With the recent pandemic it is estimated that up to one third of people who test positive for the spicy cough will experience ongoing symptoms for months and sometimes years after their acute infection. Unrelenting fatigue is by far the most common.
​
Chronic fatigue can occur after any infection however there are some viruses that have earned a reputation for this. Glandular fever (Epstein Barr Virus), Ross River virus, influenza viruses and of course our new favourite SARS-CoV19 are all common culprits. The biological impact of viruses on our human health is complex and there is still much to learn however there are few things we do know about why we might feel such extreme ongoing fatigue after infection.

MITOCHONDRIAL DAMAGE
Viruses can alter the internal workings of the mitochondria to allow them to replicate more efficiently. This can cause damage to the mitochondria resulting in a reduction of ATP (energy) production, increased oxidative stress (free radicals) and increased cell death. When mitochondria are impaired by viral damage our capacity to produce energy is significantly reduced.

CHRONIC LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION
The invasion of a virus triggers the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemicals that promote inflammation). This response can continue some time past infection and higher levels of certain inflammatory chemicals have been observed in patients with post-infectious chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. When the inflammatory process doesn’t resolve the way it should, ongoing chronic inflammation can result and this is thought to play a role in ongoing post-viral symptoms.
​

As pre-season begins, it is common to sustain injuries as there is a sudden increase in the exercise load. Due to the high impact nature of soccer it is common for patients to sustain ankle and knee sprains, calf strains, bone fractures and head injuries; with muscle and tendon injuries being the most common.

In order to prevent the development of injuries particularly within this period of pre-season, it is important to incorporate an effective warm-up program, as well as implementing strength, balance and plyometric (explosive movement) exercises outside of training.

Christmas is just around the corner. What’s your celebration food? Seafood is my celebration food! This year I decided to make this beautiful salmon wreath cold platter.

This is a delicious sweet treat that is quick and easy to prepare. They are gluten and dairy free and have a higher protein content to most baked goods. They are also low in sugar and kids love them!
​
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups almond meal
1 tsp baking powder (GF)
1 large mashed banana
2 eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 almond milk (or other milk of your choice)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Chia seeds

I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve been at a party, my child’s playgroup or a friend’s wedding and the inevitable question comes… “so, what do you do?” The most common response I seem to get is a blank look and a vague …”ok”, quickly followed by a change of subject. Of course this isn’t always the case, but often it is as many people don’t really know what a Naturopath does and seem too afraid to ask, so I thought it was about time that I wrote something to explain exactly what I do.

First things first….a little introduction to Naturopathy.

The term Naturopathy is relatively new. It was coined in the late 1800’s as a term to describe a system of medicine that followed the philosophies below. These philosophies were based on the principles and philosophies of Hippocrates, the Greek physician who has incurred the title of ‘The father of Medicine’.

A Naturopath is someone who practices this system of medicine. Naturopathy is considered a complementary medicine, meaning that it works side by side with conventional medicine. Modern Naturopaths undergo extensive training in health sciences as well as both scientific and traditional understandings of Nutrition and plant medicines (Herbal medicines).

A Naturopath who has undergone appropriate training through an accredited college or University should be registered with an industry governing body. This is important to make sure that your practitioner is appropriately trained to advise you on your health needs.
​
Naturopathy incorporates Nutrition, Lifestyle Counselling and Herbal Medicine based on thorough health assessments. It may also include other modalities such as Massage, Homoepathy or Counselling for those with specialist training in these areas.

​If you like savory crunchy snacks, you are going to love this recipe – crispy roasted chickpeas! They can be added to your salads for a crispy texture, or can be your snack replacement to potato chips.

​Benefits:

• High in fibre, which is an anti-inflammatory component
• Promote weight control, it helps you feel full longer
• Prevent constipation
• Promote cardiovascular health
• They are very cheap to buy!

A well-balanced lunch is essential to:

• providing ongoing energy for the afternoon work or study
• preventing overeating at night

Don’t know what to have at lunch? Sick of sandwiches? Struggle to include more veg?
Try this frittata muffin recipe!

​This Men’s Health Week we wanted to shine a spotlight on the number one cause of death in men (and all Australians) Ischaemic Heart Disease or coronary artery disease - which is a common term for the build-up of plaque (fatty material) in the heart’s arteries, causing them to narrow.

​30% of a man’s overall health is determined by his genetics. 70% is controllable through lifestyle.*