NatureAid

19/06/2023

Basic recommendations on boosting our immune system this winter ❄️🤧🌨

01/03/2023

Finding the right type of Magnesium can be often overwhelming. Save this post and save yourself from the hassle of finding the right type of Mg.

01/03/2023

Role of liver in our body.

Liver is the largest detoxifying organ in our body and has astonishing ability to rebuild itself within short span of time. However, the Western diet and lifestyle can often put a burden on our liver which often is phrased as sluggish liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver.

02/03/2022

19/02/2022

Connection between Viruses and autoimmune disorders

13/01/2022

Do you suffer from any of these symptoms? You may be suffering from acid reflux.
There are more ways in treating Reflux that antacids/PPI.
These medications reduce stomach acidity, reduce the absorption of nutrients and can have chronic side effects.

22/12/2021

What is your gut feeling?

Current Science and medical studies are naming our digestive system, body’s second brain. The hidden walls of our digestive system has shown to be responsible for our mood, health and overall thinking. This second brain is nothing but our Enteric Nervous System (ENS). The ENS is constructed of two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells 🤯in the lining of gastrointestinal tract from oesophagus to re**um.

The ENS is mainly responsible in controlling digestion which, is initiated from swallowing (releasing enzymes to break down foods) and controlling blood flow for absorption and elimination of nutrients.

Hidden in the walls of our digestive system, science has found a revolutionising link between our gut brain and our digestion, mood, health and even the way we think.

Scientists call this little brain the enteric nervous system (ENS). And it’s not so little.

Recent studies indicate, our second brain (ENS) is constantly communicating with our big brain 🧠 and showing profound results.
Individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel problems may experience a vast emotional shifts possibly caused by the Enteric Nervous system. For many years science believed that depression and anxiety contributed to these health problems. However, recent studies conducted by John Hopkins university show that this theory may be vice versa.

These newly found studies indicate that discomfort in the GIT may send signals to the Central Nervous system hence, prompting mood changes. This may be an evident to higher rate of anxiety and depression amongst people with IBS and functional bowel problems. Moreover, these evidences have shown the ENS affecting our metabolism and becoming an underlying cause to many inflammatory diseases such as diabetes. The signalling is conducted via the gut hormones and microbiota (bacteria living in the gut).

Keep an eye 👀 for next post as I will be talking of ways stimulating our Enteric Nervous system in order to reduce inflammation and improve overall health ❤

21/10/2021

Androgen is a group of hormones that mainly influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system. The predominant and most active androgen is testosterone, which is produced by the male te**es. The other androgens, which support the functions of testosterone, are produced mainly by the adrenal cortex (the outer portion of the adrenal glands) only in small quantities.

The adrenal production of androgens plays an important role to several physiological processes. Some of the adrenal androgens such as, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA sulfate) can be converted to testosterone in other tissues.

Androgens also are necessary for the formation of s***m cells and for the maintenance of sexual interest and behaviour.

Androgens have numerous effects on the male body.
• The growth of p***c hair, facial and chest hair and the regression of scalp hair, or baldness, are influenced by androgens.
• During adolescence, androgens lengthen and thicken the male vocal cords, causing voice deepening
• Enhance bone growth
• Increase the quantity and thickness of muscle fibres.
• stimulate the kidney weight and size,
• affect the increase of protein in bone tissue
• enhance regeneration of red blood cells (erythrocytes)
• play a role in the presence of pigments in the skin,
• increase and influence the activity of sweat and sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.

Ways to improve quality and quantity of androgen in male:
1. Exercise and lifting weights
Studies have shown regular exercise can increase overall testosterone levels in males. Moreover, resistance training is an ideal type of exercise to enhance testosterone levels in both the long and short-term. (PMID: 22234399, PMID: 15204068)

2. Eat protein and good quality fat
Overeating contributes to weight gain and ultimately disrupting testosterone levels. Consuming enough protein has shown to help with weight loss and maintaining healthy testosterone levels. (PMID: 14988451)
Moreover, consumption of sufficient healthy fats can be beneficial in production and maintenance of healthy testosterone. (PMID: 23472458) Hormone production and maintenance is highly dependent on good quality fats (specifically omega-3 fat), which aid in the rebuilding of cells and stabilization of hormones.

3. Reduce Stress and Cortisol levels
Studies have shown chronic stress can increase cortisol level and subsequently decrease and have a negative impact on testosterone levels. (PMID: 17869482) certain herbs such as adaptogens can lower the total testosterone levels by clocking over production of cortisol hormones in the body.

4. Optimise vitamin D levels
Vitamin D has become one of the most important and abandon nutrients in the body. Recent studies have shown daily intake of vitamin D in adults can act as natural testosterone booster by up to 25%. PMID: 21242800, 21154195, 20050857) However, it is important to check your vitamin D levels before supplementing.

02/10/2021

SIBO
Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth.
Every year more people start experiencing digestive issues and majority of those fall under the umbrella of Gut dysbiosis. However, SIBO is one of the top gut dysbiosis problems that often is overlooked and can have serious health affects if its left untreated.

23/09/2021

The recent data has shown that the average number of children being diagnosed with autism have dramatically increased since the 1980’s. The reviews of epidemiology has estimated the global prevalence of autism is two cases per 2000 people, and six per 1000 people have Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).



The current studies indicate the prevalence of iron, vitamin D deficiency and anaemia are higher in compared to control groups. The findings advocate for serum ferritin levels to be monitored in every case of autism as a baseline investigation.



Iron deficiency has shown to reduce the processes of myelin formation (sheath that forms around nerves of brain and spinal cord) and neurotransmitter metabolism as well as affecting the energy production in the brain. These impairments have been thought to alter and cause delays in cognitive and behavioural developments in children.



As a naturopath I have seen great improvement treating ASD children with low ferritin levels with Iron supplementation. In matter of a month, the parents have reported significant changes in the child’s behaviour and overall cognition.



Symptoms associated with Iron deficiency in children:

· Pale skin

· Irritability or fussiness

· Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)

· Fast heart beat

· Sore or swollen tongue

· Enlarged spleen

· Wanting to eat odd substances, such as dirt or ice (also called pica)



Always investigate (blood test) the iron level before supplementing as it can compete and interfere with absorption of other nutrients.