Iron Deficiency Anemia: What Is It & Why Does It Happen?
Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused by insufficient amounts of iron in the body. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein molecule in the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues, and growth and developmental processes as well as the production of some hormones.
Bloating & Your Menstrual Period
Approximately 70% of women suffer from increased bloating around their menstrual period. Bloating and other PMS symptoms are caused by fluctuations in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Women who have inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience increased cyclical gastrointestinal symptoms.
Alcohol & Anxiety
It’s normal to go through temporary periods of increased anxiety during the various chapters of life. A new job, familial challenges or world events can lead us to feel more anxious. Unfortunately, many people feel anxiety for prolonged periods of time or at a high level of intensity.
IBS: Subtypes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options
IBS, or inflammatory bowel syndrome, affects individuals of all ages, even children. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder and it is estimated that 10-15% of the world’s population suffers from it. Women experience IBS more frequently than men. Two out of every three people diagnosed with this syndrome are female! The exact cause of IBS is unknown but it is believed that a disturbance in the way the gut, brain and nervous system interact plays a role in the development of the syndrome.
Common Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycles
A normal menstrual cycle is a reflection of a woman’s overall health. Some doctors have even proposed that the menstrual cycle should be considered the “fifth vital sign”, arguing that it is as important as having a healthy blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate. There are variations to what a “normal” cycle is from woman to woman.
Ashwagandha: An Adaptogenic Herb with Many Uses
Ashwagandha, also known by its botanical name withania somnifera, is a type of medicinal plant. It is classified as an “adaptogen”, or a substance that encourage the body’s physiology to return to a normal state after a stressor has been encountered. Adaptogens help to decrease stress levels through various, non-specific effects within the body.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
The gut microbiome is a buzzy topic these days and an emerging area of research that has even been called the “next frontier of medicine”! Fascinating information regarding the interconnectedness between our overall health and the health of our gut microbiome has been discovered in recent years, but there is much we still don’t understand regarding the complexities of the microbiome.
Optimizing Digestion
As a naturopathic physician I discuss digestion with most, if not all, of my patients. I’d say most of my patients complain of bloating, gas, belching, constipation and/or reflux following meals. Although these symptoms are extremely common, they are not normal. Sub-optimal digestion can be caused by a variety of factors including food sensitivities, low stomach acid and increased stress.