Are you aware that we have ten times more bacteria living within our digestive system than we have cells in our body? These tiny organisms are collectively known as the gastrointestinal microbiota and play a major role in our overall health. Science is only beginning to understand the full extent of how our microbiome influences our immune system, protecting against harmful bacteria and food sensitivities, maintaining intestinal lining and even metabolising certain foods and aiding in the synthesis of essential nutrients like folate (B9) and vitamin K.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, that is how diet and lifestyle factors impact the homeostasis of the microbiota. Many aspects of our modern diet and lifestyle, unfortunately, have a negative impact on this balance, which can result in dysbiosis. Dysbiosis occurs when the normal diversity and balance of bacteria, microbes and fungi is disturbed. This can result in gut issues like constipation, gas or diarrhoea, or skin issues such as acne, eczema or rashes.. But it doesn’t stop there, you may also experience bleeding gums, tooth decay, fatigue, mood changes and chronic inflammation. Contributing factors to dysbiosis include the use of antibiotics, reflux medications, diet, alcohol, stress and infections. This causes a decrease in good bacteria, an interference with stomach acidity, increased intestinal permeability, and reducing the number of beneficial bacteria that are protective and allowing pathogenic growth of non-favourable bacteria.

But today, I am here to let you know that you can support your health with holistic foundations that look at root causes in client management. This may include probiotic and prebiotic education, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine and lifestyle management to assist in the contributing factors that sustain dysbiosis.

So… what are Probiotics & Prebiotics?

The World Gastroenterology Organisation states that probiotics include a variety of strains, most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genuses, and when administrated in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (humans). Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genuses are two of the most important and beneficial bacteria to the human gut microbiome. Playing a central role in digestion, immunity and maintaining a healthy microbiome balance.

Fortunately, as a Clinical Nutritionist I love to incorporate foods that are naturally occurring probiotic foods, these include:

• Fermented vegetables
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Onion
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh
• Yoghurt

We can also use naturally prebiotic rich foods to support our gut microbiota balance. Consider prebiotics like a natural fertiliser for the gut, they are fibres and compounds that bypass digestion and reach the colon intact (therefore, not digested or absorbed in the upper digestive tract). This allows the gut microbes to ferment them, producing short-chain fatty acids (including lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid), and these help to nourish the colon, allowing beneficial bacteria to grow, regulate inflammation and strengthen the gut barrier (good bye intestinal permeability).

To date the top prebiotic foods include:

• Acacia gum
• Asparagus
• Chicory root
• Dandelion greens
• Green bananas
• Jerusalem artichokes
• Leek

👉 Supporting your gut means supporting your whole health. Ready to start nourishing your microbiota?

Start nourishing it today with probiotic and prebiotic foods — and if you’d like personalised guidance, book a consult with us at Botanica Medica. Let’s help your microbiome flourish!”

📍 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood    📞 08 8271-1827    

Written By Amber Frankel

References

Davani-Davari D, Negahdaripour M, Karimzadeh I, Seifan M, Mohkam M, Masoumi SJ, Berenjian A, Ghasemi Y. Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. 2019 Mar 9;8(3):92. doi: 10.3390/foods8030092. PMID: 30857316; PMCID: PMC6463098.

Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401–12.

Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, Gibson GR, Merenstein DJ, Pot B, et al. Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Aug;11(8):506–14.

Swanson KS, Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Reimer RA, Reid G, Verbeke K, et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of synbiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Nov;17(11):687– 701.

My husband and I were referred to Botanica (Craig Wainwright) by a friend. They had consulted him for a variety of reasons including auto-immune. Craig’s not just a Naturopath – he’s also a qualified Pharmacist (so he knows what ‘to give you’ and what ‘not to give you’).

I booked my Hubby a consult as he had what looked like dermatitis on both forearms and constantly struggled with excessive reflux & digestive discomfort. Craig suggested the symptoms might be related to Gluten Intolerance, and he was right! Hubby’s skin is back to normal, and reflux/digestion is under control!

I also consulted Craig a few months ago, as ongoing blood results showed high cholesterol & high liver function – GP wanted to put me on tablets (I don’t take any medication, so wanted to see if it might be possible to resolve things naturally). Craig asked a lot of questions, took the time to understand my health history and provided me with simple steps and practical advice about how to improve my overall health. As a result, my cholesterol and liver function are so much better and as a bonus, I’ve lost almost 10kgs.

Before seeing Craig I had thought… ‘well, this is what life’s like at 57 years old’ – aching joints, peri-menopausal brain fog, tension, excess weight that just won’t shift, etc.

I’m so thankful for Craig’s ongoing encouragement and guidance. I am feeling better than I ever have, and look forward to further improvements!

Don’t wait until things get really bad – the body is amazingly complex, so give your body a chance to function at its best! And before taking more synthetic medication or ‘just accepting things the way they are’… give Craig a call. What have you got to lose?

📞 Call 8271 1827 to book with  Craig, Tracey or Amber today.

📍 97 Glen Osmond Rd, Eastwood

📅 Appointments: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat (including after hours)

#googlereview #googlereviews5star #NaturalHealing #HolisticHealthMatters #BotanicaMedicaCare #NaturopathicWisdom #AskYourPractitioner

Unfortunately It can be a common experience for many people to have trouble obtaining copies of their blood test results and the various Xray, Ultrasound , CT and MRIs, that are rightfully yours. Often you are made to feel that you don’t have a right to have these results and reports. This is WRONG!

Under FOI (Freedom of Information laws), these results must be provided to you upon your request. Whilst it is always reasonable for a doctor to discuss these results with you first, they should provide you with a copy at this time, irrespective of the nature of the results. They are your results, not theirs! You should always request and receive a copy of all results, for your records, and for the benefit of other health professionals involved in supporting your health.

Unfortunately many people are made to feel that they don’t have a right to ask for their results, or that you have to receive a hard copy, in person.

For the specific rules, go to https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/health-information/access-your-health-information

The law states “You can ask for your health information to be given to you in a particular way — by email, phone, hard copy, electronic record, in person, letting you view it, or sending a copy to another health service provider.

If you ask for access in a way that is unreasonable or not practical, a health service provider can give it to you another way — such as on a USB stick rather than paper copies, giving you a summary of the information or allowing you to view it.

If a health service provider refuses to give you access in the way you requested they must give you a written notice telling you why, and how you can complain about their refusal”

And yes you do have a right to request via email, regardless of their policy and how they share test results.

A health care provider can only refuse your request, in very limited circumstances when you are requesting your tests, if

• it may threaten your or someone else’s life, health or safety

• it may impact someone else’s privacy

• giving access would be unlawful.

As a Naturopath, all my clients receive a full copy of any tests I order, along with a thorough explanation of results

When having test or scans performed, you can request other health professionals to receive copies, along with the requesting health professional, this is usually done on presentation of the request form and must be filled in by them. Most major pathology companies support this.

You can also opt in My Health Record. The government database that acts as your own private medical data storage service, but also allows you access to your results. If you opt in, all your tests and scan results are uploaded, giving you access 7 days after uploading. Whilst there are valid reasons why some people may not opt in, it can be invaluable for most.

For further information go to

https://my.gov.au/en/services/health-and-disability/seeking-medical-help/accessing-your-medical-information

Many people are surprised that when they are diagnosed  with osteoporosis (bone thinning and breakdown), it is only done by a bone mass density scan (BMD) and that their progress is only measured by this scan (usually in 2 to 3 years time). Did you know there are blood tests that you can use to identify the causes AND, to treat AND assess progress?

Doctors don’t test for this due to a lack of education in this area.

I regularly test for the following:

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), Hormone that CAUSES bone breakdown, made by the Parathyroid gland

Beta- Crosslaps, (bone breakdown marker)

PINP (bone formation marker)

Homocysteine ( raised levels are associated with bone breakdown)

CRP/ESR (body inflammation markers)

Cortisol, DHEA ( stress, inflammation hormones)

Unfortunately most people are not tested for these, or given any guidance on how to monitor their progress.

I will focus on PTH in particular. I find it disturbing as I often find elevated (often substantially elevated) PTH. This is a cause. One reason it is not tested, is doctors are advised to only test if you have an elevated blood Calcium. But many people have a blood calcium reading within range, despite having an elevated PTH. (80% of people with elevated PTH, have normal blood calcium levels!!). Attention, elevated PTH is 4 more times common in WOMEN than MEN ! ! !

And it has been shown that an elevated PTH , with a normal blood calcium (called normocalcaemic Hyperparathyroidism), is a cause of NOT only osteoporosis, but also:

Kidney disease

Elevated blood pressure and arrythmias

Gut disturbances (constipation)

Irritability, anxiety

The job of PTH is to regulate calcium levels. But it is most strongly regulated by Vitamin D. Not just the level of Vitamin D, but how well it is functioning. Many factors beyond the blood level of Vitamin D, affect how well VITAMIN D functions. Inflammation and persistent viral infections (think glandular fever virus) are two examples of factors that REDUCE Vit D function and effectiveness.

It is basic physiology that VITAMIN D function, not just blood levels, dictates PTH levels.

Finding an elevated PTH, gives us a CAUSE of osteoporosis, but also a way to treat it. Giving Vitamin D at doses to reduce PTH, is an effective way to address this. I have used this process on dozens of clients, and getting outstanding results in lowering PTH and improving bone health

Some people require Vit D at standard levels 70 to 80, whilst other people need levels much higher to lower PTH. By dosing VITAMIN D according to our level of PTH, and retesting within 1 to 4 weeks, we can quickly address your raised PTH and return to a normal level, a level that  is NOT breaking down your bone. Most clients can be normalised by utiliising Vitamin D (especially using a more potent form, only available to Naturopaths called Calcifediol).

Both Magnesium and Calcium are also involved, but Vitamin D is the start point and most important factor to address

An example of this is a 64 year old client (Jane), with  normal blood calcium levels, but very high PTH ( between 12 and 16 over a 12 month period), with deteriorating osteoporosis, despite being on the most commonly prescribed medication (Actonel).

The advice from the endocrinologist was that she would likely need to have surgery to remove the parathyroid gland.

But her PTH dropped from 16.3 to 7.8 in just 7 WEEKS!!!! This is an amazing turnaround, and definitely not needing surgery now. This is a fabulous example of looking more deeply in  to the CAUSES of your medical condition and TREATING these.

If you think this sounds like you and would like to book an appointment or you are just curious at what a natural health professional can do for you then please call (08) 8271-1827.

Botanica Medica is located at 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

References

1. Vitamin D Resistance as a Possible Cause of Autoimmune Diseases: A Hypothesis Confirmed by a Therapeutic High-Dose Vitamin D Protocol HYPOTHESIS AND THEORY article. Front. Immunol., 07 April 2021 , Sec. Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Disorders

Volume 12 – 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.655739 , Lemke K, Klement R et al

2. Current Issues in the Presentation of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop Shonni J. Silverberg, Bart L. Clarke, Munro Peacock, Francisco Bandeira, Stephanie Boutroy, Natalie E. Cusano, David Dempster, E. Michael Lewiecki, Jian-Min Liu, Salvatore Minisola, Lars Rejnmark, Barbara C. Silva, Marcella D. Walker, and John P. Bilezikian

Our Naturopaths get great results with their clients, and it’s always nice to get a personal testimony that they are willing to share.

For all naturopathic consultations please call Botanica Medica on (08) 8271-1827
Botanica Medica is located at 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

#naturopathy #botanicamedica #craigwainwright #naturopaths #naturopathicmedicine #checkoutthetestimonials #greatresults #personaltestimony #wholisticapproach #thetestimony

Whilst there is no one size fits all blood test that diagnoses depression, there are many tests that can find a cause or combination of causes in depression. But unfortunately when people visit GPs to discuss their feelings of depression, and anxiety, it is rare for blood tests to be run to look for these underlying causes.

Whilst there are many lifestyle, personal and social factors that are involved also, physiologic factors are neglected or ignored totally. And this is wrong!!!

These are the tests that I routinely run, to find these underlying causes. It is not exhaustive, but an excellent place to start, depending on your specific circumstances and history.

Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR), to measure body and related brain/neuro-inflammation and other signs of inflammation (raised liver enzymes, raised LDH, lowered albumin).

Omega – 3 INDEX  ( a measure of DHA/EPA – Low omega 3 cell content is a direct cause of  major depression, postpartum depression, psychosis, and dementia ).

Thyroid function TSH, T4, T3 (more often under active, occasionally over active).

Nutrients (Low or high iron, Low Vitamin B12, Low Vitamin D, Low Folate, low Zinc , low Magnesium, Low or high Iodine, high Copper).

Homocysteine – a compound we make, that in excess causes neurologic and cardiovascular damage, and is usually caused by a deficiency of B vitamins and other nutrients (choline, betaine).

 Omega 3 deficiencies.

 Viral infections (current or a history of EBV –glandular fever virus, synonomous with recurrent tonsillitis, CMV).

 Immune imbalances and Immunoglobulin levels (indicating immune activation, or allergic activation)

Sex hormone imbalances (females – relative progesterone deficiency, elevated Prolactin, low or high testosterone, especially in men).

Stress hormone dysregulation (Cortisol, DHEA).

Blood sugar dysregulation (Insulin resistance, insensitivity).

Gut inflammation (calprotectin).

Gluten and other food reactions (gluten and related antibodies).

Genetic susceptibilities (We can now test for what is know as genetic polymorphisms, which affect or alter the optimal function of our genes).

Though the diagnosis of depression is increasingly acknowledged and screened, the myriad of causes are often neglected and not investigated, resulting in many people suffering greater and longer.

I am always conscious, when helping people achieve their best health, of accentuating the positives, the good in you and in your health AND working with your strengths. This is even more important when helping depression. anxiety and other brain health conditions.

Whilst treating depression can be complex, many of the factors that need attention, are well known and understood. As a Naturopath and a Pharmacist, I pay special attention to these many varied factors that are routinely neglected in treatment. I am also mindful of prescribing supplements that are safe and effective alongside prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.

To make an appointment call Botanica Medica on (08) 8271-1827, we are located at 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

Very recent changes to maximum pack sizes and packaging of paracetamol have been undertaken to minimise the incidence and harm from intentional paracetamol self-poisoning and unintentional overdosing.

This follows the Independent expert report on the risks of intentional self-poisoning with paracetamol that confirmed that paracetamol was used in an increasing number of intentional self-poisonings, particularly in adolescent and young adult women. Unfortunately severe liver damage from accidental overdosing is also a common occurrence, both in children and adults, and sometimes requiring a liver transplant.

Many people are unaware that taking as little as double the maximum stated doses can cause liver harm, especially to those genetically predisposed. Those with specific genetic polymorphism detoxification pathway impairments are more susceptible to this threat.

Paracetamol has also been shown to cause kidney damage via the same pathways, despite being considered a safer option than the other commonly taken NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and the prescription NSAIDs).

As Naturopaths, we have many fast, effective AND safe alternatives to paracetamol and NSAIDS and prescription pain killers / anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, codeine).

Various herbs such as boswellia, bupleurum, ginger, white willow, gotu kola, devils claw, corydalis and Jamaican dogwood have all been shown to effective and safe.

Nutrients such as PEA, omega 3 type SPMs and the not so humble Magnesium are significant painkillers also.

These can usually be taken alongside standard treatments if needed, but many can also lessen the adverse effects of paracetamol and NSAIDs.

Many people are unaware that there are many effective and safe, non toxic options for pain treatment and relief.

Many other options include (which I may recommend through other practitioners)Exercises

Stretching , yoga

Strengthening ,  resistance

Vagus nerve stimulation and other electrical stimulation devices

Infra red devices

Laser and Shock wave therapy

Tai Chi

Meditation

Sleep enhancement strategies

Many people think there is nothing more than can do to help ease or get rid of their pain, but your naturopath is here to help.

To make an appointment call Botanica Medica on (08) 8271-1827, we are located at 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

References 

https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/ingredients-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/poisons-standard-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/scheduling/independent-expert-report-risks-intentional-self-poisoning-paracetamol 

Independent expert report on the risks of intentional self-poisoning with paracetamol

Whilst many people are aware of the signs and impacts of low iron, few people are aware of the problems of iron being too high.

 It is one of the most under diagnosed nutritional problems I see with clients, and often overlooked medically.

 There are two main forms of iron overload.

 1) Raised ferritin (Iron excess caused from infection, inflammation or some form of cellular damage). Unfortunately most pathology labs in Australia have not been in line with overseas pathology guidelines in highlighting excess above the 150 level (150 mcg/L)

2) Genetic iron overload. Known as heamochromatosis. This a genetic impairment in the intestinal management of iron absorption, leading to excessive iron absorption and carriage in blood. In an iron studies test, this will show as HIGH iron saturation ( above 30 in women, 35 in men) and usually HIGH ferritin. Whilst the most severe form is easily found, the less severe forms still can cause major health problems, over time. Especially if the iron saturation is consistently high.

 This leads to iron being deposited in various tissues, causing oxidation and    damage to the cells and tissues it is deposited in.

All the following have been shown to be caused by these forms of iron overload

– Heart damage and heart valve damage

– Pancreatic damage, including diabetes and pancreatitis

– Osteoarthritis

– Kidney damage leading to kidney disease

– Brain inflammation conditions including depression, worsening effects of concussion

– Prostate cancer

– Blood cancers (leukaemias)

 One reason that it is often overlooked, is that it often doesn’t show in women , until menopause, once a womens menstrual cycle has ceased.

 This is why I screen most clients for iron, not just looking for low iron, but high.

 Whilst the signs of low iron are obvious (tiredness, anaemia, pallor, lack of attention and focus, depression), the signs of high iron are less so, and much more diverse.

 This form of high iron can be effectively treated, and result in improvement of the many conditions it can cause. These include, but is not limited to –

1. Reducing iron intake ( red meat and organ foods; liver and kidney)
2. Drinking black and green teas with high iron foods
3. Donating blood

 Different herbs in food and supplements can reduce this high iron absorption and reverse the damage caused by high iron.

Many people ask what do I do as a naturopath. A cornerstone of my approach is looking for these known, but often overlooked signs and casuses of illness and disease. Iron overload is a very good example of this.

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths at Botanica Medica please

call 08 8271-1827, we are located at 97-99 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood SA 5063