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Moira Bradfield
 Contact & Location Information
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| Contact Name | Moira Bradfield |
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| Address |
Evohe In Health & Beauty 47 Lemana LA Miami 4220 |
| Servicing Areas | Miami, Queensland |
| Mobile | 0400 838 586 |
As Naturopathy is a wholistic treatment option, it is able to offer assistance in a wide range of health conditions.
Moira Bradfield
Welcome to
Moira Bradfield Therapies
Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine.
About Us
If you are looking for an experienced and practical Naturopath and Acupuncturist who can discuss your health concerns and find practical and easy to implement solutions Moira Bradfield is the practitioner for you.
Read below to find out about Moira, her education and experience, what a Naturopathic consultation with Moira entails and the many conditions that a Naturopathic consultation with Moira can offer.
About Moira Bradfield
M.Acu, B.Nat, Dip TTM, M.A.N.T.A
Moira Bradfield has ten years experience working as a Naturopath both in Australia and overseas. Graduating with a Bachelor of Naturopathy from Southern Cross University in 2001, Moira has worked as a Naturopath in a variety of settings with a wide range of health conditions and disease states. In 2010 she completed a Masters Degree in Acupuncture through Southern Cross University and now incorporates effective Traditional Chinese and Eastern protocols into her Naturopathic practice.
Moira has practiced on the Gold Coast as well as in the United Kingdom as a Naturopath utilisng a combination of lifestyle advice, practical everyday nutrition as well as herbal and nutritional supplementation and modern diagnostic advances. Moira has lectured in Naturopathy both overseas and in Australia and is currently teaching at The Endeavour College of Natural Health, Southport, lecturing in nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology.
How Can Moira Help you?
As Naturopathy is a wholistic treatment option it is able to offer assistance in a wide range of health conditions. Possible areas that Moira can focus on include:
Digestive Issues: You are not alone if this applies to you. You would be surprised how many of your colleagues, friends and family members have issues but don’t discuss them. The digestive system is central to our overall health and wellbeing and treatment can be as simple as diet modification in some individuals. Treating and improving digestive function can have widespread implications on all aspects of your health
Fertility, Preconception and after conception care for Males and Females with or without IVF and assisted conception treatment. Anyone experiencing difficulty in this area or even contemplating a family can benefit from assessment of nutritional and lifestyle practices. Statistics indicate that fertility rates can be increased and IVF can have better outcomes if simple dietary and lifestyle interventions are implemented.
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance is not a dirty word and doesn’t have to be a permanent factor in your life. Moira can offer treatment protocols that can improve hormonal balance , the benefits of which can then permeate through all aspects of your life and wellbeing. In females this covers everything from Menstrual irregularities, mood swings, Vitamin D levels, pre menopause to menopause. In males hormone imbalance is addressed in regard to testosterone levels, body composition and general wellbeing.
Thyroid disorders: A common under function in many males and females. Thyroid issues can be supported from sluggish metabolism and weight gain concerns to medicated patients with both under and over active thyroid disorders and autoimmune disease.
Nervous system disorders and neurotransmitter imbalance: A problem in this area can include general stress, sleeplessness, depression and energy problems. It can also mean larger problems like diagnosed mental illness or identified neurotransmitter “brain chemical” imbalance. Whatever the level of imbalance this is a relatively common problem and can manifest in a variety of symptoms. These imbalances can be assessed as part of a general wellbeing consultation or focus on specific disease states.
Energy, Stress and fatigue issues: Sound familiar? These problems are almost the modern epidemic, natural interventions; diet adjustment and lifestyle counseling can have profound effects on these common symptoms.
Weight Loss: It seems an area that many want to deal with but lack knowledge, understanding or the motivation to achieve it. Moira offers support and tailored weight loss protocols to fit in with your likes dislikes, weaknesses and overall state of health. So weight loss can be achievable and maintainable.
General well being: Sounds simple but often illusive. Many of today’s chronic diseases begin to manifest early in life with feelings of sluggishness, weight gain, stress and general bad habits. Lifestyle counseling and assessment can identify possible risk factors for Chronic disease and offer solutions so the problem doesn’t have to become a reality.
In all patient assessment and treatment protocols Moira utilizes a combination of modalities including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional and Lifestyle Medicine, Massage and exercise therapy. Protocols are tailored for YOU your individual circumstances. These protocols can be tailored to complement current medical and pharmaceutical treatments and include consideration of diagnostic testing and blood tests.
Our Therapies
Click on the topic index to read information about naturopathic considerations in everyday problems.
Topics:
- Adrenal Exhaustion
- Poor Energy
- Thyroid Disorders
- Wholistic Acne Treatment
- Skincare for Mums and Bubs
- Herbal Medicine for Breast Feeding
- Gluten free and Nutritional deficiency
- Troubling Candida and Dysbiosis
Health fund rebates apply to private health Insurance holders. Check with your provide for rebate amount.
Initial consultation:
Comprehensive assessment and discussion of health condition analysis of influential factors in clients life, Implementation of base protocol.
1.5-2hours - $90.00
Follow Up Consultation:
Monitoring of progression, Review of supplements and herbal medication, Lifestyle coaching, Acupuncture treatment (if indicated), Massage (if indicated).
1 Hour - $60
Acupuncture with Massage:
Wholistic Acupuncture with gentle massage and identification of tight areas.
1.5hrs - $90
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions with great success.
Initial consultation $90, Follow up $60
Adrenal Exhaustion
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), incorporating adrenal exhaustion and oxidative stress.
The treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and adrenal fatigue in Naturopathy often requires a multi-faceted approach. This means that there is no one magic supplement that will fix your adrenals and fatigue overnight. I find I get the best results when I recommend treatment and lifestyle approaches which are based on the individual’s presentation. Part of this presentation takes into account the circumstances leading to the CFS. For example there is often a viral trigger associated with CFS, treatment in this case would include treatment of the original virus and support of the immune system combined with Nervous system support and replenishment.
Other primary triggers of CFS include hormonal change, childbirth, chronic long term stress, hectic lifestyles, recreational drug and alcohol abuse/misuse, exposure to chemical or environmental toxins, pharmaceutical medication, Irritable bowel syndrome, amalgam fillings, bacterial infections and many more. While some aspects of the treatment will be similar the initial trigger must be assessed and addressed to have an impact on the exhaustion.
Failure to consider these causes often leads to treatment that is mildly effective but not restorative, which for someone who is chronically exhausted is frustrating and trying. In my practice, clients who fall into the CFS category will often be on a range of herbal and nutritional products and dietary suggestions which change as their symptoms do. This approach also requires that the individual be aware of their own triggers, approach to life in general and to a certain degree they must be willing to change and adapt to their new situation.
Effective treatment often incorporates guidance from a qualified Naturopath or practitioner who can assess and prescribe lifestyle, complementary medicine based on your presentation. If you wish to see a Naturopath appointments are available through Evohe, In Health and Beauty with Moira Bradfield, Ph: 07 55 763 666.
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Poor Energy
Low energy levels: How do I figure out what is causing my fatigue?
There are many reasons that people may experience low levels of energy and it is best to investigate the cause of this so as to address the complaint for better long term improvements. I suggest making an appointment with a Naturopathic practitioner who will assess your personal history, diet, lifestyle, medications and supplements as well as refer you for further blood tests to determine the reason you may be feeling low in energy. Enduring low energy levels can interfere with your daily life, it is therefore worthwhile to get to the bottom of this complaint so you will experience better energy levels and a more fulfilling life.
In regards to low energy the following are some contributing factors you should examine:
- An iron or folic acid deficiency or anaemia
- A hard driven lifestyle with not enough restorative sleep and rest
- Post viral fatigue experienced after recent immune system illness
- B Vitamin deficiency due to stress or poor diet
- Unsatisfactory sleep patterns resulting in poor energy levels
- Long term illnesses resulting in nutrient deficiencies
- Inadequate protein intake in the diet
- Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalance due to sweating, dehydration, vomiting or extensive exercise regimes
- Protein deficiency may also contribute to low energy production and fatigue
- Long term stress
- Spirulina contains many trace nutrients, amino acids, minerals and vitamins to improve nutritional levels and provide energy production. Multivitamin and mineral formulation to ensure proper nutritional status and improve general health.
- B Vitamins are needed for the production of energy in our cells. A deficiency of these vitamins often results in fatigue and tiredness. Choose a B Vitamin supplement which contains between 50-100mg of the family of B Vitamins such as the Microgenics B Advanced.
- Choose a quality protein powder and add it to fruit smoothies. This will not only boost your protein intake but also your vitamin and minerals. Other superfoods you could try adding are bee pollen, egg, Goji Berry, cacao, coconut oil, dates or maca powder.
- Herbal supplementation may be appropriate and there are many herbs that address energy production. Discussion with a naturopath for suitable herbs is advised.
- If you are experiencing chronic levels of stress which may be contributing with low energy levels then please take the steps to manage stress and learn the skills needed to diminish its effect on the body. Taking time out from a hectic schedule, exercise, hobbies, yoga, breathing exercises, swimming or yoga are all effective ways of releasing stress.
- Improving your diet can have long lasting effects on general health and energy levels. Reducing foods which contribute to a lethargic system such as tea, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, dairy, wheat, sugar, refined foods, processed and preservatives.
- Reduce your consumption of stimulants (caffeine based drinks and chocolate) as these set up a habitual need and encourage the body to rely on these stimulants.
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Thyroid Disorders
Underactive thyroid? How can I lose weight and speed up my metabolism?
Unfortunately this is a common problem in women of all ages. Being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid by your Doctor usually implies that you are medicated with Thyroxine or a similar medication to boost the conversion of thyroid hormones in the body. If you are medicated I would suggest having a blood test done to check your thyroid levels.
If they are within normal ranges there is still room to achieve increased metabolic action with the support of a qualified Naturopath who can interpret your results and monitor your symptoms as you utilise approaches that increase thyroid function and complement your medication.
As a naturopath I have seen many women utilise natural therapies in conjunction with their thyroid medication protocols to achieve optimised thyroid and thus metabolic function. Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is viewed as having several causes and contributing factors in complementary medicine. It can be as simple as a mineral deficiency or as complex as an overactive immune system.
Below are some common associations:
- Mineral deficiency as a result of poor farming and soil mineral deficiency.
- Mineral deficiency caused by poor absorption within the gastrointestinal system. Poor digestion function is also increasingly common and is seen as the basis of many of the modern epidemics.
- Auto immune disorders, believed to be the result of poor digestion function, disordered immune function, environmental challenges (eg; pollution, preservatives, pesticides, poisons) and genes.
- Menopause: shifts in sex hormones and the feedback they give to the body can see other hormonal systems become challenged and sluggish. Menopause is often the time when thyroid related symptoms appear in women.
If you require further information or a more specialized approach please make an appointment with our Naturopath Moira Bradfield Ph: 0400 838 586.
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Wholistic Acne Treatment
Practical tips on finding a good topical product
Most Natural health modalities consider acne to be a reflection of an internal problem. The approach taken to treat acne holistically is determined by each individual case, its individual characteristics and possible causes. Many factors are considered in the treatment of acne these include: hormones, digestive health and food intake, inflammation, stress and lifestyle triggers, water intake, liver function and emotional health.
The skin functions as an organ of elimination. Often changes to your skin reflect internal disturbances and under-function in other organ systems. Most people acknowledge a direct connection between the skin and our hormones however there are also close links between the digestive system and the quality and appearance of your skin. This link directly ties in with the action of the skin as an eliminative organ.
Understanding that Acne can be influenced by internal factors does not mean that you should dismiss the importance of using topical and external treatments like creams and washes to address the outward expression of your internal imbalance. As our skin eliminates external “toxins” these collect in hair follicles and are prone to infection, the inflammation we see as redness and swelling is also influenced by the skins own pH levels and oil secretion. Some products on the market strip the skin of vital oils that help maintain balance and actually help the immune system to protect follicles from infection. Other products use harsh chemicals which may seem effective initially but can make inflammation worse and may even have longer term implications on internal health. When choosing a skin care product there are several things you can insure your product omits to improve your health and others which by including in your skincare regime will add to the success of your topical Acne treatment.
What to avoid:
Harsh stripping agents, Peroxides, Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, Benzoates, Parabens, Sorbolene bases, exfoliants with large particles, products that have high alcohol content.
What to look for:
Cleansers:
Look for a gentle wash that will not strip the oils off your face. This may seem strange if you are experience excess oil production, however constantly stripping oils from your face causes the skin to overproduce. If your wash can leave your skin feeling clean without stripping your skin back completely you will be taking steps to restore the pH of your skin and restore your skins natural balance. I generally recommend foaming facial washes as they provide the Acne suffer with the clean feeling that they desperately desire.
Moisturisers:
Many sufferers of Acne may feel that they want to avoid oils in their moisturizer however a well put together product can incorporate essential fatty acids like Omega 3,6 and 9 without making you feel like you have painted an oil slick on your face. Moisturiser’s that have oils like Shea nut butter; Sea buckthorn and Almond are all suitable. Look for a moisturizer that has natural ingredients and also incorporates herbs that have specific antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory actions. Topically these herbs can speed up healing, reduce inflammation and improve the overall appearance of your skin, without damaging healthy skin cells in the process. Listed below are some herbs to look out for:
Golden seal:
Goldenseal has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and has been used to treat skin disorders, as well as a variety of other diseases, including digestive ailments and upper respiratory problems.
Rooibos:
Rooibos has been used for healthy skin as it has Antibacterial properties and is also hypoallergenic.
Calendula:
Traditionally used for all tissue healing especially wounds and scratches Calendula has a significant effect on inflammation, bacteria and healing times. It is also used traditionally for the reduction and prevention of scars.
Gotu Kola:
Constituents in Gotu Kola have been isolated that indicate they can strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Essential actions for successful wound healing and scar minimization.
Masks/Exfoliants:
Sufferers of Acne will have a tendency to either over exfoliate or overuse Masks. These are products that can dramatically improve the overall appearance of the skin by buffing off top layers of skin and drawing impurities out from deeper layers. But the trick is in how often you use them and how you use them. Masks, which contain bases of clay and Silica, have wonderful drawing capabilities and are often teamed with super-food skin nutrients and gentle particles for dead cell removal. Use Masks as a full facial product once or twice a week, allow them to dry and buff off with your fingers and then rinse with warm water. This allows a gentle defoliant action without using harsh particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin, which are then open for further infection. Good quality masks can also be used as a spot application product overnight to reduce inflammation and speed the resolution of spots.
Cleansing and moisturizing should be carried out at least twice a day. This ensures the days and nights residues from external pollution and dirt are removed efficiently.
Final Tip:
Water - Everyone knows it but many still don't drink enough..."water is essential for proper hydration and health". Ensuring you drink a minimum of two litres of water a day will also aid your body to rid itself of unwanted toxins. Adding a squeeze of lemon to your water will help the gentle clearance of your liver.
I recommend the Evohe range of skincare products. These products are ethical and sustainable and contain many of the above ingredients, www.evohe.com.au.
If you want to treat your acne from the inside make an appointment with Naturopath Moira Bradfield: Ph 0400 838 586.
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Skincare for Mums and Bubs
Simple Care for Mother and Baby
Having a new addition to the family often means getting to know the ins and outs of baby products and how your little one responds to them. Unfortunately in the world of baby sanitation and body care there are products that have ingredients that you may feel a little dubious about applying to your baby. Reading labels and making sure there are no hidden nasty’s is a time consuming task, not to mention you practically have to become a biochemist to understand the applications of the ingredients in some products. Choosing skincare for a newborn and your family shouldn’t be that hard.
At a time in life when immune systems are just developing and we are trying to give our children the best start possible well chosen skincare may seem like a little thing but it can make a huge difference to the repair and healing times of babies skin which by nature can become irritated and red from the littlest trigger. Avoiding harsh chemicals can also allow the immune system to develop unhindered, minimizing sensitivities and possible allergies to environmental triggers.
You may also want a range of products that you can use yourself, on other children and with your partner that can be multipurpose and replace a myriad of products in your bathroom cabinet. Natural skincare products that are well put together should be gentle enough for use on your newest addition and effective enough to use on the rest of the family.
Time is of the essence for new mothers, time for yourself, time to shower, not time spent fussing about with products in the middle of a baby change. When recommending products for new mothers in my clinic I tend to look for a couple of standout ingredients and traits.
Washes/Shampoos:
Whilst very young babies do well to be washed in plain water, there are times as babies grow and become mischievous when water simply does not cut it, cake mix in the hair, food mush in the skin folds all scream for something with a slight better washing capability than water alone. Babies have sensitive skin and washes and shampoos shouldn’t be so harsh that they strip the protective oils form the body. They should also not be capable of producing a bubble bath, a sure sign that the product contains harsh foaming agents. Look for gentle foaming washes that have multiple applications a cleanser, shampoo, hand wash and body wash in one that the whole family can use.
Bottom Balms and Skin Repair:
Raising child inevitable means there will be scratches, cuts, bruises, cracked nipples and raw and sore bottoms. Choose a product that has multiple applications and contains herbs and natural ingredients that aid the healing process and decrease inflammation.
Some herbal ingredients to look for include:
Golden seal: Goldenseal has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and has been used to treat skin disorders, as well as a variety of other diseases.
Rooibos: Rooibos has been used for healthy skin as it has Antibacterial properties and is also hypoallergenic.
Calendula: Traditionally used for all tissue healing especially wounds and scratches Calendula has a significant effect on inflammation, bacteria and healing times. It is also used traditionally for the reduction and prevention of scars.
Gotu Kola: Constituents in Gotu Kola have been isolated that indicate they can strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Essential actions for successful wound healing and scar minimization.
With an increasing number of allergic and sensitive people in today’s society introducing nut oils as moisturisers and balms or onto open skin may not be suited to everyone. Look for a repair cream that is free of these nut based oils.
Mists and Toners:
Misting products might seem like a strange addition to a baby routine but can be a great way to deliver healing ingredients without having to rub, touch or further inflame sore areas. They also make fantastic toners for your own beauty routine. Look for a mist that has tissue salts (fine mineral solutions that aid healing), Australian Bush Flower ingredients and a hydrosol base of a flower like Orange or rose.
Oil moisturisers for massage and dry cracked skin:
When we do want to nourish our little ones skin and our own at the same time choosing a moisturising oil blend is a great way to maintain the pH of the skin and treat dry, cracked skin without smothering the skin so it cant breath. Oils that fit this criteria are also great for massage and bonding rituals with your little one. Look for light macadamia bases, a blend of Omega oils 3,6 and 9 and other light nut oils like brazil nut or even arctic cloudberry a great source of the lesser known Omega 7 (great for your skin).
I recommend the Evohe range of skincare as it supplies natural and pure ingredients in an ethical and sustainable product range. You can find more information at www.evohe.com.au.
If you want a specialized and wholistic treatment of child’s skin and immune system please make an appointment with Moira Bradfield Ph: 0400 838 586.
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Herbal Medicine for Breast Feeding
Problems Breast Feeding? Increase your breast milk supply Naturally!
There are several herbs that seem to increase the supply of breast milk. These herbs fall into a category of herbs called galactagogues. A galactagogue is anything that promotes lactation, or milk production. Most of the herbs in this category can be used as either a tea, liquid tincture or as a capsule or even baked into delicious cookies. If you are wanting a combination, it is often better to use the tea or liquid tincture forms. Some of these herbs include: Fennel, Fenugreek, Shatavari (asparagus root), Blessed thistle and alfalfa.
As you can see some of these herbs can be incorporated into your diet (fenugreek in curries, fennel in soups and salads, alfalfa in salads and juices).
It is also important to look at your stress levels and their impact on your milk supply. Of course with a young baby there are "normal" stresses, but you need to be mindful of anything that is placing an added burden on your nervous system. These burdens and stressors can also be supported by the use of herbal remedies, teas and supportive foods which are dependent upon the situation.
Some basic suggestions include making sure you drink adequate water to stay hydrated, incorporating nutrient rich vegetables and fruits in your diet and eating wholegrains like oats for slow release energy. It is also a good idea to continue with the same pregnancy multivitamin or pregnancy and breastfeeding vitamins you took prior to the baby’s birth. The intake of these extra nutrients ensures that your body is not sacrificial to the nutritional requirements of the baby.
If you require further information or a more specialized approach please make an appointment with Moira Bradfield Ph: 0400 838 586.
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Gluten free and Nutritional deficiency
Going Gluten Free and avoiding nutrient deficiency...
The decision or suggestion to exclude gluten from your diet can be based on many underlying conditions. Whether your exclusion stems from diagnosed Coeliac disease or purely a exclusion to allow digestive repair based on symptoms you need to consider some important dietary advice and possibly supplementation.
I have included some general advice on following a gluten free diet and the considerations to nutrients that need to be made.
Following a gluten free diet can predispose you to a number of Vitamin Deficiencies. The most common deficiency encountered is B vitamins as these are most abundant in our diet in grains and cereals. Redness, cracking and dryness around the mouth may be indicative of a B Vitamin deficiency. Coeliac disease and the effect it has on the villi and lining of the bowel will causes nutrient deficiency with the subsequent symptoms of weight loss, fatigue and rashes often being the very signs that lead you to your practitioner for diagnosis. The recovery from these deficiencies and the absorption of nutrients from the diet requires that the digestive system be in a good state of health.
Naturopathy considers that there can be a range of predisposing factors that contribute to the occurrence and the production of the allergy or intolerance, to gluten these are particularly evident when Coeliac disease occurs later in life. These predisposing factors can include a history of Irritable bowel, stress and lifestyle factors, bad diet, exposure to chemicals and environmental pollutants, immune challenges and illness. The gluten in this case is considered to be a maintaining factor. A shift to a gluten free diet will remove the maintaining factor but does not necessarily address the underlying inflammation, and digestive repair required to lead you back to a state of good health.
The inclusion of a gluten free diet often sees a shift away from all grains regardless of whether they are gluten containing or not. Grains are an important source of B vitamins as well as essential fatty acids. Both of these nutrients are essential for optimal health and require a healthy digestive system for their absorption. Some suggestions of gluten free grains which when eaten in their whole grain form supply the necessary B vitamins for our bodies production and use of energy in the body, these grains can include Quinoa, Buckwheat, Millet, Amaranth and Brown Rice.
In Coeliac’s I suggest the use of a liquid B vitamin supplement in addition to consideration of sufficient grains. This ensures that absorption in maximised and provides a wide complement of B vitamins for the body. I also include the use of fish oil or a fatty acid supplement to decrease inflammation and account for those that would normally come from grains and seeds.
Redness and dryness as seen in the common symptoms of eczema, rashes and dermatitis are sometimes symptoms of a fatty acid deficiency. Good quality fats in our diets usually come from plant-based nuts, seeds and grains. People who have sensitive and reactive digestive systems will often shy away from their consumption to avoid digestive symptoms. You may also want to consider Zinc in supplementation for this reason.
If you require further information or a more specialized approach please make an appointment with our Moira Bradfield Ph: 0400 838 586.
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Troubling Candida and Dysbiosis
Treating troubling Candida or Dysbiosis...
The treatment of chronic "candidiasis" or dysbiosis requires a multifaceted approach. Ultimately the balance of bacteria and fungus in our bodies is dependent on the overall health of the digestive tract. Treatment of any bacterial imbalance regardless of the associated symptomology is aimed at this area.
The specific symptoms you are experiencing will dictate the length of treatment, the intensity of the protocol, the inclusion or exclusion of foods and supplements and lifestyle recommendations.
I have found that the best way of treating candidiasis is by consulting a professional experienced in the condition. Following your practitioner’s advice into your healing will increase the possibility of a return to a good state of health.
Strategies you can implement to reduce your symptoms and aid the repair of your digestion include:
Stress and relaxation: our digestive systems and the ability to effectively assimilate and utilise foods is dependent on a relaxed and calm nervous system.
In our current society we tend to go about life with a fast and relentless approach. We eat when working, worry about things we have no control over, forget the importance of breathing and approach tasks in a frenzied and anxious manner. Combine this with a body that has to deal with pollution, food chemicals and nutrient devoid nutrition and you have a body that is constantly under stress and trying to survive.
If you consume foods while "stressed" it is not uncommon to experience bloating, diarrhoea and constipation as the digestive system struggles to regulate its function and digest and assimilate foods without the circulation of blood in the digestive tract as it is diverted elsewhere to run our minds and limbs. This ultimately affects the bacterial balance of our digestive system and can predispose us to problems such as candida, poor immune function and fatigue. Try to relax when you eat, breathe deep when you can and learn to recognise your stress patterns.
Slippery elm and bowel fibres: Fibres like slippery elm and psyllium husks act as a prebiotic for the beneficial bacteria that keep our immune system in check. A prebiotic provides the vehicle and food for beneficial bacteria to thrive and populate the digestive tract. I generally recommend the use of slippery elm daily as a functional food to ensure effective bowel function. This fibre also soothes and coats the digestive tract and aids in both states of constipation and diarrhoea.
Probiotics: Introducing a beneficial bacteria in the larger doses found in supplements is a must for any candida treatment protocol. I generally utilise a multistarin probiotic in combination with non-colonising probiotic called Saccromyces boulardii (SB). The SB has been shown to increase Secretory IgA which is necessary for the adhesion and multiplication of bacterial colonies in the digestive tract.
Antifungal/antibacterial products: the treatment of Candida or dysbiosis will usually contain the inclusion of an "anti" supplement. These supplements contain herbs and nutrients which can aid in the elimination of the fungal or bacterial overgrowth, aiding in restoring normal bacterial balance within the body. Look for a supplement that contains herbs like Wormwood, Oregano oil, Pau D'arco and Cloves. This type of supplement is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Glutamine: An essential amino acid for repair of the digestive tract. Taken as a powder this supplement can be added to smoothies or taken in juice daily.
Local treatments: if you suffer from chronic thrush as part of your candidiasis local treatment may also be necessary. This can include the use of herbal douches, the insertion of beneficial bacteria in the form of yoghurt or the use of antifungal creams. Often these treatments will provide satisfactory results however teaming them with the above "anti" treatment and probiotcs will ensure a quick recovery.
Diet: Some people find that changing their diet and eliminating trigger foods can also improve their condition. I have found the food lists on websites to vary in applicability; sensibility and maintainability, it is often easier to consult a professional than to change diets dramatically if it is not required.
If you want to discuss this you can make an appointment with Moira Bradfield by phoning 04008 385 86
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Service Categories
Acupuncture, Allergy Testing / Treatments, Herbalists, Mens Health, Natural Fertility Management, Naturopaths, Nutrition, Womens Health
