Melanie Parker Naturopath at Luminous Health

08/12/2023

Chromosomal abnormalities were thought to cause around half of miscarriages, but a new genetic analysis technique puts the figure at nearer two-thirds for early miscarriages, with the remaining third probably also due to factors that are out of our control

11/08/2023

Bright and early for 3 days. Every year I refresh my knowledge with post graduate training with a group of experts in all things Women's Health and Fertility.

28/07/2023

"I feel like I've been hit by a tired truck every day."

"My periods are all over the place! It's like a surprise every month!"

"The hot flushes come from nowhere!"

"I’m so angry, all the time!”

Do these sound familiar?

These are just some of the concerns I hear from women in my naturopath clinic when dealing with perimenopause
This transitional phase can be a complex and sometimes challenging experience, however armed with the right knowledge and a holistic approach, we can embrace this journey with grace and vitality.
https://luminoushealth.com.au/health-articles/understanding-perimenopause-symptoms-causes-and-treatments/

27/01/2023

I talk poo all day. No smart comments on that one please 😉
Did you know though that there is such a thing as a perfect poo?

Well .....at least an optimal type of poo for good health?
Ever wondered….., is yours normal?
https://luminoushealth.com.au/health-articles/perfect-poo/

23/01/2023

Bitter tonics are herbs that fire up the digestive process at multiple stages of the gastrointestinal tract to improve the ability to break down and absorb nutrients from food. Gut health is a strong determinant of health and naturopaths and herbalists consider bitters to have a tonic effect on the body.

Stimulating the receptors in the taste buds at the back of the tongue, bitters trigger a cascade effect that strengthens upper digestive function, particularly in the stomach, liver and pancreas.

Herbal bitters stimulate the secretion of saliva and prepare the stomach for digestion by increasing production of hydrochloric acid and gastrin. These substances improve the breakdown of foods and aid motility, the movement of partially digested food through the gut. Bitter herbs also increase production of bile by the liver and pancreatic enzymes, supporting fat and protein digestion.

Healthy upper digestive function is important for maintaining good health and preventing disease.

Signs of poor digestion include reflux, discomfort after meals, bloating, flatulence, changes in bowel habits, and undigested food particles in stools. Food intolerances and allergies are also associated with poor protein digestion.

If you’ve lost your appetite or your digestion is sluggish, contact your natural healthcare practitioner to discuss the benefits of bitters, or find a herbal practitioner by visiting: https://mediherb.com.au/find-a-practitioner.aspx
Bone K, Mills S. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013. p. 39-42, 193-4.

20/12/2022

Feeling overwhelmed this Christmas? Take a breather and try some of my tips to keep your cool this Festive Season.
https://luminoushealth.com.au/health-articles/tips-and-tricks-to-stay-calm-and-relaxed-during-the-festive-season/?fbclid=IwAR3oyQOkqBfvmWJM50geEtdgs7w4B9ryNZEn-3Isw4lDNl2ptBNxJjvA_Jo

11/08/2022

Some of my favourite herbs

Herbs to support mild anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, with one in four people having suffered from the condition.[1]

Most people have had the experience of anxiety, which often presents initially as an acute set of symptoms, such as a racing heart, restlessness, feeling tense and edgy, or catastrophic thinking.[1]

There are many herbal options that may help to bring about a relaxing effect and may help to reduce tension, both physical and mental.

🌿 Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a relaxing herb that reduces tension in the nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract. This may be helpful for those who often experience nervous diarrhoea or ‘butterflies in the stomach’.[2] It is also a mild sedative herb.

🌿 Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – ever get those thoughts that go round and round in your mind, especially when you’re trying to get to sleep? Passionflower may help as it calms the mind, relaxes nervous tension and is a mild sedative to induce sleep.[2]

🌿 Kava (Piper methysticum) – a native to the Pacific region, kava is used in social ceremonies and gatherings, promotes a state of calm and relaxes muscles. A good option for social anxiety and also for insomnia, it is a relaxing and mildly sedative herb.[2]

🌿 Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) – Lavender with its floral scent, elicits a pleasant calming and mood-lifting effect. It is helpful for tension headaches, anxiety and tension in the digestive system which may lead to intestinal colic.[2]

🌿 Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)– a nourishing herb for restoring nervous system health. It has calming and fortifying effect on the nervous system, especially for those people who are excitable and irritable when confronted with nervous tension.[2]

To find a practitioner to support your symptoms of mild anxiety, follow the link in our bio.

References in the comments.

06/06/2022

Our sleep environment plays a crucial role that either allows us to surrender to sleep or sabotages our natural biological rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. 😴

Follow these steps for creating a space more encouraging of sleep and contentment. 🛏️💤

01/04/2022

To all mushroom lovers, we understand how frustrating it is when you have to stay away from essentially all mushrooms when cooking. Luckily, there is currently one type of mushroom that is very low in FODMAPs, the oyster mushroom!

Unlike button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms have an oblong shape that resembles an oyster's appearance, hence the interesting name. It has a subtle savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness, and its tender and soft texture nevertheless make it a great addition to stir-fry dishes. Oyster mushrooms are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so be sure to pop them on your low FODMAP shopping list!

Not sure how to start putting oyster mushrooms onto your dinner plate? Why not check out our 'Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce & Rice Noodles' recipe to get started? Link below!
https://www.monashfodmap.com/recipe/stir-fried-beef-oyster-sauce-rice-noodles/

01/04/2022

Eating for immune health 🍽️ starts with making a habit of eating a healthy, balanced diet to nourish your immune system and overall wellbeing. 🥰⁣
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As there are many nutrients involved with normal immune system functioning, ensure you’re eating a variety of whole foods, close to their natural state – vegetables, fruits, lean sources of protein, beans and legumes, whole grains and healthy fats. Fibre will help to keep your gastrointestinal tract and its resident microbiota happy – critical for optimal immune function and your overall health. 🌱⁣
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And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! For your immune system to benefit from the nourishing nutrients you’re eating, they need to be transported around your body via your blood stream – which is mostly water. Drinking enough water helps deliver nutrients where they need to go. 🚰⁣

31/03/2022

Quercetin is a natural plant pigment, known for its antioxidant activity. This nifty nutrient is highly praised for its immune-supportive properties. It’s present in many fruits, vegetables and grains – as well as red wine and tea. Which of these quercetin-rich foods do you eat often?