Brandi Crouch Naturopathy

13/09/2023

Stress and your hormones

Almost three quarters of Australians say that stress is impacting their physical health, according to a study by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Chronic stress can lead to changes in various hormones levels and can result in disorders of the adrenals and thyroid, according to a recent study.

The joint Green & Saudi study found prolonged stress leads to decreased levels of thyroid hormones and suppressed function of the thyroid gland.

Both the thyroid and adrenal glands can be impaired by chronic stress and can lead to low libido, fertility problems, menstrual cycle irregularities, ‘brain fog’, fatigue, muscular weakness, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, anxiety, sluggish digestive function and cardiovascular irregularities.

The role of diet
Diet and lifestyle are pivotal to your hormonal health, particularly the thyroid and adrenals.

A diet low in nutrient-rich foods, especially iodine and selenium, which are trace minerals important for thyroid function, increases the risk for thyroid disorders.

Your thyroid needs both selenium and iodine to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones. Selenium is particularly important because it helps to control glutathione – an antioxidant that normally controls inflammation and fights oxidative stress.

Foods that can help support thyroid and adrenal health include:
Fish - Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids - Salmon, mackerel and sardines - are important for hormone balance and thyroid function, helping to support a healthy mood and immune system.
Seaweeds – Some of the best natural sources of iodine, these help prevent deficiencies which disturb thyroid function and should appear in your weekly hypothyroidism diet. Kelp, nori and dulse are the best choices. Look for dried varieties at health food stores to use in soups, salads, with tuna or in fish cakes.
Sprouted Seeds – Flax, h**p and chia seeds provide ALA, a type of omega-3 fat that can help with normal hormonal balance and thyroid function.

Supportive herbs
Stress can be a major factor in how efficiently the thyroid works. During times of stress, the thyroid slows, making it harder to eliminate excess weight, sometimes even prompting weight gain.

Rhodiola and Rehmannia have been traditionally used to help with stress and maintaining hormone function, particularly the adrenal glands.

Rhodiola is an herb that supports the adrenal glands and helps the body deal with stress in a healthy way, supporting thyroid function.
Rehmannia has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to restore energy. Rehmannia helps to protect and support the adrenal glands during times of stress.

Dial down your stress
Stress impacts your hormones and can raise levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which disturbs neurotransmitter function and worsens symptoms of thyroid disease.

Exercise and stress-relieving activities, like yoga and meditation, are important ways to reduce stress and keep your hormones on track. Regular exercise along with good nutritional support can help to reduce the hormonal stress response, according to a study by the University of North Carolina.

Speak to your naturopath about diet, lifestyle, testing and potential supplements that might be helpful for you.

12/06/2023

I've had a lot of requests where to shop for organic, spray free, pesticide-free, chemical-free, non-GMO food that does not involve the huge corporate supermarket chains, but instead go straight from the farmers - paddock to plate ❤️. If your food products have numbers that read like a book, then you need to look deeper and re-think what you're eating. Instead choose produce that is grown by families for families without all the nasties. Share the passion. Food is Medicine!

Growing and making the best chemical-free food is hard work! We love and appreciate all our amazing farmers and food makers. You can read about some of them here.

19/04/2023

More and more reason to grow your own vegetables using heirlooms seeds

28/03/2023

We are currently recruiting participants who may like to be involved in this study. Please message me direct if you are interested.

08/11/2022

Wake up a tired sluggish liver by giving this supreme organ of metabolism an early morning boost with a hit of lemon or lime.... 🍋🍋

First thing on waking, squeeze half a lemon/lime in a tall glass of filtered water (I love mine with ice and sometimes mint, so freshing!!). Sip and enjoy. Have 2 big glasses for best effect & wait 15 minutes before drinking tea, coffee or eating breakfast. Your liver will thank you. ❤️

08/11/2022

Most women over 35 years start to experience 'change of life' symptoms that can last anywhere between 2 - 12 years. This phase of life for a women is known as perimenopause or 'second puberty' and is its now shown that is it not about ageing but instead about rewiring the brain, with the symptoms of perimenopause largely being neurological in nature, and losing the hormone progesterone during this 'change of life' can have a big effect on the brain.

16/10/2022

It is exciting to get back to face-to-face learning, while attending the Navigating Neural Networks Symposium in Brisbane City this weekend.

I'm busy learning clinical significance of neural inflammation (or brain inflammation) and its relevance with neuronal damage/degeneration, poor regulations of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, depression, anxiety disorders, and autism.

The brain/gut/immune system relationship is so very important.

More to come.......

25/05/2022

Sleep deprivation and the HPA axis.

Sleep is never overrated! We all know that sleep is needed so we can function effectively in every part of our daily lives, but is there a reason why one person's sleep cycle is affected more than the other?

Research has linked sleep disorders to an over stimulation of the HPA axis, leading to increased awakening and sleeplessness. The HPA axis is the functional relationship of the hypothalamus - pituitary - adrenal triad. Those individuals with an over-production of adrenal hormone ACTH and cortisol secretion create an increase in pro inflammatory cytokines (key proteins that modulate inflammation), which in turn create excessive daytime sleepiness. This repeated interaction and disturbance between the HPA axis and inflammatory cytokines play a key role in disrupting overall quality of sleep and rest.

18/04/2022

Did you know that certain probiotics help to alter and improve the intestinal microbiota (microorganisms) environment in the gut. An imbalanced microbiota is linked to a host of health complaints such as lowered immunity, infection, allergies, gut inflammation, and poor nutrient absorption and obesity

Studies found that single lactobacillus & mixed probiotics have beneficial effects on reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (intra-abdominal fat located around internal organs) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (which commonly accumulates around the tummy). Single bifidobacterium reduces the effect of VAT only.

11/04/2022

Have you considered PEA for pain and inflammation?

PEA (or Palmitoylethanolamide), is a endocannabinoids and is a naturally forming fatty acid in the body, as an effective modulator of inflammation and chronic and/or nerve pain.

Did you know that in 1943 ‘egg nog’ was used to treat inflammation. Some might say it was from the alcohol component but interesting enough, lipids in egg yolk was found to have anti-inflammatory properties. In 1957 PEA was isolated as a mechanism that help reduce inflammation in the body in acute conditions. In 1973, PEA was widely used in Europe to treat influenza symptoms such as sore throat, fever, headache, respiratory disorders, and rheumatic fever.

Our body reduces the amount of PEA it produces when it is a constant state of inflammation. Always remembering that diet is important to enhance natural levels.

Clinical studies show PEA is effective for conditions such as lumbosciatica, carpel tunnel syndrome, lumbar stenosis, low back nerve pain, jaw joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Other current research is showing beneficial effects PEA has on peripheral neuropathy, infection/flu, allergies, burns, cuts, psoriasis, neurological disorders, auto-immune disease, diabetes/cardiovascular disease, stress, anxiety, epilepsy, drug addiction withdrawal and migraine.

17/02/2022

When you think of Chamomile, what comes to mind?

Also known as Matricaria recutita; Chamomile is great for sleep disturbances, anxiety and restlessness, but did you know this little treasure trove can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, digestion issues, gastro-oesophaeal reflux, flatulence, food sensitivities, teething and infantile colic, and topically for dermatitis, and mouth ulcers.

07/02/2022

Suffering a combination of joint pain, mood and sleep dysregulation is common. Sleep, soreness and mood disturbances are closely linked for people with even mild joint pain.

The herb Withania Somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry, is known for its adaptogenic properties. An adaptogen helps the body increase it's resistance to physical, environmental, emotional or biological stressors.

Studies have found that Withania helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatism, helps stabilise mood and helps improve sleep onset delay, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality.

24/01/2022

Swiss data has shown that Vitamin D (a fat soluble vitamin) is a important "front runner" in helping prevent severe symptoms in viral respiratory illness and also reduce transmission virulence by reducing the expression of ACE2 protein receptors on the surface of your cells.

Studies recommend a daily doses of 10,000IU for as long as it takes to reach optimal levels, followed by 5,000IU/day to maintain sufficient levels for protection against viral infection*

*NOTE: Certain underlying medical conditions may prevent you from taking high levels of vitamin D. It is highly recommended you seek professional health advice prior to self supplementation.

17/01/2022

Blog: https://tinyurl.com/738k7uda

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in neurological and hematological functions. The majority of bodily cells require vitamin B12, especially ones that undergo rapid turnover like red blood cells (RBC). Vitamin B12 is also involved in DNA synthesis and methylation of RNA, as well as Phase I detoxification. Perhaps one of its most important roles is in relationship to the nervous system and its need for the formation of the myelin sheath, which is found around nerve cells. In fact, long-term vitamin B12 deficiency-induced neuropathy can damage nerve cells to the point of irreversible neurologic damage.

Blog Highlights:
• What food sources are rich in vitamin B12?
• Absorption considerations
• Bodily storage
• What happens with a vitamin B12 deficiency?
• Diagnosing deficiency
• Physical signs and symptoms of deficiency
• How much vitamin B12 is recommended?
• When to take and what to take it with?

16/01/2022

When was the last time you ate beetroot?

Not only is beetroot delicious, is it so very good for you.

The bioactive properties of beetroot include betaine, polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins & betalains (what gives beetroot is vibrant colour).

All these cool things ☝️translate into beetroots pack a punch of chemoprotective, anti-inflammatory & antioxidant qualities, plus helping your liver by assisting the phase II detoxification process.

Beetroots go great in salads raw (grated) or cooked. Bag or grow some beetroot today ♥️

15/01/2022

Mark is great. He gives you plenty of hints and tips to start growing your own organic vegetables using large garden beds or like this tute......growing potatoes in a cardboard box ❤

15/01/2022

Thyme, one of my favourite herbs ♥️

In herbal medicine both the leaf & flower are used for remedies to help with acute & chronic respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, cough, nasopharyngeal catarrh (mucus build up in an airway/cavity), common cold etc.