Sue Hardman

Nourish + Rejuvenate

fatigue

Thyroid issues? You can’t lose weight tired all the time

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Thyroid issues are more and more prevalent. When clients say they feel exhausted, a bit depressed, have gained weight, have no motivation, poor digestion, weird hormones and no sex drive, then it may be that their thyroid is causing the problem.

Unfortunately when women tell their doctor they have these issues, they’re often given anti-depressants when a large proportion may actually have thyroid issues.

Your thyroid function can be either under or over active. An under active – hypothyroidism, means your body isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormones it needs to run therefore your entire body is running too slowly and with an over active -hyperthyroidism, means your body is working far too hard!

I’ve had my own thyroid problems after my son was born. I lost a lot of weight quite quickly, I thought I was the lucky one and was relieved that I didn’t have to worry to much about losing the baby weight. It was a bit more complicated than that, my heart began racing, I felt dizzy and light headed – a whole lot more serious and a little scary.

I do remember at various times in my life having had a slightly swollen neck which may have been an indication that I had this tendency to being hyper. I think the stress of a C-section, new born etc. may have sent my thyroid into overdrive and I was diagnosed with post-natal hyperthyroidism.

Untreated it can lead to Graves disease. Fortunately, I was able to correct the hyperthyroidism using a combination of non-medical natural tools, and managed to avoid any medication.

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland in your neck, and it’s estimated that 20-50% of the population has issues with their thyroid, 60% of people with thyroid issues are unaware of it.

There is a group of women who are unaware that they have what is known as sub-clinical hypothyroidism (where there are elevated TSH levels, but normal T4 levels, possibly with symptoms) this has been found in approximately 4% to 8% of the general population but in approximately 15% to 18% of women over 60 years of age.

Thyroid’s Function & Hormones

Your thyroid produces hormones that affect almost every cell in your body and it works as your thermostat, regulating temperature, it regulates hunger, extracts vitamins and produces energy from food. It produces hormones (chemical messengers) to manage this – mainly T4 and T3.

The pituitary gland in the brain initiates the hormone messenger, TSH which is the messenger to get the thyroid going. 

The thyroid makes thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.

TSH, which is made by the pituitary gland in the brain, regulates thyroid hormone production. T3 being the most active and ‘useful’ in the body.

10 Signs of an Underactive Thyroid:

1. Fatigue after sleeping 8 hours a night or needing to take a nap daily

2. Weight gain or inability to lose weight

3. Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

4. Hormone imbalances – PMS, irregular periods, infertility, and low sex drive

5. Muscle pain, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis

6. Cold hands & feet, feeling cold when others are not, or having a low body temperature

7. Dry or cracking skin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss 8. Constipation

9. Brain fog, poor concentration, or poor memory

10.Neck swelling, snoring, or hoarse voice

9 Signs of Overactive Thyroid:

1. Nervousness, anxiety and irritability

2. Mood swings

3. Difficulty sleeping

4. Persistent tiredness

5. Heat sensitivity

6. Swelling in your neck might be an enlarged thyroid (goitre)

7. Unusually fast heart rate (palpitations)

8. Twitching or trembling

9. Unexplained Weight loss

How do you know if your thyroid is a problem?

You really do need to look at some thorough testing.  It does very much really depend on the knowledge and awareness of your doctor. They generally only test for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and sometimes, the T4 hormone.

To thoroughly check your thyroid you need to have TSH, T4, and T3, reverse T3, vitamin D and your antibodies tested.

Thyroid function is something that can come up quite often with clients.  Knowledge from correct testing will provide you with the best information when it comes to choosing how to manage your thyroid – so do get as much information as you can from doing the correct tests. (Please note the thyroid issues are complicated so I’m trying not to over complicate and keep things simple) 

Thyroid disease and the Autoimmune Component

The body can also produce antibodies that attack the thyroid and stop it doing its job. This is known as an auto-immune condition, when the body attacks itself. Dr. Isabelle Wentz suggests that 95% hypothyroidism probably has an auto immune component – Hashimotos.

Hashimoto’s is when your body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid and impair its function. This is easily missed, as testing often shows your thyroid is producing hormones correctly but miss the fact that it’s correct function is being impaired by antibodies.

Thyroid issues do run in families, so you are more likely to suffer from some kind of thyroid disease if family members struggle with them.

There are some things you can do:-

  • Fight for thorough testing – either via an endocrinologist, or practitioner that can get access to a full thyroid panel, get a referral or go privately. I can support you to ensure you are getting the help you need
  • Consume nutrients for good thyroid health, like iodine, protein, selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of B vitamins.
  • Clean up your diet. Avoid inflammatory foods, like sugar, gluten or dairy to support the health of your thyroid.
  • Avoid high amounts of stress, nutrient depletion (selenium and iodine) as the conversion of T3 can be impaired and you can end up with to much of reverse T3
  • Take a high quality multivitamin with Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Vitamin D, and B vitamins.
  • Find ways of managing your stress and support your adrenal glands. Your adrenals and thyroid work closely together. Support your adrenal glands to cope better with stress – walking, gentle yoga and adaptogenic herbs,
  • Get at least 8 hours sleep a night.
  • Heal your gut. It’s critical to good health.
  • Get support. Find someone to support you with what you eat to get you back on track!

Be sure to get educated, get tested and ask for the print outs of your blood test result from your doctor. If you want more help with getting tested, addressing your nutrient deficiencies, ditching sugar and gluten, thenI can help. Please get in touch sue@suehardman.com

 

You can also join my newsletter and get a recipe guide to help get your started with eating healthy and supporting your gut and digestive system. For better health we always start with your gut.

 

 

Is it time to love your gut? 

After all, good health all starts in your gut!

The simple 5 Step To Heal Your Gut Guide includes a 3 day easy to follow meal plan designed to give your digestive system a break.

Your FREE Guide  “Heal Your Gut” includes:

  • +15 amazingly delicious recipes (including dessert….chocolate mousse)
  • A simple 5-step approach to a healthy digestion so you can reduce belly bloat, lose weight and reduce inflammation

Top 10 Foods & Herbs To Balance Your Hormones

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First of all, how do you know if your hormones are balanced?

Women often ignore the most common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. 

Imbalanced hormones can lead to symptoms such as: menstrual cramps, fatigue, hot flashes, acne, insomnia, hormone imbalance, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, cysts, infertility, thyroid issues, low energy and tired all the time.

Somehow, we’ve come to think these issues are normal and that these problems are just part of being a woman.

I can assure you this is not the case—it isn’t something any woman should have to live with or consider normal.

Women have been recommended medicinal solutions such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy, which may help, however these “cures” do not really address the root cause of your hormone imbalance. 

Did your doctor, ever ask you about what you’re eating? Surely, that should be the first place we start!

Root cause medicine addresses diet because food is foundational to healing.

Our medical system hasn’t always been supportive of women’s suffering, as though feeling terrible is simply part of being female. This hormone blame game goes back to the 1950s and 1960s when women started experiencing increasing health problems, and health professionals either concluded it was “just hormones” or that these women were crazy, bored or lazy. 

 We’ve been trained to believe hormones (and now genes too) are the cause of everything. This belief is so disempowering. 

Let’s start by discussing what it means to have balanced hormones:

  • You spend your day feeling calm and energised.
  • You don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed.
  • Periods are not necessarily 28 days apart, but they are regular. 
  • You go to sleep at a reasonable hour and sleep through the night, getting 7-8 hours of sleep (it is fine to have an afternoon nap when needed, as that is part of our natural sleep cycle).
  • You have good brain function – the fog has lifted and your memory and focus are regular.
  • Your hair grows where it is supposed to grow and not elsewhere.
  • Your muscles and joints are not sore and you feel limber.
  • Your skin is clear and smooth and not dry.
  • You maintain a good sex drive and you function as you should

IF THIS DOESN’T DESCRIBE YOU THEN ……..What if you could START address these issues with something as simple as a hormone balance food plan?

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just believe in eating healthy, I’m sure you agree we should be eating whole foods and that we should avoid processed foods, sugars, refined oils, food additives, or food that contain antibiotics, hormones and pesticides. 

By focusing on whole foods and creating a new way of eating for yourself, you can repair your hormone imbalance and keep your body working smoothly.

“You have the power to leverage the benefits of nutrition to heal your body”

When the word “hormones” is used, most think of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The truth is that you have many hormones that regulate the functions in your body and interact with each other, making them more complicated than the average person would assume. 

Healthy hormones are not just reproductive hormones, but also adrenal, thyroid, liver, digestive and intestinal. They all have to function properly. 

The goal is to supply your body with foods/herbs/spices that it can use to support the systems that are involved in regulating your hormones.

“Our food, our hormones, and our health are all interconnected. Never underestimate the power of food to balance your hormones.“

There are 7 interconnecting systems in your body that produce hormones and must function well in order for your body to work properly. 

1. The Adrenals: 

You may think your brain is in charge but the truth is that the adrenals rule the roost. They decide if you are going to function as designed or if any of your normal functions need to be rearranged so you can deal with stress. 

As far as the adrenals are concerned, stress for any reason is a danger and you must be protected. Think of them as having a powerful brain of their own, they can:
– increase your appetite or shut it down
– signal to the liver to drive up your blood sugar
– stimulate your metabolism and thyroid function or slow it down.
– convert testosterone to oestrogen
– reduce progesterone production to allow for the production of more cortisol, the number one hormone the adrenals like to use to help you feel energised enough to deal with stress (at least for a while, since they are not designed to do this all the time). 

A surplus of cortisol is linked to many symptoms including fatigue, blood sugar problems, weight gain, depression, mood swings, anxiety, and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and low sex drive. It’s also linked to the development of degenerative illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  

Excess cortisol can suppress thyroid function, put extra pressure on the liver, hinder sex hormones and inhibit digestive and intestinal function.

There are many stress-reducing strategies that you can employ, but what you eat and when can make a big difference, allowing the body and the adrenals to have all of the nutrients they need to function appropriately.

Adrenal Herbs: Schizandra and maca are both adrenal adaptogens, which means that they balance the adrenal function. They can be taken as supplements but are also found in some foods. 

Schizandra is a berry. Maca is a root that also comes as a powder. Both can be easily incorporated into your routine . 

Herbs for the adrenals: Licorice root (avoid if taking high blood pressure medicine) and ginseng are also great for the adrenals and helpful for hormones.

2. The Liver

 No organ is as hardworking as the liver. With over 400 functions to accomplish, it is busy and requires plenty of nutrients. The liver produces cholesterol which is a building block for oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone and cortisol. It also aids the thyroid and helps regulate metabolism.  

Cholesterol is needed to produce bile which is essential for digesting fats and helps remove toxins from the body. The liver is the main detoxification organ. Not only does it remove toxins, both the kind we ingest and the kind that our bodies make, but it detoxes out excess hormones as well. There are many foods that support liver health and the detoxification process.

Key Liver Foods: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Calcium-D-glucuronate foods such as apples and grapefruit, bitter foods like dandelion or collard greens, and sulfur-rich foods such as garlic and onions.

Herbs for the liver: Milk thistle is very beneficial. Milk thistle is a seed that has amazing properties to help the liver function better. It not only supports the liver detoxification process; it helps repair liver cells. Hormone health requires a healthy liver so this would worth adding to the diet.

3. The Digestive System:

This is where everything starts, good and bad. If you eat foods that your body needs and you digest and absorb them properly, you will benefit from the nutrients. 

If you do not have proper digestion and absorption, the foods will not be as effective. This can be improved by practicing proper eating habits, reducing stress, improving good bacteria levels and eating enzyme-rich foods.

Key Digestive System Foods: Fermented foods, herbs and spices, apple cider vinegar can all be helpful.

4. The Thyroid:

The role of the thyroid is to control your metabolism. It helps regulate breathing, heart rate, the central and peripheral nervous systems, body weight, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature and cholesterol levels.

Thyroid Foods: Sea vegetables like nori or arame, seafood, himalayan sea salt, and coconut oil.

5. The Intestinal System and the Microflora:

 The good bacteria in your gut helps regulate everything, supporting liver function, thyroid function, adrenal function, digestive and intestinal function as well as reproductive function.

A hormone balancing food plan must include probiotic and prebiotic foods that help stabilise the gut bacteria. We are all unique, so the quality and quantity of our good bacteria varies. This means that gut bacteria can play a small role or be a huge factor in any health issue.

Gut health is complicated and may require extra guidance from a professional. However, supplying the gut with the right foods will work well with any protocol.

Key Intestinal System Foods: Fermented foods, prebiotic foods, fiber-rich foods and water (preferably non-chlorinated – do not drink reverse osmosis or distilled) are all good for the intestines.

All of these systems directly affect the health of your hormones as well as each other. Because of that, it is improper practice to work on only one of them. You have to work on all of them. You can do this by working on your stress levels, managing your lifestyle, and taking any necessary supplements to compensate for what you are not getting through your food.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top ten hormone-balancing foods and herbs you can choose to start making changes right away.

TOP 10 FOODS & HERBS TO BALANCE HORMONES 

The foods listed below are in no particular order. You may find that some of these are easier to incorporate into your daily diet than others. Take it slow and add just a few at a time to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by making such a drastic diet change. 

1. MACA

Maca is known as a hormonal adaptogen, which essentially means it contains nutrients that help balance hormones.

How does it help? First it helps balance adrenal cortisol levels that may be out of balance due to stress. It cam help to prevent the effects of high cortisol and improve the function of the adrenals despite low cortisol. It also helps with low thyroid function, stabilises blood sugar levels and improves energy levels.

Maca also help with sexual function. For women, it can help with menstrual cycles, fertility, menopausal symptoms, improve bone health and muscle mass, and help libido.

For men, it helps with libido and energy levels, improves testosterone levels, improves bone and muscles mass, helps with prostate function, fertility and erectile dysfunction.

How to use: Maca is a root vegetable that is available as a powder in a package or as capsule or an extract. To use it in recipes, the powder goes well with ingredients like chocolate in a smoothie or in dips like guacamole or legume dishes. Strong flavours like garlic, onions, cumin and cayenne also work with maca.

2. Schizandra

Schizandra is a berry although it’s not known for its tastiness – a shame as it has many benefits.

It’s an adrenal adaptogen, meaning it can help balance cortisol levels whether they are high or low. It also supports the health of the liver, the kidneys and the nervous system, stabilises blood sugar and improves thyroid function. Schizandra can also boost libido in both men and women.

How to use: Schizandra can be found as dried berries, ground up as a powder and concentrated, or in capsule or tincture form. To add it to recipes, it goes best with other berries and citrus juice. It is easily added to a smoothie.

3. Essential Fatty Acids – Chia & Hemp Seeds

Chia and hemp seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6, two fats we need to get in our diet.

Chia has more Omega 3 and hemp has more Omega 6. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are need to support the liver, the adrenals, the thyroid, the nervous and help with intestinal health.

How to use: Both comes as seeds. Hemp can be sprinkle on salads, added to smoothies or ground into a flour and used for a percentage of the flour in recipes. Chia can be mixed with water and turned into a gel which can be added to any recipe. It is a great binding agent when it is ground as it contains a high percentage of soluble fibre, which also acts as a prebiotic to feed our good gut bacteria.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage contain two different phytochemicals, indole -3-carbinols and sulforaphanes. Both help detox out excess oestrogen and support overall liver detoxification. They also both contain prebiotic fibre that helps feed our good gut bacteria. 

How to use: Kale and broccoli can be added to salads, vegetable dishes and smoothies. They are suitable both cooked and raw. If consuming kale raw, be sure to either grind it well in a smoothie or let it sit for a while in salad dressing, in order to soften it as it contains a lot of insoluble fibre

5. Apples & Grapefruit

These are two key foods that contain calcium -D-glucuronate, a phytochemical that helps detox out excess oestrogen. They both also support the overall ability of the liver to detoxify and are both prebiotic foods that can feed good gut bacteria

How to use: As fruits, apples and grapefruits are ready to eat and this may be the simplest way to consume them.

However, they work well in muffins, smoothies and salads and can be added easily to other recipes where fruits are used

6. Jerusalem artichoke

This is a superfood by all definitions. It supports all phases of liver detoxification, stabilises blood sugar and is one of the highest foods with prebiotic fibre to feed the gut.

How to use: They have the taste and texture of a cross between a potato and a radish. They work well in any recipe that uses potatoes. Substitute all or just a portion of the potato content in any recipe. Also, they work well in dip recipes, as an addition to a smoothie or raw, sliced on a veggie platter. You can also remove a portion of the flour in a bread or muffin recipe and replace it with Jerusalem artichokes.

7. Garlic & Onions

Both garlic and onions are sulfur-rich foods, which supports detoxification activities of the liver.

They are also both excellent prebiotic foods and have anti-microbial properties. They deliver flavour and nutrients to any dish where they are added but it is choice of personal taste which one you use or if you use both.

How to use: Onions and garlic are great in most savory dips, soups, entrées or vegetable dishes. Onions can be added to a salad or a sandwich and garlic is good in salad dressing.

8. Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil and butter (or ghee)

Hormone health needs good quality fats. Hormones are made from fat so we need eat enough fat to make the hormones we need.

Coconut oil contains antifungal caprylic acid and antibacterial lauric acid.

Avocados and its oil contain phytoestrogens which can help balance hormones and they can help stimulate metabolism.

Olive oil helps create healthy cell membranes which allow hormones to better adhere to them and work more effectively.

Butter or it’s clarified version known as ghee, contains butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that helps gut health and inhibits inflammation.

It also contains cholesterol which is a building block for steroid hormones such as cortisol, oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

How to use:  These fats are great for sautéing, roasting and baking. Avocado oil and olive oil are wonderful in salad dressings. Coconut oil and butter are delicious in muffins, cakes, pies and cookies. 

9. Nori, dulse, kelp, arame are all examples of sea vegetables

They are good sources iodine, selenium and zinc which are key nutrients the thyroid needs to function optimally. While there are many reasons for thyroid malfunction, helping the thyroid requires providing it with the nutrients it needs.

How to use: Sea vegetables can be found as the dried vegetable or as a powder. They also are available in capsules.

Sea vegetables can have a strong fishy taste so they work best in recipes with other strong flavours such as garlic, onions, cayenne or cumin. Arame is virtually tasteless so it may be the one that is the easiest to work with. Nori which is used in making sushi is also pretty mild tasting and of course, sushi is a great way to consume it.

10. Culinary Herbs

Not only do they add flavour to recipes, culinary herbs add nutrients and help with hormone health.

Cinnamon helps menstrual periods, fertility and stabilises blood sugar which can help lower and prevent insulin resistance and support the adrenal glands.

Cayenne, ginger, cumin, parsley, dill and turmeric are known as hormone balancers and are also good for gut health.

How to use: This is the fun part. Pick the ones you like and flavour your soups, salads, smoothies and all your savoury dishes.

Whether it’s PMS, Low Mood, Low energy, Pain or any other hormone irregularities, just because it’s common doesn’t make it normal!

Just because a lot of women experience ‘PMS’ symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, fatigue, mood swings, cramps, bloating break-outs, weight problems, trouble sleeping, fertility issues, thyroid, etc etc….

DOES NOT MEAN THESE SYMPTOMS ARE NORMAL!

You are invited to uplevel your health and your lifestyle.

The symptoms that we experience throughout PMS are a signal from our body that something is off. 

PMS symptoms, along with other reproductive issues like endometriosis, infertility, PCOS, even menopause are NOT normal – they are driven by hormonal imbalances.

Our hormones have a profound influence on every aspect of our being – our energy, our mood, even our behaviour.

We may have come to believe or we’ve been told that our symptoms or discomfort are a ‘hormonal’ thing, or normal ‘women’s problems’.

If you have PMS symptoms that affects you every month – then I can help. 

The fastest way to upgrade your health and your lifestyle – is a private coaching session with Sue to create and customise a lifestyle routine that works for YOU. It can be virtual or face to face.

I can help YOU! 

Searched Google for the answers? Been to the doctor and you’ve been told it’s all in your head!

You’ve lost your spark and don’t feel much like doing anything unless you really have to.

I can help YOU! 

You don’t have to live like this, wondering how you’re going to get through each day.

Do want to feel lighter, brighter and back in control of your body? Say bye-bye to digestive troubles, anxiety, headaches or 3pm cravings?

I can help YOU! 

Call +27 (0)72 7903125
or Email sue@suehardman.com

Using integrated natural therapies – food, lifestyle and herbal medicine. You can read tips about “what to do” to improve your health everywhere. But the hard part is turning these tips into healthy habits that fit YOUR life. 

Whether it’s something that’s been bothering you for a while or you want to have more energy, relieve mood swings and depression, overcome digestive issues, or getting rid of mystery aches and pains.

We’ll create a programme that is tailored and personalised around your unique needs to help you feel healthier, vibrant and more in balance..

Then can you be the best person of you for your loved ones.

Send me an email sue@suehardman.com and we’ll get started.

Do you use essential oils or perhaps you’re interested in learning more on how you can use them as a part of your daily lifestyle.

Modern Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of botanical essential oils, is one of the fastest growing healing modalities of our time, If we break down the word itself, the principle is easily revealed: a practice of healing (therapy) using aromatic plants.

What many people don’t realise is that traditional Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years longer than essential oils. The smoke and aromatic medicine from fragrant plants in the form of incense, fumigants, and steam has been used by ancient physicians, medicine people, healers, and shamans for millennia to bring balance to the body and emotions, clarity and enhanced function to the mind, and healing to the spirit.

Supporting a healthy body with essential oils has never been easier, as they create balance with the many systems in your body. They work quickly to support healthy cellular function and also help to create balance in mood, energy and restful sleep. 

I believe in them that I often recommend oils as an adjunct, a companion to my treatment for patients. Whether it is for digestive or emotional support or as part of a transition into an environment that is lower in toxic and harmful chemicals, essential oils are powerful substances.

FOR MORE INFO AND SOME FUN IDEAS TO US ESSENTIAL OILS click on this link  http://bit.ly/2L7geF2

Zinc for Skin, Hormones and Cravings

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Zinc is an essential trace element, that’s found and used by every cell throughout your body. Could this simple mineral deficiency be the cause of your health issue?

It’s estimated that around 20% of the world’s population, have sub-optimal zinc status. 

This nutrient isn’t usually in the spotlight, but your body’s performance wouldn’t be nearly as harmonious without it.

Why is Zinc So Important?

It is important for the functioning of over 300 enzymes and underlies the physiology of every body system.

Zinc is one of 16 essential minerals that you need to survive. you only need small amounts of it. Anytime a nutrient is considered ‘essential’ it means your body needs it to stay healthy, you can’t produce it and therefore you must get it from your food.  

We don’t hear as much about it as we do major minerals—like iron, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium—which your body uses in larger amounts. But your body relies on zinc for growth, maintenance, and numerous biological functions – skin health, immunity, growth hormones, and more, so it’s definitely worth keeping tabs on your intake.

Someone I know told me that when she addressed her zinc deficiency, within days, her energy and sleep returned to normal.

What are the signs that you might not be getting enough zinc?

  • A weak immune system (frequent and/or long colds), poor wound healing
  • GI issues – Diarrhea, low stomach acid production, gut wall barrier function
  • Hair loss
  • Hormonal imbalance (PMS, hypothyroid, low progesterone, infertility, low libido)
  • Fatigue or Brain fog
  • Changes in taste & smell
  • Slow growth in early years
  • Low mood, memory, concentration
  • Anxiety and depression 


Incredible Benefits of Zinc

Your body uses zinc in numerous ways, here are some of the key areas:

1. Significantly boosts your immune systemand helps to fight off viruses and bacteria. 

the link between gut and allergies

It’s essential for the normal development of your immune cells, zinc supplements can be used in SOS moments to reduce the duration of a cold. It also supports the function of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) that protects your cells from oxidative damage caused by exposure to environmental toxins.

2. It can help your skinand plays a key role in cuts and scrapes healing properly —in fact, it’s involved with every stage of the process, tissue renewal to scar formation. If it takes a while for your cuts, scrapes, and burns to heal, you may want to take a look at your zinc intake. Acne sufferers – studies have found that certain forms of the mineral can soothe breakouts.  

3. Zinc may help keep your vision healthy as you age. Several studies have found that supplementing with zinc can help protect you against advanced age-related macular degeneration. This is a condition that can lead to vision loss, and it’s most common in those over 50. 

4. Zinc keeps your blood sugar stable and plays a role in the synthesis, storage, and release of insulin in your pancreas. So, a zinc deficiency could negatively affect your insulin levels, which can lead to negative changes in appetite and blood sugar levels. 

5. It keeps your digestion running smoothly. Zinc acts as a co-factor in a lot of gut activities  – like helping your body to properly digest food(stomach acid production), absorb nutrients and may improve your gut wall integrity.

You may mistake symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea for something like a gluten intolerance. Zinc deficiency is related to digestive problems like diarrhoeaand supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration of acute diarrhoea.

6. It could help reduce inflammation: Some researchers believe that low zinc levels are associated with systemic inflammation, a condition that’s linked with everything from heart disease to cancer. 

I have written before about how inflammation is increasingly thought to be a significant contributor to many chronic illnesses—from cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and Type 2 diabetes—more so as we get older.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is worsened by excessive fat around the middle, poor diet, lack of exercise – all the usual lifestyle factors.

Zinc is one of the body’s natural anti-inflammatories, however it is susceptible to malabsorption, particularly as we grow older, leading to deficiency. 

7. Zinc benefits both male and female hormonal health, you need sufficient levels of zinc for your body to create hormones. and to maintain proper hormone balance. 

Boosting fertility, as it plays an important role in increasing testosterone naturally, and is involved in the creation and release of eggs within and from the ovaries.

Research has found that zinc levels are directly associated with the following hormones, 

  • Testosterone 
  • Growth hormone
  • Thyroid hormones – T3 & T4
  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone

 If your levels are too high or too low it can cause problems with menstruation, mood swings, early menopause, thyroid and infertility.
8. When you’re under stress, whether emotional (e.g. work) or physical (e.g. trauma, overtraining), you’re at risk of using up zinc more quickly than you’re able to replenish it, and become more vulnerable to infection, as well as other health issues, such as depression.

Zinc manufactures enzymes which are required for serotonin (the happy hormone) production and is also involved in the synthesis of a neurotransmitter called GABA that calms down your nervous responses.

In particular it reduces the activity of beta waves in your brain, this allows more analytical thinking. 
Studies have shown that zinc levels are low in patients who are anxious or depressed.

Zinc also ….

  • Helps to create DNA in every cell
  • Is essential during growth and development in babies and children.
  • Provides building blocks for enzymes needed in a healthy metabolism.
  • Supports protein synthesis.
  • Allows you to smell and taste. 
  • Can combat high blood pressure.
  • Boosts athletic performance through improved muscle repair.


Who may be at risk of a low zinc status:

  • Vegans and vegetarians are susceptible, as plant foods are less abundant in zinc than animal protein. Plants are often rich in a substance called phytic acid that inhibits the absorption of minerals.
  • Poor absorption – amongst those with digestive conditions (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and diarrhea.
  • Low stomach acid levels driven by ageing and stomach acid lowering medications, result in poor zinc absorption. The elderly, are most susceptible be the reason why they are at high risk of a zinc deficiency and immune issues.
  • High usage of zinc – due to high stress, or pregnancy, breastfeeding, high alcohol intake, and chronic use of other ‘zinc-depleting’ medications such as diuretics.

How Do You Increase Your Zinc Status?

Zinc is found in animal protein, especially red meat, turkey, oysters, and shrimp. 

Plant foods also provide zinc – pulses, legumes, nuts, and seeds i.e. cashews, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils, quinoa and eggs. To improve the absorption of zinc from phytate-rich plant foods such as pulses, grains, nuts and seeds – soak, ferment, or sprout them, this will help to reduce the phytate content.

Support your ability to handle stress by practicing a daily relaxation technique, increase your intake of calming herbs, nutrients – like B Vitamins, magnesium, passiflora and L-theanine. Using calming essential oils – lavender, clary sage and bergamot.

Support your digestion and absorption – with mindful eating, probiotics and digestive enzyme supplementation.

Consider daily zinc supplementation, especially if you are vegan, vegetarian, pregnant, breastfeeding, and for children as well, and seek the advice of a professional for tailored advice according to your unique health needs. Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Improving your zinc status may well be the missing link to your path to optimum health.

How & Why I Use Essential Oils

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Why I Use Essential Oil Daily

Essential oils are one of the hottest natural products out there right now and that’s because they’re a wonderful natural tool to have in your medicine chest, along with a high quality diet, exercise and stress management.

We’ve been using essential oils in our home for several years, If you don’t know know how to use essential oils, don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated by how to get started with essential oils. It’s really easy and a lot of fun!

The potency of essential oils? 

Did you know that one drop of peppermint oil is the equivalent of 28 glasses of peppermint tea!

You might be inclined to think that more is better, this is definitely not the case when it comes to essential oils – start small and then add more if needed.

There are many essential oils I use in my home all the time and so as not to overwhelm you, I’ll be sharing the oils one by one and on my blog.

HERE ARE MY TOP 3 ESSENTIAL OILS

Lavender – This is an oil that I use daily, especially to help with a restful sleep. You can spray it in your room or add a drop to your pillow. I also like to diffuse it in my bedroom. I’ve used it for my son when he is anxious and most nights I spray his room with lavender. 

This was the first indication that I was going to love essential oils when I heard this story- “In 1910 French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the virtues of the essential oil of lavender. Gattefossé badly burned his hand during an experiment in a perfumery plant and plunged his hand into the nearest tub of liquid, which just happened to be lavender essential oil. He was later amazed at how quickly his burn healed and with very little scarring. This started a fascination with essential oils and inspired him to experiment with them during the First World War on soldiers in the military hospitals.”  I was sold and ever since then I’v always had lavender in my home.

Lavender has been used and cherished for centuries, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume.

Its calming and relaxing qualities, when taken internally, continue to be Lavender’s most notable attributes.

Applied topically, Lavender is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.

Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.

Uses

  • Soothes occasional skin irritations
  • Taken internally, Lavender reduces anxious feelings and promotes peaceful sleep. This must be be certified
  • Helps ease feelings of tension.
  • Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet at bedtime.
  • Freshen your linen closet
  • Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts. Add to a glass of water.

Frankincense

This is one of my favourite essential oils to use in my moisturising facial oil it helps hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Add a drop or 2 to your face cream for smooth skin (amazing for fine lines). Rub over your forehead and back of neck for calming, on soles of feet for relaxing.

It’s also a maximiser – that means that when applied under any other oil it maximises their benefit. It supports healthy cellular function (it is one of the most prized oils).

Add Frankincense to your daily facial cleanser to help revitalise and beautify your skin or apply Frankincense and Fractionated Coconut Oil to freshly-shaven skin to reduce any possible skin irritation caused by the razor on your face or your legs.

Frankincense promotes feelings of peace and overall wellness when used aromatically,

Description

Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary health benefits.

In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin.

This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections when applied topically.

As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular function when used internally*.

When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.

Uses
  • Apply topically to help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
  • Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood.
  • Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function.*
  • Ingest to support healthy cellular function*
  • Aroma promotes feelings of relaxation
  • Helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections when applied topically
  • Supports healthy immune, nervous, and digestive function when taken internally*

Lemon Oil 

For ease of use this oil is fantastic, I add a drop of the fresh, zingy lemon oil to my bottle of water. So easy. A drop in my water first thing in the morning to kick start my digestion and support my liver and to detox.

I also add this to my home cleaning  products – has a fabulous fresh smell. No wonder most of the store bought products have lemon fragrance (artificial at best)

Lemon is great for sticky spots and residue and giving your stainless steel a sparkle after rubbing a drop of lemon on it.

Description

Lemon has multiple benefits and uses. It’s a powerful cleaning agent that purifies the air and surfaces.

When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day. Lemon is frequently added to food to enhance the flavor of desserts and main dishes. Taken internally, Lemon provides cleansing and digestive benefits and supports healthy respiratory function.

When diffused, Lemon is very uplifting and energizing and has been shown to help improve mood.

Uses
  • Add Lemon oil to a spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Lemon oil also makes a great furniture polish; simply add a few drops to olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes.
  • Use a cloth soaked in Lemon oil to preserve and protect your leather furniture and other leather surfaces or garments.
  • Lemon oil is a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver and other metals.
  • Diffuse to create an uplifting environment.
Primary Benefits
  • Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces
  • Naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion*
  • Supports healthy respiratory function*
  • Promotes a positive mood

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OILS PART OF YOUR DAY

Below are a few ways in which you can start using essential oils, and you’ll be surprised in how many areas of your life you are able to use youressential oils:

  1. Apply to the skin
  2. Simply inhale
  3. Steam inhalation
  4. Use an essential oil diffuser
  5. Use in a bath
  6. Aromatherapy massage
  7. Internal use (this is totally dependant on the quality of oil and is oil specific)

As Western holistic care and naturopathic remedies continue to provide alternative solutions for people desiring to take charge of their own health care, it is important to have a firm understanding of essential oils.These oils are a popular alternative for those desiring more natural remedies to energy, immunity, mood, aches/pains, breathing issues, hormone balancing, beauty, anxiety, sleep, allergies.

Essential oils can be an amazing health care solutions for many people, it is important to know what you’re doing before you start using them.

So, are you ready to harness the power of the world’s most proven therapeutic compounds? Are you ready to learn which oils to use in your essential oil diffuser or in other ways?

Explore the many essential oils benefits and uses, and open your mind to a whole new way of preventing and reversing health conditions that you’ve been battling for years. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Low stomach acid causing digestive, low energy and skin issues?

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Could Low Stomach Acid Be The Reason For Your Gut, Low Energy & Skin Issues?

how you digest your food is important

The gut is the key to your vitality and therefore your ability to digest, absorb, assimilate and eliminate waist is critical.

Sadly, many people never ask the question “Is my stomach functioning properly?” And as a result we can make all kinds of unnecessary dietary changes and spend loads of money on supplements that might have been avoided.

So, have you tested yourself for low stomach acid?

The answer is most likely “no,” because stomach acid is one of the MOST UNDER- LOOKED areas and I cannot stress how important this is…as almost 70% of the people I work with have low stomach acid.

When I started taking betaine HCL for low stomach acid, I was surprised at the huge difference this has made. It is one of the most helpful supplements I’ve come across and it has significantly helped improve my own digestion.

Common Signs You May Have low Stomach Acid

Your gut is a key and as Hippocrates put it, “All disease begins in your gut.”  So if your gut’s not happy, it could be the reason for your…..

….Bloating? Wind? Cramps? Heartburn? Loose Stools? – messages from your body that there’s something going on in your gut and it’s time to do something about it?

In some cases poor gut health and digestive disturbances could be the root cause of seemingly UNRELATED symptoms.

You may also be struggling with:

  • Achy joints, fibromyalgia, osteopenia, osteoporosis
  • Hormone imbalances – hot flashes, loss of libido, PMS and painful menses. Extra pounds around your waist
  • You might feel tired and rundown
  • Moody, irritable, sad
  • Insomnia, poor memory & concentration,
  • Dull lifeless skin & hair

Why Is Stomach Acid So Important?

Stomach acid or hydrochloric acid (HCL) is responsible for sterilising any food that enters your gut and it breaks down protein.

Low stomach acid creates a cycle of poor digestion, gut inflammation, microbial over- growth, leaky gut and lowered nutrient absorption. The only things that can break this loop is to reduce stress and support adequate stomach acid production.

The Problem With HAVING Low Stomach Acid:

When your body doesn’t produce enough stomach acid, it’s unable to digest protein molecules. These partially digested protein molecules enter your small intestine, and will start to irritate your gut lining and can lead to ‘leaky gut syndrome’.

Poor digestion also creates an environment in your gut that can result in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), candida overgrowth and parasitic infections.

DIGESTIVE ISSUESWhen your food is not digested properly it can lead to increased inflammation that depletes key minerals and leads to an inability to form stomach acid and the vicious cycle continues.

Some Causes of Your Low Stomach Acid:

This could be anything from stress, poor diet, bad relationships, bad posture, constant worry and fear and overuse of medications.

1) Medication –  increase your intestinal inflammation, stress hormones and a reduction in HCL production.

2) Chronic Stress impairs your ability to produce HCL and other digestive juices.

Proper digestion depends upon us being more in the parasympathetic (Rest & Digest) state, whereas chronic stress puts us in a sympathetic (Fight or flight)  state, causing POOR digestive function.

4) A diet high in processed foods, sugars, grains, alcohol and caffeine etc. Can result in mineral deficiency that is needed for the production of HCL

5) Eating Too Quickly – when you’re in fight or flight mode. You should feel relaxed before and after eating.

6) Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth – there is a HUGE connection between SIBO and low stomach acid levels.

7) All our systems slow down as we get older, and so does the production of HCL! If you’re over 50 years, I highly recommend you do the test to check your HCL levels

8)  Food sensitivities cause stress in your body, which puts your body into chronic fight or flight. The most common offenders to consider avoiding are gluten, corn, soy, eggs, peanuts and pasteurised dairy.

If you do have a wide number of food sensitivities than it is a good bet you have low HCL.

Taking this simple inexpensive DIY test that can tell you a lot about the ability of your stomach to digest. 

The Baking Soda Stomach Acid Test:

This test is a simple chemical reaction in your stomach i.e acid + base = gas + water.   Baking soda ( the base OH-) + your stomach acid (HCL or acid H+) should produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and result in a burping effect.

To improve the accuracy, perform this test on 3 consecutive mornings to find an overall average and test first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.

Here is How You Can Do The Test:

1. Mix 1⁄4 tsp of baking soda in 120ml of water, first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.

2. Drink the baking soda solution

3. Time how long it takes for you to burp. Go up to 5 minutes. If you’ve not burped within 5 minutes then it would be a sign of insufficient stomach acid production.

If you have early and repeated belching than it may be due to too much stomach acid. However, it is important not to confuse these with small little burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution.

In the end, knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Take the time to understand how your stomach works and it just might change your life. Addressing low stomach acid might be one of the first places you could look to improve digestive health, heal leaky gut and reduce overall stress on the body.

The “4 R’s” program to Repair Your Digestive Function

This is the same  program I use with many clients with a variety of health and digestive issues.

  • Remove:  Food is the number one thing to to look at first when it comes to imbalances.

  Eliminate known food allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, etc. Alcohol, caffeine and NSAIDS should be avoided as well.   “removal” of pathogens such as: (an overgrowth of) yeast, parasites, harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. is part of the “remove” step.

 In serious cases a stool analysis will diagnose infections that can be eliminated with natural medicines or medications.

  • Repair: Repair the intestinal barrier.
  • Replace:  Adding dietary supplements if necessary to improve digestion of food, like Betaine HC. Get in touch if you would like to order this supplement- sue@suehardman.com. We can deliver anywhere in UK and South africa.

  • Reinoculate:  Probiotics that contain friendly bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are taken to reinoculate proper bacterial colonies.

If you’d like to know more about this programme, contact me at sue@suehardman.com

 

In my

Why you need to balance good gut bacteria vs the bad

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manage dysbiosisLet’s start with the fact that your gut and the presence of healthy gut bacteria is linked to “the cradle of your immune system.”

There are both good bacteria and bad bacteria that live in your gut, that is often referred to as your Gut flora or your microbiome.

More and more research tells us about the importance of gut bacteria. The more we learn about the link between the health of your digestion or gut, the more clear it is that cultivating beneficial gut bacteria is critically important for all aspects of your health and well-being.

Gut bacteria has been linked to weight gain, inflammation and many other disorders, so the importance of a healthy community of bacteria in the digestive tract is very clear. Beneficial strains of good bacteria contribute to strong immune systems, maintaining healthy weight, and even our moods.

The nutritional value of your food is dependent on a healthy gut microbiome because if you can’t properly digest your food, you don’t benefit fully from the nutrients. You’re not what you eat, but rather what you digest.

Bad bacteria can cause inflammation and disease. Even autism is now being linked to undesirable gut bacteria.

The most important function of your gut is to metabolise and absorb nutrients from the food you eat, to nourish ever single cell in your body – your skin, brain, and all organs.

An upset digestive system can actually trigger or worsen acne, inflammation and rashes and can be caused by consuming too many processed foods, sugar or alcoholic drinks.

What does a balanced gut flora do for you?

Good bacteria works hard to keep the bad bacteria in your gut in check. If your gut gets out of balance and the bad bacteria outgrows or outperforms the good bacteria, then you’re more likely going to end up with gut dysbiosis, yeast, leaky gut, candida, SIBO, SIFO, and/or parasites.

 You inherited your gut microbiome at birth from your mother, as you moved through the vaginal canal (or not).

After that your diet and lifestyle become more important in their effect on your microbiome. Your microbiome consists of trillions of good bacteria/probiotics that are important for several key functions:

  • optimising your digestion
  • balances your mood, improve metal health
  • hormone balance
  • healthy weight maintenance, boosting your metabolism
  • supporting your immune system
  • synthesising vitamins K and other essential nutrients
  • helping prevent leaky gut
  • to digest fibre
  • supporting nerve function

 

NEWS FLASH! New research on how probiotics can help you lose weight. 

A 2017 Research study – women showed significant weight loss in just 3 weeks. The pre-obese and obese group lost 13.4 pounds, including 4 pounds of fat and 2.6 inches off their waist.  The “normal weight obese” group, (body fat > 30%) also saw results — they lost only 1 pound overall but 2 pounds of fat (they gained muscle). I find this really interesting!

What are the causes of your gut flora imbalances, dysbiosis (i.e more bad than good) and leaky gut?

  • Sugar
  • Stress– physical, emotional, mental.
  • Poor Sleep
  • Alcohol and smoking
  • Medications and Antibiotics!!
  • Poor Digestion of food –  increasing toxins and the load of bad bacteria in your system, fuelling the cycle.
  • Lack of exercise
  • Food Sensitivities- Even healthy food can be damaging if one is reacting to it i.e. gluten and dairy.
  • And ageing

Over time with long-term stressors, your gut immunity decreases allowing more toxins, chemicals, bacteria and even parasites to compromise the lining of the stomach and seep through to enter your bloodstream.

As your gut flora changes for the worse, your stomach lining becomes more permeable and results in what is now called – ‘leaky gut’.

 How do you know if you have dysbiosis?

  • Frequent gas or bloating
  • Brain fog, anxiety and depression
  • Food sensitivities
  • Skin issues – acne, psoriasis, eczema
  • Micronutrient deficiency
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose stool, diarrhoea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Frequent “stomach bugs,” gastroenteritis, and/or food poisoning
  • History of prolonged antibiotics such as for acne or sinusitis
  • Carbohydrate intolerance, particularly after eating fibre and/or beans
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Achy joints
  • Autoimmune conditions – Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis
  • Sinus congestion
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Cramping, urgency, and/or mucus in your poop once per week

If you have five or more symptoms, there is a good chance you have dysbiosis.

Using probiotics can help with overcoming dysbiosis

Dysbiosis can be tricky to diagnose and even harder to correct, and your rehab program will depend on the state of your gut and how committed you are to make changes.

Benefits of probioticsProbiotics have been shown to improve intestinal barrier function and reduce inflammation.

  • eat your probiotic-rich food such as cultured vegetables, sauerkraut, and kimchi–it’s a great way to jump start gut health repair.
  • Choosing the right probiotics
    The two most common probiotics to start balancing your microbiome are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum – also very helpful for IBS.I would always suggest you take probiotics as a supplement rather than a probiotic drink. Many of theses drinks are loaded with added sugar, not good for controlling yeasts and other negative bacteria in your gut.

This is a good probiotic to start with and have recommend it to many of my clients over the years.

Click on the link to order on amazon, otherwise contact me if you live in a country without amazon to order your probiotic.

Some Research on the benefits of probiotics:

  • One of the first reports, published in 1961 by a physician Robert Siver was using lactobacilli to treat skin conditions. 300 patients who were given a probiotic and found that 80 percent of those with acne had some clinical improvement.
  • Probiotics also have the potential to protect against sun-induced damage. In one mice study, researchers found consuming probiotics provided protection from UV damage. In this study, one group of hairless mice were given oral administrated live Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult for nine days, and another group consumed fermented milk containing the strain for 14 days. During the final four days of the study, the mice of both groups were irradiated using UV light for each day. Then, after a period of 24 hours, the skin was evaluated to determine elasticity, appearance, and interleukin-1beta levels (a marker for inflammation). The researchers found that there was a significant level of prevention through consuming the probiotics with both groups compared to a control group.
  • Probiotics have been shown to reduce systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are elevated locally in those with acne.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been found to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis in those with IgE-sensitive reactions
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus TB helps with eczema.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 subjects who had acne consumed either LSP1 or a liquid without the probiotics. There was a 32 percent reduction in acne in the treated group, and they also had a 65 percent increase in the IGF1 and FOXO1. The placebo group experienced no changes.

Also maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibre is incredibly important in ensuring your gut stays healthy, plus drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and trying to minimise everyday stress as much as possible.

The Gut health is also linked to…..

  • Your hormonal issues and symptoms may be linked to your gut – due to dysbiosis/Candidiasis.
  • The gut has a direct relationship with the liver as good bacteria promotes Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification and the excretion of oestrogen. Bad bacteria interfere with it.
  • Stress and high cortisol promotes dysbiosis and dysbiosis promotes high cortisol. Excess adrenal activity interferes with reproductive and thyroid hormone function
  • Then there is the direct relationship of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone and the gut – more complex and less understood.

When you begin to replenish the friendly flora in the gut, you may feel some changes in your digestive system as the microbiome starts restoring a healthy balance. These changes are a positive shift that will bring you amazing benefits.

So now that we know all about the advantages of probiotics, what’s the next step? Probiotics come in all shapes and sizes and are made up of different “breeds” or strains, each of which can have a special benefit.

If you feel you have dysbiosis, leaky gut, skin issues, digestive troubles and want to know how you could benefit from using probiotics – please contact sue@suehardman.com

 

or book a FREE mini CONSULT, please call me on +27 72 7903125 or you can

click HERE and to book your appointment.

I’d love to chat on the phone/skype if you’re looking for more support managing your fatigue, low energy, hormonal imbalances and skin issues.

I so enjoy talking to women and helping them with their health. Please feel free to share if you have friends or family who might need help.

 

 

 

 

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5 Steps to Great Gut Health & Ditch The Bloat