Improving Health
Our experts integrate the most successful approaches to health maintenance, disease prevention and the treatment of ill health. If you have a specific health concern or serious condition, this section is for you!
Death begins in the colon
I believe that the source of inflammation in chronic diseases lies in the gut. The now famous quote ‘Death begins in the colon’ originated with the Russian Nobel Prize- winning biologist Elie Metchnikoff (1845 - 1916), who postulated that the toxic by-products of the bowel bacteria are responsible for many diseases.
Inflammation friend or foe?
Physicians realise that inflammation in the walls of arteries is probably the most important risk factor in cardiovascular disease, more important even than cholesterol levels. Inflammation is common to many other chronic and debilitating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, acne, eczema, psoriasis, sinusitis, hayfever, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc. In fact, most conditions that are often treated with cortisone fall into this category.
How to manage sinusitis naturally
Over-use of antibiotics and cortisone sprays has led to more virulent forms of bacterial infections as well as new fungal infections of the sinus cavities. Asthma and allergic disorders often cause chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, resulting in chronic sinusitis. About 20% of patients with chronic sinusitis may develop nasal polyps, cyst-like growths that develop from sinus tissue and may further obstruct the sinuses.
Stress & Anxiety Accelerate Ageing
Stress and anxiety can impact heavily on your physical and mental health. Ensure your happiness and health by recognising the causes of your stress and implementing ways to rediscover your inner peace. Dr Maureen Allem shares her tips to reduce daily stress.
Looking at the Liver through the eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine – some fascinating facts
Perhaps in no organ system is the similarity and difference between Western physiological and Traditional Chinese physiology more evident than in the TCM description of the liver. The difference is essentially that of form and function but since the liver’s known Western physiological functions are so complex, it is possible for the Western scientific mind to clearly see the bridge between body and mind that is at the heart of TCM theory. Dr Michael Tierra shares some fascinating facts when looking at the liver through the eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Microbiome & Internal Balance
The human microbiome, which is comprised of all the microorganisms (the microbiota) that live on and in humans, plays an essential role in determining good health.
IBS – The Internal Struggle
Suffering from pain in your gut and bloating? You could I have IBS. Apart from stress management, there are natural solutions available.
Fodmaps & Gaps in the Management of IBS
With the continued increase in the cost of functional testing and supplements in South Africa, practitioners are once again reminded of the importance of dietary intervention when it comes to managing chronic disease and functional imbalances.
Irritable Bowel or Gut Imbalance?
Because irritable bowel syndrome has such a wide range of symptoms, the diagnosis has become something of a ‘catch-all’. Before you start any medication regimen it’s therefore essential to rule out other conditions that may be causing your digestive problems.
Natural Solutions to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
In the list of common chronic disorders of digestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ranks high in the ability to wreak havoc on the sufferer’s social life, occupation and personal comfort.
Prepare your Immune System for Winter
The immune system is key to our overall well-being and when its function is impaired, it usually tends to disrupt our health in more ways than one. A cold or the flu often occurs when immune function is compromised, but a flagging immune system can also manifest in more sinister ways – from autoimmune disease to cancer.
The Truth about Statins
Are statins really the wonder drug they are claimed to be? They do lower cholesterol, but at what cost? It’s important to weigh up the benefits and the adverse effects. This article takes a comprehensive look at the evidence.
Is it a Cold or is it the Flu?
Some of the most common winter ailments are briefly profiled below. To effectively treat these common complaints, you need first to understand what causes them.
Identify and Beat Depression Naturally
Do you feel sad, empty, fatigued? Are you experiencing a loss of interest in everyday activities, do you suffer from insomnia or sleep excessively, have you noticed significant changes in your weight? Do you feel worthless, hopeless, lonely, apathetic and miserable? These can all be symptoms of depression. If you feel this way, the good news is – you don’t have to!