• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression
• Impaired memory
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

How Stress and Adrenal Fatigue Affects Thyroid Function:

Cortisol (a stress hormone) plays a very important role for normal thyroid function; cortisol raises your cellular level of glucose (sugar) which works with your cell receptors, ATP and mitochondria to receive T3 from the blood to the cells. A dysfunctional adrenal/HPA axis can result in high amounts of thyroid hormones building up in the blood, which makes T3 labs look high within range with continuing hypothyroid symptoms.

Factors that SUPPORT Thyroid Hormone Production:

• Iron
• Iodine
• Tyrosine
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin D
• B-Vitamins

Factors that INHIBIT Thyroid Hormone Production:

• Stress
• Infections
• Trauma
• Medications
• Radiation
• Fluoride
• High estrogen
• Autoimmunity – coeliac disease

Factors that Improve Cellular Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormones:

• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Exercise

The post The Thyroid at a glance appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

Sleep difficulties are becoming increasingly common in today’s hectic, stressful world. A vicious cycle is often created, whereby increased anxiety and stress through the day make sleep elusive at night, and a lack of quality sleep contributes to stress and frayed nerves during the day. Over time this can take a significant toll on health and seriously undermine quality of life.

contributing factors To Insomnia:

• Expecting to have difficulty sleeping and worrying about it
• Ingesting excessive amounts of caffeine
• Excessive napping in the afternoon or evening
• Irregular or continually disrupted sleep/wake schedules

Insomnia is common and a normal response to life’s stresses, including aging and illnesses that cause discomfort or anxiety during the night. While not usually dangerous, insomnia can make you feel tired, depressed, tense or anxious. The good news is you don’t have to live with it.

tips to help reduce sleep problems:

• Get into a regular sleep pattern. Get up at the same time each morning and go to bed at the same time each night to set your biological clock and maintain regular sleep. 
• Ensure your bedroom is comfortable for sleeping. Avoid temperature extremes, noise and light. These will disrupt sleep for almost everyone.
• Wind down before going to sleep. A good 30 minutes to 1 hour of relaxing before bedtime could get you in just the right mind-frame for a good night’s sleep.  
• Use your bedroom mainly for sleep. Eating, drinking, using your computer and watching TV may keep you from falling asleep.
• Avoid napping in the afternoon or for longer than 1 hour.
• Avoid any stimulants such as black and green tea, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
• Try eating a light bedtime snack. Some people sleep better after snacking on foods that contain high amounts of tryptophan (an amino acid), which is found in milk and bananas. Other sources include avocado, dates, figs, grapefruit, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, persimmon, pineapple, strawberries, and tomatoes. All vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts (except pistachio), seeds, meat, fish, eggs, chicken and cheese include tryptophan as well.
• Exercise regularly. It’s a good idea to carry out 20-30 minutes of exercise after the evening meal (and at least three hours before trying to sleep), three to four times a week.
• If you can’t sleep at night get up and try some light stretching exercises. Use meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or massage to prepare the mind and body for sleep.
• Avoid strong sleeping pills if you can help it. Regular use of sleeping pills over a long period of time can actually make your insomnia worse or can lead to drug dependence. Excessive use of sleeping pills can also reduce your ability to function properly during the day.

The natural approach to sleeping problems looks at overall lifestyle, diet and health issues that may be adversely affecting an individual’s well-being.

Quality Supplements:

• Melatonin: is naturally produced in the pineal gland in response to appropriate light exposure. It promotes healthy sleep patterns, assists in inducing sleep, increases sleep duration, reduces jet lag symptoms, is an antioxidant and an immune modulator.
• GABA: supports the body during times of anxiety, panic disorders, stress and sleeplessness. It may promote a calm, restful and relaxed state.
• 5-HTP: improves sleep quality by increasing melatonin production, it also reduces anxiety improves mood in patients with depression
• L-theanine: promotes relaxation, promoting a deeper, more restful sleep

The post Treat Insomnia Naturally appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine. The word Homoeopathy is derived from the Greek “homoios” meaning “like” and “pathos” meaning “suffering”. In treating an illness, it takes into account the unique mental, emotional and physical characteristics of the patient. Homeopathy is based on the principle of “likes cure likes” – that is, an illness should be treated by a substance capable of producing similar symptoms to those being suffered by the patient. When the homeopathic remedy; made from the plant, mineral or animal kingdoms, that most closely matches the patient’s symptoms is prescribed, it will activate the body’s defence system and the body will start to heal itself.

Homeopathically prepared remedies are safe, non-toxic and can be administered during pregnancy and to new-born babies. The safety and efficacy has been proven by the world-wide support and interest of patients and health professionals and by the research and clinical trials in various related areas. Homeopathy is a system of medicine with which any medical condition has the be potential to be treated.

A poor diet and lifestyle, stress, bad habits, environmental stressors e.g., pesticides, pollution, etc. will slow the healing process as the body may not be able to function optimally. These factors are taken into consideration and are addressed during a consultation with a Homeopath. This implies that the patient needs to take responsibility and be actively involved in the healing process by adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

how can Homeopathy assist people living with Diabetes?

The goals of Diabetes treatment are to control blood sugar levels, eliminate symptoms and to prevent, or at least slow the development of diabetic complications. Once a Homeopath has got a full case history and a physical examination has been done, blood tests may be required.

• Depending on these findings a Homeopath may advise that a particular diet, or way of eating is followed; this may include eliminating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, potatoes etc.) sugar, fried foods and alcohol from the diet, increasing consumption of vegetables and some fruits, and increasing fibre rich foods such as whole grains and pulses.
• A Homeopath may also advise lifestyle modifications, such as increasing activity levels, stress reduction etc.
• In combination with dietary and lifestyle interventions, some medications may be prescribed. Medicines may include either a single homeopathic remedy e.g Syzygium jambolanum, Helionias dioica, Iodum, herbal medicines such as Berberine or Bitter Melon or nutraceuticals, which are combinations of herbals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and/ or glandular extracts all in aid of lowering and/or controlling blood sugar levels and diabetic complications.
• Each approach has its own scope and limitations and therefore a Homeopath has to take a decision as to which approach to take for a particular patient; this largely depends on the patient’s general health, complications and organs or systems affected, age, and duration of illness.

What is Iridology?

Iridology is the study of health via an examination of the colour and structure of the iris, the sclera, and the pupil.

It has been said: “the eyes are the windows of the soul”. The iris is the most complex external structure of human anatomy and by way of the nervous system it has a reflex connection to every tissue and organ of the body. Through the optic nerves, which are attached to the eyes, visual information is sent to the brain. At the same time there is information sent back to the eyes from the brain about the state of the tissues and organs in the body.

Each iris is as individual as your fingerprint. The colour and pattern of the iris fibres will determine your underlying genetic weakness, which may or may not be activated according to your diet, lifestyle, and psycho-social factors.

Iridologists assess the iris colour and fibre structure variations to determine the constitutional strength of the physical body and aspects of personality. Iridology is not a treatment, but rather a screening tool that is used to detect inherent individual predispositions. The colour and pattern of your iris fibres reflects your genetic inheritance from three generations behind you. Whether you develop these dispositions to the best- or worst-case scenario depends on your diet, lifestyle, and stress management techniques.

Iridology can be used to determine potential health problems at an early stage. This enables you the opportunity to prevent illness and maintain optimum wellness.

how can iridology assist people living with Diabetes?

For a diabetic, an iris assessment will give you more insight into what eating plan, exercise regime, stress management techniques, and supplementation will suit your genetic profile the best and thus allow you the opportunity to enhance the efficacy of your current treatment regime.

The post Homeopathy and Diabetes appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

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Here are some exercises that will beef up your focus so that you can begin to lift heavier cognitive loads:

• Increase the strength of your focus in gradual steps: if your concentration span is currently quite flabby, it’s better to build up to the weight you ask it to lift quite slowly. Set a timer for 5 minutes and completely focus on your work/reading for that time period and then take a 2 minute break before going at it again for another 5 minutes. Each day add an additional 5 minutes to your work time, with 2 additional break minutes. In 9 days you should be able to work for 45 minutes straight, with an 18 minute break time.
• Create a distraction to-do list: stay on task, whenever something you want to check out pops into your head, write it down on a piece of paper next to you and allow yourself to check it out once your focus session is over and your break time has arrived.
• Build your will power: willpower and attention are entwined – our will power allows us to ignore distractions while staying focussed on the task.
• Practice mindfulness: simply focus completely on what you’re doing, slow down, observe the physical and emotional sensations you are experiencing in that moment. Incorporating mindfulness will strengthen and expand your attention span for when you really need it. 
• Memorise stuff: this is an excellent way to exercise your mind muscles – make it a goal to memorise a joke/song/poem each week.
• Stay curious: the more curious you are about the world, the greater the stamina of your concentration will be when it comes to an endeavour. 
• Practice attentive listening:  the ability to be fully present with a loved one or friend builds your rapport and trust with them and at the same time making an effort to focus all your energy on someone else strengthens your concentration muscles overall.

From our Dispensary:

• Methylated B Complex: low levels of certain vitamin B’s are associated with brain fog, mental and physical fatigue, memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
• L-tyrosine: naturally elevates dopamine levels in the brain, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for our alertness, attention and focus, and feelings of reward and enthusiasm.
• Rocket Fuel: contains Ginkgo biloba, Siberian Ginseng and Licorice root, which together improve blood flow to the brain, oxygenate the cells of the brain and body, and help to metabolise our stress hormone, cortisol. This formula has great concentration and memory enhancing abilities, helps to improve mental clarity and improves mental and physical energy. 
• Cerebrum compositum: a great homeopathic formula that helps to improve memory, concentration, and mental alertness. 
• Co-enzyme Q10: works in the power houses of the cell, the mitochondria, producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 95 % of the human body’s energy is produced because of the molecule and levels decline with age. Supplementation improves concentration and memory because it provides the brain with the energy it needs to function optimally.
• Phosphatidylcholine: the body makes a neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine from phosphatidylcholine. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with poor concentration, a loss of enthusiasm for life, forgetfulness and preferring to avoid contact with people.
• L-glutamine: used by the body to make GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with mental states of calm and serenity, by calming mental chatter concentration will automatically improve.

The post Your Concentration Training Programme appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

I always start by explaining estrogen dominance, which may be a completely new term for you (as it often is for my patients). Estrogen dominance means that your body has too much estrogen in comparison to progesterone. Unfortunately, it is common in women of all ages and occurring more even in men (and has been linked to prostate cancer).

Common Indicators of Estrogen Dominance:

• Endometriosis
• PCOS
• Acne along jaw line or chin, especially cystic acne
• Headaches/migraines that are triggered by menses or ovulation
• PMS
• Menstrual cramps
• Hot flashes
• Weight gain in hips and thighs
• Uterine fibroids
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Mood changes during menstrual cycle, and mood changes during perimenopause
• Infertility
• Water retention

How Does A Body Become Estrogen Dominant?

Besides the natural hormonal fluctuations of menopause, certain lifestyle choices and conditions can also contribute to estrogen dominance syndrome, especially a low-fiber diet, overloading the liver with internal toxins, and absorbing toxins from the environment.

The liver is a filter of sorts. It detoxifies our body, protecting us from the harmful effects of chemicals, elements in food, environmental toxins, and even natural products of our metabolism, including excess estrogen. Anything that impairs liver function or ties up the detoxifying function will result in excess estrogen levels, whether it has a physical basis, as in liver disease, or an external cause, as with exposure to environmental toxins, drugs, or dietary substances. Estrogen is produced not only internally but also produced in reaction to chemicals and other substances in our food. When it is not broken down adequately, higher levels of estrogen build up. In like manner, the estrogen dominance syndrome can be evoked in women by too much alcohol, drugs, or environmental toxins, all of which limit the liver’s capacity to cleanse the blood of estrogen.

Certain chemicals in the environment and our foods, one of which is DDT, cause estrogenic effects. Although banned, DDT, like its breakdown product DDE, is an estrogen-like substance and is still present in the environment. Chlorine and hormone residues in meats and dairy products can also have estrogenic effects. In men, the estrogenic environment may result in declining quality of sperm or fertility rates. In women, it may lead to an epidemic of female diseases, all traceable to excess estrogen/deficient progesterone.

In industrialized countries, diets rich in animal fats, sugar, refined starches, and processed foods can lead to estrogen levels in women twice that of women of third-world countries. We are constantly exposed to xenobiotics (petrochemicals), xenohormone-laden meats and dairy products, forms of pollution, and prescriptions for synthetic hormones (such as the ‘The Pill’).

It isn’t too surprising that estrogen dominance has become an epidemic. Over exposure to these potentially dangerous substances has significant consequences, one of which is passing on reproductive abnormalities to offspring.

The post Estrogen Dominance appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

Winter allergies have become a growing problem and can be aggravated by spending too much time indoors; symptoms of allergy include sneezing, a runny nose or nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Allergies develop when your immune system creates defensive antibodies in the presence of certain substances. If you have a fever, sore throat, or purulent nasal discharge, then it is probably a cold.

Common indoor allergens include:

• Dust. Mites, mold, and pollen are all found in dust and can aggravate the immune system, causing the symptoms of an allergy. It is important to vacuum regularly and steam-clean upholstery annually. 
• Dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that are a common cause of year-round indoor allergies. These bugs thrive in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture. 
• Animal dander. Pet dander is very tiny particles of skin that have been shed by animals and can cause acute and/or chronic allergy symptoms. 
• Mould. Take a closer look in the bathroom and you might notice that the ceilings are a haven for mould spores. Keep humidity below 40% to prevent mould growth. 
• Foods. Eggs, nuts and dairy are common food allergies, along with soy, shellfish and some food additives. Food allergies commonly cause gastrointestinal upset, skin rashes or hives, and respiratory troubles. 

A healthy diet is vital for keeping your immune system functioning well.

For a natural allergy-fighting boost include the following in your diet:

• Quercetin: found in onions, broccoli, green or black tea, berries, and grapes. It is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits and may reduce histamine release.
• Vitamin C: a well-known nutrient that can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C is also required to produce the necessary enzymes for histamine breakdown making it a crucial anti-histamine nutrient.  The foods containing the highest amounts of vitamin C include: red and green bell pepper, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, grapefruit
• Bromelain: the natural plant enzyme found in pineapple that is said to possess antihistamine properties. 

Antihistamines available from our Dispensary:

• Albizia lebbek: a great herb for seasonal allergies including hay fever, allergic sinusitis, eczema, and asthma. It acts on the mast cells directly, thus inhibiting histamine release and therefore reduces allergy symptoms 
• Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright): great for allergic conjunctivitis (itching, watering eyes), as well as hay fever and allergic sinusitis
• Mixed allergen and Histaminum D200: a homeopathic remedy used for the desensitisation to allergens, specific to South African allergens
• Ribes nigrum: has an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes and is also used as a general tonic.

The post Winter Allergies appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

Good nutrition; exercise; getting your fix of essential immune supporting supplements; ensuring quality sleep; and reducing stress will all help to prepare your body for the fight against the nasty winter invaders.

Our immune systems’ are what we eat

The foundation of health and wellbeing is a diverse diet filled with healthy foods. It’s a good idea to go for foods that are in season as this is nature’s way of providing us with the right nutrients for that specific time of year. Vegetables and fruit are important, but they are not the be all and end all of a solid diet; protein and whole grains are also important and have an essential function in building our immune systems. 

Exercise 

Moderate workouts increases circulation and gets white blood cells moving through the body faster, which enables them to detect invaders sooner.

Sleep is essential

Rest and repair takes place during sleep, which keeps your immune system strong and helps to prepare for the fight against the winter invaders. Optimal sleep duration is between 7 and 8 hours per night. 

Stress reduction

Listen to your body when it asks for rest; reading, exercising, and meditation can be effective in stress reduction. Continued high stress lowers your immune system, making you more prone to catching colds and flu.

From our Dispensary:

Natural Immune Boosting Picks and Treatments for this upcoming Winter

1. Fulvic Acid: Fulvic acid is an organic and active chemical compound that forms when organic material breaks down due to humification (composting). It is the end result and smallest particle of the decomposition of ancient organic matter. Due to its incredibly fine molecular structure fulvic acid can cross the blood brain barrier and move easily into the cells, carrying up to sixty times its molecular weight in nutrition. It also bonds to waste, removing heavy metals and other toxins from the body. It is essential in the metabolic processes of the cells. Some benefits are: Increases energy levels, Antioxidant and free radical scavenge, Acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral, Chelates heavy metals and toxins, removing them from the body, Extends the time nutrients remain active – potentiates the availability of essential nutrients. Increases metabolism of proteins, contributing to DNA and RNA synthesis, Is a powerful natural electrolyte and restores electrochemical balance, Increases the activity of a host of enzyme systems, Helps to rebuild the immune system, Increases the bioavailability of nutrients and minerals, Restores, rejuvenates and repairs the skin and body from the inside, Helps to neutralize radiation and reduce or eliminate its effects on the body and protects cognitive health.
2. Probiotic: Pro32 Probiotic is a ground-breaking product and the only probiotic available that contains 9 strains and 32 species of live cultures.  It suppresses pathogen growth and stimulates beneficial microbiota. We believe it to be an essential go to after taking antibiotics, when changing one’s diet as well as during stressful situations. Pro32 is proven effective in the treatment of diarrhoea as well as colds and influenza. The live organisms in Pro32 are all soil based organisms and live on a food source of fulvic acid molasses. The product contains 6 million probiotics per 5ml.
3. Quercetin: Contributes to maintaining a normal immune response to seasonal allergens, while also being an antioxidant and a capillary/blood vessel protectant.
4. RV1162, RV 2263, RV1261 Granules: Extensively used for chronic digestive and energy weakness, chronic indigestion, and chronic mucous problems. Excellent formula for children with digestive weakness, poor appetite and listlessness, and for children prone to mucous who suffer from recurrent sinus, allergies, sore throat and/or ear infections. This formula can be used to treat conditions such as chronic peptic ulcers, colitis, chronic gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome of a weak type, chronic diarrhoea, post gastric surgery debility, morning sickness, poor appetite, flatulence, heartburn, malabsorption syndrome, candida, leaky gut syndrome, chronic bronchitis. Phlegm and mucous congestion in the nasal sinuses and ears. Frequent colds, upper respiratory infections or other infections. This is a widely used and important formula for children. Chronic retention of infection in the respiratory system. This pattern manifests as respiratory allergies – allergic and perennial rhinitis.
5. Immune Formula: A gemmotherapeutic and homeopathic complex remedy to improve immune system functioning especially in children with a weakened immune system, “cresche’ syndrome, and/or chronic allergies. This is a great one for children.
6. Ear Formula: A gemmotherapeutic and homeopathic complex remedy for the treatment of otitis media and earache.
7. Clear Sinus Formula: A gemmotherapeutic and homeopathic complex remedy for infectious and allergic sinus-related symptoms e.g. postnasal drip & resulting cough, continual clearing of the throat, sinus congestion and pain, sinus headaches and painful blocked ears.
8. Nasal Spray: Helps to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, reduces sinus headache, earache, sore throat and postnasal drip associated with sinus infections and Hayfever.
9. Throat and Tonsil Formula: A gemmotherapeutic and homeopathic complex remedy for the treatment of tonsillitis and sore throats.
10. Clear Lung Formula: A gemmotherapeutic and homeopathic complex remedy for the treatment of coughs and bronchitis.

The post Tips to naturally strengthen your immune system for this coming winter appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

Adrenal Fatigue results from prolonged mental, emotional or physical stress and occurs when your hormonal system begins to function at below optimum levels. If your adrenal glands (which produce stress hormones) are over stimulated for extended periods of time, they begin to weaken. Common causes of Adrenal Fatigue include long-term stress from work, studying or relationships, or chronic disease.   

Now that you have recognised the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, you might want to know what is happening in your body when you experience it. The adrenal glands form part of an axis referred to as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, which controls how much of many hormones are released into our bodies. When we become stressed the hypothalamus sends a message to the pituitary gland, which carries a message to the adrenal glands to release stress hormones (cortisol and adrenalin) to prepare our body for ‘fight-or-flight’. This response is designed to protect us from immediate threats, but with the pressures of our modern lifestyles, there is a long-term elevation of stress hormones, which ultimately results in depletion as the axis is unable to cope with the burden. The symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue result from the disruption in the daily cortisol cycle, as well as the lower levels of cortisol and adrenalin.

So how do I treat Adrenal Fatigue? While it’s not as simple as popping a pill, it is certainly possible – depending on the severity. In my practice, I treat my patients’ as an individual and not as a disease. I enjoy getting to know my patients’ so that I can get a better understanding of your lifestyle so that I better know how to treat you. General protocol dictates that making use of ‘adaptogens’ re-sets the HPA axis and corrects the Adrenal Fatigue symptoms.

The post Stress and Fatigue appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.

When you eat in this manner your body demands more insulin to do the same job of keeping your blood sugar even and eventually your cells become resistant to insulin’s effects. The higher your insulin levels are, the worse your insulin resistance and your body starts to take a slow decline. Insulin resistance is the most important phenomenon that predisposes you to rapid aging and all its resultant terrifying diseases that include heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.

Insulin resistance is often accompanied by central obesity (belly fat), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, feeling tired after meals, sugar cravings and increased inflammation.

Even without these warning signs, getting your fasting insulin checked can determine your predisposition to diabetes. It is not good enough to just have your blood sugar checked as it is the last thing to increase, so for many people a fasting blood sugar test detects diabetes too late.

Many of my patients have normal blood sugar levels, but very high insulin levels, yet they have not been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

I recommend testing for insulin resistance in individuals that are over the age of 50, have a family history of type 2 diabetes/non-insulin dependent diabetes, with central abdominal weight gain, and/or raised cholesterol.

If you have high insulin it is important to eliminate the things that send your body out of balance and include things that help your body to restore itself. The following interventions can be extremely powerful in normalising insulin levels:

• Eating whole, fresh foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes and good quality animal proteins.
• Removing all refined sugars from your diet and replace it with natural sugars such as xylitol or honey (in moderation).
• Increase fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and legumes as these foods slow absorption into the bloodstream from the gut.
• Get enough sleep as studies have shown that even a partial night of poor sleep contributes to high insulin levels.
• Address nutrient deficiencies. A deficiency in any nutrient can slow your biochemistry and cause your blood sugar levels and therefore insulin levels to become imbalanced.
• Exercise makes your cells more sensitive to insulins effects.
• Control your stress levels as a chronically elevated cortisol levels elevates your blood sugar levels and promotes the accumulation of tummy fat. Find what works for you – yoga, exercise, meditation etc.

Need your insulin checked and additional guidance? Come and see me.

The post The One Test that your Doctor Isn’t Doing that Could Save Your Life appeared first on Dr Jessica Leske.