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Why it’s important to know if you have Gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease / /

In Some Countries you need a formal diagnosis of Celiac Disease for health insurance, tax deductions on gluten-free food and for employment reasons. Knowing which condition you have is the key to how strict you will be lifelong with gluten avoidance. With a gluten intolerance (sensitivity) you don’t have to be as strict with avoiding gluten as a Celiac, because there is no autoimmune reaction taking place. With Celiac Disease, you have to avoid gluten 100% because it is an autoimmune reaction every time you consume it, which, over time will damage your gut lining. This can be the make or break for many as to how seriously they take it. Celiac disease can cause nutritional deficiencies which can cause long term damage. If you don’t know if you have Celiac disease or not and you consume gluten sometimes, you could be causing your body harm without knowing. It can also be good to know if you have Celiac disease and you have children, you can get them genetically tested for the Celiac markers. If they test positive, you can then keep an eye on any symptoms that may develop in the future. It is good to get the Celiac blood test for your child from the age of 4 as it is more accurate after this age. Get them retested every two years, especially during the growing years, for girls around 8-13 years and for boys between 10-15 years. In conclusion knowing the difference matters. Gluten intolerance is a digestive issue that is not autoimmune related and therefore on it’s own won’t cause intestinal permeability. Celiac Disease is genetic and is an autoimmune condition so you have to be 100% strict lifelong. Doing so unnecessarily is a burden both emotionally, financially and socially. You may be required to prove diagnosis for various reasons depending on where you live. It can give you peace of mind and closure. It can be beneficial if you are a parent or considering starting a family as it is genetic.   Interested in genetic testing for the celiac markers? Contact me, I can assist with your genetic test. Take my masterclass to learn more on the genetic markers for Celiac Disease

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What you need to know about Collagen

Nutrition / /

What is Collagen? Collagen is a protein your body makes. It is essential for healthy joints and skin elasticity. Collagen’s strong fibers work like glue to hold things together in your body: muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, and skin. Different types There are many different types of collagen in your body and each perform a different function. Type I builds skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Type II helps to make cartilage, the flexible tissue between bones and in your ears and nose. Type III helps create muscles and blood vessels.   Collagen loss Collagen decreases with age and the fibers become thinner and weaker. The age we start to lose collagen is around 25. After the age of 40, you lose around 1% per year. By the age of 80, collagen production has decreased by 75%   Other factors also contribute such as: too much sun exposure (ultraviolet rays can cause collagen to break down in the skin) Smoking causes oxidative stress low levels of vitamin C, which can lead to scurvy. Genetic conditions such as Osteogenesis imperfecta which can can lead to weak bones. Do collagen supplements work? Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen can decrease joint pain, increase bone mineral density, reduce wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration. PMID: 18416885 PMID: 29337906 PMID: 33742704 Takeaways: • Anyone over the age of 25 can benefit from a collagen supplement. • Remember it should be hydrolyzed collagen containing type 1 and 3 • Topical skin care products containing collagen are ineffective. Topical collagen molecules are too large to penetrate and will remain on the surface of your skin. • protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing a sunscreen when in the sun. • Get a genetic test that gives you lifestyle, diet and supplement recommendation according to your genetics. Take the DNA Skin test which will let you know how well your body does in this regard.

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What you need to know about progesterone

Hormones / /

What is progesterone? Progesterone is a hormone made in a gland called the corpus luteum which is a temporary gland that develops after you ovulate (release an egg from your ovary). The adrenal glands and the placenta can also produce progesterone. It supports pregnancy and regulates menstruation. It’s also responsible for breast development and preparing the body for breastfeeding. In men it aids in sperm production.   Menstruation If the egg isn’t fertilized, the the corpus luteum breaks down, which leads to a drop in progesterone levels. This decrease causes the endometrium to break down, causing the beginning of a menstrual period. Energy is low and so is mood. Rest and reflect. The Follicular phase is when progesterone levels rise. You will have more energy during this period and can work really well. Brain storming, creative tasks or projects and exercise that is more high energy. The Ovulatory phase is when estrogen is more prominent. Your energy and motivation is at a peak.You will be more inclined to do HIIT workouts, trying new things and probably be your most social. And lastly the Luteal phase is when progesterone rises and your energy starts to wane. You might want to focus on cutting back on projects that require a lot of brain power. Do light exercises. Use the time to slow down in preperation for your menstrual period.   Symptoms of low progesterone in women who are not pregnant. Irregular menstrual periods. Difficulty conceiving. Mood changes, anxiety or depression. Trouble sleeping. Hot flashes. low libido fibroids PMS breast tenderness Tips Vitamin C is absorbed in large amounts just before ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone Zinc increases the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which in turn causes ovulation and leads to the production of progesterone. manage stress levels because stress releases more cortisol and inhibits progesterone cruciferous vegetables can help to increase progesterone.   What are estrogen dominant symptoms? uterine fibroids Fibroid breast tissue Endometriosis premenstrual syndrome Anxiety, depression and mood swings Fatigue and low energy PCOCS Headaches Dry skin/eyes   Synthetic estrogens called xenoestrogens also add to the load of estrogens in the body causing an excess and this upsets the balance. (to learn about xenoestrogens see my post of estrogen).   If you have problems in your body’s detoxification pathway, you can struggle to detox these excess estrogens which can also lead to estrogen dominance. The DNA Oestrogen test will give you an indication if this could be a problem for you. I am an accredited DNA practitioner.   Contact me for more information on your DNA test.  

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The many uses and benefits of zinc

Hormones, Nutrition / /

Disclaimer: This is an educational and informative post, nothing in it is meant to take the place of medical treatment, neither does it claim to treat, cure or diagnose any condition. What is zinc? Zinc is an essential nutrient. Essential meaning your body cannot produce it, you need to get it through food sources such as fish, eggs and dairy products. Cereals, grains, nuts and legumes contain smaller and less efficiently absorbed amounts of this element. Bioavailability of zinc is better from animal sources than from plant food sources due to phytates in plants inhibiting the absorption of zinc.     Zinc is Required for: • immune function • gene expression • DNA synthesis • protein synthesis • growth and development • cell growth • wound healing • skin health • hormone synthesis • antioxidant action • eyesight • cognitive function • skin, hair and nails     Zinc Deficiency: The main cause of deficiency is inadequate dietary intake, which is common in many parts of the world. In 2001 it was estimated that almost half of the global population at that time was at risk of zinc deficiency. People at most risk for deficiency include those with sickle cell anemia, pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegetarians and vegans, those with chronic kidney disease and untreated Celiac disease.   Deficiency signs: • diarrhea • loss of hair or thinning hair • impaired taste or smell • fertility issues • impaired wound healing • Psoriasis and other skin issues • Brittle nails • thyroid issues     Zinc and the Thyroid Selenium and zinc are needed for converting T4 to T3. Zinc deficiency impairs Thyrotropin-releasing hormone synthesis, but also TSH, T3, and T4. Those with hypothyroidism often have reduced levels of zinc and copper. There is a bi-directional relationship: Hypothyroidism leads to zinc deficiency and zinc causes hypothyroidism.   Hormones Zinc deficiency in males results in impotence, hypogonadism or delayed sexual development. Testosterone being involved. In Women a Zinc deficiency impairs FSH which is what tells your ovaries to produce progesterone. Zinc is also needed for the production of estrogen and insulin.     Did you know? A Blood (serum) test is not a reliable indicator of zinc levels and normal values may be obtained in the presence of sub clinical zinc deficiency. The concentration of zinc in hair is a more reliable indicator of chronic zinc deficiency.   Sources: PMID: 30772815 PMC3746228 PMC7468694 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1769

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What you need to know about Estrogen

Genetic Testing, Hormones / /

Disclaimer: This is an educational and informative post, nothing in it is meant to take the place of medical treatment, neither does it claim to treat, cure or diagnose any condition. What is Estrogen? Estrogens are a group of hormones made in the body. There are three main types: Estrone, Estradiol, and Estriol. Estradiol is the main type produced before menopause, mostly by the ovaries. Estriol is the main type produced during pregnancy, mostly by the placenta. Estrone, produced by the adrenal glands and fatty tissue, is the main type produced after menopause. Female sex hormone Although Estrogen is also found in males, it plays a bigger role in the female body as it is needed for fertility, pregnancy, breast development and menstruation. However it is also needed for bone and skin health and cognitive health.   Xenoestrogens Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They are also known as Endocrine disrupters. They block the uptake of natural hormones and disturb normal hormone signalling, metabolism and detoxification of estrogen. They result in much damage. We are constantly subjected to xenoestrogens such as plastics, chemicals including household cleaning agents, pollutants, Perfumes, pesticides, cosmetics, birth control pills, food dyes, synthetic fabrics, personal care products and much more. What your body cannot detox, it stores in your fat cells. These build up over time and this is how estrogen dominant conditions begin such as PMS, Endometriosis, Uterine fibroid tumors, breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and prostrate cancer in men.   The Estroblome he Estrobolome is made up of estrogen and the microbiome in the gut. It is a collection of bacteria in the gut which is capable of metabolising and modulating the body’s circulating estrogen. These bacteria affect estrogen levels, which in turn can impact weight, libido and mood. A healthy gut microbiome produces optimal levels of an enzyme called betaglucuronidase – too much and estrogen levels become imbalanced. Facts Approximately 80% of breast cancer occurs in women with little, to no family history. Research has shown that an increased lifetime exposure to estrogen, and unbalanced estrogen metabolism, is a strong risk factor in the development of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, as well as estrogen dominant disorders, such as endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome.   Genetics The DNA Oestrogen (Estrogen) Test provides an analysis of the genes involved in the process of oestrogen metabolism, and provides appropriate diet, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations. It is for women (and men) who have estrogen dominant conditions; a family history of breast, ovarian, colon or prostate cancer; who suffer from endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, and uterine fibroid tumors. The Test is also for women considering oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or bio-identical hormone supplementation and Women who are considering invitro fertilisation or who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.   Take away You can do much to limit your exposure to xenoestrogens. Here are some suggestions: Eat organic where possible Switch to natural cleaning products switch to natural skincare products buy organic, eco-friendly and biodegradable products use essential oils over chemical scents limit the use of perfumes and colognes Avoid plastic containers and bottles Use natural hormone balancing products over synthetic Contact me for your Etrogen DNA test.

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