reduce the symptoms of depression.

While this is a hot topic in scientific research, we do not currently know which specific probiotic strains can influence mood.

For example, maximizing your gut health by eating plenty of fiber-rich wholes (your gut bacteria’s preferred food), can increase the number of good bacteria.

This is the best way to influence your mood via your gut.

If your bacterial balance has become disrupted due to a stomach bug, antibiotics, or other causes, then strains that support beneficial bacteria, may help improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

Great Health Starts in the Gut

By interacting with your immune system, your gut bacteria influence your ability to resist infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy mood.

If you are wondering whether your gut may be making you sick, sad, or inflamed, make an appointment with a natural healthcare practitioner at Your Wellness Centre today.

Together, you can assess your bacterial balance, and make a plan to improve your specific symptoms.

You Can Read more about Microbiome Testing here:

Introducing the Metabiome™ Test

November 3, 2020/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Cold and Flu, Coughs and Colds, Immune System

Beat the Flu, Prevent Colds & Strengthen Immunity

Beat the Flu, Prevents Colds & Strengthen Immunity

Lady is having an allergy, she needs allergy testing Current reports state that one of the strains in the flu vaccine used this year has mutated. So if this is what you normally do to keep the flu away, then perhaps it’s time to look for some natural assistance!

So just what can you do to really help beat the flu, prevent colds and strengthen immunity?

We encourage you to do your best to prevent catching a cold or getting the flu. You can keep up your exercise, you can eat well, and you can take all the good supplements.

Despite all this, if stress or other life events interfere with these healthy habits, you might just find yourself ‘under the weather. So keep reading to see how to get on top of it all.

Oh and this does not include taking antibiotics. What many people may not realise is that antibiotics only target bacteria and are not able to kill the viruses responsible for colds and flu.

Here, I share with you some of the herbs and nutrients we use at our naturopathic clinic in Ringwood to help manage these viral infections and keep your immune defences strong.

Herbal Helpers

A number of traditional herbs have been clinically shown to improve immune function and reduce symptoms of the common cold and flu.

The Ayurvedic herb Andrographis can reduce both the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.

Picorrhiza has been used traditionally in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system. It is now understood that this herb has both anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions.

Elderberry is a mainstay of traditional Western herbalism for its anti-catarrhal and fever-reducing activity. It helps to relieve acute cold symptoms as well as recurrent coughs.

If you are unwell with a respiratory virus, our Naturopaths can recommend a herbal formula that contains these immune-supporting herbs.

Medicinal Mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in Asian cultures and are now known to have strong antiviral activity.

The immune-boosting potential of reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and Coriolus mushrooms has been extensively studied.

Not only can they help reduce the length and severity of an acute cold, but they can help prevent future recurrences.

Getting Rid of the ‘Gunk’

Mucus and phlegm are signs that your immune system is hard at work, but the resulting congestion can lead to blocked sinuses and breathing difficulty.

The decongestant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial essential oils of eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, and peppermint may help to reduce the nasal and sinus congestion that accompanies upper respiratory tract infections.

Mucus congestion can also cause irritating or chesty coughs.

Liquorice is recognised in Western herbal medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

An extract of liquorice root can reduce irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes, helping to soothe dry coughs and relieve mild bronchitis.

The Ayurvedic herb Adhota is a helpful bronchodilator also with expectorant properties. By encouraging the clearing of congestion-causing phlegm, your airway becomes more open and that irritating wheeze reduces.

If you are coughing or your sinuses are blocked, speak with your Naturopath about an appropriate formula containing these mucus-busting herbs and essential oils.

From the above, a naturopath at our Ringwood naturopathic clinic can formulate a specific combination of ingredients just for you!

Super Charge Your Immunity

Give your immune system a head start by incorporating these healthy habits into your diet and lifestyle: Eat fresh fruits and veggies.

Aim for at least two serves of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily.
Fill your plate with a rainbow of colour to provide nutrients and antioxidants to help build strong immunity.

Lightly cooked vegetables are a nourishing option in winter.

Eliminate inflammatory foods:
Sugar, refined carbohydrates, dairy, and wheat can all be inflammatory and may suppress immune function.

Avoid mucus-promoting, inflammatory foods such as dairy and processed foods.

Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost as you blow your nose repeatedly;

Reduce stress:
Stress steals energy and nutrients from your immune system, leaving you susceptible to getting sick.

Enjoy the benefits of scheduling time out, meditation and time spent in nature.

Exercise regularly:
Remaining active not only makes you feel good; it also reduces the frequency of contracting a cold by up to 46%.

Sleep soundly:
Sleep - Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy The lifestyle prescription when you are unwell is to get lots and lots of sleep!

Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to restore energy and allow your immune system to regain its strength and resilience.

The Lost Art of Convalescence

In this modern world, you may feel obliged to ‘soldier on’ despite coughing, sneezing and so operate at less than your best.

Taking the time to rest and recuperate reduces the risk of spreading the infection to your colleagues and helps you to recover sooner.

Fight Back and Stay Well
This means that you can Embrace Winter instead of fearing it.

So, If winter for you means multiple colds, days off work or catching yet another flu from a sick family member or colleague, embrace immune-boosting Natural Medicines and let this be your season of change.

And even if a cold or the flu finds its way to you this winter and is stopping you from performing at your best, don’t despair – naturopaths in Ringwood can recommend a herbal or nutritional formula with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and immune-boosting power to support you and help get you back to health again.

Take the step toward a healthier you!

For further help or advice do Contact us Or
you can also make a booking online.

July 8, 2019/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Coughs and Colds, Immune System

Coughs and Colds

The common colds can be caused by over 200 different viruses that infect areas of the upper respiratory tract including the nose, throat, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes.

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy - Colds

Colds can be treated really effectively with natural medicines and if the immune system is supported colds can be prevented.

Infection generally occurs when an individual’s immune system is depleted or weak. The immune system is our defense against the bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and allergens that attack our bodies and make us feel sick.

It consists of white blood cells, lymph glands and vessels, and various other body tissues. If the immune system weakens, its ability to defend the body also weakens, allowing pathogens, including viruses that cause common colds and flu, to grow and flourish in the body.

Typically, adults get one or two colds per year and it is not uncommon for children to get them more frequently. Colds are self-limiting, lasting from 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms may include a sore throat, head congestion and headache, fever and watery eyes, cough and sneezing, as well as general malaise, aches, and pains. These symptoms are similar to symptoms of allergies except that allergies do not cause fevers or infections.

Sometimes a cold may lead to more serious conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or influenza (flu). Influenza is sometimes confused with a cold, but flu causes much more severe symptoms and generally a fever. As the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses, prescription antibiotics cannot cure a common cold or flu.

The health of the immune system plays an integral role in the body’s susceptibility to colds and flu. Keeping the immune system in good shape with a healthy lifestyle may include a program of optimal nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and ensuring good quality sleep.

As well as avoiding harmful chemicals and pollutants such as tobacco, excessive amounts of alcohol and refined sugars, all of which can impair the immune system.

Strengthening a weakened immune system may help prevent catching a cold or the flu. Nutrients that may aid the enhancement of the immune system include the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and the mineral zinc.

Herbs such as Andrographis, Echinacea, and Olive Leaf, are all useful in both the prevention and alleviation of cold and flu symptoms.

Nutritional Considerations

ZINC

• Plays a central role in the immune system and intake is essential in maintaining the integrity of the immune system.
• Functions as an antioxidant and can stabilise cell membranes.
• Crucial for the normal development and function of the cells that mediate non-specific immunity.

People who are deficient in zinc may be more susceptible to various pathogens and therefore to colds.

OLIVE LEAF

Vitamin C

• Plays an important role in the approach to natural immune enhancement.
• Acts as an antibiotic and antiviral through improvement in resistance.

Vitamin C is well known for its effects in reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of the common cold. It is important to supplement with vitamin C at the onset of symptoms as the levels of vitamin C in the body are quickly depleted during the stress of an infection.

Vitamin A and E

Vitamin A has been shown to stimulate and/or enhance numerous immune processes.
Vitamin E enhances immunity.

Herbal Medicine

Andrographis

• Effectiveness in humans is focused on the common cold.
• Clinical studies in bacterial and viral respiratory infections demonstrated positive effects, implying an immunostimulant action.
• There is also some evidence that Andrographis might increase antibody activity

Echinacea

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Echinacea Purple Cornflower • Commonly used for upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza because it is reported to have antiviral and immune system stimulatory effects.
• Has an inhibitory effect on inflammation and on the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi which is based on the stimulation of controlling elements of our immune system.

Olive Leaf

• A bacteriostatic and antioxidant.
• Useful in the irritation of the mucous surfaces of air passages and of the alimentary tube.

Diet and Lifestyle

Ways to reduce the spread and contraction of infection:
• Wash hands frequently
• Rest at least 6 to 8 hours each night
• No smoking
• Ensure adequate hydration (1-2 liters of water daily)
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Avoid refined sugar and simple carbohydrates

July 5, 2014/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Children's Health

Keeping Kids Well Over Winter – KK WOW!

While it’s almost inevitable your child will get a couple of colds this winter, it is possible to keep the impact and disruption to a minimum.

Schools and day care centres become ‘hubs of bugs’ and a child’s developing immune system cannot be expected to deal with the persistent attacks. Give them a helping hand with some of these immune boosting strategies.

Eating Well

Healthy snacks can be the key to keeping your child’s nutritional state optimal. Take your pick from fresh seasonal fruit, dried fruit, vegetable sticks, eg carrot, cucumber and capsicum with hommus, rice crackers or yoghurt smoothies.

Immune Strengthening Supplements

Vitamin C is still the single best nutrient for a healthy immune system. The best dietary sources are blackcurrants, oranges, kiwi fruit, blueberries & capsicum. Therapeutic doses of vitamin C are available in chewable tablets and fortified drinks & powders.
Herbal tonics can be made up for children’s unique constitutions and tendencies. Sometimes it is appropriate to take a small preventative dose every day. It is definitely helpful to shake off any lingering ailments before winter starts.

Winter Wellness

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Wash Hands Infectious bugs are the enemy and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Washing hands before food and disposing of ‘discharges’ effectively is helpful at home and at school. Leave a pack of tissues in your child’s school bag and bin the used ones immediately.
Teaching children to catch sneezes with their elbow crease can be a fun new game to play! Staying inside with a heater will eventually dry out the skin and mucous membranes. Consider trying natural, chemical free soaps and cleansers that won’t strip away the skin’s natural oils and protective mechanisms.
Exercise is an important part of strengthening the immune system, so don’t be discouraged by the cold weather – rug up warmly and head outside to play.

Even though there may be plenty of used tissues, muddy feet, and chilly weather, winter is a season to enjoy hearty home cooked meals. A favourite from Your Wellness Centre is:

Winter Fruit Salad
A light breakfast that is ideal for chilly winter mornings.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup apple juice
½ cup dr. peaches or nectarines
½ cup prunes

Directions:

Combine oats, fruit, juice, cinnamon, cloves, honey and rind. Bring to the boil, cover and leave overnight.
Remove cinnamon stick.
Serve topped with yoghurt and almonds, ¼ cup raisins, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp finely grated orange rind (no pith), a piece of cinnamon stick, pinch of ground cloves, 200g natural, low-fat yoghurt, 1 tbsp toasted flaked almonds.

June 17, 2013/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Allergy, Immune System

It could start with a Sneeze or Itchy, Sore Throat

For some, it could mean that a cold or the flu is on its way.
Normally not too much of a problem if you are reasonably healthy because they really don’t last that long. However, if you are stressed, doing a lot, don’t have the time to eat regular healthy meals or have an immune system that struggles, extra precautions should be taken throughout winter.

Certainly, if you really have a busy week or some “not to be missed social engagement” and you want to be on the safe side and do all you can to stop it taking hold, I advise that you pop in as much Vitamin C as you can and then top it up with Zinc. Further, if you have the time to talk to one of our naturopaths, we could dispense a good herbal preparation to give your immune system that extra boost.
By the way, Vitamin C has taken to ‘saturation point’ is advisable here. You’ll know this when your stools become a bit loose. At this stage, you simply go back to the previous dose. Research shows that you can take up to 12g Vitamin C per day in divided doses.

We’ve added an article on Coughs and colds for you below:

ARE YOU SICK OF CATCHING COLDS AND ‘FLUS?

Colds and Flu - Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy

Colds and ‘flu can strike at anytime, not just the dreaded winter season. The good news is you do not have to put up with runny noses, sinus pain, fevers, sore throats, coughs and generally feeling unwell.
Now is the time to look at which natural supplements may help support your immune system.

Simply contact Your Wellness Centre on 9879 9596 for help with fighting colds and ‘flus.

Why Do We Get Colds and ‘Flus?

If you regularly catch colds and ‘flus you may have an imbalance in your immune system which may make you more susceptible to infections. A poor diet, nutritional deficiencies and/or a lack of exercise can all lead to these imbalances in your immune system. A strong immune system can help to protect you from potentially harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by recognising and responding to them as soon as they become a threat.

Viruses Can Cause Colds and ‘Flus

Contrary to popular belief, viruses cause colds and ‘flus – not bacteria. Viruses are minute infectious agents which invade and hijack your cells. The immune system recognises viruses as invaders and attempts to destroy them before they can invade your cells. If the immune system is out of balance, however, it may not have the ability to destroy viruses and viral infections can occur. Common symptoms of viral infections include a sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

Herbs and Nutrients

If your immune system is struggling to defend you, don’t despair – Natural Medicines may help! Particular herbs and nutrients may help you to manage your cold and ‘flu symptoms naturally, as well as improve underlying immune imbalances.

Speak to us about which herbs and nutrients may be of benefit for you.

Diet and Lifestyle Suggestions

We have listed dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make to strengthen your immune system to prevent colds and ‘flus here: Fresh veggies and nuts - Your Wellness Centre

Eat a well-balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes and lean red meat
Reduce your intake of mucus-forming foods such as dairy.
Avoid foods low in nutrients that suppress the immune system, such as sugar, white flour products, and alcohol.
Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water every day.
Exercise regularly.
Ensure you are getting enough sleep.

By making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle and by taking the appropriate supplements, you can reduce your risk of catching colds and ‘flus. Speak to us about the best way to manage or prevent your colds and ‘flus naturally.

Useful Herbs and Nutrients

Fever and sore throat we recommend Andrographis
Productive cough can be eased using Aster, Pinellia, Magnolia
Dry irritating cough may be reduced with Licorice, Marshmallow among others
Sinus congestion may be relieved using anti-microbial essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Thyme used in a sinus spray
Frequent colds and ‘flus require regular doses of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc and Probiotics

Simply contact Your Wellness Centre on 9879 9596 for help with fighting colds and ‘flus.

May 27, 2013/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Tag Archive for: colds