You might already know that 1 in 2 Aussies have some sort of chronic health condition – arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer… But did you realise that chronic illness causes 9 out of 10 deaths?
Our society places a lot of weight on acute problems, and chronic conditions are often just managed with drugs, or surgery, but can be debilitating and ruin quality of life. I agree that drugs and surgery have their place to keep us alive – but do we really want to be managing our ongoing health issues this way? Drugs lead to side effects (and more drugs to treat those), while surgery can have hidden downsides, such as drug reactions, infections and leave us out of balance. So how can we find a better way?
What can we do differently?
I’m an expert in chronic health condition management and a holistic, clinical nutritionist. I help my clients find the causes of their health concerns and balance their systems naturally.
I help those who feel constantly unwell, exhausted and overwhelmed. Especially women, trying to do it all but paying the price with their health and happiness. They seem to react to everything around them – food, products, people. And they watch their kids get sick over and over. They are sad, they are sick, and they are stressed.
I offer relief, support, and solutions. Most of all, I am passionate about helping people turn their lives around from sick and sad, to satisfied and strong.
Food intolerance connection
Most people are not aware that sensitivity to foods can be worsened by chronic conditions, stress and anxiety, and hormones. For example, high oestrogen triggers hayfever and asthma!
The NSW Food Authority reports that 25% of Australians believe they have food intolerances. But most don’t know where to begin to manage this.
A randomised controlled trial into the prevention of migraines shows that IgG food intolerance testing, followed by “subsequent diet elimination advice significantly reduced the number of migraine like headaches”. I have helped clients like myself, whose migraines are significantly reduced by finding food triggers. The most common ones are coffee, citrus, some cheeses and chocolate.
So many people choose gluten free now too, recognising that their symptoms are worsened by gluten. Stats show around 7% are intolerant to gluten, but I would suggest this is much higher. The most common symptoms of gluten sensitivity are headaches, eczema, brain fog, digestive problems, and fatigue. 65% of those with IBS and chronic headaches, test positive to gluten sensitivity.
Chronic conditions and food intolerance go hand in hand. Asthma is worsened by sulphites. Eczema is exacerbated by dairy. Headaches are triggered by gluten or citrus. Heart palpitations and anxiety are made worse by coffee. Arthritis can be much worse if you eat nightshade veggies, like tomatoes and potatoes.
Knowledge is empowering
Finding out your triggers is empowering. It doesn’t mean you need to miss out all the time! It means you can make informed choices about your own health… and know when to ease off certain foods if you feel your symptoms flaring up.
Knowledge is always power. Give yourself the freedom of finding out what foods make you feel good, and which ones don’t. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon – email kate@ktsnutrition.com to make an appointment today and let me offer you relief, support and solutions.
Leave a Reply