The thyroid gland is one of our largest endocrine glands, located in the neck and shaped like a butterfly. It contributes to regulating our metabolism, producing energy and maintaining healthy calcium levels. The most common problems include an underactive thyroid, referred to as hypothyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, referred to as hyperthyroidism. Pathology tests which measure thyroid function include TSH, fT4 and fT3. Sometimes there can be an autoimmune component

Many people believe the common (and logical) misconception that eating fat makes you fat. However, current research shows us that high fat, high protein and low carbohydrate diet reduces hunger, increases energy levels, assists with weight loss, improves athletic performance, and in some cases, may even reduce the need for diabetes medication. Scientists have encouraged us to follow the Australian food pyramid guidelines, which recommend that we reduce fat and

A client recently asked about Kava, as she had been doing some reading about it and wondered whether it might be appropriate for her. There has been a fair amount of contention about this herb in the last few years, a fair amount of it undeserved. Kava has been used medicinally and recreationally in Papua New Guinea for many years. It has anxiety-relieving activities (proven in clinical studies), and scientific

Most of you will be aware (and have surely been told by your doctor) that you need extra folate in Pregnancy. But why? What does it do? Has anyone ever explained? Folate is one of the B-complex group of vitamins. It is known as folate in its naturally occurring form in food, or folic acid when in synthetic supplemental form. In the body it is essential for the building and

The thyroid gland is a small glandular organ that sits at the front of the throat. It produces the hormones T3 and T4. These govern the body’s metabolic processes, including growth and energy usage. A poorly functioning thyroid may fail to produce enough T3 and T4, which can lead to a number of symptoms. The symptoms are often vague and so are often missed or misdiagnosed. A person may simply