Digestion
BLOOD SUGAR PROBLEMSProblems of blood sugar imbalance are increasingly common, and are often related to an unhealthy lifestyle. Along with genetic factors and other issues, poor dietary and exercise habits may compromise the body's ability to produce insulin or utilise it effectively. In the long term, many people with blood sugar problems are likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Read more... |
CONSTIPATIONEveryone's bowel functions differently, and opinions about what constitutes 'normal' toilet habits vary widely. However, one certainty is that regular bowel movements are essential for healthy digestion and general health and wellbeing, so if you go to the toilet infrequently or irregularly, or need to strain to pass a bowel motion, it's important to take steps to improve the situation. Read more... |
FLATULENCE & BLOATINGGas is produced in the bowel as a by-product of the digestion process. If produced in excess quantities and not released, the abdomen can become bloated, distended and taut. Flatulence is the expulsion of gas through the anus, and although sometimes embarrassing, is perfectly normal and healthy. Gas that is produced in excessive quantities or has a particularly foul odour may be an indication that the digestive tract is not functioning optimally, and nutritional and herbal remedies may be able to assist. Read more... |
INDIGESTIONIndigestion, heartburn and dyspepsia are terms used to describe pain in the abdomen or chest region that occurs after overeating, eating too quickly, or eating foods that are not easily digested. Read more... |
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROMEIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the colon in which peristalsis (the rhythmical wave-like muscular contractions that push the faeces along the bowel) becomes dysfunctional. It may affect as many as 15-30% of Australians. Read more... |
NAUSEA & VOMITINGFeeling nauseous or sick in the stomach is a warning that vomiting may be imminent. In many cases, the queasy feeling occurs alone, and vomiting does not eventuate; it is relatively rare for vomiting to occur without an accompanying feeling of nausea. Read more... |
SLUGGISH LIVERIn addition to its important roles in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, the liver helps to maintain cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It also metabolises toxic substances and enables them to be excreted from the body, so sub-optimal function can have a wide variety of health consequences. Read more... |
WEIGHT MANAGEMENTMore than 60% of Australians and New Zealanders are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of experiencing a wide range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel diseases), type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, some types of cancer, reproductive problems, and gall bladder disease. As if those weren't enough reasons to take steps to get your weight under control, being overweight or obese can also impact on your energy levels, social life and self-esteem. If you're overweight or obese, losing even a small percentage of your body weight will help you feel better, and will also improve your health prospects. Read more... |
CHOLESTEROLCholesterol occurs naturally in the body, and in limited quantities is essential for good health, being required for the production of cell membranes, hormones, bile and vitamin D. High levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis (the deposition of fatty plaque in the arteries) increasing the risk of poor heart health or circulatory problems. Read more... |
CANDIDACandida albicans is a strain of yeast that naturally inhabits the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, respiratory tract and vagina, where it exists in a delicate balance with a number of other organisms. If that balance is disturbed, an overgrowth of candida may occur, resulting in thrush and a wide range of other symptoms. Read more... |
DIARRHOEADiarrhoea is characterised by the passing of watery, loose stools and causes the body to lose large amounts of nutrients and fluids. Read more... |
GASTRITISGastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. The condition may be acute, with symptoms of nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhoea lasting for a few days (for example due to food poisoning) or chronic (with symptoms that are less severe but more persistent). Read more... |
