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Biological Markers of Ageing

A biological marker of ageing is considered universal. By this, it is meant that it will occur to most people as they age.

At Your Wellness Centre, we take these biological factors into consideration in our Vitality, Longevity and Anti-Ageing Program, and go about slowing the rate of their occurrence.

Any anti-aging strategy needs to include reversing the biological markers of ageing. There is a great range of variability in ageing. Some people age quickly, others more slowly.

The markers are a broad list of physiological changes but they can all be related to one single factor – excess levels of the hormone insulin.

Some Biological Markers of Human Ageing are:

Markers that Increase with Age

  • Insulin Resistance
  • Systolic blood pressure
  • Percent body fat
  • Lipid ratios

Markers that Decrease with Age

  • Glucose tolerance
  • Aerobic capacity
  • Muscle mass
  • Strength
  • Temperature regulation
  • Immune function

Contact us to find out more about out Vitality, Longevity and Anti-Ageing Program.
Take the step toward a healthier you!
Call 9879 9596 and book an appointment today!

 

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne - Ageing

 

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Understanding Fatigue

Some people are calling fatigue a symptom of living in the 21st Century.

And since one of the most common symptoms we see in our clinic is fatigue, we will focus on the many aspects of fatigue this month.

Fatigue is such a common condition that it is often misunderstood or even dismissed. It is especially dismissed if there is no identifiable ‘cause’ from diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests. But that doesn’t mean you should just put up with it. If no disease has been medically diagnosed, then something can usually be done using natural methods.

fatigue - Your Wellness Centre NaturopathyIf fatigue persists, it can start interfering with your ability to perform at work, with personal relationships and ultimately reduce your enjoyment of life in general. It can be a sign of more serious problems and the underlying cause needs to be identified and resolved. Left untreated, it creates a self-perpetuating downward spiral which can be very difficult to break.

For many of us, loss of energy is something that simply sneaks up on us. The reduction in our energy most often happens so gradually that we don’t notice the change from one day to the next. The sad thing is that we actually get used to feeling low in energy and this becomes our new “normal”.

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy - Fatigue - Stress Fatigue can be caused by a great variety of problems, some of which are obvious to us, while others are not so obvious and may need professional assistance to identify. Underlying problems that may contribute includes:

  • Emotional stress
  • Inflammatory conditions, including arthritis
  • Digestive problems which reduce the absorption of key energy-producing nutrients
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Blood sugar problem
  • An imbalance in the diet
  • Exposure to chemicals and environmental toxins
  • Physical stress; either through exercise or other laborious work, and
  • Muscle pain or injury.

In order to treat it effectively and restore your energy and vitality, it is important to correct these underlying problems, and at the same time support and repair the energy-producing factories, called mitochondria, within your cells.

In my next post, I will talk more about overcoming fatigue.

Read more about chronic fatigue syndrome.

Take the step toward a healthier you!
Call 9879 9596 and book an appointment today!

 

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne

 

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Five Tips to Stay Well this Winter

Top 5 Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

1. Boost your diet
Eating foods that are high in vitamin C will help keep your immune system strong, so include fruit and veggies such as lemons, kiwi fruit, capsicum and broccoli in your weekly shop.

If you’re struggling to get the recommended two serves of fruit and five serves of veggies each day, try juicing them. We recommend making juices that consist of two-thirds vegetables and one-third fruit. A blend of carrot, beetroot, spinach, and lemon is a stress-busting combination that will boost your immune system.

Ensure your diet also includes plenty of lean meats, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and use lots of herbs and spices.

2. Exercise regularly
Cardoviascular Exercise - Your Wellness CentreIt’s vital to keep your workout regimen up during winter, with a recent study showing that a moderate level of regular exercise has a long-term cumulative effect on immune response.

A recent study reported that participants who went for a brisk walk several times a week reduced the number of sick days they took by about 40 per cent.

Regular aerobic exercise, five or more days a week for more than 20 minutes a day, rises above all other lifestyle factors in lowering sick days during the winter cold season.

But don’t go overboard. Overly strenuous exercise releases the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body, which can weaken the immune system.

3. Stay connected
Socialising helps strengthen your immune system by keeping you active and reducing your stress levels, so avoid the temptation to rug up on the couch all winter.

Invite friends over for dinner or host a games night, visit local museums and art galleries, wrap up warm and go for a walk in the park with your family or plan a cinema date with your partner.

4. Get some sunshine
During the winter months, vitamin D levels fall to their lowest in most people. Make it a priority to get out into the sunshine for at least 5 minutes per day between the hours of 10-2pm. Vitamin D is essential for your immune system and can help you fight off colds and flu.

5. Sleep well
Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to catching colds. A study from Brazil found a lack of sleep can result in a substantial decrease in the white blood cells that help to fight infection in the body.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as listening to soft music or soaking in a warm bath. Avoid watching TV or using your computer just before bedtime and turn the lights down low an hour before you turn in for the night, as it will boost the release of melatonin in the brain. (Melatonin is that natural brain chemical that comes alive when you need to sleep).

Also try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Take the step toward a healthier you!
Call 9879 9596 and book an appointment today!

 

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CANCER, The Word of Fear

Cancer is a life-altering experience for the person involved, as well as their close family and friends. However, it doesn’t occur overnight. In reality, cancer is the manifestation of a chronic disease that has been developing over time, with many factors contributing to its onset and progression.

The good news is that there is a multitude of supportive and preventative measures available that can help you transform fear into understanding and empowerment, leading to a happier, healthier state of wellbeing.

The Seed and Soil of Cancer

As far back as 1889, an English surgeon, Stephen Paget proposed the ‘seed and soil’ concept – that the spread of cancer depends on cancer cells, “the seeds”, and the environment in the body, which he called “the soil”. It can take the body many years to produce the “soil” or environment that is just right for cancer to flourish. Cancer may develop when changes occur inside the cell and when coupled with the appropriate internal environment, the cancer cell can proliferate in an uncontrolled manner.

Seed and Soil - Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy - Cancer
More than 100 years later, the “seed and soil” concept still holds true; it is both the health of individual cells and the environment in the body that may determine whether cancer may develop or not.  By taking active steps to improve our health, we have the potential to alter the environment in our bodies, reducing the risk of chronic disease and maintaining long-term health.

Prevention is Best Practice

You may be surprised to hear that genetics accounts for only 5-10% of cancers.
Research studies have shown that healthy diet and lifestyle factors have favourable effects in reducing the incidence of many cancers, challenging us to modify our diet and lifestyle for disease prevention.

The Protective Power of Herbal Medicine

The protective actions of particular herbs used in disease prevention are well documented. Key herbs can support the body’s resistance and resilience to chronic disease such as cancer. They provide anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant actions which are all beneficial in supporting the health of our cells:

    • Green tea: Oxidative stress has been shown to damage the DNA in cells and can play a role in promoting cellular dysfunction implicated in tumour development. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is found in the leaves of green tea and is a powerful antioxidant which can protect against degenerative diseases. It may also be beneficial in preventing the cellular changes seen in cancer development.
    • Turmeric - Curcuma - Cancer - Your Wellness Centre NaturopathyTurmeric: Curcumin is the active constituent of turmeric. This powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb have been widely researched for its anti-carcinogenic actions.
    • Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a phytochemical that is found in certain plants, in particular grapes. It has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory and inhibits the growth of a wide variety of tumour cells.
    • Yerba Maté: This herb has a long history of use as a tonic and stimulating drink in South America. It protects against oxidative damage, can promote energy production and increases antioxidant defences.

Food Can Produce or Reduce Inflammation

The typical Western diet may actually promote inflammation; high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates break down quickly into glucose and have been shown to induce inflammatory changes that are linked with many chronic diseases. In some susceptible people, foods such as dairy products and gluten-containing grains can trigger an inflammatory response.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Health

The following diet and lifestyle recommendations can help keep your cells and your body healthy for the long-term:

  • No smoking - Cancer - Your Wellness Centre NaturopathyQuit smoking: Smoking is carcinogenic so make it a priority to quit smoking for disease prevention and anti-aging.
  • Minimise exposure to environmental toxins in the household and workplace.
  • Make stress management a priority and ensure you are getting a good night’s sleep. Ask us about our Stress Less program for support during stressful periods.
  • Obesity and inactivity have been linked to cancer, so stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Get moving! Just 30 minutes of movement and exercise enhances wellbeing and can help with disease prevention.
  • Cancer cells are said to be ‘addicted’ to sugar as they are fuelled by glucose. Minimise your intake of processed, refined foods to maintain healthy blood sugar balance.
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and cancer preventing antioxidants.  Choose organic food where possible as it provides higher levels of protective nutrients.
  • Drink pure, filtered water preferably from glass or BPA-free bottles.

Empowered for Health

Consider cancer in a new light and accept the challenge to take responsibility for your health. Herbs and nutrients, together with a healthy diet and lifestyle may well be the ultimate tools for disease prevention.

  • References available on Request.

We can help support you during the Stress of Cancer.
Take the step toward a healthier you!
Call 9879 9596 and book an appointment today!

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne

 

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