Posts tagged hormones

7 Ways to Banish Burnout

In today's day and age we are working longer hours, not getting enough sleep and turning to coffee and sugar to push through the exhaustion. Only to wake up the next day and do it all over again. This my friend, is a recipe for burnout.

Burnout otherwise known as adrenal fatigue, is a chronic negative response caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion and occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to cope with the constant demands of life.

hormones, stress, thyroid, thyroid health, women's health, fatigueMelissa Briggs1 October 2019Elixir Naturopathy burnout, adrenal health, adrenal fatigue, adrenals, adrenal fatigue naturopath, naturopath, brisbane naturopath, city cave naturopath, city cave, city cave pracitioner, city cave paddington, melissa briggs naturopath, elixir naturopathy, elixir natural health, elixir, endeavour college of natural health, brisbane naturopathy, brisbane nutritionist, naturopath brisbane, womens health naturopath, womens health, exhaustion, fatigue, stress, chronic stress, vitamin d and fatigue, adaptogenic herbs, adaptogens and stress, insomnia and stress, difficulty getting to sleep, sugar cravings, salt cravings, lack of motivation, brain fog, irritability, depression, anxiety, low mood, lethargic, weight gain, belly fat, dizziness, insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, low libido, hormones, hormone imbalance, hormone naturopath, hormone testing, adrenal fatigue testing, thyroid testing, microba, dutch test, dutch test practitioner, dutch test practitioner brisbane, nutrition and adrenal fatigue, sleep problems, health, healthy fats, protein, protein and fatigue, reduce stress, stress reduction, exercise and stress reduction, yoga for health, mindfullness, burn out, adrenal deficiency, yoga for adrenal health, nutrition for health, chronic inflammaiton, waking unrefreshed, abdominal weight gain, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, brisbane natural health practitioner, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopathComment

Causes of Adult Onset Acne

Acne is a condition that is commonly thought of as a condition only affecting adolescents. However up to 51% of women between the ages 20-29 and 26% of women between 40-49 also suffer from this condition.

Acne is caused by multiple factors such as increased sebum secretion, inflammation, follicular keratinization, and Propionibacterium acnes. For many women, acne can be a debilitating condition that can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing.

The pathogenesis of acne in adult women can be quite complex and isn't always due to hormonal imbalances. So I am going to share with you the top contributing factors to be aware of.

acne, gut health, hormones, women's healthMelissa Briggs18 September 2019Elixir Naturopathy acne, acne prone skin, natural remedy for acne, natural treatment of acne, dairy and acne, sugar and acne, hormones, hormone testing, hormone problems, hormonal acne, hormonal imbalance, skin care, skin care for acne, gut health, gut bacteria, gut brain connection, gut skin axis, gut health and acne, gut health and food intolernaces, probiotics and gut health, constipation, constipation and acne, lps, lps toxins, leaky gut, leaky gut and acne, inflammation, anti inflammatory diet, post pill rebound acne, insulin like growth factor 1, androgens, androgenic acne, adult onset acne, elixir natural health, elixir naturopathy, elixir, natural health practitioner, brisbane nutritionist, brisbane, brisbane naturopath, city cave, city cave naturopath, city cave paddington, paddington naturopath, paddington queensland, womens health, womens health naturopath, skin health, inspire skin therapies, organic skin care, endeavour college of natural health, melissa briggs naturopath, melissa briggs, Brisbane naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, brisbane natural health practitioner, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, naturopath brisbane, dutch test practitionerComment

5 Simple and Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility

As a naturopath, I see a lot of women and their partners looking for a quick and easy way to enhance and better their chances for fertility. Unfortunately, the bad news is there’s no ‘quick fix’. But the good news? There are a number of ways to increase your chances of falling pregnant.

It’s important to understand that every single aspect of the body is connected, and oftentimes in the most unexpected of ways. From our diets and the stress we feel at work, to the environment we live our day to day lives in, every part of our lifestyle has a fundamental effect on our wellbeing.

But with so much confusing or conflicting information in the health industry today, how can you be sure you’re doing the right thing, especially when it comes to preparing your body for pregnancy?

Let me show you five ways you can enhance your fertility and overall wellbeing by making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle:

hormones, women's healthMelissa Briggs31 May 2019Elixir Naturopathy hormones, hormone imbalance, hormone health, hormone disrupting chemicals, hormone naturopath, hormone problems, hormone testing, DUTCH test practitioner, DUTCH test, FERTILITY, trying to conceive, womens health, reproductive function, Stress management, anti inflammatory diet, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory foods, basal body temperature, temperature charting, ovulation, improving ovulation, female reproductive health, prenatal, prenatal care, prenatal vitamin, prenatal dha, pregnancy, infertility, zinc for fertility, iron for fertility, iron deficinecy, folate, folate and pregnancy, postnatal depression, essential fatty acids, omega 3, omega 3 and pregnancy, vitex and fertility, vitex agnus castus, tributes, plastic free, plastic and fertility, nutrition for fertility, eating for fertility, infertility awareness month, city cave, city cave naturopath, city cave pracitioner, city cave paddington, brisbane natruopath, brisbane nutritionist, brisbane natural health practitioner, brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane naturopath, Brisbane fertility naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, brisbane acne naturopath, Brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, brisbane naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane natural health practitioner, naturopath brisbane, dutch test practitioner brisbane, brisbane pregnancy naturopathComment

Have Acne Prone Skin? Here are 4 Foods to Avoid

One of the most common questions I receive on a day-to-day basis is this: Why do so many of us still suffer from breakouts as adults? And what foods should we avoid to prevent acne?

I get it. Because nothing wreaks havoc on our confidence quite like having bad skin.

While hormones and stress are certainly the top factors that throw off the normal balance of your skin, the food we eat, and our diet can also have a massive impact on the appearance of acne. After all, as the saying goes – true beauty begins from the inside, out.

So in this blog, I’m going to dive into the 4 foods that are most likely to aggravate your skin and clear up the ever-muddy waters related to what we put in our bodies and highlight how you can best align your diet with the overall health of your skin.

hormones, naturopathyMelissa Briggs17 May 2019Elixir Naturopathyacne, cystic acne, hormonal acne, hormone imbalance, natural health, natural treatment of acne, nutrition for acne, foods to avoid in acne, acne prone skin, dairy and acne, refined carbohydrates and acne, sugar and acne, coffee and acne, caffeine and acne, essential fatty acids, EFA's and acne, omega 6, omega 6 and acne, testosterone, gut health and acne, zinc, fat soluble vitamins, fibre, omega 3 and acne, omega 3, skin care, natural remedy for acne, nutrition, nutritional medicine, nutritionist, brisbane nutritionist, nutrition for health, detoxification, liver funciton, liver and acne, city cave, city cave naturopath, city cave pracitioner, city cave paddington, paddington naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, brisbane naturopath, endeavour college, elixir naturopathy, elixir natural health, elixir, melissa briggs, melissa briggs naturopath, womens health, hormones, hormone problems, hormone testing, DUTCH test, dutch testing, DUTCH test practitioner, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane naturopath, brisbane acne naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, Brisbane fertility naturopathComment

Naturopathy & Endometriosis: Improving Symptoms

March is Endometriosis awareness month. A month to shine a light on this debilitating disease which affects 1 in 10 womens and with an estimates 176 million cases world wide.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which endometrial like tissue, usually found lining the uterus (endometrium), grows outside the uterus. While this abnormal growth is often found surrounding the ovaries and fallopian tubes or within the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, in some advanced cases it has also been found in the lungs and brain.

6 Ways to Eliminate PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health condition experienced by up to 75% of women of reproductive age. PMS is a group of symptoms, both physical and emotional, experienced by a woman in the two weeks leading up to menstruation, also known as the luteal phase. With symptoms usually subsiding shortly after menstruation begins.

In some cases PMS can develop into premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, effecting about 3-6 % of women. PMDD be so debilitating that it impacts one's quality of life. Women who have had major depression are more at risk than others to experience PMDD.

How Stress Impacts The Female Reproductive System

It’s the beginning of the year and as we all settling back into work and life the pressures and stress can begin to creep up again.

Female reproductive health is an area I work a lot with in clinic and a very common theme with many of my clients is the impact stress has on the female reproductive system.

Before we get into how stress impacts sex hormones I really want to get to the core of what stress is and how it can present itself.

Stress is defined as “a state in which homeostasis is threatened or perceived to be threatened.”

Could Your Swimming Pool Be Making You Sick?

Did you spend your childhood like most of us in the backyard or local swimming pool?

I remember growing up spending most mornings & afternoons at swimming training. But did you know Chlorine can be detrimental to thyroid health?

thyroid, thyroid healthMelissa Briggs16 September 2018Elixir Naturpaathyswimming pool, chlorine, toxin, environmental toxin exposure, halogen, halide, thyroid, thyroid health, thyroid disease, hypothyroid, thyerthyroid, hyperthyroid, health, wellbeing, hashimotos, graves disease, fluoride, bromide, iodine, iodide, chemical, elements, minerals, t3, t4, tsh, antibodies, hormone, hormones, hormone health, womens health, skin, water, water filter, eco, natural, eco friendly, chlorine exposure, liver, chemical exposure, elixir naturopathy, melissa briggs, naturopath, naturopathic meidicne, natural health, brisbane, brisbane naturopath, endeavour college, environmental working group, rosalie, nutrition, endocrine health, women, sex hormones, metabolism, paddington, low tax life, low tox life, low tox living, city cave, city cave paddington, city cave naturopath, city cave practitioner, paddington naturopath, milton naturopath, elixir, life, living, environmental toxins, thyroid problems, home detox, chemical detox, detox, environmental detox, rosalie naturopath, brisbane nutritionist, elixir natural health, naturopathy, naturopathic practitioner, Brisbane naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, brisbane acne naturopath, Brisbane fertility naturopath, Brisbane hormone naturopath, East Brisbane, East Brisbane naturopath, East Brisbane nutritionist, brisbane thyroid naturopath, autoimmunity, autoimmune disease, autoimmune thyroid

Why We All Need Magnesium

Magnesium is one of my favourite nutrients.

I fist became acquainted with magnesium back when I was a first year naturopath student.

I used to consume coffee like it was going out of fashion in order to get me through assignments, deadlines and full time work. Until that is, I learned about magnesium.

You see coffee consumption actually works against the body when we are stressed, not only does it increase the excretion of B vitamins required to help combat stress, but it also triggers cortisol release.

Stress & Thyroid Health

Stress has become common place in our day to day lives. Whether it be associated with work, money, family, or something else, stress can have a massive impact on our lives.
While short burst of stress are actually good for you, chronic long term stress has been clinically proven to cause a vast array of negative effects on health including thyroid health.

gut health, thyroid, thyroid health, stressMelissa Briggs16 September 2018Elixir Naturopathystress, thyroid, thyroid health, work stress, adrenals, adrenaline, cortisol, stress hormones, hormones, t4, t3, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, graves disease, hashimotos, thyroid disease, hypothalamus, pituitary, metabolism, enzymes, nutrition, nutrients, nutritional medicine, naturopathy, naturopathic medicine, brisbane, brisbane naturopath, health, wellbeing, natural health, oestrogen, gut health, digestion, tbg, tyrosine, selenium, b vitamins, diet, stress management, milton, paddington, rosalie, rosalie naturopath, elixir naturopathy, melissa briggs, strass and thyroid, thyroid problems, paddington naturopath, milton naturopath, city cave, city cave paddington, city cave naturopath, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, unexplained weight loss, sensitivity to cold temperature, hair loss, weakness, ibs, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, poor appetite, goitre, bought dry skin, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, memory loss, irregular periods, heavy periods, high cholesterol, stress and thyroid, stress and female reproductive health, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, Brisbane naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, brisbane acne naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, brisbane natural health practitioner, Brisbane fertility naturopath, thyroid naturopath, brisbane thyroid naturopath, East Brisbane, East Brisbane naturopath, East Brisbane nutritionist

6 Links Between The Thyroid & Hair Loss

There are many different causes for hair loss through out life, such as post childbirth or through menopause for women and most men will lose some hair by the time they reach adulthood. But while some hair loss is considered normal, excessive prolonged loss is not.

Of the many health conditions that can cause excessive hair loss and thinning, thyroid conditions are one of the most common. Severe and unmanaged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can both result in hair loss, thinning or even balding.

thyroid, thyroid health, hair lossMelissa Briggs16 September 2018Elixir naturopathythyroid, thyroid disease, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, hashimotos, graves disease, autoimmune disease, autoimmunity, immunity, immune health, elixir naturopathy, melissa briggs, naturopathy, natural health, health, wellbeing, brisbane, brisbane naturopath, milton, rosalie, paddington, hair loss, excessive hair loss, hypochlorhydria, iron deficiency, burping, bloating, heart burn, constipation, indigestion, eczema, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, brittle nails, food sensitivities, food allergies, cognition, poor memory, memeory, sibo, candida, parasite, iron deficiencyzinc, zinc, iron deficinecy, b12, herbal medicine, nutrition, nutritionist, bitter foods, bitters, fluids, water, medication, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, heart palpitations, low ferritin, iron stores, blood sugar dysregulation, blurred vision, sweating, nervousness, shaking, weakness, t4, t3, antibodies, insulin resistance, hormones, hormone imbalances, endocrine health, xenoestrogens, mood, perimenopause, thyroxine binding globulin, tbg, mood swings, stress, cortisol, cortisone, adrenals, adrenal health, adrenaline, enzymes, panic attack, irritability, chest pain, thyroid function, paddington naturopath, milton naturopath, rosalie naturopath, city cave, city cave paddington, city cave naturopath, thyroid problems, thyroid and hair loss, what causes hair loss, Brisbane naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, brisbane acne naturopath, brisbane naturopathy, Brisbane fertility naturopath, dutch test practitioner, dutch test practitioner brisbane, East Brisbane, East Brisbane naturopath, brisbane thyroid naturopath

Could Histamine Intolerance be the Cause of Your Symptoms

Do you get a flushed face when you drink red wine? Do you suffer from unexplainable head aches or anxiety? Maybe you get an itchy tongue or flu like symptoms after eating certain foods?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have histamine intolerance.

gut health, digestionMelissa Briggs16 September 2018Elixir Naturopathygut health, digestion, histamine, histamine intolerance, food allergies, food sensitivities, leaky gut, dao, bacteria, dysbiosis, inflammation, NSAIDS, antidepressants, night shades, olive oil, low histamine diet, stress, probiotics, gut repair, herbal medicine, nutrition, nutritionist, naturopath, natural health, brisbane, brisbane naturopath, rosalie, paddington, elixir naturopathy, melissa briggs, milton, rosalie naturopath, city cave, city cave paddington, city cave naturopath, womens health, thyroid health, functional pathology, food intolerance, food intolerance testing, paddington naturopath, milton naturopath, histamine rash, what is histamine intolerance, symptoms of histamine intolerance, food intolerances, gut health and food intolernaces, food intolerances and mood, gut brain axis, brain and gut connection, neurotransmitters, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, hormone imbalances, hormones, diet and hormoens, flushed face from wine, itchy skin, food causes itchy skin, natural medicine practitioner, naturopathic practitioner, melissa briggs naturopath, histamine and inflammaiton, clostridia, dopamine pathway, neuro biogenic amines, Brisbane naturopath, Brisbane paddington naturopath, Brisbane digestion naturopath, Brisbane thyroid naturopath, Brisbane immunity naturopath, Brisbane fertility naturopath, brisbane hormone naturopath, brisbane acne naturopath, Brisbane hormone naturopath, Brisbane stress fatigue naturopath, Brisbane gut health naturopath, Brisbane online naturopath, brisbane natruopath

Why We Should All Be Eating More Mindfully

What is mindful eating?

Mindful eating is about being present in the moment when eating and enjoying the meal before you. Its also about listening to your bodies cues in respect to hunger, satiety and taste. It involves:

Sitting when eating a meal
Slowing your pace when eating, taking smaller bites, chewing for longer and taking breaks between bites.
Eating away from distraction such as television, phones or the computer.
Listening to your bodies hunger and full signalling and letting these cues guide your decision making on when to begin and finish eating.
Choosing foods that are both pleasurable to eat and which nourish your body.
Eating with all of your senses; taste, smell, touch, sight and feel.
Being aware of the effect the food you eat is having on your body. Do you respond well or do you experience burping, bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea?
Being aware of emotional eating patterns
Knowing and having respect for where your food comes from.

So why should we all be eating mindfully?

The Benefits of Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Gut Health

You have most likely heard of the Gut brain Axis, referring to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (brain) and the enteric nervous system (gut), linking emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with peripheral intestinal function. But do you know much about the Vagus nerve that’s responsible for connecting them?

The vagus nerve aka the “wandering nerve” is a multi branched nerve that extends from the cerebellum in the brain down to the lowest viscera of the abdomen, reaching out to the heart and other organs on the way down. It is this nerve that is responsible for the communication between the gut and the brain.

Elixir Naturopathy Blog

OPEN HOURS

CONTACT

CONNECT