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Vita�s naturopaths are trained to assess most aspects of health, from basic complaints such as �not feeling 100%� to more serious illnesses that involve autoimmune and degenerative conditions.

Below are some common health topics that can be easily treated and prevented using naturopathic strategies: fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome and fertility and family planning.

Fatigue

Fatigue is an increasingly common ailment, often described as a mental and/or physical tiredness. It remains the most common reason adults visit health clinics. At least 50% of adults that seek medical treatment, self-diagnose as feeling fatigued.

Contributing factors

low iron/ nutritional status
digestive malabsorption
stress
depression
fibromyalgia
inadequate waste elimination

immune dysfunction
candida
allergies
adrenal insufficiency
blood sugar abnormalities
hypothyroidism

Treatment options

Fatigue is a sign of mental and physical depletion. Thus diet and lifestyle management is foremost in sustaining energy levels.
Specific foods that are nourishing to the body are recommended ie. whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoiding stimulants ie. caffeine, nicotine, sugar, alcohol etc is also advised.
Exercise is essential. Initially, gentle exercise is encouraged and increased at one�s own pace.
Adequate rest and relaxation are equally as important and will naturally replenish your body�s energy reserves
Nutritional supplements that fuel the nervous system are recommended hence increasing mental and physical energy as well as mental clarity
Herbal medicines alleviate the symptoms of fatigue whilst treating the relevant causative factors. A herbal mixture comprises of selected herbs, chosen for their ability to support the body during periods of stress and to produce an overall feeling of well-being.

Naturopathy restores balance of body and mind using straightforward and supportive health principles. Contact our naturopaths today for more information or if you are experiencing persistent or unnecessary fatigue.

Book your appointment online now

Fertility & Family Planning

Some years ago much emphasis was placed on how not to fall pregnant - today the focus has shifted somewhat.

Infertility is an obstacle that affects 1 in every 6 couples. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 pregnancies now ends in miscarriage, 1 in 10 ends in premature birth or low birth weight babies and1 in 30 infants are born with congenital defects.

Nonetheless, such discouraging statistics should not be considered as the norm. Research using nutritional interventions during preconception and pregnancy has produced particularly promising results, with the British Foresight Study boasting a total absence of miscarriage, perinatal deaths and malformations.

Contributing factors

stress
immune system dysfunction/ infection, repeated exposure to chemicals, drugs (including OCP), stimulants,
radiation/ pollutants
inadequate nutrition/ nutritional deficiencies resulting in poor sperm/ egg development

hormonal irregularities
STDs & other infectious diseases
cervical incompetence
increasing age

Preconception healthcare ensures an adequate supply of all necessary nutrients required in the development of healthy eggs and sperm. It determines the presence of essential building blocks that create a supportive environment for the baby to grow and develop in.

Treatment options

Naturopathy adopts a very wholistic approach to treatment. It involves both partners, analyses health, emotional status, lifestyle and dietary habits

Dietary recommendations focus on fresh wholesome foods, including adequate amounts of protein, water and vegetables. Avoidance of sugars, refined carbohydrates, commercial meats, stimulants and allergenic foods is encouraged

Preconception and pregnancy remain two of the most crucial life-stages when supplementation with vitamins and minerals is necessary. Dietary supplements should never be self-prescribed during pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare practitioner

Herbal medicines play an important role in addressing the causative factors implicated in infertility. Correction of immune irregularities, liver detoxification, stress management, strengthening the function of sexual organs, hormone balancing and regulation can be facilitated using appropriate herbs

Fertility is achieved when the body is in an optimum state of health - this involves both mind and body. Speak to our naturopaths today for information on family planning.

Book your appointment online now

Grain Free, Sugar Free - can it be done?

Recently I embarked on a strict dietary protocol that saw me eliminating all sugar and starch from my diet. Whilst for more than a decade I have by choice, adopted a relativelylow carbohydrate diet - I do occasionally enjoy the odd piece of buttered fruit toast, rice with a curry and my life wouldn't be complete without chocolate! Thus I knew that in order to comply with this protocol, I would need substitutes for my vices.

Thank goodness for the internet! Within seconds my search into grain free, sugar free baked goods unveiled a plethora of recipes, most using almond meal and coconut flour as substitutes for ordinary, grain-based flours. I set about baking breads, cakes, cookies and buns - all void of grain flours and sugar and most happily accepted by my children! These flours are incredibly nutrient dense and certainly add a beautiful flavour and texture to your baked goods however if you're planning on using them regularly, they can prove quite costly (at $10-$20 per kilo) Then there is also the prominent issue of nut allergies. With this in mind I wanted to trial a grain-free, nutrient dense, affordable substitute for almond meal and came up with sunflower meal!

Sunflower seeds are naturally rich in protein, fibre, unsaturated fat, Magnesium, Selenium, vitamin E, many B vitamins and what's more they are half the price of almonds:) The meal is not available for purchase in stores but they can be ground down into a fine meal quickly and easily using a food processor or vitamizer etc.

I look forward to exploring more in the way of grain and sugar free cooking and will discuss this topic in further detail in the new year. Let me know what your views are on this approach? :) J

Below: my variation of Elana Amsterdam's Chocolate Zucchini Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies - both using sunflower meal, grain free and sugar free - YUM http://www.elanaspantry.com/

Hayfever

Spring in Melbourne is notorious amongst allergy sufferers for its taxing hayfever symptoms. Melbourne's changeable weather commonly sees an influx of clients requiring treatment.

Visit Vita for fast and effective relief from sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, fatigue and headaches � with the following tools at hand we ensure that you�ll get the right treatment for your symptoms.

Nature�s immediate symptom relievers - Our homoeopathic remedies offer natural instant relief from symptoms. These are also safe to use in pregnancy & breastfeeding, children and the elderly.

Nature�s anti-histamine - Vitamin C & bioflavonoids prevent secretion of histamine thereby reducing allergic reactions which reduces inflammation & mucous production.

Nature�s anti-catarrhal - Golden Seal, Eyebright and Golden Rod reduce excessive mucous secretions putting an end to that constant runny nose.

Nature�s immune enhancer - Echinacea corrects immune imbalances and has a strong anti-allergy action thereby reducing your sensitivity to hayfever triggers like dust, pollens & grasses.

So call us on 9650 0734 to speak with one of our naturopaths or book online to make your appointment today!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the nerves and muscles of the bowel causing abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements.

Symptoms:

Chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that fall into 3 general groups:
- Abdominal pain with diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain with constipation
- Abdominal pain with alternating diarrhoea and constipation
Passing a bowel motion or wind often relieves pain
A sensation of abdominal bloating � occurs in 90% of patients
Disturbed bowel habits
Other symptoms include nausea, difficulty swallowing, urinary frequency and urgency

Up to 20% of the general population experience symptoms of IBS yet only one quarter of these people ever seek treatment. IBS is a chronic disorder prevalent in 10% of the population over 65 years of age. Females are 1.5 times more likely to suffer this condition than men, with symptoms generally beginning in adult life.

Contributing factors

In most cases of IBS the causative factor is unknown, however commonly occurring factors include:

Anxiety & stress
Poor diet
Hypersensitivity of the intestines
Gastrointestinal infection

Medications
Depression
Food allergy/ intolerance
Hormonal imbalances

Treatment options

Treatments are tailored to the individual and aim to facilitate the regulation of optimal digestive function whilst addressing any relevant stress, hormonal or immune factors
Individual dietary regimes are provided at each consultation. Food allergies /intolerances often play a key role in IBS, thus educated food choices are fundamental to overall success of treatment.
Probiotics are often advised to assist restoration of healthy gut flora. Selected nutrients may be prescribed to increase gastrointestinal integrity and reduce susceptibility to allergy.
Herbal remedies provide symptomatic relief of the digestive symptoms associated with IBS whilst treating the underlying cause

At Vita our naturopaths specialise in the treatment of digestive disturbances. Contact us today for further information or if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Book your appointment online now

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