When it comes to our health, we are bombarded with so much information and conflicting messages on how we can best optimise our wellbeing. The truth is, there is not any, one thing that can transform your health. The way we see it, the more holistic your approach, the better you will feel. Qualified Naturopath and Rejuvenate Pilates member, Kate Mason agrees with us. In her Peregian Beach practice, she integrates a range of therapies to prevent disease and promote optimal health and believes that holistic medicine is the art and science that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
So, we sat down with Kate and asked her to share her expertise on women’s health, gut health, and stress management and created 4 simple ways to improve your wellbeing.
Hormonal Health
Did you know zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes in the body? Zinc supports hormonal health, nervous system support, immune function, anxitodiant function, supports healthy skin, hair & nails just to name a few. A blood test can show your zinc levels and low levels may need supplementation.
Introducing zinc rich foods to your diet is a great way to improve your health. Some of Kate’s favourites are nuts, seeds, eggs, seafood, meat & whole grains.
Gut health
Healthy gut, happy mind! The links between digestion, mood, and immune health are becoming more prevalent. Creating a Naturopathic holistic approach to support the gut is the first step to creating a healthy digestive system & nervous system. It all starts in the gut, absorbing nutrients from foods, a healthy gut microbiome to support a healthy gut immunity & reducing food allergies or intolerances. If you have an imbalanced gut microbiome, you may be experiencing bloating, irregular bowel movements, food intolerances, allergies, recurring colds, or abdominal pain after food.
Fibre plays a very important role in digestive function & essential for a healthy gut microbiome. Foods high in fibre are nuts, seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed and vegetables & fruit.
Chia pudding recipe
Ingredients:
3 tsp of black chia seeds
1 cup of nut milk or coconut milk
1 tsp of cocoa
Squirt of raw honey (optional)
Method:
Add ingredients to glass jar
Shake well and leave in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
Serve with blueberries & a sprinkle of LSA or have on its own.
Stress Management
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or under stress? Herbal medicine can help calm the sympathetic nervous system and help adapt to stress. One of Kate’s favourite herbs is passionflower for its anxiolytic action – relief of restlessness & mind anxiety. Drinking passionflower tea throughout the day can calm the nervous system.
Stress levels directly impact your sleep and sleep is so important for our immune system and healthy aging. Developing a relaxing evening routine where you unplug from your devices early and go to bed at a regular time each night is a simple way to improve your sleep quality.
Tried everything and still struggling with your sleep? Consider booking in with Kate to test your circadian rhythm (sleep cycle), this will allow her to look at hormones such as melatonin & serotonin and identify the underlying cause of stress & poor sleep.
Women’s Health
Have you checked your thyroid? It is the most important endocrine gland in the body.
Did you know that the thyroid gland controls weight, body temperature, mood and memory?
The thyroid works closely with the adrenals and these two glands control our stress levels & energy. If you have an imbalance in thyroid or adrenal hormones, it may be the underlying reason for your health concerns such as weight gain, lack of energy, poor sleep, craving sugar, hair loss and poor immune function.
Having a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding simple carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice can be the best way to start to improve and support the endocrine system as well as immune function.
Learn more about what Kate offers or book a consultation with her at Longevity Health, here.
