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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Naturopathic Health Care Centre

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Naturopathic Health Care Centre

Homeopathic & Chiropractic Practice in Hazelwood
We aim to share information about alternative and complementary medicine

11/12/2025

Metabolic syndrome is the body's way of saying that it is struggling to handle its energy and inflammation properly and is characterized by the presence of high blood pressure, high blood sugar or insulin, high triglycerides or cholesterol, and high weight.

There is a strong, well-studied link between hormonal changes in perimenopause and the development of metabolic syndrome. In fact, perimenopause is one of the times in a woman’s life where metabolic risk increases the fastest—even if lifestyle hasn’t changed.

1. Progesterone falls and leads to higher Cortisol & Blood Sugar Instability

Perimenopause begins with progesterone dropping first, long before estrogen becomes low.
Low progesterone leads to:
- poor sleep
- higher nighttime cortisol
- blood sugar swings
- increased hunger
- anxiety (drives emotional eating)
Cortisol increases insulin resistance, especially around the abdomen.

2. Estrogen fluctuates during peri menopause and this leads to insulin resistance and belly fat

Estrogen has a powerful effect on metabolic health.
Healthy estrogen levels help:
- keep insulin sensitivity high
- protect against belly fat
- maintain healthy cholesterol
- reduce inflammation

During perimenopause, estrogen becomes chaotic—high some days, low other days.
Low estrogen periods cause:
- reduced insulin sensitivity
- increased visceral fat storage
- higher fasting glucose
- higher triglycerides
- impaired muscle uptake of glucose

High estrogen spikes can cause:
- cravings
- fluid retention
- inflammation

3. Loss of estrogen’s protection leads to more belly fat

Once estrogen drops more consistently, the body shifts its fat storage pattern from hips and thighs to abdomen (visceral fat)

Visceral fat behaves like an endocrine organ:
- releases inflammatory cytokines
- worsens insulin resistance
- raises blood pressure

4. Perimenopause causes muscle loss (Sarcopenia)

Your ability to regulate glucose depends heavily on muscle mass.
Hormonal changes accelerate:
- loss of lean mass
- decreased resting metabolic rate
- reduced glucose disposal
- more fat gain from the same calories as before

Even women with stable eating habits start gaining weight.

5. Poor sleep can lead to metabolic dysfunction

Perimenopause disrupts sleep through:
- night sweats
- anxiety
- cortisol spikes
- insomnia

Just 1–2 nights of poor sleep increases:
- insulin resistance
- hunger (ghrelin goes up)
- carb cravings
- blood sugar instability

6. Thyroid sensitivity drops

Estrogen changes affect:
- thyroid hormone transport
- peripheral conversion of T4 → T3
- resting metabolism

Women may appear "normal" on basic thyroid tests but still experience metabolic slowdown.

05/12/2025

Eczema or Staph infection? Most probably both!

Imagine your skin is supposed to be a nice, secure apartment block — neat bricks, strong cement, good security at the gate.

Now imagine you have eczema.
Suddenly your skin wall looks like a cheap building held together with expired glue. The bricks have gaps, the wind whistles through, and the security guard is asleep.

This is called:

Leaky Skin / Broken Skin Barrier

“Come on in, bacteria, irritants, allergens — the door’s wide open!”

Eczema usually shows up first, and because your skin barrier is about as protective as a wet paper towel, along marches…

Enter Staph Aureus: The Uninvited Tenant

Staph is that rude neighbour who:

moves in without permission

throws parties at 2 a.m.

eats all your snacks

doesn’t pay rent

And worst of all…
it brings its friends.
Like toxins that cause extra redness, itching, and drama.

This creates a toxic cycle worse than your ex:
Eczema → broken skin → Staph moves in → inflammation → more itching → more scratching → even more cracks → Staph celebrates.

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24/11/2025

Movember at NAHCC

We're excited to invite you to our Men’s Wellness Day on Saturday, 29 November - a morning dedicated to prostate health, hormone balance, and overall wellbeing.

What to expect:
1. Prostate screening: a quick finger-prick blood test (promise, nothing scary!) - results in just 15 minutes
2. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Screening
3. Clear explanation of your results + guidance on possible next steps

It’s time to take charge of your health — because prevention starts with awareness. 💪

📍 Naturopathic Healthcare Centre
⏰ Saturday, 29 November | 08:00–11:00

22/11/2025

Something’s growing this Movember… and it’s not just the moustache 👀✨

We’re putting together something meaningful for the men in our community — a little reminder that your health matters, your story matters, and looking after yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.

Keep an eye out… something special is on the way.
Your wellness deserves this.

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21/11/2025

New mommies go through so many changes and they can develop quite a few conditions that go hand in hand with those changes.
Today, Dr Marike and Dr Marethe are discussing some of those common conditions and shedding a light on how Homeopaths and Chiropractors can assist postpartum moms.

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19/11/2025

Your brain actually has its own little “clean-up crew,” made up of special immune cells called microglia and a rinse-and-refresh network known as the glymphatic system.
During the day, your brain is busy thinking, planning, stressing, remembering, and generally running the show—so there’s not much time for housework. But at night, especially during deep sleep, the brain’s cleaning team clocks in.
The spaces between brain cells open up, allowing fluid to wash through and carry away waste chemicals, old proteins, and “mental dust” that builds up from simply being alive.
When you sleep well, this system works beautifully—like giving your brain a long, soothing shower.

But if you don’t sleep enough, the brain struggles to detox. Waste builds up, microglia get grumpy and overworked, and everything starts feeling foggy and sluggish.
You might notice forgetfulness, irritability, difficulty focusing, or that “I’m running on fumes” feeling. Over the long term, poor brain detox can contribute to inflammation, mood disturbances, memory problems, and even speed up the aging of your brain. So think of good sleep as your brain’s nightly spa appointment—skip it too often, and the mess piles up.

Give your brain its rest, and it will reward you with clarity, energy, and a much happier you.

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14/11/2025

This month is Movember — and that means it’s all about men’s health 💪

Movember is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about the key health challenges men face, including:
✅ Prostate cancer
✅ Testicular cancer
✅ Mental health

It’s a reminder for men everywhere to check in — on their health, their mates, and themselves.

Throughout November, we’ll be sharing insights, tips, and conversations to help men take charge of their wellbeing.

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10/11/2025

Quick calm hack: massage your ears to soothe your vagus nerve and shift into relaxation mode.

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04/11/2025

We're back with a New Mom Q&A Guide. Today we're focusing on Colic.

Q: What is baby colic?
A: Colic is when a healthy baby cries intensely and frequently for no clear reason. It is defined as
crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or more (‘the rule of
threes’).

Q: Is colic normal?
A: Yes, colic is very common and usually normal. It affects many babies between 2–12 weeks of
age and typically improves by 3–4 months.

Q: What causes colic?
A: The exact cause is not known, but possible reasons include: an immature digestive system,
trapped gas, overstimulation, or the baby’s temperament.

Q: How do I know if my baby has colic?
A: You might suspect colic if your baby cries for long periods, especially in the late afternoon or
Evening. When baby cries loudly, pulls up legs, clenches fists, or goes red in the face, but is otherwise healthy and
feeds well.

Q: What’s the difference between colic and reflux?
A: Colic usually happens in the evening and isn’t linked to feeding. Reflux often happens during or
after feeds, with spitting up or arching of the back. Babies with reflux may refuse feeds or gain
weight slowly, while colicky babies feed normally and gain weight.

Q: What can I do to soothe a colicky baby?
A: Hold baby upright, use gentle rocking or white noise, try a warm bath or tummy massage, use
skin-to-skin contact, and feed calmly while burping often.

Q: What should I avoid if my baby has colic?
A: Avoid overfeeding, fast-flow teats, overstimulation, caffeine or spicy foods (if breastfeeding), cabbage, onions and beans. Also
cigarette smoke.

Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If your baby vomits forcefully, has diarrhoea or blood in the stool, a fever, refuses feeds, or isn’t
gaining weight.

Q: How long does colic last?
A: Most babies improve by 3 months and grow out of colic by 4–6 months.

Q: How can I cope as a parent?
A: Take breaks when needed, ask for help, and remind yourself that colic is temporary and not your

31/10/2025

4 Essential Blood Tests Every Man Should Do
Because prevention is better than cure.

Your blood tells a story — here’s what every man should know to stay ahead of silent health risks.

Testosterone & Hormonal Balance
Why it matters:
Low testosterone affects energy, mood, muscle mass, and libido.
What to test:
-Total & Free Testosterone
-SHBG (S*x Hormone-Binding Globulin)
-LH, FSH, and Estradiol for full picture

Tip: Check annually after age 30 or if you feel constantly tired, unmotivated, or gaining fat easily.

Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health
Why it matters:
Heart disease and diabetes often show no early symptoms.
What to test:
-Fasting Glucose or HbA1c
-Cholesterol (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)
-hs-CRP (inflammation marker)

Liver & Kidney Health
What to test:
-ALT, AST, GGT (liver enzymes)
-Creatinine, eGFR (kidney function)
-Vitamin D & Iron Status
Vitamin D: for testosterone, immune & bone health
Ferritin: for energy, oxygen delivery, and recovery

A simple blood test today can prevent complex problems tomorrow.

29/10/2025

Welcome back to our New Mom Q&A series. Today, we'll take a look at sleep.

Q: How much should my newborn baby sleep?
A:Newborns sleep 12–17 hours a day, but in short stretches of 2–4 hours at a time.

Q: How can I help my baby sleep longer?
A: Keep nights dark and quiet and days bright and active.
A consistent bedtime routine helps — and stays important throughout childhood.

Q: What’s the safest sleep position?
A: • Always place baby on their back, in a crib on a firm mattress.
• No pillows, loose bedding, or toys in the sleep space.
• Alternate the direction your baby’s head faces each night to prevent flat spots.
• Tummy time is essential when baby is awake during the day.

Q: At what age should a baby sleep through the night?
A: “Sleeping through” means baby can self-soothe and fall back asleep, not that they never wake up. Encourage gentle self-soothing.
• Newborns (0–3 months): wake every 2–4 hours.
• 6 months: many can sleep 6–8 hours without feeding.
• 12 months: most babies sleep 10–12 hours without feeding.

Q: Do babies dream?
A: Yes. Babies probably dream from an early age — but instead of stories or people, their dreams are likely sensory experiences like warmth, sound, touch and light.

Q: When do babies start getting nightmares?
A: Nightmares usually begin around 2–3 years old, when imagination develops.
It is a normal part of growth and tend to happen during REM sleep, often in the early morning hours.

Q: When can my baby sleep in their own room?
A: • It is safest to room-share (same room, separate crib) for the first 6 months.
• If baby sleeps well and you’re comfortable, you can move them after 6 months.
• Moving earlier is also fine if it helps everyone rest better — just ensure a safe sleep environment (firm mattress, no blankets, bumpers, or toys).

16/10/2025

Happy World Spine Day everyone!

Today Dr Marlo, Dr Marethe and Sr Alida visited Laerskool Pretoria Oos to do some Scoliosis screenings on some of the children.

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Address

13 Hazelwood Street, Hazelwood
Pretoria
0081

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00

Website

http://naturopathic.bookem.com/, https://mychirodoc.co.za/booking/, https://naturopathic.co.za/

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Our beginning...

We have opened The Naturopathic Centre, based in Pretoria, in memory of Dr Michael Levien. This truly remarkable man and homeopath dedicated his life’s work to the health and wellness of all living creatures. Dr Levien went to India to study Homoeopathy and there, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains is where his dream was born. In order to fulfill this dream, he enrolled with Lindlahr College to formally study Homoeopathy, Osteopathy and Naturopathy. He succeeded in completing the course rapidly and with relative ease, where others struggled. Dr. Levien continued to follow his life’s calling by starting a practice in 1960 and earned a reputation for being a responsible and knowledgeable practitioner. He was well respected by his colleagues, who regularly consulted him for his insight in order to solve difficult cases. This naturally led to discussions about where medicines may be potentially sourced from. Dr. Levien recognised that he was able to extend his vision for healing by serving this need for the manufacturing and distributing of good quality medicines.

Since 1966, Natura Laboratory has been manufacturing and distributing homoeopathic and phytotherapeutic medicines in South Africa. From its humble conception, Natura has continually striven to serve the unique needs of health care practitioners, homoeopaths and the public alike by dedicating itself to supplying innovative, natural products which are built with integrity.

Together with his demanding task as owner and manager of the company, Dr Levien continued to see patients in his practice in Brooklyn, Pretoria . In more recent years he became less involved in the day to day managing of the Natura laboratory, but he still continued in his practice untill 5 weeks before he passed away. Over a period of 53 years he never lost his dedication and passion to make a difference in the world of healing. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. His passing on at the age of 92 years leaves a great void, but the seeds of kindness and hope that he planted will grow and his vision of a Health Care Centre to take his life’s work into the future is quickly becoming a reality.