FAQ

Under construction April 2013

Commonly asked questions:

How do I know if I have a hormone problem (women)

There are quite a few signs and feelings that may indicate that you have a hormone imbalance. Common ones are: irritability, low energy, low sex drive, dry skin, dry private parts, fat gain, relationship issues, period problems, lumpy breasts, sleeping problems, flushes, depression, anxiety, cancers (breast, ovarian, cervical), unwanted facial hair, acne and a range of others.

Youtube clip (3 mins): Testosterone

Youtube clip (3 mins): PCOS

Youtube clip (3 mins): Estrogen

Youtube clip (2.3 mins): Estrogen changes during puberty (NB free book no longer available)

Youtube clip (4 mins): Progesterone

Youtube clip (2.3 mins): Adrenal fatigue and burn out

Youtube clip (2 mins): Thyroid disorders

Youtube clip (2.5 mins): Testosterone and typical feelings from a patient

Blogs: Testosterone as a stress hormone

Books: Beauty & the Beast Within

Book + Video recording:

How do I know that my hormones are balanced (women)

Women tell me when they are hormonally happy (and I know from personal experience) that the over active thoughts and self doubt goes. Simply GOES! Your body will feel relaxed, energised and lean. Weight won’t be an issue, you will have enough energy to exercise and will want to do things.

You won’t feel anger, resentment, jealousy, self doubt nor over weight. Feeling hormonally balanced is a very zen physical state worth striving for!

Youtube clip (2 mins): How do you know if you are hormonally happy

Youtube clip (2 mins) : How to have normal hormones

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to measure hormones

How do I know if I have a hormone problem (men)

Men tell me they feel depressed, find it hard to make decisions, can have a weight issue, may develop man boobs (moons), love handles (hip fat), experience erection problems, insomnia and feel like they are trapped in a rat race or rut.

Youtube clip (3 mins): Estrogen general

Youtube clip (2.3 mins) : Adrenal fatigue and burn out

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to measure hormones

What can I do if I think I have a hormone imbalance?

There are a few things you can do if you think you have a hormone problem. I offer a few resources.

Quiz: Questionnaire for FHD

Quiz: Male Hormone Disorder QUIZ

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to do a saliva hormone test

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to measure hormones

Books: Beauty & the Beast Within

Book + Video recording:

Test: Order a saliva test and consultation (snap shot of your hormones with a consultation with me over the phone or skype)

Hormone Program: Start a hormone balancing program

Need to know more: Email me

How do I know if I have a food intolerance?

Food intolerances and allergies can be subtle or extreme. Common things are headaches, migraines, dark rings under your eyes, bad breath, insomnia, rubbing your nose, itchy eyes, crease on your nose, white coated tongue, bloating, altered bowel movements, tummy fat, inability to lose weight (despite exercise and healthy eating), tinea, low sex drive, behavioural issues, poor concentration, throat clearing and sinusitis.

Youtube clip (8 mins) : Gluten sensitivity (for parents)

Youtube clip (2.5 mins) : Chemicals and preservatives

Youtube clip ( 2.5 mins): Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Blog

I have breast cancer or am concerned about it, how can you help?(women)

Breast Cancer is affecting many women in Western Cultures and many risk factors have been identified. Some of the these risk factors are things that you can influence (and are called modifiable) and others you can not. You may be surprised what treasure trove lies in Natural Medicines to help you manage or decrease your risk of developing breast cancer.

I manage it from a holistic perspective and appreciate it when your doctor is willing to work with me. Vitamin D status, hormone status, other health parameters (weight, diet, lifestyle, toxic load etc) all impact on your risks.

I believe the human body is an amazing entity and can repair itself if given the right tools at the right time. Make sure if you have had cancer that you work out why you developed it otherwise you might get through this round only to develop it somewhere else another time. Be strong, be confident and be healthy!

We are struggling to become pregnant, what can you offer?

One of the most rewarding areas I am involved with is preconception care and fertility work. I try never to over promise but conceiving (ie becoming pregnant) is one of life’s little miracles and is truly amazing but very disappointing and sad when it doesn’t come easily.

These are some resources that may assist you:

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to have fantastic sperm

Youtube clip (2 mins): Healthy sperm

Youtube clip (3 mins): PCOS

Book : Fit for Fertility

Test: Order a saliva test and consultation (snap shot of your hormones with a consultation with me over the phone or skype)

Programs: Start a program

What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy is the combination of using natural treatments to heal your body. It can encompass anything deemed natural (ie not synthetic). Naturopaths can be a combination of nutrition, herbal treatments, flower essences, body work, iridology, vitamins and minerals, mind work, counselling, life coaching, reiki, bowen, homeopathics or energetic medicine.

I use a combination of nutrition, herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements and sometimes flower essences or homeopathics. I definitely try to help you integrate any suggestions into your life otherwise my advice is just that. I want you to succeed and to feel fantastic. I say to people if you are prepared to jump through hoops to get healthier, I will also jump through hoops for you.

Questions about Sam

What are your qualifications?

My qualifications are: Bachelor Health Science (comp medicine), Post grad nursing (Critical Care), APMA med rep diploma (pharmaceutical diploma), Certificates in Homeopathy, Frequency Specific Microcurrent and Cellular Health Analysis.

Youtube clip: Sam the snap shot

Youtube clip: Producers reel

What are your fees?

There are a few options, they are all listed here.

How long before I will see results?

Natural medicines can take a bit longer to work and that is because they are undoing damage and often returning your body back to balance. Drugs and surgery may give relief of smptoms quicker but often don’t unravel damage or deficiencies. I have had the benefit of both trains of thought and believe natural medicine is the best way to go when things are about balance or not life threatening.

For energy issues it can take a week before you notice real improvements, for hormones this can vary but sometimes within days people feel better and for other food related issues, mood changes etc I try to get you feeling better in the shortest space of time but this will vary alot from person to person and may be one day to ten days.

Is it expensive to see you and do natural medicine?

Natural medicines are not covered by any national health scheme in Australia (ie medicare) which means you have to pay for your consultations, supplements and tests yourself. I would love to see this change as people who are prepared to pay for their health often end up being the healthier ones of the society and should be rewarded some way for their preventative health measures.

However if you have private health insurance you will be covered if you have ëxtras”in your cover and more specifically “naturopathy”. You can check directly with them as to what you will get back (they all vary). My experience is the rebate is modest.

I am sure I am not the cheapest naturopath around – you can see one for free in most health food shops or pharmacies but you do get what you pay for.

I try my hardest to get you noticeable results with the least amount of supplements, in the shortest space of time and with easy to integrating lifestyle changes into your life.

I don’t want you to ever feel over-committed, undelivered to or not valued. When you take me on as your naturopath, I work for you, just like your accountant or lawyer. I will do what I can to prevent disease and correct any vitamin or mineral imbalances and endevour to give you options so you can chose the route that suits your needs best.

It is really hard to put a figure dollar amount on each disease or condition but I would suggest budgeting $1000 over 4-6 months which would include supplements, consults and tests and usually would see most things resolved or resolving. It doesn’t cost that much to get started though and I have a few options that you can check out here.

Health Conditions

Acne

The causes of acne can vary but in most instances I find stress, foods and hormone imbalances (and these in turn affect your skin, gut and liver) and account for most cases . Realistically this one is not a “quick fix”. Usually we find that new pimples stop coming out after 2-3 weeks and redness settles in a month. Usually 2-3 months will give you an idea of whether our treatments are going to be successful.

Youtube clip (3 mins):Testosterone as a stress hormone

Youtube clip (45 sec): Why we did a hormone test for Linda and her acne issue

Youtube clip (47 sec): How Mel conquered her skin issues.

Blog: Roacutane – is the scarring on the inside worth saving the scarring on the outside?

Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue or burn out is very real and very problematic. Despite getting loads of sleep and rest, people still wake feeling achy and sleepy. They may struggle with energy levels over the day and yet when going to bed they often fail to sleep.

The causes can be stress, working too long hours, eating wrong foods, viral and bacterial causes or mineral deficiencies. I try to work out the cause first and then help you find energy and then a better way to roll out your life (often some time management tips).

Youtube clip (3 mins) : Adrenal fatigue and burn out

Anger

Female anger versus male anger is often quite different but can be driven by the hormone testosterone. We can also get angry when we are doing things we really don’t agree with, are exhausted, are on time pressures or if things don’t go our way. Sometimes food and definitely alcohol impact on our ability to cope with pressure and will determine our anger reserves.

I find many women (and I relate to this) have anger or irritability issues. Much of it stems from us trying to do too much, with not enough resources and unrealistic time frames. But what starts as a dream/goal can become a stress and ultimately can affect our body and hormones.

The Book I wrote called Beauty and the Beast Within is all about women dealing with anger and how hormones influence our fuses.I called it the beast because sometimes this voice comes out from our mouths and it is almost foreign and often scary. Most of us do it, but finding out why can lead to much greater calm and happiness.

Youtube clips: High testosterone

Youtube clip (2.5 mins): Testosterone and typical feelings from a patient

Quiz: Questionnaire for FHD

Books: Beauty & the Beast Within

Anxiety

Anxiety, or worry, or stress, or feeling rushed, or an inability to sit still or an inability to relax, is often driven by ourselves and our thinking but can also be influenced by foods, blood sugar levels and hormone imbalances.

One classic hormone imbalance affecting women is having too much oestrogen which creates a state of mind similar to Bridget Jones. Self doubt, recycling thoughts and low self esteem are typical. But there are many other causes. This is one area I feel you will get great results if you do a combination of hormone exploration, clean foods (no chemicals, preservatives etc) and some life coaching.

Bad breath

Bad is definitely a sign that something is not right with your body and digestive system. Local issues include gum disease, food remnants in your teeth, tonsillitis, sinusitis, throat problems, hernias or pouches in your oesophagus, bacteria or parasites in your gut or your liver might not be detoxifying all that well. Food intolerances can also lead to pongie breath. If your breath smells like fruit is could be a blood sugar issue so get some tests done by a doc.

Once we have worked out the cause it doesn’t normally take long to have fresh smelling breath again.

Bladder Infections

Bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) are reasonably common in young girls but shouldn’t remain an issue after the first one or two.

They can occur in babies, teens and any person of any age.

Common causes are infection from faecal matter and bacteria (E.coli) into the urethra and bladder, can be aggravated by foods and again hormones. Drinking lots of water and aiming for pale lemon urine is important.

Youtube clip (2.3 mins): Bladder infections in teenage girls

Bloating

Bloating is that gaseous feeling that you get in your belly and from the start of the day until the end you can go from flat tummy to looking 9 months pregnant. It may result in fluid retention (ie the scales will go up) or you have extra wind, burping or altered bowel motions). You may just get bloated. Typically people will become dark under their eyes as well.

Bloating can be caused by food intolerances, eating too quick, low good bacteria in your gut, other gut issues, hormone imbalances and low digestive enzymes.

Blood Pressure

Everyone has some pressure going through their circulatory system all the time. To get enough blood to your brain, get rid of noxious gases and wastes and nourish your organs, you need the pressure to be approximately 120/80 and you need approximately 5.5 litres of blood.

Changes to the volume of blood circulating, changes to the circulatory system, hormones, stress, foods, wear and tear will all influence your blood pressure.

I am coronary care trained and was a pharmaceutical rep for many years selling anti-hypertensives. I have seen both sides of the coin and have a few tips that will hopefully lead to better blood pressure control.

Youtube clip: High Blood Pressure

Breast Cancer

As mentioned before I am very passionate about women’s health and helping women avoid or manage this disease. Many things need to be addressed especially oestrogen status and vitamin D status. Email if you have any questions about this disease.

Burn out

See adrenal burn out above.

Youtube clip (2.3 mins): Adrenal fatigue and burn out

Cellulite

Cellulite is the name we give to the dimply fat that we get around our bodies (It takes on an orange skin appearance). Typically it affects our buttocks and thighs. Cellulite is a massive issue for many women and you can sink hundreds of dollars chasing it through beauty parlors. Most cellulite is caused by a hormone imbalance and toxins stored in fat. This is best managed by finding out your hormones then helping your body through a detox program or cleaner eating.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol occurs normally in our bodies as every single cell is covered with a cholesterol ring. We can make excess though through stress, hormone imbalances or poor food choices. I do find this a very rewarding area of natural medicine as I am also a coronary care trained nurse so enjoy heart related diseases.

Youtube clip (3 mins): High Cholesterol

Constipation

Many people are unsure as to what constipation means. Dried pebbly faeces may be due to constipation but if you are going every day it is unlikely to be diagnosed as such. Typically constipation means not using your bowels every day. Some people can go a week without opening their bowels and this can mean you reabsorb toxic matter in your bowel.

The causes can be varied from food, eating habits, stress, hormone imbalances, gut issues to dehydration.

Childrens Health (also see Teen health)

I love seeing children as it seems natural to give them natural things to heal themselves as many imbalances in this age group respond well to diet, mineral deficiencies etc. If I haven’t mentioned a condition here feel free to email me to see if I might be able to assist.

Youtube clip: sugars and fruits in children

Youtube clip: Managing your Child with a virus

Youtube clip: Children and hayfever

Youtube clip: Children and eczema

Youtube clip:Children and tonsillitis

Youtube Clip: Children and snoring

Youtube clip: Restless Children

Youtube clip: How to manage stress as a parent

Cracked heels

Cracked heels are often due to low zinc and other nutritional deficiencies.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a skin related condition where you can get itchiness, redness, scaling and a rash like area. Things that cause dermatitis can be external (something you are coming into contact with) or internal. See more on skin.

Depression

Depression or lower mood can take on all sorts of severity and guises. It may manifest as anxiety, or insomnia, or anger, or low sex drive. I have been helping people with this area for many years and find we have good success rates. Many things can cause depression and while an anti-depressant will help life you mood and help you cope better, you will need to chat to someone and working out why you got it in the first place. Common culprits include burn out, hormones, foods, relationships and stresses.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is when you pass a loose or sloppy bowel motion. You may have one a day or multiple. It is more to describe the consistency of the bowel motion. It can be a sign of a food intolerance, stress , gut dysbiosis or some other cause.

Diabetes

This is health condition where your insulin doesn’t respond appropriately ‘blood glucose levels. Some people experience the auto-immune condition where their pancreas is starting to destroy itself and need insulin (IDDM), while others have a delayed or ineffective response from insulin and can be well managed with lifestyle and nutritional guidelines. Being a nurse and nutritionist, I am happy to work with your doctor to give you the best results possible.

Endometriosis

This condition arises in women when their endometrial tissue sprouts around the pelvic cavity and is not confined to the walls of the uterus. It is often driven by high estrogen states. I find it responds nicely to the treatments I recommend.

Estrogen

This is the main female hormone that kicks into production during puberty. Men make some estrogen and both sexes can experience symptoms and health issues when there is either too much or not enough.

Low estrogen production can affect women through menopause.

Many women and men suffer with high estrogen which can affect weight, cellulite, moods, skin, body shape, anxiety, fertility, cancers and many other things.

Managing estrogen issues is an area I specialise in and have many blogs and clips about it.

Youtube clip (3 mins) : High estrogen

Youtube clip (2.5 mins) : high estrogen 2

Quiz: Questionnaire for FHD

Quiz: Male Hormone Disorder QUIZ

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to do a saliva hormone test

Youtube clip (2 mins): How to measure hormones

Books: Beauty & the Beast Within

Book + Video recording:

Test: Order a saliva test and consultation (snap shot of your hormones with a consultation with me over the phone or skype)

Hormone Program: Start a hormone balancing program

Need to know more: Email me

Facial hair

Facial hair for guys fine, but for girls it can be worrying. I used to think my fury cheeks were cute until I started noticing whiskers sprouting along my top lip and chin! This is when I discovered I had a hormone issue (too much testosterone).

In women the main cause is too much testosterone. Look under testosterone for tips in managing that.

Fertility

One of the areas that brings me absolute pleasure and joy is helping couples conceive. I have a clinic of couples or have struggled to fall and did or some that just wanted optimal pregnancies and births. There is more information above under fertility.

Youtube clip (2.4 mins): How to have fantastic sperm

Book : Fit for Fertility

Test: Order a saliva test and consultation (snap shot of your hormones with a consultation with me over the phone or skype)

Fibroids

Fibroids are non cancerous tumours or lumps that form in various muscle or glands. If they occur in your uterus they are often referred to as uterine fibroids. These often respond well to estrogen management and some general body support.

Flatulence

This is the medical term we give to gas and wind that is passed from the anus. The average for flatulence is 8 per day (many escape over night). More than this and you may have a food intolerance, low digestive enzymes, gut dysbiosis or poor eating habits. I should be able to help you with this one.

Food

Eating the right food in the right amounts at the right time is so important for vibrancy and amazing health. Having said that as a nutritionist i try to get people to fall in-love with food and not fear it. This is slightly different to dieticians who tend to be more scientific in their approach, add calories and can lead to guilt when you do have something slightly naughty. I believe food was meant to be enjoyed and if you eat well 80% of the time (organic, lots of vegetables, hormone free meats) and have regular exercise, then you can enjoy 20% naughty.

The blood group diet is a great foundation for suitable foods according to your blood group and when I do allergy tests the recommendations match up very well.

Youtube clip: Chemical additives

Downloads: BLOOD TYPE A , BLOOD TYPE AB, BLOOD TYPE B, BLOOD TYPE O

Gall stones

Gall stones can occur at any age and I really like this one to be co-managed with a doctor. Mainly because the stones can obstruct your bile duct and this can lead to serious life threatening circumstances and heaps of pain. Having said that there is a lot we can do to manage the stones, and prevent new ones from developing.

Gardening

Nourishing yourself with food is a wonderful way to obtain and sustain optimal health. I am a huge fan of growing your own vegetables for this reason. Organic soil and seedlings are even better. If you are not too sure where to start, google local markets, farmers and source some good soil and plants.

Start with some herbs that you like, maybe lettuce and extend your varieties as you go.

You don’t necessarily need a garden bed, big pots are fine and can be done on a veranda, patio or yard.

Many communities support a garden that relies on local residents. By chipping in and helping you get to eat the vegetables and produce. Once again google these initiatives through your local councils.

Youtube clip: Toowoomba community garden

Youtube clip: Get inspired grow your own!

Youtube clip: Grow your own salad bar

Youtube clip: Start your own compost bin

Youtube clip:

Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten is the protein component on certain grains (wheat, rye, barley and oats). It helps the grain to grow so has been used extensively in “designer grains”so they will grow quicker and give bigger crops. Unfortunately many caucasians struggle to digest gluten.

Gluten intolerance symptoms range from mental health symptoms – foggy memory, headaches, migraines, depression; skin issues – acne, ezcema and folliculitis; to gut problems – altered bowel motions, bloating etc). It can also lead to many diseases, mineral deficiencies (low calcium, Vit d, Vit B12, low iron) and weaken your body so you suffer with other diseases (tonsillitis, utis, etc).

Doctors tend to look for gluten allergy (which is called coeliac disease) as it is on the rise (RAPIDLY) and is life threatening. BUT many people are showing intolerances to gluten are being over looked and not well managed.

To find out if you have a gluten issues you can try eliminating it and see if you get better, follow blood group diet, or do a full food intolerance test. We can measure anti-bodies through blood as well.

Youtube clip: Gluten for parents

Hair loss

Hair loss can be disconcerting and caused by many things. In men it can be andropause and a sign of a hormone imbalance. Otherwise, I typically I see it with breast feeding, stress, thyroid disease, cancer treatments, and zinc deficiency. I am happy to help you get to the bottom of it.

Hair

Hair is a great way to measure how well your body has absorbed nutrients and if there is a toxic metal issue. Definitely worth it if you are fighting cancer or a serious disease and want to find all causes.

Youtube clip: Hair analysis test

Headaches

The causes of headaches can be large from dehydration, vision issues, body posture, stress, foods, sinusitis, hormone disorders and brain activity. Generally I try to rule out any life threatening causes and work backwards. We usually have good results and I will often use microcurrent to calm the nervous system with good results.

Heart burn

This is when you get burn in the centre of your chest or on your left side just under your ribs. It can be due to reflux or may signal an ulcer in your stomach. Once again I like ruling out the worst things first and working backwards. Heart burn is often due to foods, digestive enzymes and dysbiosis.

Heart disease

Heart disease is often not a life sentence but a coach to keep you healthy. This is an area I love as I am also a coronary care nurse (specialise in heart care) and find it rewarding and easy to manage with motivated people. I am happy to work with your doctor and if you are on a few medications it is well worth making sure you are doing every thing you can to prevent a heart attack or stroke and pills will only protect you from so much. You need to have other action plans in place to ensure your health.

Insomnia

Insomnia is when you can’t sleep. There may be issues falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early. This is one area that I finds responds well to natural advice and supplements until you can achieve a full nights sleep on your own.

Youtube clip: Chemical additives

Impotence

This condition only affects men and is the inability to achieve an erection. There are a multitude of causes, ranging from being over weight, having a hormone imbalance, psychological causes, heart disease and many more.

Youtube clip: Healthy sperm

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects one in four, one in five Australian people. It is found more commonly in females and can be triggered by all sorts of things. Typically I find it is triggered (made worse ) from foods, hormones, stress and altered gut flora (worms, bacteria etc).

Symptoms are varied but will range from altered bowel motions, diarrhoea, constipation, cramps, urgency, bloating, flatulence and burping/heart burn. A doctor may conduct a gluten sensitivity test, helicobacter or faeces test, colonoscopy or endoscopy. If these are clear they will often just call it IBS.

I find that it is relatively easy to treat once we establish the cause and of course this differs for each person.

Youtube clip: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Blog: Food Intolerance testing

Itchy skin

Itchy skin can be caused by many things, thyroid issues, food intolerances, allergies, stress and a few other things. It should respond well to natural medicine and better for your health long term rather than relying on anti-histamines and steroid creams.

Low energy levels

Having low energy levels can affect every aspect of your life. It is the signal that something else is wrong such as a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Stress, burn out and depression can also cause low energy levels. Depending on the cause, your energy levels should start to improve after a week on treatments.

Low mood

Having a low mood is like having low energy levels – it affects every thing. There are many causes and resolving them are well worth it. Feeling happy and connected is a great way to live!

Low confidence

Although low confidence is not a recognised health condition is certainly will stop you being successful at health or leading a full life. It can be bred from many causes and as I work alot with people helping them construct their ideal day, often we find developing one’s confidence is part of that.

Low sex drive

Unfortunately a common side effect of busy lives, poor eating and hormone imbalances is low sex drive. It can affect both sexes but is wide spread amongst females. This can take a while to fix and is also linked to our body image, our body size, our self esteem etc.

Menopause

Managing women through the change of life is something I do often. Hormone changes can really derail a woman and

Youtube clip: Jenni talks about menopause

Youtube clip: Michelle talks about menopause

Men’s Health

Youtube clip: Healthy sperm

Youtube clip: Hair analysis test

Migraines

Oestrogen (see estrogen)

Overweight

Pain

Periods (heavy, nil, clots, pain)