Posts

Probiotics

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bacteria-probiotics-prebioticsI actually want to take the opportunity to dispel some of the myths related to probiotics as well as share with you some of the benefits.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are normally present in the digestive tract. They are necessary for proper digestion as well as preventing overgrowths of yeasts and other pathogens. They are integral to the synthesis of vitamin K, which is important for bone, blood and liver health, and also for the synthesis of B vitamins.

There are hundreds of different types of beneficial bacteria however the two most common are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum.

Different strains of bacteria are suitable for different health conditions, so it is worthwhile consulting a healthcare practitioner, such as a naturopath, to determine the best probiotic for your individual health requirements.

Symptoms that can be associated with an imbalance in the digestive flora are

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Intestinal & systemic toxicity
  • Constipation
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Food allergies
  • Malabsorption of nutrients
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Plus hundreds more…

 

The following are frequently asked questions regarding probiotics.

Q. If I eat yoghurt do I get enough good bacteria?

A. If you have taken antibiotics, the oral contraceptive pill, steroid drugs etc the answer is a definite NO. You absolutely need to take a probiotic supplement. Also if you are eating yoghurt that is full of sugar then you can forget any benefits from it.

Q. Should I take my probiotics before I eat?

A. Research has shown that it really shouldn’t matter when you take your probiotic supplement. The main rule would be to take 2 hours away from pharmaceutical drugs. Some people like to recommend an ideal time of ½ an hour before meals to give the bugs time to get moving through the stomach but before, during or after a meal really shouldn’t matter.

Q. Does it matter if I leave my probiotic out on the bench overnight?

A. The answer to this is no the product should be fine if left out once or even twice over night. The general rule is that the longer out of the fridge the shorter the shelf life but a short stay on the bench will not destroy your product.

Q. Are there foods other than yoghurt which contain probiotics?

A. Yes. Kefir, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh and umeboshi plums are all excellent additions to the diet to promote good digestive flora.

 

Chiropractic for Arthritis

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Health In The Bay Tomato in HandsDo you experience pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints? Do you find it difficult to walk up stairs or open jars?
If so, you may be one of 3.85 million Australians affected by arthritis, one of the major causes of disability and chronic pain in Australia.

Arthritis comes in many different forms, all of which can have a major impact on your quality of life. It is a condition of the joints that causes the cartilage lining the joint surfaces to slowly wear out. This may then result in stiffness, swelling and pain. The decreases in mobility of the joints also have a high tendency to affect the biomechanics of the spine as well as other joints of the body. For example, if you have arthritis in the knee, it can also affect the mechanics of your hip joints which will ultimately have a big impact on the biomechanics of the spine.

How can we help?

Many studies have shown Chiropractic to be remarkably effective in managing arthritis and its symptoms. With regular chiropractic care, the body will be able to do better what it has always been designed to do, to move! The joints will move more freely with lesser restrictions and less pain. Furthermore, we also detect and correct misalignments in the spine that is directly or indirectly affected by the arthritis. Having a properly aligned and functioning spine means increasing life energy in the nerves supplying every organ, cell and tissue of the body. This promotes your body’s natural ability to heal itself as well as increasing the immune system to limit further stress caused by the arthritis.

Chiropractic is a non-invasive method of care, which means we do not utilize medication or anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief, therefore reducing any harmful side effects that can be associated with these drugs.

Combined with a positive focus and nutritious diet and exercise, Chiropractic provides a healthy lifestyle change that will get you going again!