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Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced and secreted by many glands in the body. They help to regulate physiological processes such as metabolism, the reproductive system, growth and skin. Hormones influence the skin by controlling things like oil production, inflammation and collagen production. The different hormones that regulate the impact on skin health include: High androgens: An increase in …
There is a strong link between stress and the body’s adaptation to hormone production due to stress. Stress triggers a cascade of hormonal changes in the body, primarily through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to the release of stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones are crucial for the “fight-or-flight” response. Prolonged stress creates …
Digestive health is crucial to your overall well-being, as it plays a key role in nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and immune function. As naturopaths, we believe that health issues can be traced back to imbalances in the gut. The gut is home to a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that influence not only digestion but also hormone regulation, immune health, and …
The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, is the powerhouse behind your body’s energy and metabolism. Often underestimated, this little gland controls how efficiently your body uses energy, impacting everything from your weight and mood to your heart rate. When it’s healthy, you feel energised, focused, and balanced. But when it’s out of sync, fatigue, mood swings, …
Being immunocompromised refers to a state where the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses is weakened, leaving the body more susceptible to pathogens. This condition can arise from various factors, including chronic illnesses, certain medications, or underlying health issues. Immunocompromised individuals often experience a range of challenges, commonly referred to as immunocompromised symptoms, which may include frequent …
Hormone blood tests are essential tools for monitoring your health. They provide insights into the levels of key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. These tests assess thyroid hormones, sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), cortisol, insulin, and growth hormone levels. By identifying imbalances, hormone tests help identify issues such as thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fertility problems, acne, …
Fermented foods. Transformed by the power of microbes in controlled conditions, these foods evolve into tangy, tasty, gut-friendly creations. It might sound like something from Frankenstein’s lab, but there’s nothing sinister about the rise of preservation and fermented foods. From kimchi to kombucha, these culinary wonders are delicious and packed with health benefits. In this article, we dive into the …
Acne testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing the specific causes of acne because the causes can vary significantly from one person to another. By identifying the underlying factors, such as hormonal imbalances, bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, or compromised detoxification, acne treatment plans can be individually tailored so as to address these root causes rather than just their symptoms. …
There is much discussion about how certain dietary interventions affect hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is primarily influenced by fluctuations in hormones, including testosterone, androgens, estrogen, and progesterone. These hormones play a role in increasing oil production in the skin, leading to inflammation and acne. High-glycemic foods and dairy products can spike insulin and other hormones that may exacerbate acne. While …
When it comes to skin health the number one principle is balance… balanced skin pH… balanced sebum production… balanced hormones… balanced skin microbiome. But one area that is often overlooked is a balanced skincare routine. We often find our acne patients using a boxful of skincare products as they try desperately to fix their acne. And this isn’t surprising because …
Sleep is crucial for overall health, particularly in weight management, hormone balance, and general wellbeing. Adequate sleep regulates appetite-controlling hormones like leptin and ghrelin, reducing overeating and aiding weight management. It supports insulin sensitivity, lowering diabetes risk. Sleep also balances stress hormones such as cortisol, preventing weight gain. Additionally, quality sleep enhances immune function, mood, and cognitive performance. From a …
Menopause has been a part of women’s life cycle since humans started reproducing but for many modern women this natural event has now become a time of immense suffering. Weight gain, hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, memory and recall lapses, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and bladder weakness appear on the scene and can hang around as unwanted guests …
