by Kate Driver | Apr 29, 2021 | Energy, Fatigue, hormones, thyroid
Heavy periods, hormonal issues, migraines, mood swings, weight gain…. are you estrogen dominant ?
Or do you have an underactive thyroid ………or both?
Estrogen dominance is common in women of all ages, but can also be a problem in perimenopause ad menopause.
Progesterone drops rapidly during perimenopause which can make you estrogen dominant .
Estogen and progesterone need to be in a certain ratio.
As your ovaries start shutting down, we release less eggs and ovulate less. Which means progesterone drops. This can be exacerbated by stress and high cortisol ( stress, lack of sleep, inflammation)
Estrogen is produced by the ovaries in reproductive years, and in menopause the fat tissue, muscle, DHEA from the adrenal glands .
It can be re-absorbed through the digestive system and women become dominant in estrogen when they are clearing the excess properly.
Excess estrogen slow the thyroid function down and contributes to a underactive thyroid.
The symptoms you may experience when you have a sluggish thyroid may include-
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hot flushes
• Insomnia
Causes of estrogen dominance-
• Poor liver function
• Gene polymorphisms (MTHFR and COMT)
• Poor gut elimination
• Low thyroid function
• Exposure to xeno-estrogens
• High histamines – allergies or in foods. (more sensitive through menopause)
Some signs of Estrogen dominance
- underactive thyroid
- weight gain esp. hips and thighs
- cellulite
- moodiness
- fatigue
- heavy bleeding during your menstruation
- migraines and headaches
- foggy head
- fibroids
- fluid retention
- PMS/ PMT
Can you relate to this?
If you do and would like to know more, please contact me
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here
by Kate Driver | Feb 25, 2020 | Fatigue
Your adrenals, cortisol & how they affect your hormones
Dysfunctional cortisol can lead to adrenal burnout, thyroid issues and sleeping problems
Cortisol, typically increases after age 40. It can also become ‘dysfunctional’ where it is lower during the day and higher at night time. This commonly is when poor sleep patterns develop or even hot flushes at night.
Cortisol is a hormone we produce in our adrenal glands. Its main function is to raise blood sugar levels, increase blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
Cortisol should be high during the day and lower at night, when we need to produce the hormone melatonin to sleep. Long term stress can cause an increase in cortisol and so can ageing!
If your adrenals are pumping out cortisol for long period of time it will inevitably affect your other hormones. Your skin can sag, muscles droop, become ‘stress intolerant’ and you end up with a lack of confidence.
Progesterone steal pathway and estrogen dominance
High cortisol over time reduces progesterone levels. This is because we produce cortisol and progesterone from the same hormonal precursor- pregnenolone. Progesterone is our anti-anxiety hormone and gives a feeling of contentment. And if you feel like you have constant PMT/PMS then you probably are low in progesterone! If this keeps dropping over time because of stress, lowered thyroid function or a sluggish liver, then you end up with estrogen dominance
Excess estrogens can slow down the thyroid function and contribute to an underactive thyroid. And when the thyroid function slows down, this slows the liver function down and it becomes a cycle.
Prolonged cortisol levels also can decrease the livers ability to clear excess estrogen from the blood.
A sluggish liver can mean you end up with insulin resistance and weight gain. Insulin is the hormone which ‘unlocks’ glucose from your food. If you are not unlocking the glucose for energy, it is stored as fat in your body, usually abdominal fat after age 40, which I known as the middle-aged spread…. Eeek! I know no-one really want this to happen!
Also, as we age we become more resistant to insulin, this can cause weight gain. Our body doesn’t utilise glucose from food as efficiently as it did when we were younger. The way around this is to exercise more and eat less sugar and carb’s.
The top health risks of having high cortisol
· Insulin resistance and diabetes
· Increased body fat/ weight gain
· Mood and brain problems including Alzheimer’s disease and depression
· Insomnia and sleep problems
· Delayed wound healing
· Bone loss in menopausal women
· Infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
We can normalise or control cortisol by
· Controlling stress
· Exercising
· Getting adequate sleep
· Meditating
· Doing yoga
· Practising ‘mindfulness’
· Having a positive attitude
· Taking magnesium and herbs to lower cortisol
· Supporting your adrenal health
· Take or balance melatonin at night (By the way, melatonin is very anti -ageing!)
· Increasing progesterone levels
And most importantly reducing the foods which increase cortisol- coffee, sugar, alcohol and too many processed foods and carbs. This will help to reduce the chance of insulin resistance and weight gain.
The low glycaemic diet is the way to go. Watch the simple carbs and sugars during your day and opt for veggies, salad and proteins at meal times, reducing the carbs to 2 small serves a day. These include breads, rice, pasta and biscuits.
Protein also reduces cortisol and can help keep up feeling calm. If you have sugar or carbs it can leave you feeling more anxious and even trigger hot flushes. So…. don’t go for the sugar or carbs when you feel anxious or tired, have some good quality protein!
Would you like some support or have any questions? You can contact me here for a chat or an appointment. I consult online and in person in South Australia.
by Kate Driver | Aug 5, 2019 | Blog, Fatigue, gut health, gut health, Health, Leaky gut
The gallbladder is an overworked gland. It’s a small gland that sits under the liver. The liver produces a substance called bile and the gallbladder (GB) stores it. Bile is used to break down fats from your diet and also binds to toxins and unwanted hormones such as excess estrogens to be eliminated through your bowels. When the GB is under functioning it will cause fat malabsorption, a build up of toxins in your body and estrogen dominance. AND it will predispose you to gall stones.
Symptoms associated with a under functioning gallbladder include
- Pain/tenderness under right rib cage
- Pain between shoulder blades
- Indigestion, especially after eating fatty food
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness after eating
- Vomiting
- burping
HRT and the Pill causes alterations with gallbladder function as theses hormones affect the stickiness of bile and make the gallbladder more sluggish, leading to potential gallbladder problems and stones. And for those of you women in perimenopause, who are estrogen dominant, then the GB can be a contributor.
Thyroxin or T4, is a thyroid hormone that influences GB function. If this hormone is low, it can cause slow bile flow and contribute to formation of gall stones.
What can you do to look after your GB?
Diet should include;
- Lemon juice in warm water on rising
- Regularly eat raw beetroot, bitter greens and olives
- Dandelion root tea
- Coconut oil, nuts and seeds, oily fish, omega 3 oils
- Avoid trans fats, red meat, fried foods, reduced processed foods and sugar
- Avoid over eating!
Supplements can include;
- Lethicin with meals – sunflower is best, or supplement with choline
- Taurine
- marys thistle
- Turmeric
- Dandelion root
- Barberry
Extra tips!
- Use castor oil packs of the GB area at night
- Rub a few drops of rosemary oil (in a carrier oil) over your GB
Get in touch if you need support or have questions.
Get in touch here
by Kate Driver | Oct 17, 2018 | Anxiety, Blog, Energy, Fatigue, hormones
Are you exhausted? Fatigued? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Moody? Depressed ? Wired and tired at night? Are you getting sick all the time or constant hay fever or allergies ?
If you have any of these symptoms, fatigue on waking or throughout the whole day and you have been suffering long term, your adrenal glands are probably to blame. These small, walnuts sized glands produce our ‘fight or flight’, or stress hormones. They therefore help regulate the stress response, but also other hormones, the nervous system, cardiovascular system, regulate the sleep wake cycle and inflammation, and the immune system. With many people in today’s busy world, they get over worked and then they cannot keep up with the ongoing demands our bodies put on them.
To rebuild the adrenals, you should avoid all stimulants where possible. This includes caffeine in chocolate, coffee, cola and guarana in supplements, sugar, alcohol, and white flour products/ refined starches. Reduce stress and get plenty of sleep.
EATING FOR YOUR ADRENALS!
- Eat within 2 hours of waking up
- Eat frequently through the day to regulate your blood sugar levels, at least every 4-5 hours. This will prevent a drop in your blood sugar levels and will make a difference to your adrenal health and energy levels.
- Eat good quality protein at every meal. These can include organic free range eggs and chicken, fish and nuts and seeds.
- Eat a wide variety of whole, natural foods
- Combine a healthy fat, protein and carbohydrate source with every meal
- Eat lots of vegetables, especially the brightly coloured ones and preferably organic
- Use a mineral salt such as Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt; ½ a teaspoon daily.
- Avoid fruit in the morning
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons of fresh essential oils (cold pressed olive or flaxseed oil) into wheat free grains, vegetables and meats daily. Do this after cooking as they are not meant to be cooked with! Cook with coconut oil which is anti-inflammatory and has a high burning point.
NUTRIENTS FOR ADRENAL HEALTH
Magnesium is a very important mineral for adrenal gland function. It is estimated that at least 80% of the population are magnesium deficient. Please be aware that there are many forms of magnesium and they are not all the same! Practitioner ranges have the most bio-available forms, meaning they are very efficiently absorbed. Potassium and magnesium together are the ‘nervous system Nutrients’.
B complex vitamins are important but may be too stimulating for some people when they are extremely adrenally fatigued. In these cases, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C are the best nutrients to nourish the adrenals glands. ‘Activated’ B vitamins should be used for more efficient absorption. Vitamins B5 and B6 especially help to restore adrenal function. Always take a B- complex if you are taking singular B vitamins to avoid an imbalance occurring. Be careful during intense anxiety as the B vitamins maybe too stimulating, also when there is Chronic fatigue, take small amounts to begin with and see how you feel.
HERBS FOR ADRENAL HEALTH
There are many herbs for the adrenal glands that can help strengthen the adrenals, but also act as adaptogens. Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress and protect the adrenals from any ongoing stressors. An example of an adaptogen are; siberian ginseng, panax ginseng, withania and Rhodiola. Withania can help when there is insomnia and Rhodiola is great for energy, stamina and cognitive function. I use other herbs simultaneously to strengthen the adrenals glands, such as Rehmannia and licorice, along with homeopathics.
When there is anxiety, herbs such as withania, skullcap, magnolia and ziziphus, are great to reduce the flight and fright hormones. It is important to check your Thyroid function through a basal body temperature testing or a thyroid function test. The thyroid gland may need support also. The adrenals and thyroid work together to help regulate the nervous system.
RELAX AND MEDITATE
The adrenals cannot rebuild themselves when they continually stimulated. It’s like whipping a dead horse! If you are tired, avoid ‘soldering on ‘, as this will only make the adrenals weaker. De- stress often, by meditating or doing yoga or Tai chi. Have regular massages and enjoy some time to yourself every day. During times of anxiety more intense exercise may be needed to help the body rid the stress hormones and relieve tension.
Have an Epsom salt bath before bed to get you into a deeper sleep. If you haven’t got a bath, have a warm shower and afterwards rub some lavender oil on your temples. Magnesium oil can be rubbed on the tops of your feet before bed to give the same effect as the Epsom salt bath (Epsom salt is magnesium). Sleeping well and for at least 8 hours a night is an integral part of helping the adrenals recover.
AND BREATHE !!
Try and practice breathing from the lower part of your diaphragm. Too many people shallow breathe when they are stressed or have anxiety. Breathe in for a count of 3, and out for a count of 5, when you feel anxious or finding it hard to get to sleep.
Also our adrenals are patterned from birth, we pick up stresses in utero (the womb) and during childhood, which can have long term effects on our adrenal glands. In families, there may be a genetic pattern, where the all of family members have a similar weakened adrenal response.
No matter what stage you are in, there IS a sure road to recovery! I am here, to help you recover also!
Book a complimentary clarity call here - CLARITY CALL
Or an in clinic appointment here - CLINIC APPOINTMENTS
Or an online consultation here - SKYPE CONSULT
REFERENCES
1; an excerpt From Angela Hywood on ‘The Adrenal insufficiency syndrome’
NLS Salivary hormones training manual, 2009
by Kate Driver | May 19, 2018 | Fatigue
The yeast that can cause fatigue
“All disease begins in the gut” - Hippocrates
Candida alblicans are symbiotic (diverse organisms that live together) microbes which has co-evolved with humans.
Candida albicans in particular, is a yeast that we all have living in our intestines, urinary tract and vagina (for you girls). It is the most common yeasts in the human body. It is usually kept under control with the friendly lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in our gut. When it gets out of control and overgrows, it can overpopulate the bowel and other parts of the digestive tract such as oesophagus, mouth and genito -urinary tract and also can become systemic, which is known as candidiasis.
“When allowed to proliferate, candida alblicans has the ability to change from its normal yeast- fungal form to a mycelial – fungal form. The mycelial fungal form of candida produces rhizoids, which are long, root like components that are able to pierce the walls of the digestive tract and break down the protective barriers between the intestines and the blood. Penetration of the intestinal wall by fungal candida contributes to increased intestinal permeability and systemic candida infection.” (1)
Candida produces alcohol and acetaldehyde, which are toxic by-products, and cause the ‘hung over’ feeling and fatigue that many people experience. This can cause an extra burden to the immune system and liver.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary from person to person and depend on how long the person has been suffering and where their inherent weaknesses are. They can include;
Poor concentration
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, constipation, nausea
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Headaches
Pimples/acne
Skin rashes
Mood swings
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Muscle weakness
Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome
Joint aches and pains
Allergies
Menstrual disturbances
Itchy ears
Anal and/or vaginal itching
Vaginal discharge
Carbohydrate and/or sugar cravings
Sensivity to mould can be related to candidiasis
How does candida overgrow?
There are many factors that let candida overgrow. Common causes of candida overgrowth are;
Oral contraceptive pill use and changes in hormones
Antibiotic use
STRESS
Poor diet, high in sugar processed foods and carbohydrates
Decreased or poor immune function
Low stomach acid
Decreased gut motility and poor digestive function
Altered intestinal pH
It is also seen in some disease states such as;
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Grave’s disease (auto immune hyperthyroidism)
Ankolysing spondylitis
Diverticular disease/ diverticulitis
Food sensitivities
Allergies
Chronic skin disorders
Leaky gut or intestinal permeability.
Candida can lead to intestinal permeability or ‘leaky gut’. We have a protective intestinal barrier and when it becomes damaged, it becomes leaky, where the mucosal surface lets pathogens, toxins, proteins and antigens through the intestinal wall into the blood stream with detrimental effects.
Leaky Gut could be implicated as a primary contributor to asthma, food allergies, chronic sinusitis, eczema, hives, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fungal disorders, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory joint disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. It also contributes to PMS, uterine fibroid, breast fibroids, chronic fatigue syndrome and pediatric immune deficiencies.
Candida can be difficult to treat as it can become resistant to treatment, either conventional medical or naturopathic. This is because its produces a ‘biofilm’ to protect itself against invasion, like antibiotic resistant bacteria does.
To Diet or not to diet…
The “anti candida diet” should not be used alone. This is because candida needs to be killed, and cannot be starved just by simply changing your diet.
An anti candida diet along with the suitable treatment plan for the individual is very important.
The most important foods to avoid are sugar (including honey, and other natural sugars), wheat, processed foods and dairy products. Alcohol contains sugar and needs to be avoided and so does coffee. Some people with Candida infections can also develop an intolerance to yeasts, and find avoiding yeasts and fermented foods helpful. These include bread, vinegar, pickles, alcohol, vegemite, mushrooms, cheese, processed meats, peanuts, and old nuts which can be rancid and mouldy.
Kill off that nasty yeast…
Natural anti fungal agents include herbs such as, garlic, andrographis, olive leaf, golden seal, phellodendron, and Pau D’arco . For resistant biofilms oregano, thyme and rosemary oils are effective. Caprylic acid and lauric acid found in organic coconut oil can help kill candida. Adding liberal amounts to your diet and if needed, using coconut oil vaginal pessaries can give great welcome relief.
Healing the leaky gut and restoring a good balance of bowel flora is imperative. Healing a leaky gut can take time and a change in lifestyle and diet. There are many substances to use such as cucurmin and L- glutamine.
Correcting the terrain
To inhibit candida overgrowing, your ‘internal terrain’ needs to be improved as candida can only overgrow in an unhealthy one. Normalising your bowel habit is a great start. You should have at least one complete bowel movement a day.
Probiotics (the beneficial bacteria) come in many strains and some are more beneficial for people with candida overgrowth than others. Prebiotics such as arabinogalactans and slippery elm (these are both barks) help us produce good bowel flora and eating a high fibre diet (from vegetables) will help promote beneficial bowel bacteria. If leaky gut is a known, then there are certain D-lactate producing probiotics and fermented foods that should be avoided as they can further enhance the leaky gut. Green tea and grapeseed extracts inhibit the growth of organisms in the gut.
Low stomach acid or hypochlorydia can contribute to candida overgrowth. A good digestive enzyme complex with betaine hydrochloride will ensure you are digesting foods properly. Correcting the pH in the stomach, intestines and blood is important. A good diet and a good probiotic will influence this pH. Avoiding antacids (for example Quik–eze) and stomach acid blockers (such as Nexium or Losac) is imperative also as these will inhibit proper digestion of foods and alter the digestive pH.
The immune system needs to be supported to help fight candida. This may include taking vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and herbs such as Astragalus and Echinacea and maybe bovine colostrum, if tolerated. Reducing or avoiding stress and getting plenty of rest help your body fight the infection further.
As fighting candida needs a holistic and aggressive approach to be successful, I would recommend the help of a knowledgeable naturopath. I can be of such help. This also means you can monitor your progress and know how long to continue your treatment plan for. I have helped my patients with candida of over 15 years now with great success.
If you would like help, please book a phone or Skype consultations or if you are in South Australia you can visit me at my clinic in Glenelg South.
References
(1) The digestive and renal systems , Henry Osieki and Fiona Meeke, P134
HealthWorld Ltd/ Metagenics Protocols for candida
pH and our Microbial terrain part One Vanessa Hitch
by Kate Driver | May 13, 2018 | Fatigue
You must have a healthy THYROID to have healthy hormones and metabolism, and for your cardiovascular system to be healthy. If you are over 40 or nearing menopause then be aware you need to have a healthy thyroid and adrenals to have a symptom free and healthy perimenopause and menopause. Women are more prone to thyroid conditions as they age. If your hormones are out of balance and/or if you have a difficult menstrual cycle, or are starting to put on weight , feel tired as you age, or are struggling with your hormonal issues through yours 30’s 40’s and 50’s…. then please consider looking after your thyroid…..it is such an important gland to be aware of and nourish for your hormones to be in balance ( along with your very important adrenal glands ) and for your overall health.
If you want a healthy thyroid …. You need to
· Have a healthy gut
· Have a healthy liver
· Have healthy adrenals
· Have a good nights sleep
· Eat healthy food
· Drink clean alkaline water with no fluoride or chlorine
And just as importantly you need to look at what can be causing the thyroid to not be functioning properly.
TOP 10 THING YOU MUST AVOID FOR A HEALTHY THYROID
1. HORMONES- in food such as dairy products, eggs and meats containing hormones
2. BAD FATS- Foods high in inflammatory fats (ie- fried, processed fats, margarines )
3. UFILTERED TAP WATER – fluoride and chlorine in water and traces of heavy metals
4. MEDICATIONS – antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy including the oral contraceptive pill
5. CHEMICALS AND TOXINS -Parabens and Phthalates in skin care, Chemicals in cleaning products and household products, fly sprays , pesticides, preservatives in foods
6. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS – BPA, Phthalates and other endocrine disruptors in plastics, parabens and phthalates in skincare
7. GOITRAGENIC FOODS - Too many foods high in goitrogens IE;-unfermented soy, uncooked kale, cabbage and Brussel sprouts.
8. STRESS and negative emotions
9. HEAVY METALS - from pesticides, insecticides, light globes amalgam fillings, car fumes and industrial fumes.
10 . POOR GUT AND LIVER HEALTH - function both affect thyroid function
If you would like to know more, please check out my video here
https://youtu.be/JUeCUeIikv8
