Feeling Overwhelmed?

What controls these feelings?

Neurotransmitters do – a neurotransmitter is a brain chemical that  communicates information throughout the brain and body.

They can be used by the brain to tell your heart to beat, your stomach to digest and keep the brain calm and happy.

Neurotransmitters can be found in the gastrointestinal tract (the gut), blood platelets, and the central nervous system.

80-90% of the neurotransmitter that keeps us calm and happy is found in the gut therefore when you are noticing a lot of upset in the stomach, abdomen, and bowel then chances are there is also some upset with neurotransmitters.

What can affect the balance of neurotransmitters?

Stress, poor diet, drugs, alcohol, and caffeine are all guilty of lowering our levels of serotonin which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. A big underlying cause that rarely gets a mention is histamine which is usually out of balance due to genetics. 

What happens when they get low?

When these levels get low there will be an increase in signs and symptoms such as cravings for carbohydrates, interrupted sleep patterns (even insomnia), changes in pain tolerance, disruptions in digestion (irritable bowel), as well as a decrease in immune defenses (lots of colds & sinus issues)

What impact does the food you eat have?

An increase in cravings for carbohydrate food (fast food) is an indication that serotonin is low. There is scientific evidence that eating a combination of fat and sugar (eg burgers, doughnuts) can actually make you happy because it triggers the release of serotonin.

HOWEVER!!! This becomes a viscous circle as consuming these types of food over a long period of time can lead to weight gain, candida and decreased energy all of which can lead to depression.

How does our clinic come in handy?

During an initial consultation questions will be asked which will guide towards the root cause of the signs and symptoms. This process will delve deeper into sleep patterns, an assessment of dietary intake, an assessment of energy levels and an ability to regulate moods. In addition to this, questions will be asked regarding relevant systems of the body.

This will include questions relating to digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. AND YES we WILL ask you about your stools and frequency of urination. :)

In between your first and second visit we will assess any blood test reports you may already have as well as your diet information and spend time researching all of the contributing factors to your particular signs and symptoms and create a plan tailored to you.

What is the treatment plan?

Everyone is different and therefore each and every treatment plan will also be different. This is the reason why people choose to see a Naturopath as we have a holistic approach to natural health. Everything is tailored just for you. A plan may include dietary changes, or a herbal tonic, or nutritional supplements.

I am here to support you and help you achieve a positive outcome. Your treatment plan works in phases. Some areas need to be repaired before other areas can be worked on.  The good news is that it won't take too long and you can be back on track.

Who am I?

I am a Bachelor qualified Naturopath who specialises in improving metabolic processes in the body. Major areas for improvement include gut, thyroid, kidney, skin and liver health. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, & irritable bowel conditions. I help my patients by giving them symptomatic relief while working on repairing the underlying causes of metabolic stress and waste accumulation. Patients experience amazing results which are seen in their blood tests with improved thyroid markers, cholesterol, and liver markers.  As well as lower blood pressure and see relief from improved gastrointestinal symptoms like the ones that mean you need to know where every single toilet is before you leave the house.

Melissa Callaghan BHSc, BTeach
Clinical Naturopath