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Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people. People may often experience acne breakouts that occur primarily on the face and in the same place. The good news is that looking at the location on the face, as seen by a traditional Acne Face Map, can often point to underlying causes and allow for effective treatments. Our skin can be thought of as a representation of what is going on inside our bodies. The body parts don't act in isolation - they are all interconnected. While you may be very invested in clearing up your acne, improving the underlying cause from your body's internal detoxification processes will not only improve the health of your skin but also your long term health. Ensuring digestive system health is the very first key to healthy skin (as there is a direct Gut-Skin axis). Next up is often addressing liver detoxification which has a direct connection to our hormones, and then Adrenal Health (stress minimisation). If we don't detoxify properly we can end up with all sorts of Skin Issues and Toxin Elimination issues, like whiteheads, blackheads, red papules, pus filled pustules, acne, deep cystic acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. The Acne Face Map is a visual guide linking different facial areas to potential underlying causes of acne, including digestive system issues, dietary choices, stress, hormonal imbalances, liver imbalances and toxin exposures. Image source Acne Face Map Highlighting Possible Causes and Effective Treatments The Forehead: Digestive Issues and Stress This site is often the first site people experience acne. Digestive issues can manifest through forehead acne - think constipation, diarrhoea, food sensitivities, bloating etc. If your body struggles to eliminate toxins effectively through effective daily well-formed bowel elimination, then what is in your bowels may be expressed through your skin. Intestinal permeability issues can cause local and widespread inflammation leading to poor skin barrier protection, and further health complications. Foods that cause indigestion or a lack of proper hydration can exacerbate this situation - however don't drink fluids when you are eating as it will interrupt your digestive processes. Eliminating inflammatory foods (sugar, dairy and gluten) may help. Improving digestion by chewing foods thoroughly will stimulate better digestive enzyme activity to help. A glass of warm lemon juice, or glass of warm apple cider vinegar, can also stimulate effective digestion and get your bowels working better. Regularly assessing your dietary habits and managing stress through various relaxation techniques can help mitigate these breakouts. Consider incorporating prebiotic fibres  into your diet to improve gut health, which may subsequently lessen forehead acne. Gentle movement exercises like Tai Chi can also assist natural peristaltic movement of your bowels. Acne on the forehead is also often linked to stress, and poor digestion. The forehead is home to the T-zone, which is notorious for its oiliness. High-stress levels can lead to stress hormone imbalances, promoting excess oil production which can clog pores. We can get raised cortisol, and raised androgens that can lead to inflamed skin. Acne in the hairline is often associated with haircare products. Sides of Forehead: Bladder This may be a sign you have trouble with removing toxins via your renal system. You need to be effectively hydrated (drinking at least 2L water per day). You may require some electrolytes to ensure the water gets into your cells and doesn't simply pass through your kidneys. This means you may need a tiny amount of salt before you drink to enable this. Keeping an eye on your urine colour can help you understand if you are adequately hydrated or not. Reducing dehydrating fluids like coffee and alcohol will also help. Above Eyebrows and Nose: Heart (Circulation & Emotions) and Pancreas Acne above the eybrows could relate to a circulation problem and hence poor nutrient delivery. It could be a sign of emotional stress and anxiety. Ensure you eat 3 meals only per day, with 4-5 hours between meals, with each meal containing protein, healthy fats and fibre. This will improve glucose regulation (from the pancreas) which may also be a contributing factor. Oily skin in the area (in particular the nose) can highlight blood sugar regulation issues. Meditation, Tai Chi to help with stress can also help. Between the Brows & Sides of Temples: Liver (The Seat of Anger) The area between the brows is known to be a hotspot for hormonal acne. Remember that all our hormones must be detoxified through the liver once they've done their jobs, and cleared via the bowels. Poor liver detoxification health, can mean we see this on the skin between the eyebrows. Fluctuations in hormone levels, typically during menstrual cycles or due to oral contraceptive pill (OCP) usage (which like all pharmaceutical drugs must be detoxified through the liver), can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores. Pharmaceutical medication (like the OCP) can also alter our gut microbiome resulting in a predisposition to acne. Paying attention to your menstrual cycle can also provide valuable insights into this type of acne. For example, women may notice intensified acne in the days leading up to their period. Addressing hormonal imbalances might involve a naturopathic consultation for appropriate testing and treatment options like liver detoxification methods. Hormonal congestion, poor bile release and hence poor fat digestion can be some of the root causes. The liver is also known as the seat of underlying anger. If this is applicable, then addressing why you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed can help. Bach Flowers like Elm can help. Reducing your exposure to household cleaning items, cosmetics and skincare products, alcohol, pharmaceutical products can help restore liver health. You can assist to support the liver with warm lemon water, bitter foods, daily bowel movements (so the toxins don't end up recirculating to the liver). Under the Eyes: Kidneys Consider puffiness, dark circles as signs you may be dehydrated. Aiding hydration will help here. Cheeks: Stomach & External Environmental Causes Cheeks can often appear red and inflamed with deep breakouts. The cheeks are one of the most digestive system linked zones. We need sufficient digestive hydrochloric acid in the stomach to break down our food, so chew food well, and don't drink with meals as this lowers the acidity necessary to break down foods. If we don't digest food properly we can end up with nutrient deficiencies which are necessary to combat the inflammation associated with acne. Warm lemon water or apple cider vinegar before meals will also help to stimulate digestion. Digestive system health ( as described above ) is crucial. Cheek acne is often indicative of external factors such as allergies, pollution, or irritants from products that come in contact with your skin (like your mobile phone). This region is especially vulnerable to bacteria and environmental pollutants that can contribute to clogged pores. Another common cause of cheek acne is the use of certain cosmetics or skincare products that irritate sensitive skin. Be mindful of the products you apply and opt for non-comedogenic products (products that won’t block your pores). To combat cheek acne, consider incorporating a gentle yet rigorous cleansing routine. A gentle exfoliation process a few times a week can also help remove dead skin cells and prevent further breakouts. Ensure you have clean bedding (pillows as well as pillowcases), and avoid touching your face. The lower cheeks may give a glimpse into respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, or the effcts of smoking. Around the Mouth: Large Intestine (Colon) Acne around the mouth can often be described as seeing the 'anus on your skin' reflecting direct digestive system disorders in the colon. Constipation, and incomplete bowel evacuation feelings, can lead to poor waste, toxin and hormone elimination. We can end up with dysbiosis in the digestive tract, bacterial overgrowth (especially if the diet isn't varied and doesn't contain a variety of fruits and vegetables). We must poop daily!! Some considerations to soften poop to assist with daily bowel movements include certain minerals (magnesium), certain herbs (slippery elm, aloe vera, marshmallow), certain foods (chia seeds, bitter foods) can all help achieve the daily poop goal status. Digestive system health as described in detail above is key. Under the nose can be a sign of being overworked and undernourished. Chin and Jawline: Hormonal and Digestive Tract Triggers Chin and jawline acne are typically associated with hormonal and (once again) digestive system issues. This is because you can't balance hormonal health until you get digestive issues sorted out . If detoxification via our gut and liver isn't addressed, hormones will recirculate and become more toxic. Hormonal health can relate to reproductive system health, thyroid health, adrenal health (stress and blood glucose). The chin and jawline is known for hormonal breakouts linked to the body's androgen levels. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is often a consideration with this type of acne. The upper lip can often help highlight excess androgens (like testosterone) if PCOS is an issue as can be seen by unwanted hair growth. Deep cystic acne can often be related to androgen spikes. Chin acne can often coincide with menstrual cycles and might flare up before or during the period. Keeping a journal of your acne flare-ups can pinpoint specific patterns tied to hormonal changes, enriching your understanding of your body. Everything you've read so far in terms of digestive system and liver detoxification health applies to this area. Should the lower cheeks and jawline present with dryness and skin peeling, it could be a sign that the skincare cleaning products are too harsh and removing the protective barrier. Endocrine disruptors in the form of cosmetics, perfumes etc could contribute to issues here, and their use should be minimised. Finally, acne on the neck acne may be a sign of adrenal dysfunction (think stress). Unfortunately for people suffering with acne in the cheek and jawline area, it is often the last part of the face to see change with treatments. Patience and persistence while addressing all the detoxification pathways is required. Acne Treatment Tips and Tricks Understanding the connection between acne location and its potential causes opens up avenues for more targeted treatment strategies. Here are some holistic approaches that might help: Balanced Diet : Eating a diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help balance oil production. Incorporating foods that reduce inflammation may also contribute positively to your skin’s health. Inflammation that accompanies acne has a higher demand for nutrition, and we may begin to suffer nutritional deficiencies making acne worse. The B group vitamins, zinc and magnesium can be quickly drained from our bodies. Acne can often trigger emotional eating which is often in the form of inflammatory foods making acne worse. Ensuring you are getting adequate vitamins and minerals from food sources  in the form of anti-inflammatory foods is therefore very important in the treatment of acne. Understanding why you are nutrient deficient is also helpful. Stay Hydrated : Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin hydrated, addressing various acne triggers. Mindfulness, Stress Reduction & Good Quality Sleep : Whether through yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises , managing stress levels, and good rest and sleep can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of breakouts. Movement: It is important to move your body through gentle exercise to assist peristalsis, reduce stress and also to ensure lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system deals with infections which can be present in certain types of acne so we want to ensure we pump lymphatics. Lymphatic drainage techniques can assist. By observing your acne's patterns, you can take proactive steps to manage breakouts more effectively. It’s essential to approach this from a holistic (whole of body) standpoint, and in a certain order , rather than merely targeting surface-level (skin surface) symptoms. Superficially trying to deal with the skin layer alone is like chasing your tail. Conclusion The 'road out is the road in' means working in a certain order to clear pathways for optimal skin health. Decoding acne patterns based on acne facial location provides a compelling glimpse into the underlying factors influencing skin health. By addressing these issues, you can embrace positive changes that contribute to better skin and overall body wellness for you. Understanding the root causes of your acne can empower you to take action and to achieve clearer, healthier skin in the long run. With patience and persistence you can effectively manage and overcome the challenges posed by acne. Remember: it takes roughly 5 weeks for new skin layers to appear, and acne is many skin layers deep, so many weeks are required for treatment and healing to work . If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances with acne to determine potential underlying causes, need assistance with detoxification pathways, or get Gut Microbiome testing performed to dig deeper into the root cause of your acne, then please don't hesitate to make a booking with me. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions Armet A et al, (2022), Rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome , Cell Host & Microbe Does all Disease Begin in your Gut? Co-Biome by Microba Diet Quality Food Groups and Nutrients Associated With the Gut Microbiota in a Non-Western Population Chinese Face Mapping An Ancient Guide to Healing your Face and Body Chinese Face Mapping Face Mapping Chinese Face Mapping Face Mapping Understanding Your Skin Health Acne Face Mapping What Your Breakouts Mean ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Did you know that a woman's menstrual period is her 5th vital sign? Our vital signs are documented as: Blood Pressure (BP): healthy is <120/80 Heart Rate (HR): between 60-100 beats / minute Respiratory Rate (RR): 12-16 breaths / minute Body Temperature (Temp): 36 - 36.8 degrees Celsius Ovulation in the Menstrual Cycle: non-menopausal women should be able to identify that ovulation has occurred. This is seen by ovulatory mucous which appears as thick , egg-white like substance at ovulation time as well as an increase in moistness levels. Ovulation is seen as a positive health indicator due to the subsequent rise in the hormone Progesterone. In a healthy cycle, ovulation should occur roughly on Day 14 of the classic 28-day cycle. A normal menstrual cycle is considered to be between 21-35 days apart. Teenagers cycles can be longer until cycles settle. Ovulation, or its absence, as the 5th Vital Sign If ovulation is the 5th Vital sign, then what is it letting us know if it's not present, or delayed? It will draw attention to: Inflammation in the body Thyroid issues Insulin Resistance Excess stress Nutrient deficiencies - Magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin D, Iodine, Zinc, and Selenium. Dietary and lifestyle choices that need adjusting Hormonal imbalances from the above If you make changes to your lifestyle, it will take on average 100 days for those beneficial changes to show up with your ovulation, as the follicles our eggs come from are developing in our ovaries over a 3-month period. Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Explained - 101 The information above assumes most people have a working knowledge of the female reproductive system, and this is not often the case. A summary of what happens over the course of the month, that discusses the details in the chart below, is provided highlighting the multiple elements at play in the female reproductive system. When you see so many changes each month, it is little wonder that women are often deemed hard to understand. We often feel we don't understand ourselves! Ovarian cycle and Uterine cycle correlations Image source The sequence of events in our female reproductive system can be broadly summarised. It may come as a surprise, but 'the brain is the boss, and our hormones are just the actors.' Our cycle is regulated by the HPO axis (Hypothalamic, Pituitary, Ovarian axis). This means, it is regulated by both the hypothalamus and pituitary in our brain, as well as our ovaries. We often think of the female reproductive cycle as the menstrual cycle (or uterine cycle) as shown by the 4th line in the chart above. A normal menstrual bleed is between 3-5 days, with approximately 50ml blood loss (2.5 Tablespoons). Days 1-5 are the menstrual bleed (Menses) , where we shed the unnecessary lining of the uterus if a pregnancy hasn't occurred. The lining is required for a healthy pregnancy, and hence why we don't menstruate when pregnant, and why bleeding during pregnancy is a concern and possible miscarriage risk. In a non-pregnant cycle, the uterine lining builds up over the remainder of the month (the Proliferative and Secretory Phases) under the influence of Oestrogen. Day 1 is deemed when the heavy flow starts. Light flow is simply the leftover shedding from the prior month, but often incorrectly referred to as Day 1 by some women. Simultaneously, our ovaries produce ovarian follicles, as shown by the Ovarian Cycle in the line 2 of the chart above. The ovarian follicles produce our hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone . One of those follicles should proceed to ovulation each month, if our health indicators are good. In the Follicular Phase (the first half of our cycle), Follicle Simulating Hormone (FSH) from our brain will decide which follicle proceeds to ovulation, and Luteinising Hormone (LH) in our brain triggers the release of the egg from that follicle, as can be seen by the top row of the chart. Some women feel the 'twang' or burst of pain from LH triggering the release of their egg. Ovulation kits are testing for the presence of LH. Our Basal Body Temperature is our body temperature immediately on waking in the morning without movement. If you are charting your basal body temperature, then you may notice a small drop in temperature at ovulation, then followed by an increase in the latter half of the cycle (as shown on the 5th line of the chart above). There is a chart in my Resources section to use for this is you are interested. In the Luteal Phase , once the follicle releases the egg at ovulation, the emptied follicle (Corpus Luteum) becomes the progesterone secreting gland. We can see this correlation in line 2 and 3 of the chart above. Progesterone secretion is primarily to ensure we can 'hold' a pregnancy (it is the 'pro-gestation' hormone). If we do not fall pregnant during that timeframe, then the progesterone levels fall away, and this along with a decline in oestrogen levels will trigger menses again. If we are pregnant, the hormone bHCG (beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) enters the arena from the cells of the newly developing placenta. The hormone bHCG is the hormone measured in pregnancy test kits. As well, bHCG alerts progesterone to stay elevated for 'pro-gestation' to occur so we can 'hold' a pregnancy. A cycle which is anovulatory (no ovulation) , and hence no progesterone, is a common infertility issue. As such, good levels of progesterone are vital for pregnancy, as well as FSH and LH levels, along with oestrogen. It's all a delicate balancing act, and the Goldilocks story once again. Our reproductive hormones (males included) all stem from cholesterol. It is the main LEGO piece! This is one reason why we don't want cholesterol levels falling too low. Depending largely on our diet and lifestyle, our hormones are shunted down different pathways as shown by the Steroid chart below. You will notice that if stress is present, a higher requirement for cortisol will divert hormone production to cortisol and not to our reproductive hormones. This is one reason why stress, in whatever format, interferes with our reproductive hormones. As we have discussed, ovulation signs are the 5th vital sign for pregnancy. Ovulation signs are also the 5th vital sign for good health as described below with the 'personalities' of our hormones, and what can go wrong if they are too high or too low. Personalities of our Hormones The two major players for our reproductive hormones are Progesterone and Oestrogen. They are the Yin and Yang respectively. Testosterone is also discussed. Progesterone She is like a good friend who you can sit down and have a 'calming cup of tea' with. Progesterone leads down a pathway to a metabolite called allopregnanolone, that acts like GABA (one of our calming neurotransmitters). See my blog on neurotransmitters to learn more at https://www.m-pathnaturopathy.com.au/post/food-choices-and-mental-health Progesterone, as well as being the 'pro-gestation' hormone, is also a wonderful hormone that has positive impacts on our mood, pain-free periods, boosts thyroid metabolism, reduces inflammation, builds muscle strength, and promotes relaxation and sleep. As we now know, a cycle without the subsequent rise in progesterone is termed anovulatory (no ovulation). This can lead to a relative imbalance between progesterone and oestrogen. Anovulation = no progesterone made = unopposed oestrogen = oestrogen excess. This is where oestrogen gets the nickname 'The DIVA' where if unopposed she can become out-of-control and very demanding! The Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) removes the ability to ovulate and hence generate progesterone. Certain health conditions also interfere with the ability to make progesterone - for example, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), as well as being underweight or overweight, being stressed etc (see below). As an aside discussion, PCOS has many causes. Hormonally it is described as low FSH, high LH, and low progesterone relative to oestrogen. It can arise if you are: Insulin resistant - magnesium from an alkaline diet is important to help here Have chronic low grade inflammation - Omega 3 is important here, and a good healthy gut microbiome from eating fibres, and ensuring your gut integrity is intact by minimising inflammation (alcohol, sugar etc). Have androgen excess signs (male hormones) which will arise when our follicles fail to mature. We may see facial hair, nipple hair, acne etc PCOS can occur post stopping the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) as often this condition was present before taking the OCP and it simply re-presents itself. Ta-da! I'm back! It can arise if you are too stressed, emotionally and physically. Ultra-fit girls who lift power weights can develop PCOS due to the increase in testosterone, and from the physical stress on the body. Low Progesterone symptoms can include: Anxiety, insomnia, infertility, irritability, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), and Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods), PCOS. Oestrogens Oestrogens are actually a group of hormones. E1 is Estrone which produces oestrogen from our adrenal glands and fat stores. This continues even after menopause. E2 is what we classically think of as Oestrogen. It is called Oestradiol and is the main Oestrogen hormone produced from the ovaries. E3 is Estriol and this increases in pregnancy. We can see the various forms at the bottom of the pathway chart below, in purple. Oestrogen (Oestradiol) is SASSY! She acts on Serotonin to make us happy and have good libido. She also acts on Dopamine to motivate us and seek pleasure. Oestrogen also improves our sensitivity to insulin so our glucose regulation improves. However, she can become a 'DIVA' and be too demanding when her levels are too high relative to progesterone. High Oestrogen symptoms can include: Acne, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), menorrhagia (heavy periods), mood issues, tender breasts, swelling in the body, weight gain. High oestrogen is a consistently observed feature of endometriosis. What causes that imbalance? Inflammation, and an immune response is a likely cause. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help. Low Oestrogen symptoms can include: Bone loss, hot flushes in menopause, insomnia, joint pain, skin issues, low libido, mood issues, brain fog, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain. Oestrogen Detoxification Occurs in the liver so we need good liver detoxification for that to occur. Please see my blog on liver detoxification at: https://www.m-pathnaturopathy.com.au/post/liver-the-detoxification-process Oestrogen gets broken down into different components. We want the healthy breakdown products as well, and once again our dietary and lifestyle choices can help here. The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a great functional test to determine this, along with other insightful information. I can order this for you, and interpret if you have the interest to. I feel it is a test that every woman should review in her lifetime. It can give early insight into breast cancer potential as an example. Testosterone Testosterone is like 'Sporty Spice'. She keeps us athletic, helps our muscles, bones, motivation, courage, and has a nice impact on dopamine and serotonin. We need ample amounts of testosterone to build muscle, so we can burn body fat. Steroid Pathway Chart Image source What Can Go Wrong with the Female Reproductive Hormones? Quite a few things actually. A Naturopath will ask a lot of questions, and order tests to identify where in the symphony things are going astray. It's important to track your cycle to have a history to be able to answer them. Questions can include: Do you Ovulate? Do you have irregular periods, or no periods? Causes may be pregnancy, perimenopause, stress, illness, under-eating relative to exercise (Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea), Thyroid illness, Coeliac disease, PCOS. Do you have late periods (longer than 35 days in length)? Causes may be stress, illness, PCOS. Do you have short periods (shorter than 21 days in length)? Associated with a reduction in progesterone from anovulatory cycles, or perimenopause. Do you have signs of low Progesterone? PCOS, heavy periods, uterine fibroids, acne, hair loss, PMS, PMDD, perimenopause. Do you have signs of high Oestrogen? Heavy periods, clots, breast tenderness, PMS, uterine fibroids, impaired liver detoxification pathways, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, histamine issues, heavy metals or endocrine disrupting chemicals from plastics, fragrances. Do you have light periods? Are you underweight, a smoker, consume too many phytoestrogens. Do you have heavy periods? Considered as >80mls over >7 days. Causes may be endometriosis, adenomyosis, thyroid illness, anovulatory cycles, PCOS, polyps, uterine fibroids, coagulation disorders. Do you experience pain on menstruation? From increased prostaglandins to shed a thick uterine lining from inflammation, adenomyosis, endometriosis. Do you have any infections? Pelvic inflammatory disease, yeast/ candida infections. Do you have spotting at ovulation? From low oestrogen Do you have spotting mid-cycle? Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infections, polyps. Do you have spotting at the end of your cycle? If longer than 2 days, progesterone is dropping too quickly at the end of the cycle. Do you suffer from PMS? Low progesterone relative to oestrogen, irritability, breast tenderness, fluid retention, food cravings, acne, inflammation. Do you suffer from PMDD? Extreme moods changes noticeably after ovulation, not just prior to menstruations is the case with PMS. Are you pregnant? You never know - take a test. Are you on the OCP? What brand will provide information on what artificial hormones are present. Are you in menopause? No menstrual period for >12 months. Roughly around age 50. Less than age 40 is considered premature menopause. Are you in perimenopause? Anovulatory cycles, heavy periods from high oestrogen relative to low progesterone. This can occur up to 10 years prior to actual menopause. What is your diet like? Too many phytoestrogens (tofu and other soy products) can interfere. Inflammatory foods and alcohol can as well. What are your stress levels like? Physical, mental, emotional stressors are all stress to the body. Do you have issues falling pregnant? Not just a potential female issue. Do you have issues holding a pregnancy? Are you on any medications? What other health conditions are present? Hypertension, anaemia are just 2 examples that can impact. Excess oestrogen is a risk factor for breast cancer. Are you exposed to environmental oestrogen? Certain chemicals can disrupt our hormones. Ovulation and the Oral Contraceptive Pill The Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) suppresses ovulation by shutting down the ovaries and switching off the hormones, so the 5th vital sign with ovulation disappears, and the wonderful benefit of progesterone disappears. Rather than correcting hormonal issues, the OCP simply shuts them down. This means there is a great chance they will resume once the OCP is ceased. Progestin in the OCP acts more like a male androgen than progesterone. Is the OCP the best form of birth control for you? The good news is that hormonal imbalances can be rectified. This is where herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies really do make a difference. If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances, or have your pathology results reviewed in line with your current situation, feel free to make a booking with me on the bookings tab on my website. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Pathology Tests Explained DUTCH Steroid Hormone Testing: Hormones, Health & Harmony Workshop ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Iridology is explained as the study of the iris, or the part that gives colour to your eye. As eye colour is inherited, it can give you insight into your potential genetic strengths and weaknesses that you have inherited. When you look at the iris closely, it is actually made of blood vessels with connective tissue coating that looks like fibres. The iris fibres, or blood vessels and connective tissues including nerves, are in direct contact with our biochemical, hormonal, structural and metabolic processes throughout our body. As such, iridology can give insight into a persons physical, emotional and spiritual health as it is the same blood vessel and connective tissue network present throughout our entire body. Iridology is explained - what it can and can't reveal? At a high level, there are some basics that can be seen in iris evaluation. It is important to note, that iridology cannot however be used for diagnosis, and cannot be used as a form of treatment. It is a tool that can be used in conjunction with a client assessment to assist with clinical decision making. The overall colour of the iris shows the Constitutional Genotype , which straight away alerts us to potential inherited characteristics. Lymphatic Genotype with Pancreatic Constitutional Subtype Diathesis A blue iris has a lymphatic genotype - this may alert us to potential issues with our lymphatic system. There may be a tendency for lymphatic congestion, allergies, mucous build-up, and kidney concerns. Diet wise we would be best recommending the minimisation of mucous producing foods like dairy and 'gluey' gluten foods. In its place we would be recommending alkaline foods like cucumbers, green leafy vegetables to alkalise the body and help flush toxins. We would make sure lymphatic, kidney and skin detoxification was focused on, with movement and filtered water daily. The iris shown also has a pancreatic constitutional subtype diathesis shown with the orange/ brown pigment highlighting the need to focus on glucose regulation. This diathesis may be an inherited characteristic or may be unique to this persons lifestyle, so would need monitoring. Haematogenic Genotype A brown iris has a haematogenic genotype - this may alert us to potential issues with our blood and circulatory system, cardiovascular system, and glandular systems in our body. There can be nutritional deficiencies (like iron causing anaemia), and imbalances in other minerals, like copper, that need uncovering. I feel this iris shows a resilient Neurogenic Disposition , so the client may not have had many health issues to date, but if or when they occur, the client could be quite surprised as they've not had any warning signs up to that point. There also appears to be an opaque lipaemic ring surrounding the iris, suggesting that lipid pathology needs reviewing. Liver and Bowel Detoxification could be recommended. Mixed Biliary Genotype A mixed colour iris has a Mixed Biliary genotype - this mixed blue/ brown iris may alert us to potential issues with our liver, gall bladder, GIT and pancreas. There may be increased cholesterol, so a focus on improving fibre intake with lots of vegetables, increasing fish, nuts and seeds for essential fatty acids (EFA's) and reducing fried saturated fats and sugar could be advised. This iris also has a pancreatic constitutional subtype diathesis shown with the orange/ brown pigment highlighting the need to focus on glucose regulation. This client also has 2 dark brown pigment 'spots' in the iris. This is the left iris and the location correlates to certain organ structures on the body. We can see from the Iridology Chart below, that in the left iris, these spots belong to the adrenal glands and spleen . The adrenal glands are where our cortisol is produced and you can see this client also has an Anxiety Tetanic Disposition with rings in the iris, and furrow lines projecting out from the pupil. This highlights a predisposition to stress in the client, which may be supported by the pigment overlay. A focus on reducing stress could form part of the consultation if applicable. Iridology Chart Looking into irises is somewhat subjective and is just one assessment tool available for naturopaths. It can provide a spotlight on areas of the body to discuss in greater detail with a client. Discussion with the client, and signs and symptoms discussed, is key to a greater understanding. The review of irises would be used as an adjunct for discussion. If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances, or have your iris photos and pathology results reviewed in line with your current situation, feel free to make a booking with me on the bookings tab on my website. As my appointments are all online, I cannot review your irises in person. However you can discuss with me how best to take clear, detailed photos of your irises from your phone to submit to me. I can then review the photos you send and we can discuss in your appointment. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Conlon L (2017), “ Iridology A Beginner’s Guide, Revised and Expanded ” 4th Ed, Digi-Image, Sydney, Australia Pesek D (2008), “ Iridology – An Overview ”, Int. Inst. Of Iridology Pesek D, (2012) “ What’s the Alternative? ” Portland Holmic, Vera TV Network, viewed 19th Feb 2022, Iridology Large Eye Chart ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is common with as many as 1 in every 10 females experiencing it along with subsequent weight gain that is stubbornly resistant to all efforts. It results from an over-production of male hormones (androgens), and a flow on problem with ovulation. This results in an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, androstenedione and DHEAS, and minimal progesterone from the lack of ovulation. Elevated androgens is what classifies you as having PCOS Symptoms of PCOS Image source Weight Gain is a Symptom of PCOS The main symptoms of PCOS are from excess androgens (male hormones) and include: Weight gain Irregular menstrual periods Excess facial hair that is long and dark Body hair where hair normally doesn't grow (chin, cheeks, nipples, belly) Thinning hair, or head hair loss where hair should be (male pattern hair loss) Acne on the lower face like chin, jawline and upper neck Difficulty falling pregnant (if trying to conceive) due to ovulation issues. Ovulation dysfunction is one of the major causes of infertility and drivers behind couples seeking IVF treatment. 4 Causes of PCOS and Weight Gain Link The cause of PCOS comes from four (4) different sources. The cause of PCOS must be identified to effectively treat PCOS. Remember, to start it must be identified that you have PCOS by identifying that you have an excess of androgens . If there is no increase in androgens, then you don't have PCOS. Testing for androgens is discussed below. The 4 causes of PCOS are: 1. Insulin-resistance PCOS Is the most common form (70% of all cases) presenting as elevated fasting insulin levels, and weight gain that is resistant to weight loss efforts. It is easily identified as weight gain around the abdomen (apple-shaped). Our waist measurement should be half our height. Insulin resistance PCOS is from Metabolic Syndrome  from unhealthy eating and lifestyle factors, smoking, alcohol, environmental toxins, magnesium deficiency from an acidic diet, and sleep deprivation. Insulin resistance must be reversed to treat this type of PCOS. Too much insulin impairs ovulation and causes ovaries to produce testosterone instead of oestrogen. Too much insulin stimulates the body to make more Luteinising Hormone (LH) that then stimulates more androgen production. Too much insulin lowers the androgen binding capacity of SHBG resulting in even more free testosterone. This type of PCOS will continue past menopause if not treated. Signs of insulin resistance can include skin tags, darkening of skin around armpits and neck (Acanthosis nigricans), elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Being told you 'just need to lose weight' isn't helpful when you have insulin resistance as it commonly resists all attempts to do so and you need treating to 'unlock' this vicious cycle. Once treated, insulin resistance goes away and weight loss naturally occurs. If you have been put on Metformin to help with insulin resistance, it can cause digestive problems and deplete your body of Vitamin B12. Digestive problems are a known cause of Inflammatory PCOS (see below) so the cycle may not get broken. Natural therapies can escape these unwanted side effects. 2.   Post Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) PCOS Is the second most common form which isn't usually long term, but is a temporary surge of male androgens that lasts 1-2 years only. A high LH:FSH ratio (greater than 2:1) is typically the only finding. If you have been put on the OCP to help with acne and insulin resistance, the bad news is that it can make them both worse when you stop taking it, and impact negatively on your mood while taking it. 3. Inflammatory PCOS Often arising from gut inflammation, digestive issues like dysbiosis, IBS, SIBO , leaky gut, histamine intolerance  issues, fatigue, headaches, immunity issues that may be seen with skin issues , and joint pain. Inflammation is a factor in all types of PCOS. An unhealthy gut microbiome can also contribute to insulin resistance (above). 4. Adrenal PCOS Is the least common form coming in at 10% of cases, and is only relevant if all the other causes of PCOS have been ruled out . PCOS is defined as having elevated androgens, but if the only androgen elevated is DHEAS, then Adrenal PCOS is likely the version you have (assuming Prolactin is not elevated). The flow chart below helps determine the cause of PCOS. PCOS Flow Chart Image source Diagnosis of PCOS PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound! Despite its name, which is now considered an inaccurate description, an ultrasound cannot be used for diagnosis . If you don't ovulate, you don't form a dominant follicle for ovulation in your ovary that month, so all follicles keep growing and you end up with many small follicles (cysts). However, every month your ovaries will look different, hence ultrasound is no longer valid as a diagnostic tool. If you experience pain or have large cysts on your ovaries, then that is a medical matter that should be seen by your G.P. Hormonal testing should be performed for diagnosis, along with an observation of symptoms. Blood testing on Day 2 for the hormones LH, FSH, Estradiol, Total Testosterone, SHBG, free Testosterone, Prolactin, DHEAS, Androstenedione. Progesterone levels should only be tested on Day 21. Do you ovulate? Ovulation is known as our 5th Vital Sign. The only way you can make progesterone is by ovulating. A blood test for progesterone levels will confirm if you have ovulated. Progesterone should be at least 9.5 nmol/L on Day 21 of a standard 28-day cycle (or tested on whatever day is 7 days after ovulation). An optimal reading is 30 nmol/L. A rise in basal body temperature upon waking will also confirm ovulation. There are also ovulation test kits you can obtain from chemists to test for the presence or absence of ovulation. Presence of excess androgens by symptoms, and blood testing for androgens (test for free testosterone, total testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS). Prolactin testing will rule in or out PCOS. A high prolactin level rules out PCOS but identifies hypothalamic amenorrhea (explaining why you may not be getting your period). Prolactin also increases DHEAS. Elevated prolactin levels prevent ovulation. LH (Luteinising Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) testing. The ratio of LH:FSH should be less than 2:1 Insulin testing (fasting) - should be less than 8 mIU/L Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels Vitamin D levels Thyroid function tests (to rule out hypothyroidism which impedes ovulation and makes insulin resistance worse). Full Blood Count (FBC) to look for signs of inflammation CRP, ESR to look for signs of inflammation Test Comments Free Testosterone Elevated levels Total Testosterone Combined Free and Bound Testosterone which will show as high levels. Total testosterone needs to be tested in conjunction with SHBG SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) In Insulin Resistance PCOS the results are typically low to low normal. Post OCP PCOS the result may be higher Androstenedione Elevated and generally occurs with elevated LH. Can also indicate adrenal involvement. If highly elevated it may push up oestrogen. DHEAS If this is the only androgen elevated, then likely Adrenal PCOS Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testing should be performed on Day 2 of cycle. If LH:FSH ratio is greater than 2:1 this is considered diagnostic for PCOS. Low LH is more likely HA which is commonly misdiagnosed as 'lean' PCOS. Fasting Insulin & HbA1c Fasting insulin levels >10mU/L (Desirable to be <8mU/L for weight loss to occur). HbA1c will show glucose levels over a 3-month period. CRP Can be elevated and used to assess inflammatory PCOS (along with anion gap, monocyte count, platelet count, ESR, and gut function and associated conditions. Prolactin If elevated, this my indicate pituitary issues rather than pure PCOS Table showing pathology results for PCOS Additionally, to be assessed, you need to start by tracking your menstrual periods. This will provide a benchmark for where you are now, and where you will be following treatment. Important information for a naturopath to know includes the length of your menstrual cycle, and days of bleeding. PCOS is defined by a long cycle length greater than 35 days indicating an anovulatory cycle (lack of ovulation) and hence no progesterone produced that month, as well as a longer number of days bleeding as well. NOTE: Cycle length greater than 35 days cannot be used as a guide for teenagers where the menstrual cycle is establishing itself. Notes for calculating menstrual tracking clues: Day 1 = heaviest day of bleeding (not the slight brownish discharge that may be shed) Number of days between Day 1 and your next Day 1 = length of your cycle Number of days of bleeding Amount of menstrual fluid lost Cervical fluid - a thick egg-like consistency is fertile mucous and is an indicator of ovulation while thin, watery discharge is not Pain around ovulation time Hormonal Cycles in PCOS PCOS is a vicious cycle once it is established and needs intervention to break the cycle. Persistent anovulation (lack of ovulation) leads to a chronic deficiency of progesterone which leads to increased LH secretion that leads to increased male androgens and decreased aromatase action (decreased enzyme conversion of testosterone to oestrogen) which again leads back to anovulation. Heavy menstrual flow occurs as the lining of the uterus becomes very thick, so there is lots to 'shed' each month. Insulin resistance compounds the effect of increased LH secretion that leads to increased male androgens and decreased aromatase action. Targeted intervention must be sought to break the cycle. DUTCH Testing (Dried Urine Testing of Comprehensive Hormones) can be a very valuable test to have performed providing a complete picture of your hormonal health. The DUTCH test is an addendum test following blood testing on Day 2 as described previously. The DUTCH tests depicts where hormones come from, how they form in the body, and includes nutrients, supplement, herbs and medications that can increase or decrease particular enzymes affecting hormones allowing for optimal health management. Steroid Pathways as tested on DUTCH Hormone Testing Image source Treatment of PCOS Treatment varies depending on the type of PCOS you have, but can consist of the following supplements: The herb Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) inhibits the production of testosterone and promotes healthy aromatase enzyme activity that converts testosterone to oestrogen. The herb Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) lowers testosterone in women and blocks androgen receptors. The 2 herbs work synergistically together. CAUTION: Blood pressure issues can be impacted negatively with Licorice use so care should be taken by working with a qualified naturopath. The two herbs are a wonderful combination that 'kick-start' hormonal regulation, and should not need to be taken for greater than 6 months. Magnesium  to improve Insulin resistant PCOS. Magnesium plays a regulatory role in insulin secretion from the pancreas. Magnesium will also help with sugar cravings. Alpha-lipoic acid to improve Insulin resistant PCOS, and promote healthy glutathione levels (our body's major antioxidant) Myo-inositol is an intracellular messenger for insulin and therefore assists insulin resistant PCOS. Additionally, it reduces androgens and supports regular ovulation. Vitamin D improves insulin sensitivity and promotes healthy maturation of ovarian follicles for ovulation. The phytonutrient berberine found in many herbs for insulin resistant PCOS, acne assistance, and reducing anxiety. CAUTION: Berberine should be used in conjunction with a naturopath as it can have detrimental effects if not used correctly, or for too long. Zinc has anti-androgen effects, helps to reduce inflammation that drives PCOS, regulates our stress response and promotes healthy ovulation. Zinc is often depleted after taking the OCP as well. B Vitamins reduce stress in adrenal PCOS Healthy Omega 3  for healthy cholesterol production that generates our sex hormones, and Vitamin D, and they reduce inflammation. The herb Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)  is an adaptogen controlling the stress response present in Adrenal PCOS. Withania somnifera  (Ashwagandha) is another great inclusion. There are many wonderful homeopathic remedies that can treat PCOS. Quit sugar, and avoid wheat, gluten , and dairy. These are often difficult to eliminate so try going cold turkey for 4 weeks, knowing that intense cravings subside after 20 minutes and the majority of cravings will subside after 7 days. Peppermint Essential Oil rubbed into your palms can reduce cravings considerably. Reduce alcohol, especially beer as it stimulates prolactin. Men get 'man boobs' this way. Ensure you eat full, satisfying meals with protein, healthy fats and fibre from fruits and vegetables, including starch from potatoes for example, to fill you up. Have a low carb breakfast, but do ensure you include complex carbohydrates in your diet throughout the day. Not enough could result in hypothalamic amenorrhea (absence of periods). Include strength training, even using your body as resistance e.g. squats. Just 12 weeks can improve insulin resistance. Address digestive issues if present Address Histamine issues if present Address Hypothyroidism if present as it impedes ovulation and worsens insulin resistance. Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals in perfumes, plastics, air fragrances etc. It's no surprise that perfumes are not allowed in IVF clinics! Reduce stress as increased cortisol can cause and make worse insulin resistance. Establish a healthy Circadian rhythm If you are a 'night type' person you are more likely to have insulin resistance, PCOS, Metabolic Syndrome and weight gain. PCOS needs treating  as it is associated with the long term risk of diabetes and heart disease. This highlights how all our hormones are linked in the body. PCOS is not just a period problem, weight problem, or fertility problem, but a whole-body metabolic and hormonal condition. PCOS can be treated, and you can begin to enjoy the life you want! Our bodies do heal! If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances and discuss your symptoms of PCOS, get testing performed, and get on the road to improving your health, then please don't hesitate to make a booking with me. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Briden L, (2021), 'Period repair Manual' 4 Types of PCOS Is PCOS Genetic? DUTCH Hormone Testing ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Often as Naturopaths, we recommend Gut Microbiome testing (or testing your poop) to determine any potential underlying causes of health issues. Though these tests are quite expensive, it is always the first place to look after general pathology screening. As Hippocrates said, "All disease begins in the gut". We would likely modify Hippocrates' saying slightly today to say that " all chronic, low grade, or systemic inflammation begins in the gut ". This is not the same as acute inflammation which is our bodies necessary response to immediate danger, but rather a persistent inflammatory response when there is no immediate danger present. It is this low grade, chronic inflammation that is thought to be behind obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and numerous others including the chances of developing autoimmune conditions. It may also come as a surprise, that there is more DNA in our body from the residents in our gut microbiome, than from our own human DNA. So while we may think we are driving the decisions we make, it is actually the residents of our gut making the decisions for us. Based on this knowledge, we need to be the 'adult in the room' and take control if 'the children are making unhealthy choices' for our health and longevity. Why Test our Gut Microbiome? What we eat can either reduce our chronic disease risk, or increase our chronic disease risk. This is all determined by what is happening in our gut microbiome. Altering what you eat can alter your microbiome in either a beneficial way, or not so. It is a worthy exercise to consider, and get tested for, using genetic sequencing of your entire gut microbiome - hence the expense! Rethinking Healthy Eating in light of the Gut Microbiome Image source As well as information about the residents of our gut microbiome (bacteria, parasites, fungi, archaea), we can learn valuable information about intestinal and systemic inflammation, intestinal barriers and permeability, our digestive secretions, intestinal motility, and much more. How Diet can contribute to Low Grade, Chronic Inflammation Image source How to Modify Your Risk for Autoimmune Disease Our risk for Autoimmune Disease can be increased if we have issues in our gut like: Dysbiosis When the ecosystem of gut bacteria is altered, we can end up with dysbiosis. This may be in the form of: Decreased beneficial species An overgrowth of harmful pathogens that shouldn't be present in our gut microbiome Opportunistic pathogens that see weakness in the microbiome Reduced diversity and richness of species - to help us with health resiliency How to repair - prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary interventions Inflammation Intestinal and systemic inflammation can drive autoimmunity (by activating pathways like NF-kB and Th17 cells) Inflammatory cytokine release How to repair - anti-inflammatories like Omega-3's and Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA's) Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) Elevated Zonulin levels allow for our single cell epithelial layer in our gastrointestinal tract to lose their closely connected tight junctions. This can allow food antigens and pathogens to slip straight through from our intestinal lining through to our bloodstream. Immune responses can result from this, and autoimmune reactions can be triggered via molecular mimicry pathways, where for example, certain foodstuffs can be thought to be actual pathogens. How to repair - Glutamine and Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) to reinforce the gut barrier Immune Dysfunction Imbalances between effector T lymphocytes (Th17) and regulatory T cells mean we lose 'self tolerance' where we stop seeing aspects of our body as belonging to us, and see them as pathogens. This means our body targets ourself as an enemy. Reviewing Lymphocyte subsets is important to determine where an imbalance may be occurring. Based on results, in conjunction with a gut microbiome analysis, enables therapies to be selected that can then be used to down regulate the imbalanced side of our immune response. How to repair - A general approach can start with Vitamin D, and then tailored. An example of how diet and associated gut-dysbiosis is seen below where a poor diet, causes obesity and associated issues in the gut leading to a permeable gut wall (leaky gut), allowing pro-inflammatory molecules such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from a fatty diet and its metabolites (Trimethylamine N-Oxide or TMAO) that can tip the balance of our immune response. In this case causing hand osteoarthritis. These inflammatory substances are tested for in a gut microbiome test. Diet associated Gut Dysbiosis and Hand Osteoarthritis Image Source How does Diet Impact on our Gut Microbiome By eating well, including a lot of fibre and specific prebiotics , ensuring specific dietary nutrient needs are met, based on the gut microbiome results, we can: Reduce Gut Inflammation Improve our lipid metabolism (cholesterol and triglycerides) Improve our antioxidant production Improve our short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production Reduce our risk of infections Improve insulin sensitivity In comparison, by eating excessive sugar, saturated fats, and high protein consumption we can: Increase Gut Inflammation Increase our risk of cardiovascular disease Increase our lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production, or endotoxins, that can enter your bloodstream and trigger low grade, chronic inflammation Reduce our anti-inflammatory short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production Increase our risk of infection Increase insulin resistance How to Lower your Risk of Chronic Disease Image Source Specific Diets In terms of the gut microbiome, one of the best dietary approaches that you can make is to follow the Mediterranean diet. This ensures we get good quality fibre for our gut microbiome, as well as good quality fats and proteins, with all the required vitamins and minerals. It has been shown that there are different 'immune signatures' elicited by different dietary approaches. A diet focused on vegetable intake improves our innate immune response and antiviral activity, while a high protein diet can significantly up regulate our adaptive immune system, which is generally not desirable. Other diets, may require supplementation to avoid deficits, may pose risk, and some should not be used long-term (Low FODMAP). To make life simple and uncomplicated, the best advice is to eat small amounts of a wide variety of natural foods that covers a broad diversity, with limited processed foods. This approach is best for your gut microbiome, and reduces any risk from overexposure of any one food or food type. Comparison of Popular Dietary Food Sources Consumed Image source If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances, or get Gut Microbiome testing performed, or discuss your associated health issues, then please don't hesitate to make a booking with me. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Armet A et al, (2022), Rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome , Cell Host & Microbe Link V et al, (2023), Differential peripheral immune signatures elicited by vegan versus ketogenic diets in humans , Nature Medicine Does all Disease Begin in your Gut? Cross Talk Between Diet-Associated Dysbiosis and Hand Osteoarthritis Co-Biome by Microba Diet Quality Food Groups and Nutrients Associated With the Gut Microbiota in a Non-Western Population ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Do you have unexplained sharp, needle-like pains? It might be Oxalate crystals. Not to be confused with Uric Acid crystals that cause Gout. Not all crystals are Uric acid implicated in Gout, but unfortunately not all crystals are routinely tested for. You may get put on medication well before it's truly investigated. Oxalate crystals are described as causing 'sharp, needle-like pain' anywhere in the body. Oxalate crystals can lodge and cause muscle pain (fibromyalgia), bone pain, joint pain causing arthritis, vulvar pain, eyes, in blood vessels, lungs, thyroid, and the brain! They can even cause anaemia, and other mineral deficiencies, and can bring on immunosuppression. They can trap heavy metals and cause heavy metal toxicity. Such a lot for a crystal not really investigated well in mainstream medicine. What are Oxalates and where do they come from? Oxalic acid is a tiny molecule that is toxic and corrosive. When it combines with other minerals it forms oxalates. For example calcium oxalate is what most Kidney stones are comprised of. Oxalic acid comes from: Plants - they make it possibly as self-defence. Many 'healthy foods' contain it. For example: spinach, almonds, berries, chocolate, potatoes, kiwi fruit, cumin, turmeric and more. Our bodies make it - if we are deficient in Vitamin B6 which may happen if our CBS pathway is running too fast, which is scientific talk that says our body is under severe oxidative stress and we have a strong need to be making Glutathione which is our major antioxidant. Dietary choices - having poor bile production, and low calcium and magnesium intake, and eating lots of fats, and sugars can cause oxalates. Diet is discussed in detail below. If we take too much Vitamin C supplementation we can make them. Aspergillus and Candida (Yeast) also make it. Certain genes can predispose us to making them. Symptoms from High Oxalates Multiple, vaied symptoms of pain as shown in the graphic, and many more!. Many and varied symptoms from Oxalates Image Why do Oxalates Cause Harm? Our bodies have no way of disarming oxalates once it's formed and we must move them and excrete it . To move them for excretion is not the same as metabolising it (as we do with other toxins via our liver), and this is where that movement for excretion can cause damage and pain in our bodies. Imagine moving tiny needles throughout your body! These needles can cause not only pain, but they can perforate cell membranes, so we can end up with kidney damage, leaky gut, lung issues, mind and mood issues, sleep issues, gum issues, bone instability and more. We often don't see these acutely, but they develop chronically and start off as inflammation that we seem to be very accepting of in our modern society. Additionally, for oxalic acid to form oxalates it must 'steal' minerals from us. This can make us deficient in minerals. As such, oxalates are called 'anti-nutrients'. If we don't get our vitamins and minerals, then we can become anaemic, osteopaenic, etc and all our cellular metabolism and growth work can be disrupted. Once at the kidneys for excretion, if there are too many we can overwhelm the kidneys and this is where we may form kidney stones. Correct supplementation and assistance is required to minimise this potential. Link with Oxalates and Autism Another important link: Do you have children who are non-verbal with behavioural issues, or who lash out at their bodies? Oxalates may be the cause. Studies show that there are much higher levels of oxalates in autistic children than in non-autistic children. These children may be experiencing terrible pain that they can't communicate to you. Your body has something to tell you. Let's explore so we can help you. Our Diet and Sharp, Needle-like Oxalate Crystals If you're experiencing seemingly mysterious pains in your body, it may be oxalates, and what you eat may very well be causing it as discussed above. There are also inherited genes that may impact on how well we break down oxalates. Additionally, taking a look at your gut microbiome (poop) can provide information on whether you have a good amount of oxalate eating bacteria (or not). Let's discuss Diet in detail: People consuming lots of healthy (?!) green smoothies are at risk of developing oxalate crystals. You could be consuming 10 times the daily recommended amount of oxalates . Who needs a good excuse not to drink green smoothies? Have you been taking high amounts of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) thinking you are helping your immunity? Very high levels of Ascorbic Acid can be converted to Oxalates. Do you have a high sugar diet? Candida love sugar, and they produce oxalates. Do you live in mouldy conditions? Aspergillus in mouldy conditions can do the same. Do you have smoothies based on almond milk with berries regularly? These are high oxalate dietary sources. Do you have liver or gall bladder issues? If so you may have issues with bile formation and secretion. If you have a high fat diet and possible bile acid deficiency, you may be experiencing diarrhoea. The fat in your diet won't be emulsified and will bind to calcium meaning calcium is unavailable to bind to oxalates for their safe excretion. The consequence - oxalate crystal formation. Do you eat non-organic meat? Meat from grain fed animals (non-organic) is high in Arachidonic Acid (Omega-6) that is associated with increased oxalate problems. Do you have a diet low in magnesium and calcium? Magnesium and calcium bind to oxalate crystals to enable them to be excreted from the body. A diet low in magnesium and calcium means these minerals are diverted to other essentials tasks, with oxalate breakdown not deemed essential. For calcium, this means preferentially being used to keep our hearts pumping. For magnesium, this means spreading itself for the many hundreds of reactions needing magnesium in our body. As a consequence, we may develop oxalate crystals. Healthy taurine and glycine levels are needed for good bile production, so the CBS Pathway needs to be working well, and is often not with oxalate issues. Like everything in life, and everything we eat, it should be in moderation else we can experience issues. The Goldilocks effect. Oxalates and Kidney Stones Have you ever had kidney pain, or have had kidney stones before? This was how oxalates were first found in people, as calcium oxalate kidney stones. Because of this, the mistaken impression was that you should avoid calcium. The opposite is true however. We need calcium to bind and excrete them in urine. Not enough calcium can lead to calcium stone formation. However, the calcium should be balanced with magnesium. How to test for Oxalates There is also brilliant functional testing kit (Organic Acids Testing) that must be performed to determine if oxalates are the cause of your pain. It can also tell if you have a genetic predisposition to form oxalates, and whether you have candida or mould exposure. An amazing amount of information is provided in this test kit with over 70 markers and various combinations of results that provide so much information. If you are experiencing pain in your body that hasn't resolved, I highly recommend the OATS test before you consider medication. Diets can be adjusted. Aside from the OATS test, you may get an indication of the damage being caused by oxalates if you have a low Homocysteine reading - read my blog  on that for more information, that may result in methylation issues. How to treat Oxalates If you have pain in your joints or body tissues, removing oxalates from your diet should be done slowly , and under the guidance of a qualified naturopath, else you may experience oxalates moving in your body which equates to moving sharp needles throuh your body tissues. This will create not only a lot of pain, but a lot of inflammation which will have further flow on negative effects. Ensure your house is kept free of mould. There are certain supplements and certain probiotics, and a certain procedure you must follow in order to resolve the issue. Speak to a qualified Naturopath. The removal of yeast is important - this means consuming a low sugar diet, and removing simple carbohydrates from your diet as this is the food source of choice for candida. Additionally, you need good amounts of healthy bacteria in your microbiome, and healthy amounts of oxalobacter bacteria to break down oxalates. Microbiome testing will provide that information. Supplementation will often be required, and for this you must see a qualified naturopath to turn this around for you. Increase your water intake to help flush the bound oxalates out. If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances, get tested for Oxalates, and understand how to incorporate foods, and supplements into your diet to ensure oxalates are treated safely, please make a booking via the button below. I am experienced in performing this. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References:   Oxalates High Oxalate: A Major Factor in Tissue and Blood VesselHealth Oxalates and Autism ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Bach Flowers Essences are little dropper bottles with tinctures of wild flowers preserved in water and brandy that are used as a natural way to restore emotional wellbeing. You simply 'succuss' the bottle, by hitting against your hand a few times to activate the contents, and place a few drops under your tongue. Thye are subtle, yet powerful relievers of emotional states as discussed below. Bach Flowers were formulated back in the 1930's by Dr. Edward Bach, a Harley St, physician, pathologist and homeopath who discovered that wildflowers can positively affect our emotions. Much to the bewilderment of the medical profession, he gave up his medical career to focus on plant remedies exclusively as a healing modality, after he found that Bach Flowers provided greater success in treating patients, than modern medicine practices at the time. He was convinced that positive emotional wellbeing (not just physical) was important for good health. Dr. Bach saw a key link between negative emotions and how that manifests in our body as physical symptoms. For example, hatred is the opposite to love, which emanates from the heart. So hatred can lead to heart disease. Dr. Bach proposed that focusing on adjusting the negative hatred emotion to one of more loving can correct heart disease. He felt that modern medical practices were less effective in their treatments, as it only focused on the physical body and not the emotional causations. Dr. Bach has been quoted as saying: “Suffering is a corrective, to point out a lesson, which by no other means we have failed to grasp.” The gist being that we will keep experiencing the same mental reactions until we learn the lessons life is handing us. He felt the real diseases in life were based around Pride, Cruelty, Hate, Self-Love, Ignorance, Instability and Greed. So how do Bach Flowers work? The Bach Flowers are liquid remedies that work by capturing the positive energy of flowers and plants. Dr. Bach discovered that when he felt certain negative emotions, he would hold his hand over wildflowers near where he lived. The flower, or rather the energy contained within the flower, that had the ability to correct that negative emotion was ascribed the power to treat that emotion. He captured that energy from those flowers by collecting the morning dew drops from the flowers, and bottled them, and preserved the energy in brandy. Hence this was how the Bach Flower Essences came to be. The 38 Bach Flower Essences Image source The Bach Flowers are a collection of 38 remedies that reflect the 38 basic negative states of mind listed in the table below. With so much going on in our hectic lives, it's easy to neglect our emotional needs. The key to keeping emotionally healthy can be assisted with Bach Flower Essences. The 38 remedies are classified under 7 mental and emotional states For those who have fear (F) For those who suffer uncertainty (U) For those with little interest in their present circumstances (LI) For those with loneliness (L) For those who are over-sensitive to influences and ideas (O) For those with despair and despondancy (D) For those who over-care for the welfare of others (W) Choose the Bach Essence for you by visiting the site. Remedy Emotion Agrimony (O) Hide emotions, swallow emotions Aspen (F) Fear of unknown things Beech (W) Critical and intolerant of others Centaury (O) The inability to say 'No' Cerato (U) Lack of confidence in one's own decisions. Followers Cherry Plum (F) Fear of a mental breakdown, losing control Chestnut Bud (LI) Failure to learn from mistakes Chicory (W) Selfish, possessive love Clematis (LI) Dreaming of the future without working in the present Crab Apple (D) Self-dislike and disgust. Obsession with being perfect. Elm (D) Overwhelmed by responsibility Gentian (U) Discouraged and depressed. Glass is half empty Gorse (U) Hopelessness and despair of life Heather (L) Attention seeking and being self-centred Holly (O) Hatred, envy and jealousy Honeysuckle (LI) Living in the past Hornbeam (U) Temporarily stuck in a rut Impatiens (L) Impatience Larch (D) Lack of confidence, feel inferior to others Mimulus (F) Fear of known things, withdrawn Mustard (LI) Deep depression for no reason Oak (D) Workaholics, strong sense of duty, stubborn Olive (LI) Exhaustion following mental or physical effort, tired and wired Pine (D) Guilt, assume blame even when not them Red Chestnut (F) Over-concern for the welfare of others Rock Rose (F) Terror, Panic and Fright Rock Water (W) Self-denial, rigidity and self-repression Scleranthus (U) Inability to choose between alternatives Star of Bethlehem (D) Shock (physical or mental) Sweet Chestnut (D) Extreme mental anguish, despair, no hope Vervain (W) Fanatic, lives on nerves, over-enthusiasm Vine (W) Dominance and inflexible Walnut (O) Difficulty letting go, who needs help with new beginnings Water Violet (L) Quiet self-reliance leading to isolation, proud, social anxiety White Chestnut (LI) Unwanted thoughts and mental arguments, 'I should have said..' Wild Oat (U) Uncertainty, haven't found what they're looking for Wild Rose (LI) Drifting, resignation and apathy Willow (D) Bitter and resentful, blaming of others Rescue Remedy Cherry Plum, Clematis, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem and Impatiens combination Table highlighting the complete Bach Flower Essences Bach Flowers are available at certain chemists for everybody to purchase. They don't need to be prescribed by a Naturopath and are completely safe to use. My personal favourite Bach Flower, is Elm for those times when I feel overwhelmed. Rescue Remedy is commonly used for Stress Control If you're sceptical about Bach Flowers, as I was, then try Rescue Remedy which is available in most chemists at a time when you feel incredibly stressed, panicked, or shocked. Rescue Remedy will calm you down quickly. It's such a common find in people's handbags, and office drawers these days. I highly recommend it. They even come in pastilles for ease of use. Fun fact: Selma Hayek and Emma Watson both use Rescue Remedy Image source If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances and discuss how the Bach Flowers may help you, then please don't hesitate to make a booking with me. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References Bach Flowers Bach E, (2005) The Essential Writings of Dr Edward Bach , Vermillon, London, England Nelsons Bach Original YouTube Channel , Flower Remedies: The Journal to Simple Healing,  accessed 13thSeptember 2021,  Bach Flower Remedy Handbook, (2018), Bach Flower Essences a division of Basking in Light, Crows Nest, Australia Barnard J, (2000) A Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies,  Antony Rowe Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire, England Weeks N, (1973) The Medical Discoveries of Edward Bach Physician , Bookmarque Ltd, Surrey, England ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Sarcopenia is a musculoskeletal disease. It is the age-related and sedentary lifestyle-related loss of muscle mass and strength which is largely preventable. Some of the causes of sarcopenia are listed below. How we can prevent loss of muscle and increase muscle mass is also discussed. The causes of Sarcopenia are largely: Physical Inactivity - from ageing and sedentary lifestyles Poor Food and Nutritional choices - the body can become insulin resistant with "sarcopenic obesity" (where muscle wastes away while fat stores increase) Inflammation - as a result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices, and toxin exposures Strategies to Prevent Sarcopenia through Exercise Sarcopenia can be effectively mitigated through regular physical activity. Here are some key strategies: 1. Preventing Sarcopenia with Resistance Training Resistance training is the best way to avoid muscle loss and increase muscle mass. Engage in strength training exercises at least 2-3 times a week. Focus on major muscle groups using free weights, resistance bands, or weight machines. Incorporate body-weight exercises like squats, push-ups, and lunges. See links to great, simple resistance band exercises and simple dumbbell lifting exercises. 2. Preventing Sarcopenia with Aerobic Exercise Include cardiovascular activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Consider interval training to enhance muscle endurance and cardiovascular health. 3. Preventing Sarcopenia with Flexibility and Balance Training Incorporate stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Practice balance exercises, such as tai chi or yoga, to prevent falls and injuries. 4. Consistency and Progression Establish a regular exercise routine and gradually increase intensity and volume. This is called progressive overload. Monitor progress and adjust workouts to continue challenging your muscles. 5. Nutrition and Hydration Ensure a healthy diet is followed - the Mediterranean Diet is my preferred recommendation. Ensure adequate protein intake (25-30g in each meal) to support muscle repair and growth. Stay hydrated (2-3L per day) to maintain overall health and optimize exercise performance. Incorporating Omega-3 Fish Oils , or oily fish consumption is thought to assist muscle mass building. The best fish are the SMASH fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, Herring) Strategies to prevent Sarcopenia therefore come down to exercise and good healthy nutritional and lifestyle choices. By incorporating these exercise and nutritional strategies into a regular routine, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of sarcopenia and maintain muscle strength and function as they age. Illustration comparing healthy muscle mass with sarcopenia-induced muscle loss, highlighting changes in muscle and fatty tissue composition. Image source If you would like to discuss what you can do both physically, nutritionally and how to make lifestyle changes to improve your muscle mass, then please don't hesitate to book in for a consultation. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560813/ https://victoriahealth.com/editorial/what-is-sarcopenia https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sarcopenia#physical-activity https://womenshealth.gov/sites/default/files/_documents/2025/sarcopenia/SarcopeniaInfographic_20241211-508.pdf ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.

Haemochromatosis is a condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from our diet. Iron is found in our haemoglobin enabling oxygen transport around our body. Normally, dietary iron absorption is under careful control, with any transient increase stored in our liver as Ferritin, which is drawn on when needed. However when there is a breakdown in this process, we can see an increase in iron to levels of dangerous excess via our pathology results ( Full Blood Count and Iron Studies ), and via clinical symptoms. Excess iron causes iron overload, and is known as Haemochromatosis. The most most common reason is a genetic, or inherited cause. We can test for this via the HFE gene test if the initial FBC and Iron studies indicate Haemochromatosis. Haemochromatosis is when you have too much iron in your body causing issues Image source Testing for Haemochromatosis Iron Studies (like below) can provide indications we have iron overload, and depending on lifestyle also the need for Haemochromatosis genetic testing. Ferritin and Transferrin Saturation are the best markers as indicators of iron overload. Iron Studies Test Name Upper limit for females Upper limit for males Iron (in our blood) >30 umol/L >30umol/L Ferritin (stored iron) >200ug/L >300ug/L Transferrin Saturation (%) (iron transported around body) >45% >50% Table source : Iron Study results indication Haemochromatosis Haemochromatosis and the HFE Gene Haemochromatosis predominantly arises from defects in the HFE gene. The two most common mutations that occur on this gene are the C282Y and H63D mutations. Genetic testing results may be shown by: HFE Genetic Testing Result Known as Risk of developing Haemochromatosis C282Y - 2 copies C282Y/ C282Y Highest risk C282Y-1 copy, H63D-1 copy C282Y/H63D Increased risk H63D - 2 copies H63D/ H63D Slightly increased risk C282Y-1 copy, S65C-1 copy C282Y/S65C No increased risk C282Y/H63D/S65C-1 copy, and 1 normal gene Carrier state No increased risk Table source:  highlighting the varieties of HFE gene mutations possible on testing and associated risk of developing Haemochromatosis. While the genetic cause of Haemochromatosis is the most common cause, there are other reasons that iron overload may occur in your body. They can include: Excess iron supplementation (dangerous) Age Excess dietary intake of iron Alcohol as it impedes the liver's ability to deal with iron Regular blood transfusions for Thalassaemia major patients may cause iron overload. Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder of red blood cell production. Thalassaemia minor means one thalassaemia gene is inherited while the other is normal, whereas Thalassaemia major is where two inherited thalassaemia genes are inherited, resulting in severe anaemia, and the requirement for repeated transfusions. Iron overload can occur as an unfortunate consequence, with patients presenting with symptoms as per below. Haemochromatosis Symptom Picture In Haemochromatosis, as there is impaired ability to get rid of excess iron, it can get stored in our joints, heart, pancreas, brain, and hormonal glands. The symptom picture can look like a lot of other conditions and so may take time to understand what is going on. This is why it is important to have regular, routine pathology tests performed to get an early indication. Symptoms can include: Fatigue Joint issues - joint pain, arthritis, osteoporosis Abdominal pain Diabetes - excess iron build up in the pancreas can lead to insulin excretion problems Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) , and Hepatitis B & C Reproductive hormone issues - irregular menstruation, low libido, erectile dysfunction, gynaecomastia (swollen breasts in males) Skin taking on a bronze look Hair loss Heart issues - heart rhythm problems Memory issues Depression, mood swings, impulsiveness, anger problems Hypothyroidism Weight loss Haemochromatosis Treatment Iron levels need to be restored to safe levels as soon as possible. Seeing your G.P. and arranging for venesection to remove blood is the primary method of treatment and continue to have regular blood tests to ensure optimal and safe levels of iron. Following a low iron diet then becomes crucial. If you would like to discuss your pathology results should have you have any concerns regarding your iron status , then please don't hesitate to book in for a consultation. Sign Up for Further Educational Material If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page. References: Haemochromatosis - when you have too much iron in your body Haemochromatosis Australia - an inherited iron overload disorder HFE Mutations Haemochromatosis Questions Answered Common Thalassaemia Questions ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.