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Author: Jane

Claygate ClinicArticles by: Jane
By Jane Nutrition, Uncategorized

Could IBS be causing your bloating?

By Ann Shaw – Nutritionist

IBS, (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, typically characterised by abdominal pain and bloating and often constipation and diarrhoea. In my experience, I would say that one in three people consult me with a host of symptoms that are associated with IBS, including Candida Albicans. Research suggests that IBS affects up to one in five people in the UK at some stage of their life.

It can be exasperating when you have tried everything from elimination diets, the fodmap diet, the candida diet, excluding commonly known triggers such as gluten and dairy, over-the-counter remedies and many other hopeful solutions. But, one area you may have not thought to investigate is parasite infestation, the symptoms of which can mimic IBS.

Millions of people have parasites without realising, but they conclude it must be IBS. Some patients who have had a stool test from their doctor have received a clear result, as a single test may not detect the cycle of parasites when they are in a dormant egg stage. To properly explore what is happening, a group of three samples are required over a number of days, using functional laboratory testing. These tests will also detect other pathogens, which may be contributing to your overall health issues.

One patient with IBS symptoms told me that she felt permanently disorientated and could hardly walk from the door to my desk when she first came to see me. Laboratory testing confirmed she had many parasites, and it was not until we tackled these, that she regained her health again. Some parasites are very resistant and difficult to get rid of, and each requires a specific form of treatment. So attempting to treat the condition with a generic treatment, such as herbs, or antibiotics without knowing the exact strains you may be suffering from is pointless.

Parasites need tackling because they rob your nutrients and impair your immune system. Weakened immunity significantly increases the risk of infection by these unwanted organisms, and parasites are no exception. They can be transmitted surprisingly easily, from fruit and vegetables that have not been washed properly, walking bare-foot on the beach, animals, tap water, raw fish, babies nappies and food poisoning.

These are some of the symptoms associated with parasites:

Abdominal Pain & Cramps, Anal Itching, Anaemia , Nausea, Diarrhoea, Anorexia, Distension/Bloating, Overweight, Arthritis,Dysentry, Autoimmune Disease, Fatigue, Bloody Stools, Fever, Chronic Fatigue, Flatulance, Colitis, Food Allergy
Constipation, Foul Smelling Stools, Crohn’s Disease, Gastritis, Depressed Siga, Rash And Itching Of The Skin, Headaches, Low Back Pain, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Malabsorption, Altered Intestinal Permeability, Nervousness, Irregular Bowel Movements, Irritability, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Weight Loss, Joint & Muscle Aches & Pains, Skin Conditions, Sleep Disturbances, Rectal Bleeding, Teeth Grinding, Urticaria, Vomiting

You may be experiencing some of the above symptoms, in which case please contact me, and I will be happy to help you. My approach is to look at the underlying causes of your IBS symptoms, some of which can be Candida, Parasites, Stress, Dysbiosis, Bacterial infection or Food Allergies.

If you find yourself suffering multiple food allergies or any of the above symptoms, consider parasite infestation as a possibility.

Written by TCHP Resident Nutrition Expert – Ann Shaw  DThD.DNMed.T.A.S.K.M.BANT.NTCC.CNHC

 

For more information contact the clinic or call the clinic on 01372 464659

Ativador Windows 11 

By Jane Uncategorized

Study shows that Patients Do Better After Surgery If They Do ‘Prehab’ First

By Helen Amembal - Registered Osteopath

“People are often told to follow a rehabilitation program following surgery to speed recovery. But starting weeks before going under the knife might help them regain function even faster”

“So-called “prehabilitation” to prepare someone for an upcoming stressful event has been used quite a bit in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Julie Silver, a physiatrist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston USA, tells NPR.org’s Shots. And there’s increasing interest in using it before cancer treatment, especially to help frail or elderly patients better tolerate what lies ahead, she says.

Researchers from McGill University in Montreal studied 77 patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery. A kinesiologist gave the patients aerobic exercises and strength training to do at home. A registered dietitian gave them nutritional counseling and prescribed a whey supplement to make up any protein deficits, and a psychologist provided anxiety-reducing relaxation exercises.

Half of the patients were told to start the program before surgery – an average of about 25 days before – and to continue afterward for eight weeks. The other group was told to start right after surgery.

Not surprisingly, the group assigned to prehabilitation did better on a presurgery test that measured how far they could walk in 6 minutes. And it paid off.

Two months after surgery, the prehabilitation group walked an average of 23.7 meters farther than when they started the study. Rehab-only patients walked an average of 21.8 meters less than when they started. (A change of 20 meters is considered clinically significant.) And a greater proportion of the prehabilitation group was back to baseline exercise capacity by then.

The study appears in the journal Anesthesiology”

This story was originally posted on NPR.org

By Jane 0 Comments Acupuncture, Uncategorized

Acupuncture and Sports Injuries

By Tracy Slater and Helen Amembal

Acupuncture has a very successful record with sports injuries. Many professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments. But the use of acupuncture to treat acute injuries from intense or repetitive physical activity began centuries ago. It was and still is one of the primary means of quick healing for the martial arts. Specific acupuncture styles and techniques were developed to stop pain and dramatically increase recovery time. This tradition continues today, and its use has expanded into competitive athletics that result in similar injuries.

Common Injuries treated

Common medical diagnoses that fall under the umbrella of Sports Injuries include: medial & lateral epicondylitis, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, acute olecranon bursitis, acromioclavicular joint separation, rotator cuff tendonitis, osteoarthritis of all joints, meniscal tears, bicipital tenosynovitis, lumbar disc herniations, anterior & posterior cruciate ligament tears, patellofemoral syndrome, Osgood Schlatters syndrome, and more.

How Does Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for Sports Injuries because it reduces pain, increases range of motion, increases recovery and healing time, and strengthens weakened parts of the body. These effects are accomplished during treatment because acupuncture:

1. Decreases inflammation
2. Reduces swelling
3. Relaxes muscles and relieves spasms
4. Decreases bruising
5. Lowers the body’s pain response
6. Improves local blood circulation to increase delivery of nutrients

When to get Acupuncture

Acupuncture divides sports injuries into two main categories, which determine how treatment typically proceeds. Acute injuries (that happened recently) and chronic injuries (unresolved for 3 or more months).

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries need to be properly assessed before any type of treatment can begin. Most people are all too familiar with the feeling of a strain or sprain. If someone is unsure, however, it is best to get examined and properly diagnosed (possibly with the help of an X-ray or MRI) to rule out a more serious injury.

Acupuncture should then begin as soon after an injury as possible for the best results.
Acupuncturists classify acute injuries as Excess conditions. An Excess condition is just what it sounds like: there is an excess physical response (too much pain) or an excess biochemical reaction (too much inflammation or swelling). Acupuncture treatment given soon after an injury occurs encourages the body to deal with and process this excess in a rapid fashion. An improvement is usually noticed within one or two treatments. If an injury is not very severe, 3-4 treatments typically resolves the condition. More serious injuries require 4 treatments before an accurate prognosis and treatment plan can be given. Right after an acute sports injury happens it is helpful to remember the acronym RICE. Each letter stands for
one of the four steps to follow immediately after an injury: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This will help quicken recovery and provide short term relief.

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries also need to be properly assessed before any type of treatment begins. It is important to determine if there is an underlying structural cause for a lingering injury such as a loss of cartilage, formation of scar tissue or degenerative damage of any kind. Once the complete underlying framework of the injury is understood, an acupuncture treatment plan can be devised to address both the main symptoms and their causes. This may include acupuncture treatments, stretches and exercises, diet modifications and the use of
liniments or balms.

Acupuncturists classify chronic sports injuries as Deficient conditions. Deficiency refers to a weakness or lack. Over time, unresolved sports injuries lead to areas losing strength, flexibility and stability. Instead of focusing on removing excesses, acupuncture for chronic conditions focuses on invigorating and strengthening specific parts of the body. This is done while also decreasing the pain that commonly accompanies most chronic sports injuries.

It is more difficult to generalise the length of treatment for chronic conditions because medications, prolonged inactivity, low morale & surgeries complicate treatment. Even so, a person should notice a positive change in his/her specific condition within 8 to 10 treatments, although many chronic injuries respond quickly to acupuncture. After which, an accurate prognosis for complete resolution of the problem can be given.

A 1999 study published in the medical journal Pain by researchers at University of Heidelberg in Germany compared the effectiveness of acupuncture for rotator cuff tendonitis against fake acupuncture needles. The researchers found a significantly measurable improvement in the athletes that had acupuncture for their shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendonitis than those athletes that had placebo acupuncture needles.

What is Taping Therapy? It is a major Therapy in correcting the balance of human body by regulating tension and relaxation on muscles and ligaments, by attaching the special tape to the skin. As a non-drug therapy, there are few side effects, and it is available to apply to children and the elderly

By Tracy Slater and Helen Amembal

Tracy Slater

Acupuncturist

By Jane 0 Comments Podiatry, Uncategorized

How can a Biomechanical assessment help?

“Its great to be on mission to get fit – and a Biomechanical Assessment can help you to reach your goal…..”

A Biomechanical Assessment may come in handy when you are looking to increase your activity, be it running, bootcamp or even something more gentle like walking.  It involves an examination of the lower limbs, looking at their structure, alignment, strengths and weaknesses. The foot is a complex structure of bones, ligaments and muscles, bearing our body weight as we walk every day. It is especially important in sport due to the pressures and forces put through the lower limb.  The amount of foot-based injuries people sustain in sport, is quite prolific, and so much of it can be avoided by knowing what type of footwear will best support the individuals’ needs.

If you are experiencing pain in the foot, ankle or knee or if you have a problem with your feet i.e. your arch is collapsing, then a biomechanical assessment would be beneficial for you. Everyone is different, and an assessment will tell you whether you have a problem with the joints or muscles and how this can be corrected to relieve your discomfort. You may be offered orthotics, strengthening exercises, and footwear advice to aid your recovery. Remember, the earlier you identify the problem, the sooner you can hit the sporting arena pain free and with confidence. And then you can get back to running, ruby, football, dancing or whatever takes your fancy!”

If you would like to book or find out more information about Biomechanical assessments, please call our reception team on 01372 464659

 

 

Allergy Testing Claygate, Surrey
By Jane 0 Comments Nutrition, Uncategorized

SAIL THROUGH PERI-MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE

By Ann Shaw    https://hdlicense.com/ https://protocrack.com/ https://secrack.com/

Have you suddenly become aware of gradual weight-gain that feels like it isn’t going to stop? A lack of energy and motivation? Low libido? Erratic or heavy periods? Mood changes, hot flushes and sleep problems? Have you noticed hair loss? Faced with all these symptoms can be overwhelming for many women particularly if you don’t have a clue what is happening to you. Well, it is quite common because these can be the symptoms of being perimenopausal and typically they start at around the age of 40, although sometimes late 30’s.

Some women may experience depression, insomnia or anxiety some while before the onset of perimenopause, but by paying attention to your diet and ensuring that it is nutrient-dense as well as balancing your hormones with the correct dosages of good quality supplements, can make all the difference. Balancing your hormones is vitally important so that you do not become high or low in either oestrogen or progesterone. Throughout perimenopause, there can be a huge change in your hormone production as the cycles become more unreliable and anovulatory (without ovulation). This could make you feel as though you have permanent premenstrual tension and affect your functionality, but this can be addressed with if you go about it correctly.

Progesterone (which help keep oestrogen in balance), can be constantly low at the Perimenopause which can be termed as a progesterone deficiency. The symptoms of low progesterone can be much heavier periods lasting longer than usual. This can be coupled with uncomfortable and swollen breasts as well as weight-gain. There can be increased irritability and mood swings which can be higher oestrogen to progesterone balance.

As you near the menopause, your periods can change by becoming more erratic and you may experience vaginal dryness and hot flushes because oestrogen is gradually decreasing. It is at this time that you must take care to balance your blood sugar levels and avoid becoming adrenally exhausted through stress. Our adrenal glands are important because they supply oestrogen and progesterone to keep hormonal balance. You are far more likely to acquire ‘belly fat’ as it is known, if your adrenals do not supply an adequate amount of oestrogen.

To avoid menopausal symptoms and going on to HRT I would advise keeping off the foods you know you are allergic to, ensuring the correct dosage of zinc, magnesium and essential fatty acids. I had already avoided the foods I knew were wrong for me for quite a number of years, so that bit was easy. I then made sure I always took the correct supplements, particularly zinc, magnesium and fish oils. My menopause lasted eight years without a single symptom. I remember being late for two appointments which brought on a 2-3 minute warm feeling whilst driving and that was it.

Look to eat healthily to boost your nutrients including foods that contain good healthy fats such as avocados, organic virgin coconut oil, fish oils and oily fish. Fibre from fresh vegetables. Phytoestrogens from oats, fruit, vegetables, sage, seeds, garlic and fennel, and of course lean protein from meat, fish, nuts and seeds. Look to avoid canned, fizzy drinks, caffeine and too much alcohol and make sure to stabilise your blood sugar levels and exercise regularly. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the appropriate vitamin/mineral supplements and fish oils that are high quality, and remember the menopause is not an illness or disease but a process that we go through. If you prepare well beforehand you could sail through the menopause as I did.

Claygate, Surrey
By Jane All Articles, Nutrition , , ,

Oestrogen Dominance

By Ann Shaw – Nutritionist at TCHP.

Oestrogen can cause mayhem in your body if it is not balanced with progesterone and you may find yourself facing issues such as fatigue, anxiety, headaches, infertility, PMS, uterine fibroids, depression, bloating and puffiness, endometriosis, thyroid, hot flushes/night sweats, heavy periods and gall-bladder issues, weight-gain around your hips, waist and thighs is a typical example.

What causes oestrogen dominance? Soya, dairy, meat, wheat, cosmetics in your body from chemicals and phthalates, tap water, The Birth Pill, HRT, chronic stress, BPA’s, plastics, heavy metals, body fat and scented candles. Xenoestrogens are industrial chemicals that mimic the behaviour of oestrogens and we are constantly exposed to them in our environment, foods, furniture, clothes, growth hormones in commercially bred animals, pesticides and herbicides.

Sugar can disrupt the hormone insulin in the body and insulin is closely connected to all of the other hormones in your body, including oestrogen and testosterone. Tap water also contains pesticides, fertilisers and synthetic and natural oestrogens from drug medications and livestock, chemicals, arsenic and other metals. Scented candles burn phthalates which are released into the air where they may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Once they enter the bloodstream, they can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms in some people, and have been found to alter hormone levels. A 100% soya candle will release small amounts of the carcinogens and toxins found in paraffin. Again, most soya candles on the market are not 100% soya and contain a high percentage of paraffin.

Cosmetics and body products and toothpastes are directly absorbed through the bloodstream and contain parabens, phthalates and other disruptive chemicals, many of which interfere with hormones. Look out also for plastics and ‘Bisphenol A’ which is a hormone disruptor. Oestrogen is inflammatory and weakens the intestinal lining, worsens Hashimotos Thyroid and autoimmune conditions, making you feel extremely tired, but there are a number of ways to address this inflammation.

Supporting gut healing with appropriate foods and supplements is a starting point. Look at your diet, environment and lifestyle factors as these are important to balance your oestrogen and progesterone levels, rather than one dominating the other.

For more information on Nutrition and allergy testing click here

If you would like to find out more please contact reception on 01372 464659 and ask to speak to Ann Shaw.

 

Claygate, Surrey
By Jane All Articles, Fertility , , , ,

Acupuncture For Fertility

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential health, healing and childbearing.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ systems.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.

Acupuncture can….

  1. Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting in the uterine wall
  2. Reduces anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
  3. Normalise hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, specifically in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
  4. Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility regulate menstrual cycle In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal, and ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found the blood flow increases during treatment. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, “When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow.”
  5. Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.

Women’s health issues that Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been effective in treating:

  1. Fertility (male & Female)
  2. Irregular menstrual cycle
  3. No menstrual cycle
  4. Heavy bleeding
  5. Painful menstrual cycle
  6. PMS
  7. PCOS
  8. Ovarian cysts
  9. Breech Baby
  10. Labor induction in overdue pregnancies
  11. Uterine fibroids
  12. Blocked Fallopian tubes
  13. Hormonal imbalance
  14. Recurrent miscarriage
  15. Pregnancy & Postpartum support
  16. Problems with Lactation
  17. Stress
  18. Insomnia
  19. Anxiety

Tracey also treats Men’s Fertility issues – Acupuncture and can help improve sperm quantity, mobility and motility

Support Groups

www.hfea.gov.uk (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority)

www.patient.co.uk

www.IVFworld.com

ART/IVF Support Claygate clinic
By Jane All Articles, Fertility , , , ,

ART/IVF Support

Acupuncture, is rapidly gaining popularity as an adjunctive therapy to IVF. It is very benign, minimally invasive and has virtually no adverse side-effects. Research shows that the provision of acupuncture treatments immediately before and after embryo transfer may significantly increase embryo implantation rates.

Other research has shown that acupuncture reduces mental stress and also changes the way stress hormones affect the neurological / hormonal (neuro-endocrine) and immune systems underlying sub-fertility.

Other research has found that acupuncture, especially around the time of the COH, improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF.

Our acupuncturists have many years of experience in working with IVF and ART. If you would like to discuss this more please contact the clinic on 01372 464659 to find out more.

 

By Jane All Articles, Exercises , , ,

4 Tips To Help Desk Based Aches

2020 saw a huge rise in the number of people working from home. Unsuitable working conditions has led to an increase in neck, shoulder and back pain.

Here are my top tips for how to ease those aches and pains:

Tip 1 – Get set

When you sit on your work chair at that start of the work day –check if is it fitted to you, especially if you are hot-desking or part-time at the desk. It is the most important piece of equipment in your workday.

Tip 2 – Posture check

Start with your chair – does the chair back fit into the curve of your lower back?
When you have done this check that your feet are flat on the floor, if not try a footrest
Adjust your chair and monitor so that the top of your monitor is level with your eyes
Bend your elbows to 90 degrees with shoulders relaxed and dropped
Then the underside of your fingers should be just over the keys, as if you were playing a piano
Tip 3 – Give yourself a break

Its hard to tear yourself away from some work when you are on a roll, but getting out of your chair every 30 minutes will decrease the aches and pains. So set your calendar or watch to remind you to get up regularly.

Tip 4 – Motion is Lotion

When you adjust your position and walk around, you prevent the muscles from overstrain. So just getting up for a drink or taking a comfort break can help.