LADIES, you may want to take a deep breath before reading on. Because, according to scientists, women really are ruled by their hormones.
Read more click here
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Pain and Inflammation Stops Fat Burning
Did you know that pain and inflammation can affect weight loss. Inflammation can produce localised pain with redness, heat and swelling (e.g. as seen in arthritis), but can also be ‘silent’ and less obvious. If you are trying to lose weight and have some inflammation in your body, this could actually be slowing down your fat burning!
In fact, inflammation predisposes the body to store fat, and when your body is inflamed, chemicals are released that stimulate the secretion of a hormone called leptin from fat cells. Leptin, in normal amounts, is responsible for helping regulate appetite and energy production. However, high levels of this hormone are a problem because they further increase inflammation; interfering with the entry of glucose into the cells and with the body’s insulin response. This may, in turn, lead to insulin resistance, more fat storage and lowered fertility. When you have an increase in fat storage, this will then heighten the inflammatory response and so the vicious cycle continues.
Symptoms to look out for:
· Fluid retention
· Headaches
· Stubborn Weight Gain
· Tummy Fat that won’t budge
· Uncontrollable cravings
To find out if pain and inflammation is causing your weight gain click here
“When I first joined MassAttack I was in pain due to a back injury and had major sugar cravings. I have been on my program for 7 months now and I don’t crave sweets anymore. I have lost 18 kg since starting and I have so much energy . Losing the weight has helped to relieve my back pain and I have been able to decrease my medication by half. I would recommend the MassAttack program to anyone who wants to finally find the secret to losing weight and stop the cravings!.” Belinda 46 New South Wales.
In fact, inflammation predisposes the body to store fat, and when your body is inflamed, chemicals are released that stimulate the secretion of a hormone called leptin from fat cells. Leptin, in normal amounts, is responsible for helping regulate appetite and energy production. However, high levels of this hormone are a problem because they further increase inflammation; interfering with the entry of glucose into the cells and with the body’s insulin response. This may, in turn, lead to insulin resistance, more fat storage and lowered fertility. When you have an increase in fat storage, this will then heighten the inflammatory response and so the vicious cycle continues.
Symptoms to look out for:
· Fluid retention
· Headaches
· Stubborn Weight Gain
· Tummy Fat that won’t budge
· Uncontrollable cravings
To find out if pain and inflammation is causing your weight gain click here
“When I first joined MassAttack I was in pain due to a back injury and had major sugar cravings. I have been on my program for 7 months now and I don’t crave sweets anymore. I have lost 18 kg since starting and I have so much energy . Losing the weight has helped to relieve my back pain and I have been able to decrease my medication by half. I would recommend the MassAttack program to anyone who wants to finally find the secret to losing weight and stop the cravings!.” Belinda 46 New South Wales.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Is Painful Ovulation Normal? Many women experience cramping, headaches, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea that coincides with their period every
Many women experience cramping, headaches, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea that coincides with their period every month. However for some women mid-cycle ovulation pain is also an issue.
Painful ovulation or mid-cycle pain affects about twenty percent of women. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, painful ovulation or is rarely serious but it can be a sign that your hormones are out of balance or an underlying condition such as:
• Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Cysts
To Find Out If Your Hormones Are Contributing To Your Ovulation Pain Click Here
Most women who experience painful ovulation usually report a nagging pain that begins as a sharp twinge and diminishes into a dull ache for the next day or so. However for some women, the pain can be severe enough to be disabling. For some women nausea, and/or light menstrual spotting may co exist with ovulation pain.
Ovulation pain usually lasts for 6 to 8 hours in most women; however, occasionally it can last as long as twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
While the discomfort can occur on either side of the abdomen, it is more commonly experienced on the right. Pain in the abdomen can occur during intercourse or it can be aggravated by intercourse, working out or other physical activity. In addition to pain, some women also experience gastrointestinal symptoms and increased frequency of urination. Painful ovulation may occur every month, but more typically occurs every third to fourth cycle.
Dietary changes and natural remedies are effective in decreasing the occurrence of ovulation pain.
Painful ovulation or mid-cycle pain affects about twenty percent of women. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, painful ovulation or is rarely serious but it can be a sign that your hormones are out of balance or an underlying condition such as:
• Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Cysts
To Find Out If Your Hormones Are Contributing To Your Ovulation Pain Click Here
Most women who experience painful ovulation usually report a nagging pain that begins as a sharp twinge and diminishes into a dull ache for the next day or so. However for some women, the pain can be severe enough to be disabling. For some women nausea, and/or light menstrual spotting may co exist with ovulation pain.
Ovulation pain usually lasts for 6 to 8 hours in most women; however, occasionally it can last as long as twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
While the discomfort can occur on either side of the abdomen, it is more commonly experienced on the right. Pain in the abdomen can occur during intercourse or it can be aggravated by intercourse, working out or other physical activity. In addition to pain, some women also experience gastrointestinal symptoms and increased frequency of urination. Painful ovulation may occur every month, but more typically occurs every third to fourth cycle.
Dietary changes and natural remedies are effective in decreasing the occurrence of ovulation pain.
What Causes Ovulation Pain
Pain experienced during ovulation can be debilitating for many women. For many, it is also associated with cramping, headaches, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.
Painful ovulation or mid-cycle pain affects about twenty percent of women. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, painful ovulation or is rarely serious but it can be a sign that your hormones are out of balance or an underlying condition such as:
• Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Cysts
To Find Out If Your Hormones Are Contributing To Your Ovulation Pain Click Here
Painful ovulation is believed to be caused by a small leakage of blood from the ovary that occurs at the time of ovulation. This blood, which is later reabsorbed, is thought to cause an irritation of the abdominal wall which causes ovulation pain.
The degree of pain you feel depends on your individual pain threshold, the volume of blood that is released and the amount of space that exists between a woman’s ovary and her abdominal wall.
Targeted dietary changes, herbs and natural remedies are effective in decreasing the occurrence of ovulation pain.
Painful ovulation or mid-cycle pain affects about twenty percent of women. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, painful ovulation or is rarely serious but it can be a sign that your hormones are out of balance or an underlying condition such as:
• Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Cysts
To Find Out If Your Hormones Are Contributing To Your Ovulation Pain Click Here
Painful ovulation is believed to be caused by a small leakage of blood from the ovary that occurs at the time of ovulation. This blood, which is later reabsorbed, is thought to cause an irritation of the abdominal wall which causes ovulation pain.
The degree of pain you feel depends on your individual pain threshold, the volume of blood that is released and the amount of space that exists between a woman’s ovary and her abdominal wall.
Targeted dietary changes, herbs and natural remedies are effective in decreasing the occurrence of ovulation pain.
Lose Weight For Your Wedding Day
Planning on getting married in the months to come ... this latest feature article in "Studio Bride" is well worth a read.
Featured in this seasons "Studio Brides" click here to read full article.
Featured in this seasons "Studio Brides" click here to read full article.
Do You Have Tummy Fat That Won't Budge?
Are you tired of devising ways to hide your 'muffin top?' If your answer is yes, then read on...'Muffin tops' come from nowhere and are a potential nightmare to every woman's wardrobe - let's face it, they don't look or feel good, so where do they come from and how do you get rid of it? Our food chain is the primary cause, but not for the reasons you may be thinking. We all know that high sugar/high fat foods lead to weight gain, but let's take it one step further. Refined Foods and Food Additives make things worse. To View Full Article Click Here
How to avaoid weight gain during the festive season
With a shift towards "fresh is best", it is not unusual to see amongst the platters of party pies and snag rolls a scattering of fresh fruit and veggie platters. This is great...not only for the kids but, most importantly, for the adults who, on many occasions, may be doing back to back parties, especially if there is more than one child in the family.
With more of our processed food containing Trans Fatty Acids and 'hormonal disruptors', also known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), it is little wonder that after a weekend of playing taxi and event manager, with a nibble here and a nibble there, one can be left feeling like their wardrobe favorites are getting a little on the snug side.
The problem is that party foods are 'trigger foods' and they get the better of us by setting off what appears to be an irrational chain reaction that causes us to over-eat and binge. We see it in our kids with a 'sugar buzz', but what actually is happening to us?
These foods entice us in and once you start its hard to stop. They are almost addictive in nature due to the refined sugars and additives in many of them. We end up scoffing down one piece of cake, beating ourselves around the head with guilt momentarily and then lining up for another slice later. The dreaded 'leftovers' in the fridge can call like a bright beacon, and all the healthy stuff just won't scratch the itch...it's the cake once again and there it is waiting for you. The unfortunate result is weight gain and broken goals, dreams and seams!
To read full article click here
With more of our processed food containing Trans Fatty Acids and 'hormonal disruptors', also known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), it is little wonder that after a weekend of playing taxi and event manager, with a nibble here and a nibble there, one can be left feeling like their wardrobe favorites are getting a little on the snug side.
The problem is that party foods are 'trigger foods' and they get the better of us by setting off what appears to be an irrational chain reaction that causes us to over-eat and binge. We see it in our kids with a 'sugar buzz', but what actually is happening to us?
These foods entice us in and once you start its hard to stop. They are almost addictive in nature due to the refined sugars and additives in many of them. We end up scoffing down one piece of cake, beating ourselves around the head with guilt momentarily and then lining up for another slice later. The dreaded 'leftovers' in the fridge can call like a bright beacon, and all the healthy stuff just won't scratch the itch...it's the cake once again and there it is waiting for you. The unfortunate result is weight gain and broken goals, dreams and seams!
To read full article click here
Chronic Fatigue, thyroid and diagnosis
We all have hormones and if they are not in ‘balance’ you can find yourself experiencing symptoms such as depression, headaches, insomnia, fatigue & weight gain, to list a few. Thyroid Disease is one of the most common hormone disorders, after Insulin Resistance and Diabetes. The majority of individuals with thyroid imbalance have hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) a small minority has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The problem is that symptoms of low thyroid function are often mistaken for depression, signs of aging, or are not identified. To read full article published click here
Diagnosed With Underactive Thyroid
I've been overweight probably for most of my adult life. Not excessively, but it was always a battle. I love my food and I'm an emotional eater too - I'd cope with stress or boredom by turning to food. It was just how I’d deal with life. Comfort food, and cravings; that’s what I was all about. No wonder I couldn’t lose weight!
But strangely enough, my health problems really started when I began losing weight rapidly. It started when I was going through menopause and a really stressful time in my life. I should have been happy about it, but I knew it was a sign that something wasn't right. I had a host of other health issues too, and felt so exhausted I could hardly get out of bed. So eventually I saw a doctor. To read full article click here
The Impact Of the New Age
Industrial civilization first invented the machine and then took it as its life model. In the name of productivity; our health, environment and our landscape is threatened. We are enslaved by speed and have succumbed to the fast life, which disrupts our habits, pervades the privacy of our home and forces us to eat fast foods.
Discretionary time has shrunk, so theres less time to be active & less time to spend sourcing & preparing fresh food.
Along with this is the emergence of “ready to go” meals lining our supermarket shelves. With continuing drought threatening our food chain – it is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase reasonably priced vegetables & produce. Often consumers are forced to purchase poor grade, highly manufactured products due to financial constraints. To read full article click here
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Pcos) And Weight Loss – Natural Treatment That Works
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), too known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a regular condition characterised via heaviness gain and difficult heaviness loss, menstrual irregularities and symptoms or excess levels of androgens. Many women have successfully treated their PCOS via means of the assist of Natural therapies and the guidance and assistance of the MassAttack heaviness loss program. To read full article on "Dr Say's" click here
Stress Less and Lose Weight
Did you realise that stress can lead to weight gain, not to mention a minefield of other problems? Naturopath Narelle Stegehuis explores the little understood condition of adrenal burnout.
Do you remember how you used to feel? You were happy and well with steady energy and emotions. You slept soundly and woke up feeling rested. Your recovery from illness was fast. You maintained a healthy weight without dieting. Now your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced and you sleep poorly. You can't lose excess weight even while dieting. You use caffeine or carbohydrates as pick-me-ups. The message is clear - your adrenals need help! Everyone experiences mood variations - grumpiness, anxiety, or feelings of dejection. But adrenal imbalance creates havoc with moods. One thing that won't rescue your mood is simply putting on a happy face and trying to will yourself into happiness. In fact, you may drive your darker feelings underground, re-emerging later as anxiety, anger, depression, or stress-related illness.
To read full article click here
Do you remember how you used to feel? You were happy and well with steady energy and emotions. You slept soundly and woke up feeling rested. Your recovery from illness was fast. You maintained a healthy weight without dieting. Now your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced and you sleep poorly. You can't lose excess weight even while dieting. You use caffeine or carbohydrates as pick-me-ups. The message is clear - your adrenals need help! Everyone experiences mood variations - grumpiness, anxiety, or feelings of dejection. But adrenal imbalance creates havoc with moods. One thing that won't rescue your mood is simply putting on a happy face and trying to will yourself into happiness. In fact, you may drive your darker feelings underground, re-emerging later as anxiety, anger, depression, or stress-related illness.
To read full article click here
Overcoming Infertility Odds
I was frustrated with the painful heavy periods that came every month with my endometriosis and I wanted so much to lose weight. Finding the MassAttack natural weight loss program meant that I could lose weight faster and the best part is, I healed my endometriosis naturally.
You too can make lifestyle changes and adjust your diet to lose weight and heal your endometriosis naturally. My experience with naturopathy has been a positive one and I would highly recommend it if you are suffering from endometriosis and want to lose weight. Changing my diet and working with Narelle brought about many positive changes. A side from losing weight and feeling like myself again, I fell pregnant naturally, which was amazing since my endometriosis had left me clinically infertile! And the best part is ... no more endometriosis and painful heavy periods. Read on to share my journey.
To View full article as posted in 'Ripple News' click here
You too can make lifestyle changes and adjust your diet to lose weight and heal your endometriosis naturally. My experience with naturopathy has been a positive one and I would highly recommend it if you are suffering from endometriosis and want to lose weight. Changing my diet and working with Narelle brought about many positive changes. A side from losing weight and feeling like myself again, I fell pregnant naturally, which was amazing since my endometriosis had left me clinically infertile! And the best part is ... no more endometriosis and painful heavy periods. Read on to share my journey.
To View full article as posted in 'Ripple News' click here
Stress Fertility and Low Libido
One of the most notable effects of stress on women is that it can lower libido and make you “lose that loving feeling” - and this certainly does not help with conception.
It’s important to feel in the mood for a little romance with your partner, when trying to conceive. Researchers report that the female orgasm can assist the sperm move into the uterus and fallopian tubes therefore increasing your chances of conceiving.
Low libido is a sign of hormone imbalance and often the trigger is stress hormones leading to imbalances in the reproductive hormones as well as emotional strain.
To read the full article click here
It’s important to feel in the mood for a little romance with your partner, when trying to conceive. Researchers report that the female orgasm can assist the sperm move into the uterus and fallopian tubes therefore increasing your chances of conceiving.
Low libido is a sign of hormone imbalance and often the trigger is stress hormones leading to imbalances in the reproductive hormones as well as emotional strain.
To read the full article click here
Diagnosed With Endometriosis
Making lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet for endometriosis can bring about many positive physical and metabolic changes, healthy hormonal balance, as well as losing weight and improving your health. The best part is, no more painful periods associated with endometriosis and my weight loss program is 100% natural.
So why is losing weight difficult with endometriosis? click here to read full article
So why is losing weight difficult with endometriosis? click here to read full article
Weight Gain and Hormones
During pregnancy a mother’s immune system limits it’s clout to prevent the body from rejecting the foetus. After childbirth the system simply turns itself back on but there can be rebound effects as this takes place. "It is almost as if your system is making up for that lost 9 months of time and now it is twice as powerful, developing antibodies that attack normal tissue", says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis.
Narelle is leading the way in the natural treatment of this age old challenge. In medical circles this immune over reaction is referred to as an auto immune response and is a major reason why women tend to be more prone to hormonal disorders leading to weight gain and other unhealthy symptoms after pregnancy.
To view full article as published in 'smart mums' click here
Narelle is leading the way in the natural treatment of this age old challenge. In medical circles this immune over reaction is referred to as an auto immune response and is a major reason why women tend to be more prone to hormonal disorders leading to weight gain and other unhealthy symptoms after pregnancy.
To view full article as published in 'smart mums' click here
Health business finds online success
Many Australian businesses are turning to the internet to drive business, utilising the web as a promotional tool. In the case of Melbourne-based naturopathy clinic Mass Attack, the business was turned into a fully integrated online operation.
Narelle Stegehuis established Mass Attack in 1999, initially as a ‘shop-front’naturopathic clinic that specialised in hormonal imbalance and weight loss.
She soon found the business was booming and demand was overwhelming, so she turned to the web to make the business “more affordable and accessible to all women.”
“ Women started flying across Australia to access my service, which was pretty crazy, so I launched my program online at www.massattack.com.au.”
Finding success both online and off, Mass Attack is now a booming enterprise and has recently launched an offshoot business Bump Fertility. To read article as published in Dynamic Buisness click here
Narelle Stegehuis established Mass Attack in 1999, initially as a ‘shop-front’naturopathic clinic that specialised in hormonal imbalance and weight loss.
She soon found the business was booming and demand was overwhelming, so she turned to the web to make the business “more affordable and accessible to all women.”
“ Women started flying across Australia to access my service, which was pretty crazy, so I launched my program online at www.massattack.com.au.”
Finding success both online and off, Mass Attack is now a booming enterprise and has recently launched an offshoot business Bump Fertility. To read article as published in Dynamic Buisness click here
How Do You Treat Endometriosis Naturally?
If you are frustrated with dealing with the pain of Endometriosis and know in your heart that it's time to make a change, then natural treatments are the answer. My natural program is designed for endometriosis so you improve your health and symptoms. We get to the cause of your endometriosis.
So ... will a natural weight loss program based on changing your diet to balance your hormones and deal with endometriosis naturally reduce your symptoms of endometriosis including weight gain, Yes!
Making lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet for endometriosis can bring about many positive physical and metabolic changes, healthy hormonal balance, as well as losing weight and improving your health. The best part is, no more painful periods associated with endometriosis and my weight loss program is 100% natural. To Read full article click here
So ... will a natural weight loss program based on changing your diet to balance your hormones and deal with endometriosis naturally reduce your symptoms of endometriosis including weight gain, Yes!
Making lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet for endometriosis can bring about many positive physical and metabolic changes, healthy hormonal balance, as well as losing weight and improving your health. The best part is, no more painful periods associated with endometriosis and my weight loss program is 100% natural. To Read full article click here
Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Mood Changes & Can't Lose Weight? It could be your Thyroid
Chronic Fatigue, tiredness, mood swings and weight gain may be caused by hormones. If your hormones are not ‘balance’, then you may be experiencing symptoms such as depression, headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight gain and may have difficulty losing weight naturally. Thyroid disease is one of the most common hormonal disorders, after insulin resistance and diabetes. Most women with hypothyroidism have thyroid imbalance (hypothyroidism). A small minority have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The problem is that the symptoms of low thyroid function is often confused with depression, the signs of aging, or not identified as in the case of Carolyn, Bev and Val. To read full article click here
You're Not Going Crazy, Your Hormones Are!
PMS is something that many women have 'learnt to live with', accepting monthly changes to their mood, appetite, energy and sleep patterns as an annoying but inescapable part of life. In Australia, it is estimated that up to 75% of women experience PMS at some time, with 18% of women suffering the more severe form - premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS and PMDD are often poorly diagnosed or treated. These conditions can have a severely detrimental effect on your life. The good news is PMS can be easily and effectively treated with diet, exercise and Natural Medicines. How do you know if you have PMS? To read full article click here
Menopause – Top 5 tips on how to lose weight
Menopause causes weight gain around your middle, and weight loss to plateau. This is due to the fluctuations of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and androgens. However, there are natural Solutions to online.Your hormones in menopause have a direct influence on metabolism, appetite, appetite and fat storage, which is why it is so difficult is to achieve your weight loss goals.
To read full article click here
To read full article click here
Prevent Miscarriage Naturally - Top 5 Tips
Miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy generally in the first 12 weeks, occurs in at least 15% of all pregnancies. But what can you do to improve your chances of maintaining a healthy viable pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and carrying to full term?
Although miscarriage occurs much more frequently in the pregnancies of women aged 37 or older, it is not unusual for miscarriage to occur during a woman’s child bearing years. The good news is, there are natural ways to prevent recurrent miscarriage that every woman should know about.
If you have recently suffered a miscarriage, it is only natural to wonder why it happened and to want to try to prevent a recurrent miscarriage from happening again. You may have undergone a number of tests, all of which have been inconclusive and there may be no medical reason why you are miscarrying. So what do you do from here when you are told to ‘go away and try again’?
You search for answers! Did you know that hormonal imbalances such as Thyroid, Endometriosis, Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS), Fibroids and Cysts can all contribute to miscarriage? All of these conditions can be improved with an effective natural treatment strategy. To read full article click here
Although miscarriage occurs much more frequently in the pregnancies of women aged 37 or older, it is not unusual for miscarriage to occur during a woman’s child bearing years. The good news is, there are natural ways to prevent recurrent miscarriage that every woman should know about.
If you have recently suffered a miscarriage, it is only natural to wonder why it happened and to want to try to prevent a recurrent miscarriage from happening again. You may have undergone a number of tests, all of which have been inconclusive and there may be no medical reason why you are miscarrying. So what do you do from here when you are told to ‘go away and try again’?
You search for answers! Did you know that hormonal imbalances such as Thyroid, Endometriosis, Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS), Fibroids and Cysts can all contribute to miscarriage? All of these conditions can be improved with an effective natural treatment strategy. To read full article click here
How Do I Lose Weight With Endometriosis?
Oestrogen Dominance, Endometriosis and losing weight
Endometriosis thrives on high levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen interferes with other hormones that affect your metabolism (such as your thyroid gland) causing constant weight gain. Unfortunately it’s not hard to become overloaded with oestrogen as our environment & food chain is loaded with it! To read full article click here
Endometriosis thrives on high levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen interferes with other hormones that affect your metabolism (such as your thyroid gland) causing constant weight gain. Unfortunately it’s not hard to become overloaded with oestrogen as our environment & food chain is loaded with it! To read full article click here
Chronic Stress Anxiety
Chronic fatigue, anxiety, mood swings and can not lose weight? It could be your thyroid
Chronic Fatigue fatigue, mood changes and increased weight may be caused by hormones. If your hormones are not a "balance", then you can be symptoms such as depression, pain headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight gain and may be difficult to lose weight naturally. To read full article click here
Chronic Fatigue fatigue, mood changes and increased weight may be caused by hormones. If your hormones are not a "balance", then you can be symptoms such as depression, pain headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight gain and may be difficult to lose weight naturally. To read full article click here
How Hormones Affect Your Shape
They have the power to make us laugh in delight or weep in despair. But hormones are extremely potent when it comes to the size and shape of your body. To read full article published in Notebook magazine click here
Feeling unwell? - let Mother Nature lend a helping hand
Over the last decade, the health movement has undergone an enormous transition – leading us to regain power in inherent understanding of our body and its care.
It is motivated by a realisation that a health care system can operate more efficiently if we adopt the goal of putting information and skills into our own hands and take a more active approach to achieving better health.
Simple changes to your diet, lifestyle and the way you think, can have a profound impact on your total well-being. Choosing therapeutic methods, based on what the Earth gives us in the form of locally available herbs, is beneficial in treating ailments from the common cold, to conditions such as PMS, constipation and painful periods – to name a few. To read full article featured in 'Living Now' click here
It is motivated by a realisation that a health care system can operate more efficiently if we adopt the goal of putting information and skills into our own hands and take a more active approach to achieving better health.
Simple changes to your diet, lifestyle and the way you think, can have a profound impact on your total well-being. Choosing therapeutic methods, based on what the Earth gives us in the form of locally available herbs, is beneficial in treating ailments from the common cold, to conditions such as PMS, constipation and painful periods – to name a few. To read full article featured in 'Living Now' click here
Are Your Hormones Making You Fat?
If you have dieted and exercised in the past only to be disappointed then don't dismay or give up just yet....
Diets and exercise are just two pieces of a complex puzzle of weight loss. Hormones are the key to unlocking your weight loss success!
Hormone Imbalance - The Secret Cause of Weight Gain
It is not common practice to get our hormones checked, but even the slightest imbalances can tip the scales and just make weight loss a futile exercise.
Hormones are often not integrated into diet programs because frankly they are very complex. There are numerous different hormones in the body and these present in over a thousand possible combinations that can affect your health and weight.
Hormones and Your Metabolism
Fat storage or fat burning in the body is dictated by hormones, specifically the hormone Insulin. There are also other hormones that effect and influence your metabolism. It is like a big interrelated web where a subtle increase in one hormone may lead to responses from other endocrine glands that produce other hormones causing symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, low libido and weight gain to name a few. To read full article published in FeMail click here
Diets and exercise are just two pieces of a complex puzzle of weight loss. Hormones are the key to unlocking your weight loss success!
Hormone Imbalance - The Secret Cause of Weight Gain
It is not common practice to get our hormones checked, but even the slightest imbalances can tip the scales and just make weight loss a futile exercise.
Hormones are often not integrated into diet programs because frankly they are very complex. There are numerous different hormones in the body and these present in over a thousand possible combinations that can affect your health and weight.
Hormones and Your Metabolism
Fat storage or fat burning in the body is dictated by hormones, specifically the hormone Insulin. There are also other hormones that effect and influence your metabolism. It is like a big interrelated web where a subtle increase in one hormone may lead to responses from other endocrine glands that produce other hormones causing symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, low libido and weight gain to name a few. To read full article published in FeMail click here
How To Be The Woman You Want To Be
The reality of motherhood is that life after a baby means that you really don't have much time. Without spending time on yourself after a while your health, motivation & confidence can dwindle away leaving you powerless.
Many chronic illnesses in mothers go untreated, because symptoms are mistaken for common complaints of sleep-deprivation or tiredness. “Well, you’re a mum” can answer for a lot of problems, but sometimes there is more to the story.
If in 2008 you felt exhausted, depressed with debilitating fatigue, experienced hair loss, and had trouble concentrating you could be suffering from hormonal imbalance. So if you can relate to feeling this way, adopting a simple approach of just eating better & exercising more is not going to be your ‘magic feel better pill’.
To read full article as featured in 'Parenting Australia" click here
Many chronic illnesses in mothers go untreated, because symptoms are mistaken for common complaints of sleep-deprivation or tiredness. “Well, you’re a mum” can answer for a lot of problems, but sometimes there is more to the story.
If in 2008 you felt exhausted, depressed with debilitating fatigue, experienced hair loss, and had trouble concentrating you could be suffering from hormonal imbalance. So if you can relate to feeling this way, adopting a simple approach of just eating better & exercising more is not going to be your ‘magic feel better pill’.
To read full article as featured in 'Parenting Australia" click here
Just Diagnosed With PCOS? (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder)
More than 1 in 5 women are affected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), many also have a lowered thyroid and some have insulin resistance. Are you one of them?
Despite it’s prevalence and the awful symptoms it can bring, traditional medicine falls far short from providing successful remedies, says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, a professional member of POSAA and Thyroid Aust, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this and other hormonal conditions.
To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc' click here
Despite it’s prevalence and the awful symptoms it can bring, traditional medicine falls far short from providing successful remedies, says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, a professional member of POSAA and Thyroid Aust, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this and other hormonal conditions.
To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc' click here
The Link Between Stress, Hormones and Weight gain
Cortisol is the stress hormone that is released as a reaction to a stress stimulus and which prepares our bodies for an appropriate "fight or flight" response. The problem with modern day stressors is that they are relentless. There is often no chance to recover from one stressor before we are faced with the next. Our bodies then become stuck midway through the normal stress response with chronically elevated cortisol levels.
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Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-link-between-stress-hormones-and-weight-gain-2946860.html#ixzz0vtPrx4BC
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
To read full article click here
Candida Could Be The Cause Of Your Bloat
Getting to the cause of "the bloat" is something that some women only dream of!
One of the major causes of bloating - aside from constipation; is Candida overgrowth. When we are healthy,Candida lives in our intestines in harmony with other "good bacteria". If it over grows, it spreads roots into the walls of the intestines.
The damage to the intestinal wall allows toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition called 'leaky gut syndrome' often leads to food allergies, foggy thinking, migraines and depression and of course - bloating.
Once through to the rest of the body, the Candida can live anywhere there are mucous membranes - it particularly likes the vagina, lungs and the sinuses, providing food for bacteria and viruses. It has an ability to disrupt the endocrine system causing symptoms such as weight gain or weight loss, PMS, menstrual irregularities, joint pains, asthma, hay fever, muscle fatigue and chronic tiredness.
To Read Full Article Featured In 'Mothers Inc' Click Here
One of the major causes of bloating - aside from constipation; is Candida overgrowth. When we are healthy,Candida lives in our intestines in harmony with other "good bacteria". If it over grows, it spreads roots into the walls of the intestines.
The damage to the intestinal wall allows toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition called 'leaky gut syndrome' often leads to food allergies, foggy thinking, migraines and depression and of course - bloating.
Once through to the rest of the body, the Candida can live anywhere there are mucous membranes - it particularly likes the vagina, lungs and the sinuses, providing food for bacteria and viruses. It has an ability to disrupt the endocrine system causing symptoms such as weight gain or weight loss, PMS, menstrual irregularities, joint pains, asthma, hay fever, muscle fatigue and chronic tiredness.
To Read Full Article Featured In 'Mothers Inc' Click Here
Low Libido - Do You Suffer From Low Libido?
If you do you are not alone. Research suggests that more than 40 per cent of women worldwide report lack of or low libido, making it the commonest female sexual complaint. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be looking to food as a way to tickle the taste buds and spark up the libido, but before you rush to the grocery store, let’s take a closer look and see exactly what is it that makes your libido lose its mojo.
First of all, it is important to highlight that lack of libido is not necessarily a sexual ‘dysfunction’. For many women there are often very good reasons why a woman’s desire may be low, including underlying neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance, relationship disturbance, physical and emotional issues and stressful life circumstances. To read full article featured in Living Now click here
First of all, it is important to highlight that lack of libido is not necessarily a sexual ‘dysfunction’. For many women there are often very good reasons why a woman’s desire may be low, including underlying neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance, relationship disturbance, physical and emotional issues and stressful life circumstances. To read full article featured in Living Now click here
Adrenal Burnout - How Do You Know If You Have It?
Your adrenal glands are the main gland associated with adrenal burnout. Your adrenals provide you with crucial hormonal support, needed to get you through the day with energy, enthusiasm and efficiency. Adrenal burnout means you are more likely to suffer from fatigue, forgetfulness, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Living in the ‘fast' world of today exposes you to unavoidable levels of stress – and with that stress comes elevated cortisol levels.
To read full article click here
To read full article click here
Life Style Changes For Weight Loss
Obesity is a chronic health problem which now affects many Australians and contributes to a number of different health problems (eg, heart disease and diabetes).
The increased rates of overweight and obesity in Australia is part of a worldwide trend. Today, over 50% of women are classified as overweight or obese.
The reasons for this increase are complex, but environment and changing lifestyles certainly play significant roles
Obesity is a chronic condition and there is no 'quick fix' treatment that is effective for all overweight women and relapses of weight gain are not uncommon. Lifestyle modification is essential and positive changes in your eating and exercise are essential for sustained reductions in weight. To read full article published in 'Naturally Happy' click here
The increased rates of overweight and obesity in Australia is part of a worldwide trend. Today, over 50% of women are classified as overweight or obese.
The reasons for this increase are complex, but environment and changing lifestyles certainly play significant roles
Obesity is a chronic condition and there is no 'quick fix' treatment that is effective for all overweight women and relapses of weight gain are not uncommon. Lifestyle modification is essential and positive changes in your eating and exercise are essential for sustained reductions in weight. To read full article published in 'Naturally Happy' click here
Diagnosed With Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
More than 1 in 5 women are affected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Many also have a lowered thyroid and some have insulin resistance. Most struggle with weight and some find it hard to conceive. Does this describe you, or perhaps one of your friends?
"Despite it's prevalence and the awful symptoms it can bring, traditional medicine falls far short from providing successful remedies" says award winning naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this and other hormonal conditions. To read full article published in 'Bub Hub' click here
"Despite it's prevalence and the awful symptoms it can bring, traditional medicine falls far short from providing successful remedies" says award winning naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this and other hormonal conditions. To read full article published in 'Bub Hub' click here
Child Birth Causes Hormones To Go Crazy
During pregnancy a mother’s immune system limits it’s clout to prevent the body from rejecting the foetus. After childbirth the system simply turns itself back on but there can be rebound effects as this takes place.
“It is almost as if your system is making up for that lost 9 months of time and now it is twice as powerful, developing antibodies that attack normal tissue”
says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this age old challenge. In medical circles this immune over reaction is referred to as an auto immune response and is a major reason why women tend to be more prone to hormonal disorders leading to weight gain and other unhealthy symptoms after pregnancy.
To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc" click here
“It is almost as if your system is making up for that lost 9 months of time and now it is twice as powerful, developing antibodies that attack normal tissue”
says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of this age old challenge. In medical circles this immune over reaction is referred to as an auto immune response and is a major reason why women tend to be more prone to hormonal disorders leading to weight gain and other unhealthy symptoms after pregnancy.
To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc" click here
Puzzled By Period Pain, Abnormal Weight and Mood Swings?
It’s no secret, periods can be an inconvenient pain. However, if yours are actually ‘painful’, heavy, irregular or lengthy it’s most likely they are symptomatic of a hormonal imbalance, which could also be linked to other frustrating symptoms you may be experiencing, such as; stubborn weight, tiredness, moodswings, sugar cravings or enlarged breasts - says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of hormonal imbalances.To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc' click here
Eat Less, Exercise More, The Weight Loss Myth Exposed
Despite your best efforts, you are gaining weight - especially around our waist and hips - dieting is just not working. So why is this happening? The answer lies in the intricate four links between hormonal balance and body fat.
To read the full article published in 'Naturally Happy' Click Here
To read the full article published in 'Naturally Happy' Click Here
The Secret to Weight loss
Some hormonal problems can cause your metabolism to slow down, so no matter how well you eat, you still put on weight. Naturopath Narelle Stegehuis has specialised in women's weight for over 10 years.
With a 92 per cent success rate, her online naturopathy clinic Mass Attack has helped more than 10,000 women shed kilos. This meal plan will help prevent, reverse and even get rid of the hormonal problems that are turning your weight-loss journey into a weight-loss odyssey.
To read full article featured in "That's Life" magazine, click here
With a 92 per cent success rate, her online naturopathy clinic Mass Attack has helped more than 10,000 women shed kilos. This meal plan will help prevent, reverse and even get rid of the hormonal problems that are turning your weight-loss journey into a weight-loss odyssey.
To read full article featured in "That's Life" magazine, click here
Stress Less and Lose Weight
Do you remember how you used to feel? You were happy and well with steady energy and emotions. You slept soundly and woke up feeling rested. Your recovery from illness was fast. You maintained a healthy weight without dieting. Now your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced and you sleep poorly. You can't lose excess weight even while dieting. You use caffeine or carbohydrates as pick-me-ups. The message is clear - your adrenals need help! To read full article featured in Nova Magazine click here
Toxins in the kitchen
As mum’s we know too well the importance of providing a balanced diet for our children. Unfortunately though, many parents are unaware of the effect of Trans Fatty Acids (TFA’s) in our favourite snacks and foods. Not only do they cause weight gain, but they also effect mood, brain function and much more. Click here to read full article featured in "Inner Self"
Growing Link Between Toxins and Breast Cancer
While heart disease is still the #1 cause of mortality in women, it is breast cancer that is our deepest seated fear. Naturopath Narelle Stegehuis explores the growing evidence of a link with environmental toxins, particularly heavy metals and xenoestrogens.
Toxicity is rampant. As our environment becomes more toxic, our bodies absorb more toxins through our skin, the food we eat and the air we breathe. Studies have shown that even babies have high levels of toxins in their bodies, having been transferred through the placenta. Our bodies work hard to eliminate toxins through the skin, kidneys, liver and exhaled air. To read full article featured in Nova Magazine click here
Toxicity is rampant. As our environment becomes more toxic, our bodies absorb more toxins through our skin, the food we eat and the air we breathe. Studies have shown that even babies have high levels of toxins in their bodies, having been transferred through the placenta. Our bodies work hard to eliminate toxins through the skin, kidneys, liver and exhaled air. To read full article featured in Nova Magazine click here
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Why Do I Have Belly Fat?
Have you tried to lose weight off your belly and failed? Before you begin burning belly fat, you need to understand a bit more about why your body is choosing to store fat around your middle. This way you can unlock the secret as to why can’t lose weight.
Many women believe that it stems from improper eating or lack of exercise. While this may be the most common case, there can also be other reasons:
• Menopause
• Hormones
• Genetics
• Stress
• Improper Digestion
• Slow Metabolism
• Poor Posture
• Eating Late at Night
• Determine Your Cause
However, as you’ve just seen, there are other factors that contribute to tummy fat as well so it’s important to learn more about why you may have this problem. Particularly if you tend to gain more fat in your stomach than any other part of your body.
The problem most women faced with weight gain around the middle is that often conventional diets to lose belly fat fail and even doing a million sit ups won’t budge it.
The best way for you to lose belly fat is:
Step 1. Identify what's causing your belly fat.
Step 2. Learn what foods are triggering hormonal imbalances causing your belly fat.
Step 3. Implement a targeted treatment plan to lose belly fat, and keep it off.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to restart your metabolism.
Step 5. Access a professional support network that will guide you and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices contributing to belly fat.
To find out why you can’t lose belly fat click here
Many women believe that it stems from improper eating or lack of exercise. While this may be the most common case, there can also be other reasons:
• Menopause
• Hormones
• Genetics
• Stress
• Improper Digestion
• Slow Metabolism
• Poor Posture
• Eating Late at Night
• Determine Your Cause
However, as you’ve just seen, there are other factors that contribute to tummy fat as well so it’s important to learn more about why you may have this problem. Particularly if you tend to gain more fat in your stomach than any other part of your body.
The problem most women faced with weight gain around the middle is that often conventional diets to lose belly fat fail and even doing a million sit ups won’t budge it.
The best way for you to lose belly fat is:
Step 1. Identify what's causing your belly fat.
Step 2. Learn what foods are triggering hormonal imbalances causing your belly fat.
Step 3. Implement a targeted treatment plan to lose belly fat, and keep it off.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to restart your metabolism.
Step 5. Access a professional support network that will guide you and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices contributing to belly fat.
To find out why you can’t lose belly fat click here
Is There a Cure for Acne?
So is there a cure for acne? Advertising material maintains that acne can be cured through pills, creams, facials and extreme diets. In fact the market place is saturated with one hit acne cures.
Unfortunately for sufferers of acne, finding a acne cure that works can not only be frustrating, but cost $1000’s. Acne however can be successfully treated and controlled with the right treatment routine. The truth is, there is no one single cure for acne. You can however improve your acne outbreaks by:
1. Identifying underlying nutritional deficiencies such as Zinc and Vitamin D
2. Identifying underlying hormonal imbalances as in PCOS, Endometriosis etc
3. Identifying food intolerances and toxic accumulation
4. Establishing a good skin care routine
Remember though, some "acne cure" diets suggest replacing highly processed junk foods with fruits and vegetables. Of course this is a healthy change whether you have acne or not, however it is only one part of a complex equation for eliminating acne and not a acne cure.
A few small studies have shown a correlation between certain food groups (such as processed foods and dairy) and acne severity, but no foods actually cause acne. Cutting specific foods from your diet alone is not going to cure your acne. The same goes for skin care products, vitamins, and facial masks, that claim to cure acne in just days. No products used on their own can cure acne. Effective acne treatment can be achieved with the right advice.
To find out if you have underlying causes contributing to your acne, click here
Unfortunately for sufferers of acne, finding a acne cure that works can not only be frustrating, but cost $1000’s. Acne however can be successfully treated and controlled with the right treatment routine. The truth is, there is no one single cure for acne. You can however improve your acne outbreaks by:
1. Identifying underlying nutritional deficiencies such as Zinc and Vitamin D
2. Identifying underlying hormonal imbalances as in PCOS, Endometriosis etc
3. Identifying food intolerances and toxic accumulation
4. Establishing a good skin care routine
Remember though, some "acne cure" diets suggest replacing highly processed junk foods with fruits and vegetables. Of course this is a healthy change whether you have acne or not, however it is only one part of a complex equation for eliminating acne and not a acne cure.
A few small studies have shown a correlation between certain food groups (such as processed foods and dairy) and acne severity, but no foods actually cause acne. Cutting specific foods from your diet alone is not going to cure your acne. The same goes for skin care products, vitamins, and facial masks, that claim to cure acne in just days. No products used on their own can cure acne. Effective acne treatment can be achieved with the right advice.
To find out if you have underlying causes contributing to your acne, click here
How to lose Menopause Belly Fat
For some women menopause may be easy, while others struggle with unpleasant symptoms such as belly fat, hot flushes, insomnia and mood changes. The biggest problem for most women during menopause is the bulging belly that looks like you are six months pregnant!
The problem most women faced with weight gain around the middle is that often conventional diets to lose belly fat during menopause fail and even doing a million sit ups won’t budge it.
So let’s explore why belly fat during menopause is so difficult to lose:
1. Growth hormone levels decline
Losing deep sleep due to insomnia during menopause decreases growth hormone levels. Growth hormone is a protein that helps regulate your body's proportions of fat and muscle. With less growth hormone, you reduce your ability to lose fat and grow muscle, slowing your metabolism and causing belly fat.
2. Oestrogen imbalance during menopause causes belly fat
Oestrogen casues belly fat during menopause firstly by increasing your appetite and secondly as oestrogen levels decrease your body looks for other places to get needed estrogen. Fat cells in your body can produce estrogen, so your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels which causes belly fat and makes weight loss impossible.
3. Progesterone deficiency and belly fat during menopause
During menopause, progesterone levels decrease causing water retention, bloating and belly fat.
4. Testosterone deficiency and belly fat during menopause
Testosterone levels decline during menopause causing weight gain. Testosterone helps your body to create lean muscle mass and muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do. This increases your metabolism making weight loss easier. In menopause, levels of testosterone drop resulting in the loss of this muscle slowing down your metabolism causing belly fat.
5. Leptin and belly fat during menopause.
Leptin, affects body weight and is secreted primarily by fat cells. Sleep loss and insomnia during menopause decreases leptin and tells the body there is a calorie shortage and promotes hunger. Low leptin levels will make weight loss difficult and can lead to a consistent increase in belly fat.
6. Gherlin and belly fat during menopause
Secreted by the stomach Ghrelin stimulates cravings and appetite and a lack of sleep or insomnia during menopause stimulates its release in higher amounts triggering belly fat.
7. Androgens and belly fat during menopause
Androgens cause weight gain around your mid section and belly fat. This is why it's called the "middle age spread".
8. Insulin Imbalance and belly fat during menopause
During menopause, your body may not be able to metabolise carbohydrates as well, which can lead to an increased storage of fats and higher levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar can cause insulin resistance and is directly linked to belly fat.
Is Your belly Fat caused by hormones? Find out now with my FREE online test.
The problem most women faced with weight gain around the middle is that often conventional diets to lose belly fat during menopause fail and even doing a million sit ups won’t budge it.
So let’s explore why belly fat during menopause is so difficult to lose:
1. Growth hormone levels decline
Losing deep sleep due to insomnia during menopause decreases growth hormone levels. Growth hormone is a protein that helps regulate your body's proportions of fat and muscle. With less growth hormone, you reduce your ability to lose fat and grow muscle, slowing your metabolism and causing belly fat.
2. Oestrogen imbalance during menopause causes belly fat
Oestrogen casues belly fat during menopause firstly by increasing your appetite and secondly as oestrogen levels decrease your body looks for other places to get needed estrogen. Fat cells in your body can produce estrogen, so your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels which causes belly fat and makes weight loss impossible.
3. Progesterone deficiency and belly fat during menopause
During menopause, progesterone levels decrease causing water retention, bloating and belly fat.
4. Testosterone deficiency and belly fat during menopause
Testosterone levels decline during menopause causing weight gain. Testosterone helps your body to create lean muscle mass and muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do. This increases your metabolism making weight loss easier. In menopause, levels of testosterone drop resulting in the loss of this muscle slowing down your metabolism causing belly fat.
5. Leptin and belly fat during menopause.
Leptin, affects body weight and is secreted primarily by fat cells. Sleep loss and insomnia during menopause decreases leptin and tells the body there is a calorie shortage and promotes hunger. Low leptin levels will make weight loss difficult and can lead to a consistent increase in belly fat.
6. Gherlin and belly fat during menopause
Secreted by the stomach Ghrelin stimulates cravings and appetite and a lack of sleep or insomnia during menopause stimulates its release in higher amounts triggering belly fat.
7. Androgens and belly fat during menopause
Androgens cause weight gain around your mid section and belly fat. This is why it's called the "middle age spread".
8. Insulin Imbalance and belly fat during menopause
During menopause, your body may not be able to metabolise carbohydrates as well, which can lead to an increased storage of fats and higher levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar can cause insulin resistance and is directly linked to belly fat.
Is Your belly Fat caused by hormones? Find out now with my FREE online test.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Breast Cancer and Food - What Foods Can Cause Breast Cancer?
Many women have been searching for something they can actually do for themselves, or their daughters, to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer or reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS. The good news is, you can make dietary changes and eliminate foods that can cause breast cancer.
A study conducted by the American Cancer Society identified a strong link between adults (over 18 years) weight gain and postmenopausal breast cancer. Another study, published in 2009 by the Harvard School of Public Health in conjunction with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, concluded that women who were lean at age 18 and who maintained a healthy weight through mid-life had the best odds of achieving optimal health later in life.
Current research also reveals that dietary choices have a direct impact on your health. In particular, the type of fat you consume in your diet may be a risk factor for hormonal imbalances leading to reproductive disorders and cellular changes leading to breast cancer.
The “Bad Fats” - Trans Fatty Acids (TFA’s) and Breast Cancer
The type of fat in your diet, rather than the total amount, may be a risk factor for female reproductive disorders according to researchers in a study published online in the journal Human Reproduction.
Researchers have reported there is a strong link between diets loaded with trans fats and female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS. On the other hand, a diet rich in tuna, salmon and other foods high in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) omega-3 and omega-6 oils might mean you will be less likely to develop female reproductive disorders.
Is Your Diet Supporting Healthy Hormonal Balance? Find out now with my FREE online test.
So What Are Trans Fats and how are they linked to breast cancer?
Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are processed and hardened (hydrogenated) to make them more like butter or lard. They are found in many everyday processed foods such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, cakes, fast foods, pies and other pre-packaged foods. They are also found in foods fried in hydrogenated oils.
According to Dr. Stacey Missmer of Brigham and Women's Hospital, trans fats increase the body's level of many inflammatory markers. These inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with many diseases, including cancers, heart disease and hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances often lead to reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS.
Foods that are highly inflammatory are also those that tend to lead to weight gain. These findings suggest that dietary changes to reduce intake of inflammatory foods and maintain a healthy weight is something every woman can do.
Find Out What Dietary Changes You Can Make To Overcome Female Reproductive Disorders by Clicking Here
How can trans fats contribute to breast cancer?
With trans fats becoming such a mainsteam component of our food chain, the prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer are increasing. Over the long term, trans fats interfere with your body's ability to ingest and utilise the good fats. They also promote fatty body tissue to synthesize small amounts of testosterone and related hormones. These play roles in fuelling hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, PMT, menopausal symptoms and low libido. TFA’s stop the essential fatty acids (EFA’s) from getting into the cell wall. The EFA’s have to find somewhere else to go; new fat cells have to be built to keep them in. Over time, more and more TFA's block more cells, you build more and more new fat cells, you get fatter.
The Residual Effect of TFA’s potentially leading to breast cancer. Once consumed, TFA’s are hard to eliminate. They can remain in your body long after you finished eating that pie, biscuit or piece of cake. Some countries, such as Denmark and Canada, regulate the amount of trans fats that can be added to processed foods.
Denmark has banned foods with a TFA content of more than 2% of total fat content. Canada has set a limit of 5% (or 2% for margarines). In the US, food manufacturers are required to list trans fats on the label only if the amount per serving is 0.5g or higher. This leads to manufacturers manipulating serving sizes so they can list trans fats as 0g. Other countries, such as Australia have no such regulations. In these countries it is impossible to tell from a food label if a packaged product contains any trans fats.
It can be safe to assume that the majority of people have consumed trans fats at some point in their life. If you regularly consume fast food or any type of food made in a factory, there is a good chance you are consuming trans fats. These trans fats will continue to have a disruptive effect on your endocrine (hormonal) systems for many years, unless you take steps to eliminate them from your body.
Where To From Here?
Consuming trans fats may lead to weight gain and imbalances in your hormonal systems. These in turn put you at increased risk of developing reproductive issues in the short term and chronic diseases, including cancer in the longer term. Maybe you are already on the path to increasing weight, hormonal imbalances and long term ill health? A naturopath can help by eliminating the stored TFA’s and rebalancing your hormones, leading you to better health.
Is Your Diet Supporting Healthy Hormonal Balance? Find out now with my FREE online test.
A study conducted by the American Cancer Society identified a strong link between adults (over 18 years) weight gain and postmenopausal breast cancer. Another study, published in 2009 by the Harvard School of Public Health in conjunction with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, concluded that women who were lean at age 18 and who maintained a healthy weight through mid-life had the best odds of achieving optimal health later in life.
Current research also reveals that dietary choices have a direct impact on your health. In particular, the type of fat you consume in your diet may be a risk factor for hormonal imbalances leading to reproductive disorders and cellular changes leading to breast cancer.
The “Bad Fats” - Trans Fatty Acids (TFA’s) and Breast Cancer
The type of fat in your diet, rather than the total amount, may be a risk factor for female reproductive disorders according to researchers in a study published online in the journal Human Reproduction.
Researchers have reported there is a strong link between diets loaded with trans fats and female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS. On the other hand, a diet rich in tuna, salmon and other foods high in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) omega-3 and omega-6 oils might mean you will be less likely to develop female reproductive disorders.
Is Your Diet Supporting Healthy Hormonal Balance? Find out now with my FREE online test.
So What Are Trans Fats and how are they linked to breast cancer?
Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are processed and hardened (hydrogenated) to make them more like butter or lard. They are found in many everyday processed foods such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, cakes, fast foods, pies and other pre-packaged foods. They are also found in foods fried in hydrogenated oils.
According to Dr. Stacey Missmer of Brigham and Women's Hospital, trans fats increase the body's level of many inflammatory markers. These inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with many diseases, including cancers, heart disease and hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances often lead to reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS.
Foods that are highly inflammatory are also those that tend to lead to weight gain. These findings suggest that dietary changes to reduce intake of inflammatory foods and maintain a healthy weight is something every woman can do.
Find Out What Dietary Changes You Can Make To Overcome Female Reproductive Disorders by Clicking Here
How can trans fats contribute to breast cancer?
With trans fats becoming such a mainsteam component of our food chain, the prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer are increasing. Over the long term, trans fats interfere with your body's ability to ingest and utilise the good fats. They also promote fatty body tissue to synthesize small amounts of testosterone and related hormones. These play roles in fuelling hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, PMT, menopausal symptoms and low libido. TFA’s stop the essential fatty acids (EFA’s) from getting into the cell wall. The EFA’s have to find somewhere else to go; new fat cells have to be built to keep them in. Over time, more and more TFA's block more cells, you build more and more new fat cells, you get fatter.
The Residual Effect of TFA’s potentially leading to breast cancer. Once consumed, TFA’s are hard to eliminate. They can remain in your body long after you finished eating that pie, biscuit or piece of cake. Some countries, such as Denmark and Canada, regulate the amount of trans fats that can be added to processed foods.
Denmark has banned foods with a TFA content of more than 2% of total fat content. Canada has set a limit of 5% (or 2% for margarines). In the US, food manufacturers are required to list trans fats on the label only if the amount per serving is 0.5g or higher. This leads to manufacturers manipulating serving sizes so they can list trans fats as 0g. Other countries, such as Australia have no such regulations. In these countries it is impossible to tell from a food label if a packaged product contains any trans fats.
It can be safe to assume that the majority of people have consumed trans fats at some point in their life. If you regularly consume fast food or any type of food made in a factory, there is a good chance you are consuming trans fats. These trans fats will continue to have a disruptive effect on your endocrine (hormonal) systems for many years, unless you take steps to eliminate them from your body.
Where To From Here?
Consuming trans fats may lead to weight gain and imbalances in your hormonal systems. These in turn put you at increased risk of developing reproductive issues in the short term and chronic diseases, including cancer in the longer term. Maybe you are already on the path to increasing weight, hormonal imbalances and long term ill health? A naturopath can help by eliminating the stored TFA’s and rebalancing your hormones, leading you to better health.
Is Your Diet Supporting Healthy Hormonal Balance? Find out now with my FREE online test.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thyroid - Fatigue and Tiredness
Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Mood Changes & Can't Lose Weight? It Could Be Your Thyroid
Chronic Fatigue, tiredness, mood changes and weight gain can be caused by hormones.
If your hormones are not 'in balance' then you can find yourself experiencing symptoms such depression, headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight gain and you may struggle to lose weight naturally. Thyroid disease is one of the most common hormonal disorders, after insulin resistance and diabetes. The majority of women with thyroid imbalance have hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid). A small minority has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The problem is that symptoms of low thyroid function are often mistaken for depression, signs of ageing, or are not identified as in the case with Carolyn, Bev and Val. Click Here to read their journey with fatigue.
Common thyroid Condition linked to chronic fatigue:
Chronic Fatigue, tiredness, mood changes and weight gain can be caused by hormones.
If your hormones are not 'in balance' then you can find yourself experiencing symptoms such depression, headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight gain and you may struggle to lose weight naturally. Thyroid disease is one of the most common hormonal disorders, after insulin resistance and diabetes. The majority of women with thyroid imbalance have hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid). A small minority has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The problem is that symptoms of low thyroid function are often mistaken for depression, signs of ageing, or are not identified as in the case with Carolyn, Bev and Val. Click Here to read their journey with fatigue.
Common thyroid Condition linked to chronic fatigue:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Post partum Thyroiditis
- Thyroid Nodules & Cysts
What does your thyroid do and how does it cause chronic fatigue?
Your thyroid - a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck - controls the functioning of every cell, organ and gland in your body. In addition, your thyroid regulates these functions:
Your thyroid - a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck - controls the functioning of every cell, organ and gland in your body. In addition, your thyroid regulates these functions:
- The use of oxygen in all tissues,
- The rate of repair of damaged of diseased tissues,
- Your blood sugar levels by controlling the release of glucose (sugar) from the liver to the bloodstream,
- Electrolyte and water balance in the cells and body,
- Your circulatory system,
- The energy and strength of the muscles,
- The speed of the impulse going to nerves
- Your libido
- Your fat metabolism
- Weight loss
Four main hormones produced by your thyroid gland directly affect your metabolism and body fat. They are thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine/levo-thyroxin (T4), and calcitonin (used in calcium metabolism).
Although your thyroid gland secretes and regulates these hormones, about 80% of the body's T3 is produced outside the thyroid gland, in the liver, by chemical modification of thyroxine or T4.
Hypothyroid women gain weight and find it difficult to lose weight because (i) their T4 is not being converted by the liver to the metabolically active form of T3 or (ii) the converted T3 hormones is not getting to the cellular level of the body – meaning that they are producing it, but their body can't use it.
Although most conventional practitioners only test for the inactive T4 hormone level, it is important to remember that active T3 thyroid hormone works inside every cell of the body – not only in the blood. If T3 isn't available at the cellular level, then those cells can't function properly. The T4 blood test does not test for this, but taking your body temperature does! I personally believe that your body temperature is the single best test of your thyroid function.
If you feel that your hormones could be making you gain weight and causing fatigue, take my quick hormonal test online click here
Symptoms of low thyroid function causing chronic fatigue
Every cell and tissue in your body is affected by hypothyroidism and deficient levels of the active T3 thyroid hormone can produce one or more of the following symptoms: weight gain, chronic fatigue, weakness, constipation, shortness of breath, depression, irritability, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, intolerance to cold, low body temperature, dry coarse hair/dry skin, hair loss, muscle or joint pain and stiffness, headaches, decreased libido, slow weight loss and elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.
Sadly, many hypothyroid symptoms are frequently dismissed by physicians as being a normal part of ageing, psychological problem, overwork, or some other condition. As a result, thyroid tests are never performed and the patient never receives the proper medical treatment they require.
What interferes with thyroid function causing chronic fatigue?
Although your thyroid gland secretes and regulates these hormones, about 80% of the body's T3 is produced outside the thyroid gland, in the liver, by chemical modification of thyroxine or T4.
Hypothyroid women gain weight and find it difficult to lose weight because (i) their T4 is not being converted by the liver to the metabolically active form of T3 or (ii) the converted T3 hormones is not getting to the cellular level of the body – meaning that they are producing it, but their body can't use it.
Although most conventional practitioners only test for the inactive T4 hormone level, it is important to remember that active T3 thyroid hormone works inside every cell of the body – not only in the blood. If T3 isn't available at the cellular level, then those cells can't function properly. The T4 blood test does not test for this, but taking your body temperature does! I personally believe that your body temperature is the single best test of your thyroid function.
If you feel that your hormones could be making you gain weight and causing fatigue, take my quick hormonal test online click here
Symptoms of low thyroid function causing chronic fatigue
Every cell and tissue in your body is affected by hypothyroidism and deficient levels of the active T3 thyroid hormone can produce one or more of the following symptoms: weight gain, chronic fatigue, weakness, constipation, shortness of breath, depression, irritability, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, intolerance to cold, low body temperature, dry coarse hair/dry skin, hair loss, muscle or joint pain and stiffness, headaches, decreased libido, slow weight loss and elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.
Sadly, many hypothyroid symptoms are frequently dismissed by physicians as being a normal part of ageing, psychological problem, overwork, or some other condition. As a result, thyroid tests are never performed and the patient never receives the proper medical treatment they require.
What interferes with thyroid function causing chronic fatigue?
- Insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome
- Chronic stress/adrenal depletion – there is a strong interplay between the thyroid and the adrenals. One is usually weak first and then weakens the other.
- Prescription drugs including Dilantin, Lithium, beta blockers, Premarin, birth control pills and some anti-depressants.
- Frequent X-rays – from dental or medical exams or radiation treatment to the head, neck or chest
- Thyroid inhibiting foods – Over-consumption of soy and raw thyroid-inhibiting foods, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale.
- Environmental, synthetic and genetically engineered hormones (oestrogen and other hormones) in meat, dairy, poultry and eggs. Also conditions such as poly cystic ovarian disorder, fibroids, IVF treatment and menopause.
- Exercise – The receptors for the thyroid hormones are found deep within the cells, and exercise stimulates the thyroid by increasing oxygen to the cells. When you exercise and breathe more oxygen into your body, you speed up your metabolism and the heat in your body rises. So, to pump up your metabolism, you need to pump some iron to heat up your cell's ‘fat burners' by giving them more oxygen.
- Dieting – During a restrictive diet that is either too low calorie or deficient in essential nutrients, the body produces less of the liver enzymes, thus converting less T4 and producing less T3.
Perhaps the biggest problem with diets is that most leave you with less muscle and more fat than when you started. Researchers have found that low calorie and low carbohydrate diets eventually suppress T3 hormone levels in the body by providing insufficient fuel for the thyroid and body to function properly.
- Heavy metal exposure – mercury is a toxic heavy metal, which comprises over 50% of 'silver' dental fillings and is found in cigarettes. Mercury interferes with the liver's production of 5-deodinase, an enzyme that is critical in converting thyroid hormones.
- Chlorine – added to most municipal water supplies as a disinfectant.
- Fluoride – primary sources include toothpaste, dental products, municipal water supplies, pesticide, and residues on commercially grown foods.
Tests for thyroid function linked with chronic fatigue
If you are doing everything right and still felling unwell and suffering from chronic fatigue, there is definitely something going on that needs to be addressed. Perhaps you are suffering from hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) or sub-clinical hypothyroidism (you have symptoms but the blood tests are normal).
Let's assume you are overweight and think you have hypothyroidism. You've been to the doctor with complaints of weight gain, slow weight loss, chronic fatigue, cold hands and feet, and ‘brain fog'. The doctor examines you and performs some blood tests, including thyroid tests, and all the tests come back normal. However you are sure you must have an under-active thyroid as you have all the symptoms, including a low body temperature, but the doctor decides to not prescribe any treatment. You go home, sentenced to a life of weight gain, chronic fatigue and feeling plain unwell. This scenario is played out again and again until one day you finally fall below the 'reference' ranges.
The Barnes temperature test for thyroid function and chronic fatigue
If you feel that your thyroid is sluggish and you think you may be hypothyroid, testing your thyroid is important. You can take the do-it-yourself Barnes Thyroid Temperature Test, as an inexpensive, yet surprisingly accurate, initial test for chronic fatigue. Before the advent of the blood test, the Barnes basal temperature test and patients symptoms were all physicians had available to them to test thyroid function.
Doing the Barnes self temperature test will give you a starting point to determine if you may have hypothyroidism and need to have further confirmatory tests to establish why you are suffering from chronic fatigue.
How to test your thyroid and find out why you are chronically fatigued.
Place a thermometer (preferably digital) within easy reach on the bedside table. Place the thermometer in your armpit for five minutes. Try to move as little as possible because movement will raise your body temperature.
Record your temperature each morning for five days. (For women, additional consideration is needed during ovulation, since ovulation somewhat elevates temperature. Because of this, women who menstruate should start recording their temperature on the second or third day of menstruation.)
A reading of 36.4 degrees or lower may indicate low thyroid function and be a cause of your chronic fatigue.
Serum (blood) test for hypothyroidism
If your temperature is low, you may want to request further testing. If you want to go the conventional medical test route you need to request that your physician perform the T3, free T3, sensitive TSH, reverse T3, and anti-thyroid antibody tests. Remember that the standard T4 blood test for thyroid function only measures T4 (the inactive form of the hormone) function and is rarely sensitive enough to determine hypothyroidism. That is why I recommend that you ask your doctor to perform the other blood tests to get to the cause of your chronic fatigue.
In my clinical experience, most thyroid blood tests will come back within a 'normal range', but the patient still shows signs of (sub-clinical) hypothyroidism such as a low body (basal) temperature, etc. There is research indicating that the reference ranges are too broad and do not cater for the individual – I guess we are not all the same after all!
The good news is that new and more accurate salivary and urine thyroid tests have become available.
The salivary thyroid test
Salivary and urine thyroid testing to the rescue! That's right. Your saliva and urine now hold the key to determining whether or not you have an under-active thyroid causing your chronic fatigue. This brand new technology promised to change the lives of the millions of individuals suffering with an undiagnosed under-active thyroid. Because it tests thyroid function at the cellular level, the salivary/and or urine thyroid panel has been found to be more accurate than the blood tests in identifying an under-active thyroid. Urine thyroid tests are available from my online dispensary.
The thyroid salivary test measures T3, T4 and free TSH. The salivary or urine thyroid test also measures antibodies against thyroperoxidase, an important enzyme involved in the production of thyroid hormone. Positive antibodies are a sign of an autoimmune process (the immune system attacking the body's own thyroid tissue).
Reviving your thyroid and stopping chronic fatigue in its tracks.
If your thyroid gland is found to be sluggish and the cause of your chronic fatigue, through any of the various tests, you may first try the natural non-drug approach to reviving your thyroid.
If you are doing everything right and still felling unwell and suffering from chronic fatigue, there is definitely something going on that needs to be addressed. Perhaps you are suffering from hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) or sub-clinical hypothyroidism (you have symptoms but the blood tests are normal).
Let's assume you are overweight and think you have hypothyroidism. You've been to the doctor with complaints of weight gain, slow weight loss, chronic fatigue, cold hands and feet, and ‘brain fog'. The doctor examines you and performs some blood tests, including thyroid tests, and all the tests come back normal. However you are sure you must have an under-active thyroid as you have all the symptoms, including a low body temperature, but the doctor decides to not prescribe any treatment. You go home, sentenced to a life of weight gain, chronic fatigue and feeling plain unwell. This scenario is played out again and again until one day you finally fall below the 'reference' ranges.
The Barnes temperature test for thyroid function and chronic fatigue
If you feel that your thyroid is sluggish and you think you may be hypothyroid, testing your thyroid is important. You can take the do-it-yourself Barnes Thyroid Temperature Test, as an inexpensive, yet surprisingly accurate, initial test for chronic fatigue. Before the advent of the blood test, the Barnes basal temperature test and patients symptoms were all physicians had available to them to test thyroid function.
Doing the Barnes self temperature test will give you a starting point to determine if you may have hypothyroidism and need to have further confirmatory tests to establish why you are suffering from chronic fatigue.
How to test your thyroid and find out why you are chronically fatigued.
Place a thermometer (preferably digital) within easy reach on the bedside table. Place the thermometer in your armpit for five minutes. Try to move as little as possible because movement will raise your body temperature.
Record your temperature each morning for five days. (For women, additional consideration is needed during ovulation, since ovulation somewhat elevates temperature. Because of this, women who menstruate should start recording their temperature on the second or third day of menstruation.)
A reading of 36.4 degrees or lower may indicate low thyroid function and be a cause of your chronic fatigue.
Serum (blood) test for hypothyroidism
If your temperature is low, you may want to request further testing. If you want to go the conventional medical test route you need to request that your physician perform the T3, free T3, sensitive TSH, reverse T3, and anti-thyroid antibody tests. Remember that the standard T4 blood test for thyroid function only measures T4 (the inactive form of the hormone) function and is rarely sensitive enough to determine hypothyroidism. That is why I recommend that you ask your doctor to perform the other blood tests to get to the cause of your chronic fatigue.
In my clinical experience, most thyroid blood tests will come back within a 'normal range', but the patient still shows signs of (sub-clinical) hypothyroidism such as a low body (basal) temperature, etc. There is research indicating that the reference ranges are too broad and do not cater for the individual – I guess we are not all the same after all!
The good news is that new and more accurate salivary and urine thyroid tests have become available.
The salivary thyroid test
Salivary and urine thyroid testing to the rescue! That's right. Your saliva and urine now hold the key to determining whether or not you have an under-active thyroid causing your chronic fatigue. This brand new technology promised to change the lives of the millions of individuals suffering with an undiagnosed under-active thyroid. Because it tests thyroid function at the cellular level, the salivary/and or urine thyroid panel has been found to be more accurate than the blood tests in identifying an under-active thyroid. Urine thyroid tests are available from my online dispensary.
The thyroid salivary test measures T3, T4 and free TSH. The salivary or urine thyroid test also measures antibodies against thyroperoxidase, an important enzyme involved in the production of thyroid hormone. Positive antibodies are a sign of an autoimmune process (the immune system attacking the body's own thyroid tissue).
Reviving your thyroid and stopping chronic fatigue in its tracks.
If your thyroid gland is found to be sluggish and the cause of your chronic fatigue, through any of the various tests, you may first try the natural non-drug approach to reviving your thyroid.
- Identify what is causing it to be sluggish – e.g. stress, chemical exposure, etc.
- Check your basal body temperature.
- Consult your GP if necessary and request specific blood tests and discuss any possible need for medication changes.
- Change your diet – different foods do interfere with thyroid function. You may wish to consult a naturopath for help with this.
- Consult a herbalist – herbs such as withania, coleus, rehmania, kelp, etc. , are helpful if used in the correct dosages.
- Improve your liver function.
Avoiding the toxins I mentioned earlier and increasing your intake of iodine-rich foods such as seafood, asparagus, sea vegetables (kelp), garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, spinach, Swiss chard and sea salt can be helpful.
The bottom line is most of the above symptoms may sound familiar – it's not unusual for a 30, 40, or 50 something woman to feel tired, burnt out, and a little bit overweight and this makes hypothyroidism that much harder to diagnose. However there are few things more frustrating than feeling chronically fatigued and unwell. It can take a while to get the right diagnosis. Remember though, if you are feeling unwell – there is most likely something triggering it. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away.
Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial when you realise that being treated can be a life-affirming event. So explore your options and strive for a better, healthy life!
The bottom line is most of the above symptoms may sound familiar – it's not unusual for a 30, 40, or 50 something woman to feel tired, burnt out, and a little bit overweight and this makes hypothyroidism that much harder to diagnose. However there are few things more frustrating than feeling chronically fatigued and unwell. It can take a while to get the right diagnosis. Remember though, if you are feeling unwell – there is most likely something triggering it. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away.
Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial when you realise that being treated can be a life-affirming event. So explore your options and strive for a better, healthy life!
Healthy Thoughts ...
Spend 60 seconds looking around the room and take note of everything that’s red. Any shade of red will do. Crimson. Fire-engine red. Burgundy. Maroon. Even hot pink.
Commit as many red things to memory as possible. Don’t over-think the process, or try to figure out the point of the exercise. Don’t write anything down, and use whatever memory or recall method you feel will give you the best result.
Now close your eyes. Wait a minute or two.
Then, with your eyes still closed, try to recite a list of everything in the room that’s colored ... brown.
Open your eyes, and you’ll instantly see what you hadn’t before: all things brown. As Lifehack reports:
“It’s amazing what becomes apparent when you look at the same thing (room, relationship, career, business, opportunity, person, health) with a totally different focus. What was once invisible becomes immediately apparent. Obvious even.
This brief activity (looking for red) is a simple yet effective one. When you have a narrow focus, you don’t see the entirety of what’s there. The potential. The gifts. The joy. The fun. The good. The opportunity. When you look for bad, you’ll find it. When you expect rejection, you’ll find that too. If you’re constantly searching for problems, you’ll never see the solutions.”
Sources:
Lifehack March 11, 2010
Commit as many red things to memory as possible. Don’t over-think the process, or try to figure out the point of the exercise. Don’t write anything down, and use whatever memory or recall method you feel will give you the best result.
Now close your eyes. Wait a minute or two.
Then, with your eyes still closed, try to recite a list of everything in the room that’s colored ... brown.
Open your eyes, and you’ll instantly see what you hadn’t before: all things brown. As Lifehack reports:
“It’s amazing what becomes apparent when you look at the same thing (room, relationship, career, business, opportunity, person, health) with a totally different focus. What was once invisible becomes immediately apparent. Obvious even.
This brief activity (looking for red) is a simple yet effective one. When you have a narrow focus, you don’t see the entirety of what’s there. The potential. The gifts. The joy. The fun. The good. The opportunity. When you look for bad, you’ll find it. When you expect rejection, you’ll find that too. If you’re constantly searching for problems, you’ll never see the solutions.”
Sources:
Lifehack March 11, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Trans Fats are linked to Endometriosis, PCOS, Fibroids and Weight Gain
Dietary choices have a direct impact on your reproductive health and subsequently on your fertility. The type of fat you incorporate in your diet may be a risk factor for disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, PCOS and Fibroids.
A diet rich in tuna, salmon and other foods rich in essential omega -3 oils might mean you will be less likely to develop female reproductive disorders. US researchers have reported there is a strong link between diets loaded with trans fats, and female reproductive disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids and PCOS.
Is Your Diet Triggering Hormonal Imbalances? Find out now with my FREE online test.
So what are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are hardened to make something more resembling butter or lard and found in common everyday foods such as processed breakfast cereals and pre-packaged foods.
The type of fat in your diet, rather than the total amount, may be a risk factor for female reproductive disorders according to researchers in a study published online in the journal Human Reproduction.
Within this study of more than 70,000 nurses it was found that women who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids were 22 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis than women who ate the least.
According to Dr. Stacey Missmer of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston who led the study, trans fats increase the body's level of many inflammatory markers. These inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with the establishment of endometriosis and its progression. Dr Missmer also found that there is a likely increase in risk because of a chronic inflammatory response to the trans fat.
The researchers looked at the diets of 70,709 women followed for 12 years in the US Nurses Health Study. Women who ate the most trans fats had a 48 per cent increased risk of the condition compared with those who ate the least, the study found. Similar studies have been linked to PCOS and Fibroids.
"Many women have been searching for something they can actually do for themselves, or their daughters to reduce the risk of developing the disease, and these findings suggest that dietary changes are something they can do," says Missmer.
Find Out What You Dietary Changes You Can Make To Avoid Female Reproductive Disorders by Clicking Here.
A diet rich in tuna, salmon and other foods rich in essential omega -3 oils might mean you will be less likely to develop female reproductive disorders. US researchers have reported there is a strong link between diets loaded with trans fats, and female reproductive disorders such as Endometriosis, Fibroids and PCOS.
Is Your Diet Triggering Hormonal Imbalances? Find out now with my FREE online test.
So what are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are formed when liquid fats are hardened to make something more resembling butter or lard and found in common everyday foods such as processed breakfast cereals and pre-packaged foods.
The type of fat in your diet, rather than the total amount, may be a risk factor for female reproductive disorders according to researchers in a study published online in the journal Human Reproduction.
Within this study of more than 70,000 nurses it was found that women who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids were 22 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis than women who ate the least.
According to Dr. Stacey Missmer of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston who led the study, trans fats increase the body's level of many inflammatory markers. These inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with the establishment of endometriosis and its progression. Dr Missmer also found that there is a likely increase in risk because of a chronic inflammatory response to the trans fat.
The researchers looked at the diets of 70,709 women followed for 12 years in the US Nurses Health Study. Women who ate the most trans fats had a 48 per cent increased risk of the condition compared with those who ate the least, the study found. Similar studies have been linked to PCOS and Fibroids.
"Many women have been searching for something they can actually do for themselves, or their daughters to reduce the risk of developing the disease, and these findings suggest that dietary changes are something they can do," says Missmer.
Find Out What You Dietary Changes You Can Make To Avoid Female Reproductive Disorders by Clicking Here.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
PCOS - Natural Soultions That Work
Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Naturally
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a common condition characterised by weight gain and difficult weight loss, menstrual irregularities and symptoms or excess levels of androgens. Many women have successfully treated their PCOS with the help of Natural therapies and the guidance and assistance of the MassAttack weight loss program.
Characteristic symptoms of PCOS include:
- Infertility
- Obesity
- Slow weight loss
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Menstrual problems
- Infrequent menstrual periods
- Increased body hair
- Acne
- High levels of testosterone
- Polycystic ovaries
According to Narelle Stegehuis, founder of the MassAttack weight loss program for women, Polycystic ovarian syndrome is believed to be one of the most common hormonal abnormalities found in women affecting between 5 and 10% of women.
The cause of PCOS is poorly understood. One key factor in the development of PCOS is thought to be insulin resistance. The cells of the body become resistant to insulin, failing to respond normally. The body compensates for this by increasing insulin production, leading to hyperinsulinaemia.
It is normal for a woman with PCOS to experience rapid weight gain, period problems and some women experience excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). It is thought that approximately 50% of women with PCOS have elevated androgen levels. However, this figure depends on the androgen in question and the method of measurement. Women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles. They also may not ovulate with each menstrual cycle. Combined, these factors can lead to a woman with PCOS having difficulty falling pregnant. However, changing your diet to balance your hormones as outlined in the MassAttack weight loss program will help you to overcome your PCOS symptoms and balance your hormones naturally.
Other possible clinical manifestations of PCOS:
- Blood lipid (cholesterol)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Miscarriage
- Chronic fatigue
- Metabolic syndrome and weight gain
- Lowered metabolism
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Male-pattern balding
However, with control of insulin levels, many symptoms of PCOS, as well as the risk of complications, may be significantly reduced.
Obesity & glucose intolerance:
MassAttack is based on lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise. These are the first things to consider in the management of obesity in PCOS. Weight loss has been shown not only to improve symptoms such as menstrual dysfunction in the short-term, but also to reduce the risk of long-term complications such as the development of diabetes. Women with PCOS often find weight loss extremely difficult. Weight loss has been shown to be effective in allowing a return to normal cycles and natural therapies are effective.
Download my FREE eBook "7 Secrets to Weight loss Revealed" click here
Trans Fatty Acids and Fibroids, Endometrios and PCOS
http://www.mindfood.com/at-trans-fats-may-promote-endometriosis-wellbeing.seo
Not Ovulating? Top 5 Tips on How to Conceive Naturally
Is it possible to conceive naturally if you are not ovulating?
Ovulation and conception go hand in hand. To conceive naturally, you need to know when and if you are ovulating. For some women, ovulation may only occur intermittently between cycles, or it may only last one day in the entire reproductive cycle. So, if you are trying to fall pregnant naturally, the first step is to establish when and if you are ovulating.
Fertility preservation and staying fertile longer means it is important to maintain healthy ovulatory cycles. So, if you have been living a lifestyle that is perhaps stressful or have been having too much fun … then it may be time to make a few changes to support healthy ovulation ....and stay fertile longer in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond.
At BumpFertility we take ovulation seriously, and we educate you on how to establish if, and when your ovulation peaks. Most women are aware of the presence of cervical mucus. Observing your cervical mucus can be more useful than you may think. If you want to aid or avoid conception, cervical mucus observations are said to be around 98.5% accurate as to the fertile and infertile times in your monthly cycle.
Firstly, it's important to note that there are some situations in which your mucus may be affected by external factors, including:
Conditions such as:
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Medications or drugs (inc. Clomid)
- Illness
- Toxicity
- Excess dieting
- Travel
- Hormonal imbalances
If you are not ovulating we call this premature ovarian failure – and it is not the same as premature menopause. While menopause is an irreversible condition, premature ovarian failure is characterized by intermittent and temporary ovarian failure with periodic episodes of normal follicular activity or ovarian function. This means you may not ovulate all the time, perhaps even just once a year, or you may not ovulate at all.
Most of the time premature ovarian failure appears to begin spontaneously and its origin is elusive or unknown. Some of the identified causes include:
- Autoimmune disease
- Thyroid Imbalance
- Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
- Ovarian Cysts
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Stress
- Incorrect acid/alkaline balance or PH
Ovulatory disorders are one of the leading causes of female infertility, and affect between 20% and 40% of women experiencing fertility problems. However, with natural support and treatment, a woman's ability to conceive improves dramatically.
My Natural Fertility program supports healthy, regular ovulatory patterns. When you come on board with me I will not only teach you to identify when you are ovulating, but also implement dietary, nutritional and herbal strategies to support healthy regular ovulation cycles.
Over the years I have successfully helped women to regain a normal healthy pattern of ovulation utilizing nutritional support and hormone modulating treatments such as Vitex agnus-castus or Paeonia lactiflora in conjunction with female tonic herbs and the steroidal saponin-containing herbs.
So that's another reason why we are different at BumpFertility - we will choose a treatment protocol especially for you, based on your hormonal profile and fertility requirements.
It is possible to achieve a healthy viable pregnancy once ovulation patterns are established. Read my story
Top 5 Tips on How to Conceive Naturally with Ovulation Problems
Step 1. Identify what's impacting upon your fertility - including hormones so you can conceive naturally in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond.
Step 2. Learn what foods are triggering hormonal imbalances causing lowered fertility.
Step 3. Implement a natural and targeted nutritional treatment plan designed to balance hormones and help you to conceive naturally in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to restart your fertility.
Step 5. Provide access to a professional support network that will guide and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices and implement a long term treatment to work towards optimal fertility.
So many women have joined Bump Fertility and been successful. The key is to learn the truth about hormones and the truth about the foods that can work against your fertility efforts.
Give me a call 1300 133 536 to get started!
Download My FREE ebook
20 Everyday Things That Can Dramatically Affect Your Fertility click here
Friday, April 16, 2010
Top 5 Tips To Stop Cravings, Binge And Emotional Eating
When you're trying to lose weight it's easy to let cravings get in the way of your weight loss success, leaving you frustrated, disheartened and gaining weight.
Most women suffer from cravings, but how do you get off the weight loss, craving rollercoaster and just enjoy your treats occasionally? It could be your hormones and it's easy when you identify what's causing them. Knowing what is causing your cravings and binge eating means you will achieve your weight loss goal faster.
Forgoing your favorite foods when you have a craving can not only seem difficult, but downright impossible. However satisfying, this sugar, caffeine, chocolate or salt craving will put you on the fast track to poor health & weight gain. If your hormones are causing your cravings it will make successful weight loss almost impossible.
Not sure if your hormones are making you fat? Take my FREE Hormonal Test
Most women suffer from cravings, but how do you get off the weight loss, craving rollercoaster and just enjoy your treats occasionally? It could be your hormones and it's easy when you identify what's causing them. Knowing what is causing your cravings and binge eating means you will achieve your weight loss goal faster.
Forgoing your favorite foods when you have a craving can not only seem difficult, but downright impossible. However satisfying, this sugar, caffeine, chocolate or salt craving will put you on the fast track to poor health & weight gain. If your hormones are causing your cravings it will make successful weight loss almost impossible.
Not sure if your hormones are making you fat? Take my FREE Hormonal Test
Why do you get cravings and how do they cause weight gain?
Diets, tiredness and hormones can affect your desire for certain foods, and a small number of cravings can be the result of a food allergy. Hormones cause food cravings and binge eating sabotaging your weight loss. I encourage you to read Mandy's story.
Stress can also play a role in stimulating your cravings due to it stimulating the release of cortisol. Cortisol stimulates the release of glucose, potentially contributing to metabolic syndrome & subsequent weight gain. It stimulates your appetite & can leave you craving carbohydrates and sugars. Something you don't need when you are trying to shed kilos as it will certainly sabotage your weight loss efforts.
This rebound effect is often incorrectly labeled as emotional eating. Although some of us do eat for comfort, often the cravings are ravenous & uncontrollable sabotaging your weight loss. If this is happening to you, it could be your hormones! Naturopathic treatment for Candida is successful and has helped many women heal their symptoms and achieve their weight loss naturally. The best part is, you can have access to your own naturopath online!
Stress can also play a role in stimulating your cravings due to it stimulating the release of cortisol. Cortisol stimulates the release of glucose, potentially contributing to metabolic syndrome & subsequent weight gain. It stimulates your appetite & can leave you craving carbohydrates and sugars. Something you don't need when you are trying to shed kilos as it will certainly sabotage your weight loss efforts.
This rebound effect is often incorrectly labeled as emotional eating. Although some of us do eat for comfort, often the cravings are ravenous & uncontrollable sabotaging your weight loss. If this is happening to you, it could be your hormones! Naturopathic treatment for Candida is successful and has helped many women heal their symptoms and achieve their weight loss naturally. The best part is, you can have access to your own naturopath online!
Candida/Thrush
Candida or thrush outbreaks cause cravings especially for carbohydrates or sugar.
Causes of Candida
Causes of Candida
- oestrogen dominance (PCOS, Fibroids, Cysts, PMS, Endometriosis, Menopause)
- birth control pills/antibiotics
- refined, processed foods
- alcohol
- stress, insomnia
Oestrogen Dominance causes cravings and weight gain
Oestrogen Dominance or high levels of estrogens caused by environmental toxins can cause cravings - especially before your period which lead to weight gain.
Oestrogen dominance is associated with hormonal imbalances that sabotage weight loss such as:
Oestrogen dominance is associated with hormonal imbalances that sabotage weight loss such as:
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Cysts
- Menopause
Salivary Hormone Testing for Cravings
By completing my full online naturopathic health and hormone test, I will invest no less than 45 minutes piecing together your symptoms and really pinpoint what hormones are causing your weight gain and other health complaints. If I feel that further salivary or blood testing via you GP is required, I will make those recommendations.
For example, as part of the process of compiling a natural weight loss program for you, I may suggest measuring hormone levels by using salivary hormone test kits, available from my clinic. Salivary hormone test kits can assist in the proper diagnoses of hormonal imbalances contributing to weight gain and conditions such as Fatigue, PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Cyst, Menopause and Thyroid imbalance. To find out more about salivary hormone testing please visit my website.
Oestrogen causes insulin resistance, which results in impaired glucose tolerance or a rise in glucose levels, as it's not entering the cells where it's needed. This has a direct affect upon your metabolism an sabotages your weight loss.
It could be you need more progesterone to counter the possible higher oestrogen and to implement oestrogen clearance strategies to balance your hormones so you can achieve your weight loss goals and keep it off.
For example, as part of the process of compiling a natural weight loss program for you, I may suggest measuring hormone levels by using salivary hormone test kits, available from my clinic. Salivary hormone test kits can assist in the proper diagnoses of hormonal imbalances contributing to weight gain and conditions such as Fatigue, PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Cyst, Menopause and Thyroid imbalance. To find out more about salivary hormone testing please visit my website.
Oestrogen causes insulin resistance, which results in impaired glucose tolerance or a rise in glucose levels, as it's not entering the cells where it's needed. This has a direct affect upon your metabolism an sabotages your weight loss.
It could be you need more progesterone to counter the possible higher oestrogen and to implement oestrogen clearance strategies to balance your hormones so you can achieve your weight loss goals and keep it off.
Leptin Resistance Causes Cravings Binge Eating and Weight gain
Leptin, is a hormone produced by your fat cells. It's involved in weight and appetite regulation. In simple terms, it signals the hypothalamus gland in your brain when fat cells are full. This means that low levels of leptin can result in food cravings and cause weight gain. Women who struggle with weight loss are prone to low leptin levels. Implementing a targeted naturopathic treatment strategy can improve leptin levels so you achieve healthy weight loss and hit your goals.
Ghrelin Increases Your Appetite , Cravings, Binge eating and weight gain
Ghrelin is a "hunger hormone" and regulates how much food you eat, weight loss success and how much weight you gain.
Elevated ghrelin triggers strong feelings of hunger. In addition to regulating eating behavior, ghrelin may slow your metabolism and reduce your ability to burn fat, this is one reason why it may feel like your metabolism has stopped or your weight loss plateau's.
Several studies suggest that overweight women have imbalanced ghrelin levels, or have an impaired ability to regulate ghrelin. This means they gain weight fast and struggle with weight loss no matter how hard they try. Couple this with a thyroid imbalance or menopause and you are in for a roller coaster ride of constant weight gain and failed weight loss attempts!
Elevated ghrelin triggers strong feelings of hunger. In addition to regulating eating behavior, ghrelin may slow your metabolism and reduce your ability to burn fat, this is one reason why it may feel like your metabolism has stopped or your weight loss plateau's.
Several studies suggest that overweight women have imbalanced ghrelin levels, or have an impaired ability to regulate ghrelin. This means they gain weight fast and struggle with weight loss no matter how hard they try. Couple this with a thyroid imbalance or menopause and you are in for a roller coaster ride of constant weight gain and failed weight loss attempts!
Cholecystokinin (CCK) imbalance causes Cravings and weight gain
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract when you eat a meal. It slows down the digestive process and provides "Satiety" - meaning a feeling of fullness or satisfaction.
However, some women have reduced CCK secretion after a meal and impaired appetite regulation. Impaired CCK secretion may play a role in the greater frequency of binge eating and weight gain in women.
However, some women have reduced CCK secretion after a meal and impaired appetite regulation. Impaired CCK secretion may play a role in the greater frequency of binge eating and weight gain in women.
Top 5 Tips to overcome cravings and binge eating making weight loss easier
Step 1. Identify what hormonal factors are causing your cravings.
Step 2. Learn what foods according to your hormonal profile, you should be avoiding to stop cravings.
Step 3. Implement a targeted nutritional treatment plan specifically tailored to your biochemical profile to balance hormones and combat cravings.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to 're start your metabolism' and lose weight.
Step 5. Access to a professional support network to guide and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices contributing to cravings and weight gain.
Most women report significant improvement in their cravings in 6 to 8 weeks, with marked improvement in the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 2. Learn what foods according to your hormonal profile, you should be avoiding to stop cravings.
Step 3. Implement a targeted nutritional treatment plan specifically tailored to your biochemical profile to balance hormones and combat cravings.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to 're start your metabolism' and lose weight.
Step 5. Access to a professional support network to guide and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices contributing to cravings and weight gain.
Most women report significant improvement in their cravings in 6 to 8 weeks, with marked improvement in the first 2 to 4 weeks.
- Research supports that without guided professional support 82% of women give up on implementing health changing programs.
- With my easy access online and telephone support system you have a 92% increase in succeeding in achieving your results.
The best approach for you:
- Book in your FREE Naturopathic Review.
- Commit yourself to a comprehensive program with me that will include vitamins, herbs and minerals specifically chosen for you to balance your hormones.
- Make use of our support network made up of fully registered and accredited health professionals.
So many women have joined MassAttack and been successful. The key is to learn the truth about hormones and the truth about the foods that can work against your weight loss efforts.
Download my FREE e book "7 Secrets To Weight Loss Revealed" click here
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Fall Pregnant with Endometriosis and PCOS
Natural treatment of Endometriosis that every woman should know about.
Research offers us many causes and theories about the cause of endometriosis, but unfortunately, still no cure for this painful and misunderstood disorder. Often, the standard treatment for endometriosis is drastic. Luckily there is natural treatment for endometriosis that work as standard treatment usually involves either a hysterectomy or hormone therapy like Depro Provera, to suppress estrogen and initiate a false menopause. This treatment brings new problems of its own; hot flashes, vaginal dryness and a low libido.
Thankfully natural treatment for endometriosis is available using herbs, dietary changes and nutritional support.
As a naturopath specializing in women’s health and hormones, I have helped many women heal their endometriosis naturally. That’s why it’s important for best results in treating your endometriosis naturally, work with a naturopath who has experience with this disorder and can help you develop a complete natural treatment program that includes dietary changes, herbal support and nutritional therapy for successful natural treatment of endometriosis.
Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here
Case study: Sara Frankston Vic - My personal journey with endometriosis
Severe period pain and nausea with endometriosis
One night I arrived home with very severe and terrible shooting pains in my stomach. Little did I know it was endometriosis. The pains were so overwhelming I couldn’t sit up. I felt nauseas and faint. Lucky my friend was with me and she took me to the local hospital.
I was told the excruciating period pain was normal but my friends periods weren’t this bad
The doctor performed a vaginal examination and determined that I had a tampon infection and I was released and an appointment with an OB GYN was made. When I explained my excruciating shooting pains and how I often got them even when I wasn’t having my menstrual cycle, he explained to me that this was normal pain for women.
For the next year I spent many agonizing days and nights, crying because of these terrible pains. Finally, I went to see an OB GYN of a friend and I was explained that I might have endometriosis. This is where my story begins.
Finally I found out I had endometriosis and was scared to death
As I sat in the doctor’s office and was told that I indeed might have endometriosis and would have to have surgery, at the age of 18 I was scared to death!
I was admitted to the hospital to have a Laparoscopy and a Dilatation and Curettage (D and C) administrated. I wasn’t sure what all this meant, and I wasn’t sure what questions I should be asking. All I hoped for was that it would stop this horrifying period pain (that almost 10 doctors had told was “normal”).
After I recovered and was returned to my hospital room, my OB GYN came in and showed me the pictures that they had taken during surgery and informed me I did have endometriosis. It covered all of my female organs, uterus, ovaries, was on my bladder and on my colon. He said he had removed it all and I should be fine.
My endometriosis returned after a Curette
For the next 2 years I experienced the same kind of tremendous pain, but at least I knew what it was. I moved around a lot and had to see various doctors. I saw nearly 20 doctors, most who told me “it was normal”, or “there was nothing physically wrong with me”. I would just cry and cry and even got to the point where I did not want to see any doctors…they didn’t believe me anyway so what was the point!
Every Pap smear I had was so painful that I cried and cried during each procedure. I was prescribed Depro Provera.
Endometriosis caused me to be depressed and I gained weight
About 2 weeks into the Depro Provera treatment I started to feel some mild changes in my moods and weight.
I quickly became severally depressed. I cried and cried for no reason at all. One day I turned up to the GP crying hysterically, the receptionist asked me if I was ok and I just screamed “do I look o.k.? I then saw the DR who prescribed me some Prozac.
Endometriosis ruined my life - I was depressed, tired with debilitating period pain and my life had fallen apart.
My life began to fall apart. I couldn’t hold down a job and my boyfriend dumped me because of my moods. I called my mum in tears and she drove for 8 hours to pick me up. She stayed for a few days and talked me in to coming home again so she could look after me.
I tried natural treatment for endometriosis that worked
It was then that she showed me an article in the Take 5 magazine about a girl named Michelle who had worked with a naturopath called Narelle Stegehuis. I immediately called her and she gave me hope. After working with her and finding out how to trat my endometriosis naturally, I am now drug free and pain free. I feel like myself again.
Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here
Do I have endometriosis?
Period pain that becomes so debilitating it renders you unable to go about your normal routine, is not ordinary or typical!
Period Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is wrong. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, you may have endometriosis and should be diagnosed properly.
Endometriosis symptom checklist
Pain may occur in any of the following forms:
Research offers us many causes and theories about the cause of endometriosis, but unfortunately, still no cure for this painful and misunderstood disorder. Often, the standard treatment for endometriosis is drastic. Luckily there is natural treatment for endometriosis that work as standard treatment usually involves either a hysterectomy or hormone therapy like Depro Provera, to suppress estrogen and initiate a false menopause. This treatment brings new problems of its own; hot flashes, vaginal dryness and a low libido.
Thankfully natural treatment for endometriosis is available using herbs, dietary changes and nutritional support.
As a naturopath specializing in women’s health and hormones, I have helped many women heal their endometriosis naturally. That’s why it’s important for best results in treating your endometriosis naturally, work with a naturopath who has experience with this disorder and can help you develop a complete natural treatment program that includes dietary changes, herbal support and nutritional therapy for successful natural treatment of endometriosis.
Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here
Case study: Sara Frankston Vic - My personal journey with endometriosis
Severe period pain and nausea with endometriosis
One night I arrived home with very severe and terrible shooting pains in my stomach. Little did I know it was endometriosis. The pains were so overwhelming I couldn’t sit up. I felt nauseas and faint. Lucky my friend was with me and she took me to the local hospital.
I was told the excruciating period pain was normal but my friends periods weren’t this bad
The doctor performed a vaginal examination and determined that I had a tampon infection and I was released and an appointment with an OB GYN was made. When I explained my excruciating shooting pains and how I often got them even when I wasn’t having my menstrual cycle, he explained to me that this was normal pain for women.
For the next year I spent many agonizing days and nights, crying because of these terrible pains. Finally, I went to see an OB GYN of a friend and I was explained that I might have endometriosis. This is where my story begins.
Finally I found out I had endometriosis and was scared to death
As I sat in the doctor’s office and was told that I indeed might have endometriosis and would have to have surgery, at the age of 18 I was scared to death!
I was admitted to the hospital to have a Laparoscopy and a Dilatation and Curettage (D and C) administrated. I wasn’t sure what all this meant, and I wasn’t sure what questions I should be asking. All I hoped for was that it would stop this horrifying period pain (that almost 10 doctors had told was “normal”).
After I recovered and was returned to my hospital room, my OB GYN came in and showed me the pictures that they had taken during surgery and informed me I did have endometriosis. It covered all of my female organs, uterus, ovaries, was on my bladder and on my colon. He said he had removed it all and I should be fine.
My endometriosis returned after a Curette
For the next 2 years I experienced the same kind of tremendous pain, but at least I knew what it was. I moved around a lot and had to see various doctors. I saw nearly 20 doctors, most who told me “it was normal”, or “there was nothing physically wrong with me”. I would just cry and cry and even got to the point where I did not want to see any doctors…they didn’t believe me anyway so what was the point!
Every Pap smear I had was so painful that I cried and cried during each procedure. I was prescribed Depro Provera.
Endometriosis caused me to be depressed and I gained weight
About 2 weeks into the Depro Provera treatment I started to feel some mild changes in my moods and weight.
I quickly became severally depressed. I cried and cried for no reason at all. One day I turned up to the GP crying hysterically, the receptionist asked me if I was ok and I just screamed “do I look o.k.? I then saw the DR who prescribed me some Prozac.
Endometriosis ruined my life - I was depressed, tired with debilitating period pain and my life had fallen apart.
My life began to fall apart. I couldn’t hold down a job and my boyfriend dumped me because of my moods. I called my mum in tears and she drove for 8 hours to pick me up. She stayed for a few days and talked me in to coming home again so she could look after me.
I tried natural treatment for endometriosis that worked
It was then that she showed me an article in the Take 5 magazine about a girl named Michelle who had worked with a naturopath called Narelle Stegehuis. I immediately called her and she gave me hope. After working with her and finding out how to trat my endometriosis naturally, I am now drug free and pain free. I feel like myself again.
Do you have endometriosis? Do you want to know what everyday changes you can do to heal your endo? Click here
Do I have endometriosis?
Period pain that becomes so debilitating it renders you unable to go about your normal routine, is not ordinary or typical!
Period Pain is your body's way of signaling that something is wrong. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, you may have endometriosis and should be diagnosed properly.
Endometriosis symptom checklist
Pain may occur in any of the following forms:
- Period pain - immediately before and during the period
- Pain during or after sex
- Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
- Pain with opening bowels, passing wind or urinating also frequency
- Ovulation pain, including thigh or leg pain
Bleeding irregularities
- Heavy bleeding, with or without clots
- Irregular bleeding with or without a regular cycle
- Prolonged bleeding
- Premenstrual spotting
Digestive problems:
- Bowel or bladder symptoms, including bleeding from bladder or bowel
- Irregular bowel habits e.g. constipation, diarrhea
- Bloating
Mood Changes
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Tiredness
...WEIGHT GAIN!
If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you could have Endometriosis. (Endo)
If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you could have Endometriosis. (Endo)
- Are you frustrated by the pain of your endometriosis?
- Do you know in your heart that it's time to make a change?
If so, you have come to the right place.
At MassAttack we can help you overcome any hurdles. With our help, you’ll take control of your endometriosis naturally.
When women with endometriosis join MassAttack they find "their endometriosis healing secret." They feel better, look better, and they are much healthier. And this can happen for you.
At MassAttack we can help you overcome any hurdles. With our help, you’ll take control of your endometriosis naturally.
When women with endometriosis join MassAttack they find "their endometriosis healing secret." They feel better, look better, and they are much healthier. And this can happen for you.
Low Libido, Menopause and Womens Health
Why do women suffer from low libido? Is it hormones, weight gain or both? Let’s explore natural treatments that work.
Low libido; if you’re a woman and suffer from low sex drive or libido you are not alone. Research suggests that more than 40 per cent of women worldwide report lack of or low libido, making it the commonest female sexual complaint. Low libido in women is a very person and delicate topic, which is why many women don’t do anything about it. Or, they try to seek answers but are told there is not much you can do about it – it’s “normal”. But is low libido in women normal? I think not! Low libido is something that every woman should actively seek answers to. There are natural treatments for low libido that do work. It’s not as simple as a “magic pill” to increase libido, it’s about finding the answers to why your libido is so low, and tailoring a naturopathic treatment plan to rebalance these areas.
First of all, it is important to highlight that low libido is not necessarily a sexual ‘dysfunction’. For many women there are often very good reasons why a woman’s libido may be low, including underlying neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance, relationship disturbance, physical and emotional issues and stressful life circumstances. This is why finding the cause of your low libido is important – this way we can tailor a natural treatment plan that works!
Health conditions, environmental influences, neurotransmitters and hormonal imbalance can be the cause of low libido in women.
Low libido; if you’re a woman and suffer from low sex drive or libido you are not alone. Research suggests that more than 40 per cent of women worldwide report lack of or low libido, making it the commonest female sexual complaint. Low libido in women is a very person and delicate topic, which is why many women don’t do anything about it. Or, they try to seek answers but are told there is not much you can do about it – it’s “normal”. But is low libido in women normal? I think not! Low libido is something that every woman should actively seek answers to. There are natural treatments for low libido that do work. It’s not as simple as a “magic pill” to increase libido, it’s about finding the answers to why your libido is so low, and tailoring a naturopathic treatment plan to rebalance these areas.
First of all, it is important to highlight that low libido is not necessarily a sexual ‘dysfunction’. For many women there are often very good reasons why a woman’s libido may be low, including underlying neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance, relationship disturbance, physical and emotional issues and stressful life circumstances. This is why finding the cause of your low libido is important – this way we can tailor a natural treatment plan that works!
Health conditions, environmental influences, neurotransmitters and hormonal imbalance can be the cause of low libido in women.
...All cause low libido in women.
Not sure if your hormones are using your low libido and making you fat?
Our FREE Online Health and Hormone check is a great place to start. Click here
So if you are looking for answers to increase your libido then read on. There is more to kick starting your libido than turning to food as a way to tickle the taste buds and spark up the libido. So before you rush to the grocery store, let’s take a closer look and see exactly what is it that makes your libido lose its mojo.
The number of women with low sex drive is staggering. Hormonal imbalance caused by Menopause, Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS and Thyroid imbalance can lead to problems with libido. These women may also experience feelings of isolation and distress that comes from Inhibited sexual desire.
Not sure if your hormones are using your low libido and making you fat?
Our FREE Online Health and Hormone check is a great place to start. Click here
So if you are looking for answers to increase your libido then read on. There is more to kick starting your libido than turning to food as a way to tickle the taste buds and spark up the libido. So before you rush to the grocery store, let’s take a closer look and see exactly what is it that makes your libido lose its mojo.
The number of women with low sex drive is staggering. Hormonal imbalance caused by Menopause, Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS and Thyroid imbalance can lead to problems with libido. These women may also experience feelings of isolation and distress that comes from Inhibited sexual desire.
So what causes Low Libido?
Primary low libido
Some women never experience much sexual desire from puberty onwards. This may be caused by neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance or a combination of both. So let’s take a quick glance at what these two areas are and how they impact your libido.
1) What is Neuro transmitter weakness?
Even though this sounds complicated in its basic form, it simply means you are exhausted and just too darn tired to engage in anything remotely energetic.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from nerve cells that communicate to other nerve cells to control major body functions including movement, emotional response and libido.
The most commonly known neurotransmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA and histamine.
Great you say, I’ll pop down to the pharmacy and ask for a kilo of it on the way to the grocery store ... it is a little more involved than that!
First of all let’s establish if this is where your libido’s lagging ...
Typical signs and symptoms of neuro transmitter weakness are:
Some women never experience much sexual desire from puberty onwards. This may be caused by neurotransmitter weakness, hormonal imbalance or a combination of both. So let’s take a quick glance at what these two areas are and how they impact your libido.
1) What is Neuro transmitter weakness?
Even though this sounds complicated in its basic form, it simply means you are exhausted and just too darn tired to engage in anything remotely energetic.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from nerve cells that communicate to other nerve cells to control major body functions including movement, emotional response and libido.
The most commonly known neurotransmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA and histamine.
Great you say, I’ll pop down to the pharmacy and ask for a kilo of it on the way to the grocery store ... it is a little more involved than that!
First of all let’s establish if this is where your libido’s lagging ...
Typical signs and symptoms of neuro transmitter weakness are:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Urine Frequency
- Dry mouth
- Do you have ringing in your ears?
It’s uncommon for a woman to have all of these symptoms. But two or more symptoms suggest that a lab test for blood histamine is in order.
So what can cause low levels?
So what can cause low levels?
- Binge drinking
- Dried fruits
- High copper levels – foods such as smoked fish, Soy flour, refined flour, dried.
Most importantly high levels of stress and the daily responsibilities and demands of juggling work and family, financial worries will deplete these important brain chemicals and make it hard enough to smile happily, much less to get in the mood for sex.
What tests are available for establishing exact levels?
Salivary Tests are available through registered practitioners and are designed to establish neurotransmitter imbalances. The great benefit of this is that once deficiencies are established, supplementation to balance the deficiencies becomes easy and your practitioner will be able to dispense a formulation specific to your individual requirements.
So now let’s explore the second major influence ...
2) What are hormones and how do they affect your libido?
Hormones carry messages from glands to cells to maintain chemical levels in the bloodstream that achieve balance or “homeostasis”. Testosterone is an hormone and is one of the key players in your sex drive: it affects interest, arousal, sexual response, lubrication and orgasm. And many women just don’t have enough testosterone.
So why is this so ...?
Firstly, before menopause, our testosterone comes primarily from our ovaries, via their production of progesterone. If your body levels of oestrogen (another hormone) are too high, your body’s production of progresterone will slow down causing testosterone levels to drop.
According to research, high levels of oestrogen may be caused from genetics diet and environmental pollutants. Many common prescription medications, including birth control pills can alter oestrogen levels and influence sexual desire.
Secondly, after menopause testosterone is sourced from the adrenals via the production of a hormone called DHEA.
If we’re under too much stress, though, the adrenals work overtime, favoring cortisol instead of DHEA production. This can lead to low testosterone levels and resultant low libido.
Unfortunately to make things a little more depressing, elevated cortisol levels contribute to weight gain around the middle ... something we can all do without!
Major contributors to hormonal imbalance are:
What tests are available for establishing exact levels?
Salivary Tests are available through registered practitioners and are designed to establish neurotransmitter imbalances. The great benefit of this is that once deficiencies are established, supplementation to balance the deficiencies becomes easy and your practitioner will be able to dispense a formulation specific to your individual requirements.
So now let’s explore the second major influence ...
2) What are hormones and how do they affect your libido?
Hormones carry messages from glands to cells to maintain chemical levels in the bloodstream that achieve balance or “homeostasis”. Testosterone is an hormone and is one of the key players in your sex drive: it affects interest, arousal, sexual response, lubrication and orgasm. And many women just don’t have enough testosterone.
So why is this so ...?
Firstly, before menopause, our testosterone comes primarily from our ovaries, via their production of progesterone. If your body levels of oestrogen (another hormone) are too high, your body’s production of progresterone will slow down causing testosterone levels to drop.
According to research, high levels of oestrogen may be caused from genetics diet and environmental pollutants. Many common prescription medications, including birth control pills can alter oestrogen levels and influence sexual desire.
Secondly, after menopause testosterone is sourced from the adrenals via the production of a hormone called DHEA.
If we’re under too much stress, though, the adrenals work overtime, favoring cortisol instead of DHEA production. This can lead to low testosterone levels and resultant low libido.
Unfortunately to make things a little more depressing, elevated cortisol levels contribute to weight gain around the middle ... something we can all do without!
Major contributors to hormonal imbalance are:
What tests are available for establishing exact levels?
Salivary hormone test kits are a non-invasive way to assess hormone levels and function within the body - via analysis of a saliva sample and are available through registered practitioners.
The hormones tested provide information about the levels of the bio-available hormones that are active within your body. This information when considered in conjunction with other diagnosis techniques provides valuable information to evaluate the underlying causes of your low libido.
Secondary inhibited sexual desire
Other women enjoy significant levels of sexual desire only to lose interest due to the negative effects of physical, emotional, relationship, sexual and situational factors known as ‘desire inhibitors’.
By reducing or eliminating these inhibiting factors, libido can be boosted in these women. Common inhibitors of desire include fatigue, stress, depression, relationship problems and dissatisfying sexual activity. One of the best courses of action to overcome secondary inhibited sexual desire is to attend relationship counseling. After all, if you don’t like your partner why would you want to have sex with him?
What treatments are available for Lowered Libido?
Here is some great advice from Narelle Stegehuis ND, Leading Naturopath, Researcher, Health Consultant and Founder of Mass Attack. www.massattack.com.au
Firstly I have seen it all, over 10 years of treating and curing women with hormonal imbalances and neurotransmitter weaknesses.
I have treated hundreds of women who suffer from low libido ranging from early 20’s through to post menopause. Many of these women have dealt with this problem over a long period of time, often being told that there was nothing that could be done. Well ladies, there is!
“Symptoms like low libido are your body’s way of telling you there is a problem, ignoring them are not valuing yourself, as a woman or a lover”.
Establishing why you have a lowered sexual desire is the first place to start.
There are a number of options available to you for treatment, being a naturopath I believe strongly the importance of not masking symptoms but looking for the reasons why you feel that way. I then put in place a detailed treatment plan taking into consideration all the facets of your life, history, diet, lifestyle and hormone levels in your body. Also vital is ongoing individual support to get this back on track again.
Here are my steps to increasing your libido naturally
Step 1. Identify what factors and causes are contributing to your low libido.
Step 2. Change your diet to support healthy neurotransmitter and hormonal balance to increase libido.
Step 3. Implement a targeted nutritional treatment plan specifically tailored to your biochemical profile. To support healthy libido.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to improve oestrogen , testosterone, progesterone and adrenal hormone balance.
Step 5. Access a professional support network that will guide and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices that contribute to your low libido.
While individual results will vary, most women will report significant improvement in libido in 6 to 8 weeks, with improvement in their associated symptoms in the first 2 to 4 weeks.
If you want to take action you can make these small improvements in the right places that improve your health and consequently improve your libido. Even better, you may even lose weight naturally in the process!
Research supports that without guided professional support 82% of women give up on implementing health changing programs. Which is why it is important to seek the guidance and support of a qualified health professional who can help and support you to overcome any obstacles that come your way, and remember they will have the years of experience to pull you through!
By applying my recommendations you will short-cut your success and enhance your chance of romance.
The best approach for you:
Salivary hormone test kits are a non-invasive way to assess hormone levels and function within the body - via analysis of a saliva sample and are available through registered practitioners.
The hormones tested provide information about the levels of the bio-available hormones that are active within your body. This information when considered in conjunction with other diagnosis techniques provides valuable information to evaluate the underlying causes of your low libido.
Secondary inhibited sexual desire
Other women enjoy significant levels of sexual desire only to lose interest due to the negative effects of physical, emotional, relationship, sexual and situational factors known as ‘desire inhibitors’.
By reducing or eliminating these inhibiting factors, libido can be boosted in these women. Common inhibitors of desire include fatigue, stress, depression, relationship problems and dissatisfying sexual activity. One of the best courses of action to overcome secondary inhibited sexual desire is to attend relationship counseling. After all, if you don’t like your partner why would you want to have sex with him?
What treatments are available for Lowered Libido?
Here is some great advice from Narelle Stegehuis ND, Leading Naturopath, Researcher, Health Consultant and Founder of Mass Attack. www.massattack.com.au
Firstly I have seen it all, over 10 years of treating and curing women with hormonal imbalances and neurotransmitter weaknesses.
I have treated hundreds of women who suffer from low libido ranging from early 20’s through to post menopause. Many of these women have dealt with this problem over a long period of time, often being told that there was nothing that could be done. Well ladies, there is!
“Symptoms like low libido are your body’s way of telling you there is a problem, ignoring them are not valuing yourself, as a woman or a lover”.
Establishing why you have a lowered sexual desire is the first place to start.
There are a number of options available to you for treatment, being a naturopath I believe strongly the importance of not masking symptoms but looking for the reasons why you feel that way. I then put in place a detailed treatment plan taking into consideration all the facets of your life, history, diet, lifestyle and hormone levels in your body. Also vital is ongoing individual support to get this back on track again.
Here are my steps to increasing your libido naturally
Step 1. Identify what factors and causes are contributing to your low libido.
Step 2. Change your diet to support healthy neurotransmitter and hormonal balance to increase libido.
Step 3. Implement a targeted nutritional treatment plan specifically tailored to your biochemical profile. To support healthy libido.
Step 4. Introduce targeted natural remedies to improve oestrogen , testosterone, progesterone and adrenal hormone balance.
Step 5. Access a professional support network that will guide and help you to change unhealthy lifestyle choices that contribute to your low libido.
While individual results will vary, most women will report significant improvement in libido in 6 to 8 weeks, with improvement in their associated symptoms in the first 2 to 4 weeks.
If you want to take action you can make these small improvements in the right places that improve your health and consequently improve your libido. Even better, you may even lose weight naturally in the process!
Research supports that without guided professional support 82% of women give up on implementing health changing programs. Which is why it is important to seek the guidance and support of a qualified health professional who can help and support you to overcome any obstacles that come your way, and remember they will have the years of experience to pull you through!
By applying my recommendations you will short-cut your success and enhance your chance of romance.
The best approach for you:
- Book in your FREE Online Naturopathic Review.
- Commit yourself to a comprehensive natural program with me that will include vitamins, herbs and minerals specifically chosen for you to balance your hormones and improve your libido.
- Make use of our support network made up of fully registered and accredited health professionals.
So many women have joined my natural program and been successful. The key is to learn the truth about hormones and the truth about the foods that can work against your libido and weight loss efforts.
Give me a call 1300 133 536 or visit my website www.massattack.com.au to get started!
Give me a call 1300 133 536 or visit my website www.massattack.com.au to get started!
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