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Stay on top of your health with tips, hacks, and advice from Healthylife pharmacy.

Fish oil for mum-to-be
Fish is a good source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Eating fish, or taking a fish oil supplement, is associated with many beneficial health effects.

Liposomal delivery systems: How to get the most from vitamins
A liposomal delivery system is an advanced method of transporting substances into the body. Liposomes are both efficient and effective transporters due to their ability to be recognised by both water and lipids.

Hay fever in pregnancy - prevention and treatments
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a condition which can affect some people when they are exposed to a perceived allergen resulting in irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages, the sinuses, eyes and throat.

Health Benefits of Ginseng
Ginseng is popular worldwide for its immune modulating and energizing properties. In Chinese herbal medicine ginseng is considered the “king of herbs” and is used to treat fatigue, poor cognition, stress, infertility, cancer and poor immunity.

Herbal and nutritional support for the man flu
The man flu is a form of the common cold, the symptoms of which are greatly exaggerated. It exclusively affects males causing them to feel weak, sick and miserable. What distinguishes man flu from the common cold is the need for lots of tender loving care (TLC).

The damaging effects of too much glucose
After eating your glucose levels are elevated, insulin is then secreted from the pancreas, its job is to drive glucose into the cells to be metabolised. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that too much sugar is bad news for your body.

12 natural treatments used to lower cholesterol
There are many natural therapies used to lower cholesterol, but do they do as they claim. Here we look at 12 treatments - garlic, guggulipid, red rice yeast, policosanol, artichoke leaf extract, fenugreek, fibre, fish oil, ginseng, niacin, soy protein and phytosterols (plant sterols).

3 Natural Sleep aid treatments for insomniacs
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that involves difficulty in getting to sleep, or staying asleep for long enough to feel refreshed and function normally.

7 Current and future options of insulin delivery systems - Overcoming needlephobia
People with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes must receive insulin delivery in order to process the sugars they eat.

7 Nutrients for Healthy Nails
Do you have brittle nails? Are they nails slow to grow, weak, flaky, ridged, or grooved? You could be missing some valuable nutrients from your diet.

"Cellulite" A girls worst nightmare
Are dimply thighs preventing you from wearing shorts this summer? You’re not the only one. Cellulite is a common condition that affects up to 90% of women at some point in their life.

“Mummy, My Tummy Hurts”
Having a sore tummy is a common complaint in children that can be caused by viruses, food intolerances, constipation and even anxiety. It can leave many parents feeling helpless, unsure of what to do to help their child. Natural therapies have many solutions to help relieve the discomfort, eradicate a stomach bug faster and gently calm a child.

A2 Dairy products - What does that mean?
Selecting which milk is right for you among the variety of milk and milk alternatives on the supermarket shelves can be a daunting task. With so many health claims, consumers find themselves confused and even frustrated. One type of milk that has made headlines in recent years is the A2 milk by the New Zealand-based company, the a2 Milk Company. A2 milk (and milk products, including yoghurt, cream, and ice cream) is said to be easier to digest than regular cow milk. The milk is sold at supermarkets all over New Zealand, Australia, UK, the US and China.

A better understanding of corticosteroids and their risks
Corticosteroids are both natural molecules that act as hormones in the body, and artificially produced chemical variations on the basic corticosterone structure. Corticosterone is the essential form on which the other biological corticosteroids are based, which is in turn synthesised in the body from cholesterol molecules.

Actinic keratosis treatment - what are the options?
Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (Efudix) is a cream that is applied to the skin to treat various skin diseases.

Abdominal migraines
During an abdominal migraine the pain is felt in the head rather than the stomach. It is a rare form of migraine that is mainly seen in children aged 5-9 years of age but can occur in adults too.

About Flatulence
Flatulence, which is commonly known as “wind” or more comically as “farting”, is a perfectly natural biological process. The average person passes gas between 5 to 15 times in a day. Along with belching, it is the body’s way of ridding itself of excess gas in the gut as it builds up and causes bloating and a general feeling of discomfort.

About Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most painful, uncomfortable and inconvenient lesions that a person can experience, like sitting on a cactus. They can make normal daily activities such as sitting, walking or sitting on the toilet a cause for unbearable pain. Hemorrhoids or Piles, as they are more commonly known, are inflamed blood vessels around the anus or the lower rectum. These swollen blood vessels can either be internal to the anal and surrounding tissue or external to it.

About magnesium
Ever get confused when purchasing magnesium supplements - which ones are the best choice for specific symptoms. Aspartate, oxide, sulfate, diglycinate, chloride, lactate, carbonate - aren't all magnesiums the same?

About Rosacea
Rosacea is a persistent non-contagious skin disorder that produces redness and tiny pimples primarily on the central region of the face. The redness is caused by the small blood vessels (capillaries) that have dilated near the surface of the skin, causing a permanent flushed appearance. Due to the disorder causing small yellow-headed pimples the condition can also be referred to as acne rosacea. At this point the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure but making simple changes in the diet and lifestyle can help slow the progression of the disorder and reduce the symptoms.

Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Explained
Acid reflux, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux are painful digestive conditions which are closely related to one another and cause similar symptoms; however, they usually develop in stages.

Acidic Foods/Alkaline Foods?
The pH of the human body is extremely important. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. The normal range for human blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly on the alkaline side.

Acne! Not just about Skin
Acne is a disease of the skin most commonly affecting both males and females between the ages of 15 - 25. It generally begins during puberty, however acne can also occur in adulthood and be triggered by such things as hormones, genetics, digestion and stress. Acne can appear on the skin in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, papule, pustule and cysts which may not just affect the appearance; it can also have an impact on quality of life.

Activated nuts, seeds and legumes
Nuts are a popular snack and rich source of healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Daily consumption of nuts is associated with lowered risk of heart disease and diabetes, and reduced cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies have also shown that nut consumption might even help lose weight.

Activated Vitamin B6: Pyridoxal-5-phosphate - The evidence
There are many different types of vitamins, all of which have important functions within our body.

Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can either appear suddenly and last for days (acute) or for many years (chronic).

Understanding food additives list: know what's in your food
We have the scoop on health risks associated with additives, and what you can do to navigate tricky ingredients labels.

Adenoid disorders
he adenoids are diffuse masses of lymphatic tissue located on the nasal pharynx (high up on the throat behind the nose). In fact, the adenoid tissue is a tonsil. There are 3 pairs of tonsils in the human body - called the pharyngeal tonsils.

Adenomyosis treatments that may help ease symptoms
Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition that affects the uterus. Cells that normally form the lining of the uterus (the endometrial tissue) also grow within the muscle walls of the uterus (the myometrium).

ADHD Long Term Success of Primary Treatment Options
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that may also present with symptoms such as inconsistent focus and performance in completing tasks, poor motivation and drowsiness.

Adrenal Fatigue
Synonymous with stress, the adrenal glands produce a wide range of hormones that help us deal with the ups and down of life. They secrete over fifty different hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. The concept of “adrenal fatigue” was first coined in 1990s, and tired adrenals are often blamed for ongoing fatigue and malaise.

Adrenal Support
Our adrenals, are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone. Along with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, they are involved in the stress response.

Age Related Weight Loss: Maintaining a Healthy Bodyweight for Seniors
Life threatening age related weight loss in the elderly is a real concern. A reduction in food intake, and concomitant weight loss, is often linked to advancing age. Up to 20% of older adults experience this phenomenon.

Ageing and Sleep: What happens to our sleep as we age?
With advancing age come many changes that may or may not be a normal part of the process. Some of these changes affect sleep. The more conspicuous of which are feeling sleepy at increasingly earlier hours of the night but taking longer to fall asleep once in bed, a lighter sleep with easy arousal, frequent awakenings, getting up earlier in the morning and an overall decrease in the duration of the refreshing deep phase of sleep.

Agomelatine: What do we know about this new antidepressant?
Agomelatine is an antidepressant drug, approved for general use regarding the treatment of major depressive disorders and anxiety in 2009.

Airplane Ear - Understanding treatment perspectives
Air travel–related ear pain results from unequal air pressure between the external atmospheric ambient air and the small volumes of air that exist within the structure of the human middle ear.

Alcohol Addiction
Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance, for example, alcohol or nicotine, and/or engages in an activity, such as gambling or shopping, which can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and as a result interferes with responsibilities such as work, relationships, and health.

Alcoholism
Australia has a well-established drinking culture. Weddings, parties, sporting events and a range of occasions in between are all celebrated or commiserated with alcohol. While many Australians enjoy a drink, for some drinking can slip into excess, causing harm and dependence.

Alkaline Water
There is a lot of hype about alkalizing the body and a belief that alkaline water can do this. Does acid cause issues in the body?

Allergen Immunotherapy in Asthma as a Treatment
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the bronchi, or tubes leading from the throat to the lungs, may become constricted, thus restricting the ability to breathe in. This may lead to oxygen deprivation, discomfort, reduced quality of life and can be life-threatening. Asthma may occur in childhood or adulthood, and become a chronic condition.

Allergies and Hormones
Females can often find themselves challenged with allergies or intolerances at the same time as they are experiencing hormonal changes to their body such as at the beginning of a young female’s menstruation.
Allergy Season for Dogs
Spring, summer and autumn are the most common allergy seasons for humans and dogs. That's right – when you've got itchy eyes and a runny nose, your canine companions could be suffering too.

Aloe Vera gel—skin and digestive support
Aloe vera is a cactus-like perennial succulent belonging to the Liliaceae family that is commonly grown in tropical climates. Used since ancient times as a medicinal plant, aloe vera soothes irritations and inflammations of the skin and digestive tract. It is traditionally applied topically to treat wounds, burns and other skin conditions. Internally aloe vera is a prebiotic food helping to support healthy digestion and to provide relief of stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Alpha Lipoic Acid—antioxidant, blood sugar balancing and more!
We all know the importance of antioxidants in providing protection against chronic degenerative diseases and in maintaining good health.

Alternative Medicines For Children's Cough & Colds
A child’s little body can make a big sound when dealing with a wracking cough. Coughs are a very common occurrence in children, with coughs sometimes lasting from 2 to 6 weeks following a respiratory infection.

Altitude sickness: Effective prevention and treatment strategies
Altitude Sickness, also commonly referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a medical condition that occurs when individuals climb to a high altitude too quickly. The decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing less efficient, and milder forms of the illness are characterised by exhaustion, feelings of nausea, headaches and dizziness. Generally it is a self-limiting condition that will improve with good self-care, although in its more severe forms altitude sickness can manifest as a high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or a high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE). Both HAPE and HACE can lead to a coma and death if left untreated.

What are amines? Exploring amine intolerance
The food we eat is made up of many chemical substances that are needed for many important physiological processes in the body.

Anaphylaxis
Every year thousands of Australians are hospitalised due to anaphylaxis. Having such severe allergic reactions is a real concern - making even simple things such as going to a restaurant a potentially dangerous experience.

Anaphylaxis: understanding the varying degrees of anaphylaxis
When most people think of anaphylaxis, they think of a life-threatening condition in which every second counts.

Andrographis – beneficial for many health concerns
Herbal medicine can offer many benefits across a range of health concerns. One herb to keep in the medicine cupboard is Androghraphis (Andrographis paniculata).

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that affects the spine as well as the joints between this structure and the pelvis. It is a chronic inflammation of these bones. Ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with new bone growth in and between spinal joints, resulting in their fusion into one structure over time. This is known as ankylosis, or the amalgamation of several bones into one. Ankylosis of the spine may result in characteristic deformities, including 'bamboo spine'. It is associated with the release of 'pro-inflammatory' molecules such as TNFalpha.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that affects the spine as well as the joints between this structure and the pelvis. It is a chronic inflammation of these bones.

Ankylosing spondylitis - Natural therapies to help
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune condition affecting mostly the spine.

Anthocyanins – Another Reason to Eat Veggies
If you needed another reason you should eat your fruits and vegetables, then Anthocyanins might be that reason. Red, blue and purple, those highly coloured fruits and vegetables that not only bring to life a boring meal, also offer a variety of health benefits, from eye, to heart and anti-cancer. The colour of these foods is because of a pigment called anthocyanin, a naturally occurring glycoside from the flavonoid family of phytochemicals (plant chemicals), and considered one of the most important group of chemicals found in food.

Anti-ageing Herbs
As we age, noticeable differences occur on the skin but happen on the inside too. Damaged skin cells make us look older prematurely and may contribute to wrinkles, discolouration and sagging skin. Preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis as well as improving mental clarity ensure a longer, healthier and happier life.

Anti-Candida Diet
If you suffer from diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, or low immunity you may benefit from a diet high in nutrition, but low in simple sugars.

Anti-Fungal Therapy to Treat Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis is a condition affecting the nasal passages and airways causing a consistent 'runny nose' and nasal congestion. In some cases nasal polyps may develop.

Antidepressants: Negative and Positive Symptom assessments
Criteria to diagnose depression involve identifying negative symptoms (e.g. sadness, helplessness). Recent studies have identified that core differences exist between GP goals and patient goals. GP goals are to reduce negative symptoms; patient goals are to increase positive symptoms (e.g. happiness, fulfilment).