Posts

Halt Your Hay Fever

While most of us expect improved weather in the springtime. Many others have hay fever caused by pollens that leave them sneezing, wheezing, itching and even red and swollen.

You see when some individuals come into contact with pollens their immune system has an overactive response and subsequently release histamines.

This histamine release is responsible for causing the signs and symptoms of hay fever.

Most people use antihistamines to help the symptoms quickly. And this does help control symptoms.

However, the root cause is an imbalance in the immune system and antihistamines will not stop hayfever from re-occurring.

For a long-term solution, we have to look at other factors that may be contributing to the increased immune response and histamine release.

Factors that affect allergies include:

Food sensitivities
Gut Dysbiosis
Leaky gut syndrome
Deficiencies: Vitamin C, A, D and Zinc
Inflammation
Toxicity
Chemical exposure
Mould exposure
Adrenal fatigue
Stress
Liver dysfunction

As part of the treatment for hay fever, naturopaths at Your Wellness Centre assess various contributing factors that may be affecting symptoms. Naturopaths then go about providing an individualised approach to treatment.

Naturopathic treatment for allergies and hay fever also include herbs such as Albizzia and Baical skullcap which can benefit and modulate the immune response. Quercetin can help reduce elevated histamine release.

A diet that supports optimal digestive health and immune function is beneficial too.

Since there is a high production of histamine in hayfever it is wise to reduce histamines if we can.

Histamine is released when we come into contact with triggers such as dust grass or pollen.

It is responsible for causing an inflammatory response resulting in swelling sneezing and itching.

If you are experiencing hayfever it is a good idea to limit foods that contain high levels of histamine, to help reduce these symptoms. See the list provided below.

Foods high in histamine include:

Dairy
Cheeses
Preserved meet
Avocado
Olives
Tinned fish
Vinegar
Canned or tinned food
Bananas
Shellfish
Alcohol
Coffee
Chocolate
Nuts: walnuts and cashews

If you find you are sneezing far too much this Spring and wish to reduce your allergies, why not make an appointment with a naturopath at Your Wellness Centre to see what we can do for you.

You can book your appointment today simply by clicking here. Alternatively, ring us at 03 9879 9596 or send us an email at health@yourwellnesscentre.com.au.

If you are unable to make the journey, simply book for a Telehealth appointment, where we can have either a phone or video consult, depending on your preferences.

September 9, 2021/0 Comments/by Glenda Johnson

Immune System, Wellness

Why Do I Keep Getting Sick All the Time?

Many say that they get sick all the time.

A question I often get asked, when clients just don’t feel well, is “Can I feel Better?”

They also mention that they seem to catch every cough or cold going around. As well as that, they feel tired most of the time.

If you’re a bit like that and you’d like to feel better too, naturopathic treatment is the thing for you.

Generally, it’s good to think back to a time when you were at your healthiest. This reminds you of what you can be.
Then I’d ask you to pinpoint a moment in time when your health started to go downhill? It is often after a virus or other infection.

You see, it’s not unusual for many people to not feel 100% since having a virus or other infection.

If you’re one of them and have never fully recovered, your condition may have progressed from being a short-term acute infection into a longer-term chronic health complaint.

Chronic infections can leave you feeling tired with muscular aches and pains and lowered immunity, making you more susceptible to catching every bug that goes around.

Even a sniffily nose or cough that doesn’t clear can indicate the presence of a low-grade infection.

With naturopathic care, you can take positive steps to get truly well again.

Here are some aspects we might cover:

1. The Right Immune Support

It takes a strong immune system to overcome persistent infections. The following herbs and nutrients help boost immunity and support your recovery:
Medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, coriolus, reishi, and shiitake are potent immune enhancers for chronic or recurrent infections.
Astragalus possesses anti-viral activity and assists in the prevention and treatment of chronic infections.
Zinc helps reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu; however zinc deficiency can compromise immunity. Ensure you have adequate zinc levels to help your immune system fight against infection.
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Surprisingly high numbers of adults have inadequate vitamin D levels, so have your levels checked regularly.
Vitamins A, C, and E are all beneficial for supporting healthy immunity.

2. The Gut – Immune Connection

In order to have a healthy, thriving immune system, you need to ensure your digestive system is also healthy.

With 70% of your immune system in the gut, the microflora or friendly bacteria play an important role.

Probiotics are beneficial strains of friendly bacteria that can boost your immune system function. The strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 may help support healthy immunity.

3. The Journey to Wellness.

A chronic condition was once acute.

If your body is unable to successfully recover from an acute infection, it may develop into a chronic health concern that your immune system can’t get better off.

Allowing your body to heal from chronic infection can take time; the longer you have been sick, the longer you may need to get well again.

Whilst you may feel relief in the short term, persisting with herbs and nutrients can provide long-term relief from the nagging symptoms you have grown accustomed to. Remember how great it feels to be 100% healthy again!

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

June 22, 2021/0 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

Tag Archive for: Immune