8 minute read
WELLBEING
There are many messages sent from your gut to your brain, so it’s worth listening to keep it in good health, writes TRUDY KITHER
It gives you that “gut feeling” when something isn’t quite right, “growls” when you’re hungry and gives you an “upset tummy” when there’s something not quite right in your body.
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The gut is also sensitive to emotion so if you’re upset or worried you often don’t feel like eating.
If you are not feeling well in the tummy, then you can feel sad, upset, worried, anxious, irritated – a range of negative emotions.
The gut-brain connection is now widely recognised and for good reason.
About 95 per cent of the brain’s serotonin receptors are located in your bowel so it makes sense that if your gut is not feeling right, it will ultimately affect your mood. This is another reason why it is important to maintain good gut health.
Along with a healthy, sensible diet, herbs are invaluable for treating a multitude of gut problems.
A number of herbs are specific and incredibly effective for treating an “unhappy” gut. Symptoms include wind, grumbles, tight, bloated, acidic, spasms, pain and nausea or irregular bowel movements.
Four herbs effective in treating gut problems are:
Marshmallow Root is used to treat all inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including inflammation of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis, colitis and more. It is also excellent for irritating coughs, bronchitis and conditions that have respiratory mucous involved. Marshmallow creates a soothing, protective coating over the lining of the gastrointestinal system.
Meadowsweet is an effective antacid without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. In 1899 a drug company called Bayer, formulated a new drug (acetylsalicylic acid) and called it Aspirin – a name derived from the old botanical name for Meadowsweet (Spirea ulmaria). Meadowsweet’s tannin and mucilage content act as a buffer against the side effects of isolated salicylates which can cause gastric bleeding. It is also effective for treating rheumatism because of the anti-inflammatory action of the salicylates.
Fennel settles digestion and reduces abdominal bloating. It settles stomach pain, stimulates the appetite and has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory action. Fennel is also used by pregnant women for morning sickness, relieves flatulence and helps with colic and teething in babies. It makes an excellent treatment for cystitis and removing kidney stones when used in conjunction with Uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi).
Gentian helps promote the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It increases the absorption of nutrients across the gut wall and also aids in the absorption of nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. Gentian increases gastric secretion for the treatment of indigestion/acid reflux. Due to its action of accelerating the emptying of the stomach, it was used in the past as an appetizer and is often added to a herbal prescription for iron-deficient conditions such as women who are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding.
It is of utmost importance that professional naturopathic advice be obtained before using herbal medicines. A number of herbs have contraindications and are not suitable during pregnancy, lactation, certain medical conditions or pharmaceutical medications.
An ethical, responsible practitioner will only prescribe and supply top quality herbal medicines that have proven quality and actions. Trudy Kither is a naturopath at Nature’s Temple, visit naturestemple.net.
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INDUSTRY EXPERTS
LEGAL
Is it time to review my Will?
This is the ninth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death.
Myth – “I have done my Will and don’t need to look at it again, right?”
Wrong!
It is important that you regularly review and update your Will.
Your estate planning can be affected by a number of life changes. They can typically include: • A change to your marital circumstances.
Marrying or entering a registered relationship can revoke your existing
Will. The Rules of Intestacy will then divide your estate. More details on the
Rules of Intestacy appear in the first of our articles in this series and can be viewed on our website; • The birth of a child or grandchildren; • A child attaining the age of 18 years; • Your executor no longer being appropriate to administer your estate; • You no longer own assets which you have specifically gifted in your Will; • One of your current beneficiaries dying; • Changes to your asset structure such as the establishment of private companies, trusts or a self-managed super fund; • Your superannuation nomination lapsing.
By keeping your estate plan up to date, you will ensure the persons you intend to benefit do so.
TRENT WAKERLEY
DIRECTOR, KRUGER LAW LEVEL 3, OCEAN CENTRAL, OCEAN STREET, MAROOCHYDORE 5443 9600, KRUGERLAW.COM.AU
PROFESSOR DAVID WILKINSON
SUNSHINE COAST SKIN CANCER CENTRE 1/5 INNOVATION PARKWAY, BIRTINYA P: 5438 8889 SKINCANCERCENTRES.COM.AU/BIRTINYA
ORTHOPAEDIC
Radiofrequency Ablation for knee osteoarthritis Can you still get skin cancer in winter?
Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to be met with surgery or medication. Radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle-like probe into the skin. This probe delivers radiofrequency waves to target nerves that are causing pain.
Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective procedure with minimal recovery time. The results are demonstrating 12 months pain relief and functional improvement specifically for knee pain and osteoarthritis. RFA is especially beneficial to those seeking an alternative to surgery and are not getting the desired results from non-operative measures such as injection therapy and lifestyle modifications.
The procedure is completed in approximately 20 minutes, with sedation. Unlike surgery RFA involves no incision. The patient may experience some discomfort at the site for a short period, but this discomfort can be treated with common over-thecounter medication.
Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group has a team of health professionals with knowledge and expertise in radiofrequency ablation. Contact www.scorthogroup.com.au to find out more We see a lot of patients at this time of year putting away their sunscreen, but many don’t realise we still need sun protection in winter.
The sun’s UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, and we generally require sun protection when UV levels reach 3 or above – which is usually all year in Queensland, even in winter or on cloudy days.
At this level, just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is enough to cause cell damage which leads to skin ageing, pigmentation and skin cancer.
You don’t need to be sunburnt to experience skin damage. It just takes small amounts of incremental sun, being outside for a few minutes, driving your car or hanging out the washing.
We recommend skin cancer checks in winter because it is often easier for us to find suspicious lesions without the disguise of your summer tan, and you can usually expect shorter waiting times.
Annual skin checks are incredibly important for early detection and can produce potentially life-saving results.
A.PROF DAEVYD RODDA
SUNSHINE COAST ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL SUITE 12, 3 DOHERTY STREET, BIRTINYA 5493 8038, SCORTHOGROUP.COM.AU
DR STEPHEN BYRNE
SUNSHINE COAST NEUROSURGERY SUITE 17, SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL, 3 DOHERTY STREET, BIRTINYA. 5437 7256. SCNEUROSURGERY.COM.AU
SKIN HEALTH NEUROSURGERY
What is spinal canal stenosis?
The nerves in the spine run down a central canal and exit through openings between the vertebrae called foramen. When these openings become narrow, due to ageing, osteoarthritis, injury, trauma, disc herniation or general wear and tear, patients can experience symptoms such as numbness, weakness and pain.
This narrowing is most common in the cervical spine, affecting the upper limbs, and in the lumbar spine, affecting the lower limbs.
Usually, spinal canal stenosis can be treated with minimally invasive surgery to decompress the spinal canal, creating more space for the nerves to pass through. This type of surgery is particularly effective in reducing symptoms associated with the compressed nerve, such as pain in the arms and fingers as well sciatica symptoms in the legs and feet.
Spinal canal stenosis can also be due to instability or abnormal movement of the spine. Symptoms usually improve with sitting or lying down and pain is usually worse when standing, walking or reaching overhead, surgery can be a reliable treatment option for these symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your GP.
