What is THAT About?

The body is a simply marvellous thing. It has so many little tricks up it’s sleeve to keep you in the best health possible. It also has an array of warning signs and signals that can be the first clue that something isn’t right. If we learn to recognise these signals as soon as they appear, we have the ability to help out our body as soon as we notice something is not right. Often, at the first sign of some sort of dis-ease, a simple solution can be all that is needed to return the body to health. It is only when we ignore or suppress these symptoms that a deeper discomfort can result.

Here are some of the most common symptoms people tend to suffer from, what might be the possible cause, and some simple tips you can try to start helping out the situation.

Headaches
The arrival of a headache can signify a number of simple imbalances such as a lack of water, lack of food, or stress. Other reasons for a headache include lack of sleep, the onset of sickness, poor eye sight or eye strain, liver overload, hormonal issues or skeletal misalignment.

The first thing to do when you get a headache is to drink at least 700ml of water, get up, go for a walk around (outside if possible), stretch you neck and shoulders, and have something to eat. When you are up walking around, make sure to focus your eyes long distance- start out a window for a few minutes, look at something far away to help refocus your eyes.

If headaches continue, try visiting a chiropractor, osteopath or massage therapist, getting your eye sight checked by your optometrist.

Natural remedies for the management and treatment of headaches include magnesium, turmeric extract and feverfew. Food allergens and intolerances should also be considered. As should nasty food additives such as flavours, colours and preservatives.

Rashes
Skin rashes usually originate from one of two places- from outside the body, or from inside the body.

If your rash is due to an outside origin, for example chemical heavy hand wash at work, you will notice the rash in exposed or specific areas. Your hands may have a rash but no where else, if the hand wash is to blame. The area your clothes touch bare skin may be aggravated if you are allergic reaction to washing powder, or a rash may develop in the area you spray your perfume.

If this is the case, identifying and eliminating the aggravating substance will remedy the rash. In the mean time, using natural and gentle skin care and laundry products, using calendula cream and avoiding scratching if possible, will help speed recovery. Some rashes feel better with the application of cold, so try using an ice compress, while others feel better upon application of a hot washer. See if these simple remedies can work for you.

If you are suffering rashes with no distinct topical origin, it could be coming from inside the body. The most common caused of these rashes include food allergens in the diet, liver stagnation and overload, toxins not being eliminated, medication interactions, pathogenic infections including parasites and bad bacteria or fungal infections.

Internal caused rashes will take some investigation on behalf of a naturopath to uncover the exact cause. In these situations, especially if the origin is a mystery to you, it is best to have a consult with your naturopath so they can go into your case in more detail to identify the most likely origin, before doing some testing (if needed).

Nausea/Diarrhoea
The most common cause of nausea and diarrhoea comes from the food or drink you have consumed. If these symptoms are a regular occurrence for you, try making a diet diary and noting down when you feel ill. This can help highlight if there are any offending foods such as dairy products or wheat, which might be the cause. You may need to look back up to 48 hours prior to identify an offending food or drink. Naturoapths can help you do this as well. Testing is available if you would prefer not to make a detailed diary.

Stomach upsets can also be a sing of an overloaded liver. A liver detoxification may be necessary, and liver dysfunction is something your naturopath can test for, and treat depending on your individual needs.

Stress is another huge cause of these tummy upsets. Often stress will reduce appetite and reduce our ability to digest food. If we eat, food can ferment instead of digesting, causing bloating, nausea and diarrhoea. When you know you’re stressed, it can be easier on the digestion to eat something
Muscle Aches and Pains
If these types of symptoms are not the result of a heavy work out session, the next most common cause would be stress and tension. Gentle stretching exercises, yoga, meditation and stress management techniques can be helpful in these cases.

It may also be the result of sitting or sleeping in unsupportive furniture. Do you need a new mattress on your bed? Or does your desk chair need an upgrade?

Deficiencies can also be the cause of muscular aches and pains. Magnesium deficiency can cause our bodies to ache and suffer from cramps and spasms, and low vitamin D levels are an often undiagnosed cause of such symptoms. Check your vitamin D levels through your doctor or naturopath, and make sure you are getting some regular D doses through safe sun exposure.

Naturopathically you may wish to supplement with vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium and turmeric which are all beneficial for these kinds of issues. Discuss which of these options would be best for you with your naturopath, as you will likely not need to take them all.

Sometimes aches and pains can be the first sign of an impending cold or flu. Dosing with vitamin C and other immune supporting herbs such as Echinacea and Andrographis can help.

Fatigue
Let’s face it, many people are tired. And the reasons for this tiredness can be numerous. The main causes include not enough sleep, poor sleep quality, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, stress, working in front of a computer, working under fluorescent lights, dehydration, not enough food, food allergens and thyroid problems.

If your fatigue is not easily understandable, for example, you have a restless 2 year old or a 50 hour work week, it is advisable that you investigate the causes of your fatigue further with your naturopath.

It could be the result of a simple iron or B vitamin deficiency, which your naturopath can easily remedy. Other causes such as thyroid disorder or adrenal fatigue can take longer to address. Your naturopath will be able to direct you as to the best way forward in these cases.

If you have a common ailment that you just don’t know the cause of, feel free to comment below and I will let you know what might be going on for you, and what you can do about it! If you want help investigating your health then please contact us, we would love to help you. 🙂

Rhianna