Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): A naturopathic perspective.

Almost three years on from the first New Zealand coronavirus cases and across the country there is a subset of patients that sustain an acute SARS CoV-2 infection (1). They develop a wide range of persistent symptoms that do not resolve over many months. This condition has been labelled Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) (1).

Long COVID has been estimated to affect 30% to 45% of populations around the world (2, 3). Due to the majority of the NZ population contracting the virus later than the rest of the world the percentage of the population affected by Long COVID is still emerging.

Inflammation, Covid 19, Immunity, Mental Health, Long COVIDKatherine Matthews12 November 2022COVID 19, Post-viral fatigue, Inflammation, Long COVIDComment

Vitamin D : Why you may not be getting enough and how to prevent deficiency.

Vitamin D is commonly known as the sunshine vitamin. This amazing vitamin is synthesized from sunlight on our skin. In New Zealand with our long summers at our batches, the many days we spend outdoors, and lying on the beach, you wouldn't think we were susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Commonly I hear from my clients, “I only need to expose myself for 10-20 minutes a day to get my vitamin D, right?” Unfortunately it's just not that simple, as studies estimate that almost half of the population in New Zealand have average vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L classified as a mild deficiency, while 3-4% of people have levels lower than 17.5 nmol/L, classified as a severe deficiency. There are many ways in which you can prevent becoming deficient. Read on to find out how!

Bone Health, ImmunityKatherine Matthews8 September 2021Vitamin D Comment

Tackling Traveler's Diarrhea aka Bali Belly Naturally: How to Get Your Gut Back on Track After Getting Sick on Holiday

Evading this season’s colds, coughs and flu can feel like an uphill battle through a treacherous warzone. As you forge through uncharted territory, you remain constantly vulnerable to an enemy ambush closing in on you. The same can be said of your body during winter, when it must regularly defend against viruses and bacteria. Poor battle tactics, such as inadequate immune defenses, can increase the chance of viruses and bacteria leading to an infection. Fortunately, arming yourself with tools that enhance your immune response can turn the tables on the enemy and mount a counterattack that could win the war, allowing you to conquer any bugs that may come your way.

Natural Resilience Against Colds and Flus: Lifestyle Habits that puts you at risk and how to fix them.

Evading this season’s colds, coughs and flu can feel like an uphill battle through a treacherous warzone. As you forge through uncharted territory, you remain constantly vulnerable to an enemy ambush closing in on you. The same can be said of your body during winter, when it must regularly defend against viruses and bacteria. Poor battle tactics, such as inadequate immune defenses, can increase the chance of viruses and bacteria leading to an infection. Fortunately, arming yourself with tools that enhance your immune response can turn the tables on the enemy and mount a counterattack that could win the war, allowing you to conquer any bugs that may come your way.

Sleep, Immunity, microbiome, Vitamin CKatherine Matthews21 April 2021Immune System, colds, flus, sleeo, microbiome Comment

How to recover from Glandular Fever, naturally.

Sick and tired of being tired and sick? You may want to do some investigating, especially if you are noticing symptoms persisting for longer than a few days. Glandular fever or mononucleosis (mono), often transmitted through saliva, is commonly known as the kissing disease. It is a potentially debilitating illness that is most commonly seen in young adults and adolescents. The most common cause of mono is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The microbiome-fibre connection

When it comes to regularity, its all about the fibre!

Did you know there are some indigenous populations that eat over 500 different kinds of plant fibres every year? Most of us are hoping to get 30 different kinds a week let alone 500. As you will be reading about soon, a variety of plant foods builds ‘microbiota variety’ in the microbiome which supports regularity when it comes to using the rest room.

Gut Health, Energy, Immunity, microbiomeKatherine Matthews22 August 2020Gut Health, bloating, gas, fibre fueledComment

Probiotics 101

Now days there are so many probiotics on the shelf. Should I buy refrigerated or shelf stable? Multi strain or single strain? This article will answer some of the many questions around probiotics and how they may help in different ages and stages of life.

Getting to the Guts of your Health

Great health is all in the Gut. From the first day of school through to your well-deserved retirement, challenges can arise at every age; your health is no exception to this. More and more, research is showing that your microbiome (i.e. your gut bacteria) is foundational for good health.

Fatigue, Inflammation, Gut Health, Energy, Immunity, microbiomeKatherine Matthews10 July 2020Pain, Inflammation, Gut Health, bloating, gasComment

Vitamin C: Immune System Benefits, Liposomal vs Other Forms, and Dosage for Cold Prevention.

It's that time of year where mandarins are plentiful and the vitamin C rich fruit are everywhere. Mother nature is just subtly reminding us of an important ally during winter.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is widely recognised as a potent antioxidant that also enhances our immune system. It is found in many areas of the body.

Four Steps to a Stronger Immune System

Keep it simple! With the four 'S's.

These days we have more information than we can digest and we can struggle to find what is most important. I have scoured the scientific research and information for you to provide you with these four steps. I choose them as they have a big impact leading to a stronger immune system and more vibrant health. .

Immunity, Gut HealthKatherine Matthews12 May 2017 Comments

Immune Broth Recipe

A few years ago when I was living in Japan I was privileged to the availability of various kinds of mushrooms. Inspired by the Japanese cuisine which is filled with the most delectable broths that surround their noodle dishes such as ramen, I tried my hand at making some mushroom soups. Unknown to me then, these mushrooms were going to become a huge focus in science as we became aware of their immune enhancing benefits

Recipes, Immunity, Gut HealthKatherine Matthews9 May 2017 Comment

When it comes to regularity, its all about the fibre!

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