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Dermatitis is superficial inflammation of the skin, with the terms “dermatitis” and “eczema” being synonymous. Atopic dermatitis affects 10-12% of the population, predominantly occurring in children under 5 years old. Contact dermatitis, however, affects 1.5-14% of the population and can affect any age group. Dermatitis can be exogenous (caused by external/environment factors) or endogenous (caused from within the body e.g. immunological abnormalities, allergies, stress etc.). between 1-5% of the population are affected by psoriasis and tends to affect those between 16-22 years old, and 57-60 years old. Psoriasis is often due to a genetic predisposition, but can be linked to digestive issues, defects in cellular proliferation, intrinsic and extrinsic factors (e.g. stress, alcohol, epidermal trauma, sunburn, streptococcal infection etc.).

• Redness
• Heat
• Dryness of the skin
• Itchiness
• Oedema
• Pain
• Scaly/flaky skin

Psoriasis-specific:

• Pitting in nails (look like small pin pricks in nail)
• Flaking of the nails/toenails
• ‘oil drop’ stippling (appear as yellow-brown spots under the nail plate)
• Psoriatic plaques often appear silverish due to the excessive flakiness of the skin. They are also markedly raised.

• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations: Pinpoint the external contributing factors, determine food sensitivities/allergies, increase seafood to increase omega 3 fatty acids, ensure adequate hydration, increase lean meat.
• Nutritional support:  Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, selenium, zinc, essential fatty acids, probiotics, quercetin.
• Herbal support: Anti-allergic herbs, anti-inflammatories, demulcent, vulnerary. Examples include Albizia, Aloe vera, burdock root, chamomile.

Varicose veins are a common condition caused by weakened or damaged vein walls and/or valves. When damage or weakening of the veins occur, blood can pool in the veins and cause them to enlarge, often making them visible and sometimes painful. Varicose veins can be genetic, however lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle, standing for long periods of time or increased weight can all contribute.

• Swollen and visible veins, often in the legs
• Easy bruising
• Sensation of heavy legs
• Itching of legs
• Swollen legs

• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations:  Weight management, increase walking and movement throughout the day, reduce long periods of standing still, reduce salt intake, increase antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods.
• Nutritional support: Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids.
• Herbal support: Gotu kola, venous tonics, venous toning, vasoconstricting herbs

The thyroid is a vital endocrine gland, playing a major role in many chemical reactions in our body, including our metabolism, growth and development. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is the most common pathological hormone deficiency. It is often characterised by low thyroxine (thyroid hormones) and normal-elevated TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). However, having both low thyroxine and TSH can indicate secondary hypothyroidism due to an issue with the pituitary gland. The autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, where the thyroid cells are gradually destroyed by autoantibodies.

Overactive, or hyperthyroidism, involves low TSH and elevated thyroxine. The autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism is known as Graves’ Disease.

Underactive thyroid:

• Low basal metabolic temperature (< 36.4 degrees celsius)
• Fatigue and low energy
• Depression
• Slowed heart rate
• Unexplained weight gain
• Intolerance to cold temperatures
• Sore, aching muscles
• Dry, coarse skin
• Puffy face

Overactive thyroid:

• High basal metabolic temperature (> 36.8 degrees Celsius)
• Nervousness, irritability
• Sleep troubles
• Fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Frequent bowel movements
• Goitre (enlarged neck)
• Sweating or heat intolerance

• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations: Good sources of dietary iodine, selenium and zinc, wholegrains, regular exercise,
• Nutritional support: Vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids, CoEnzyme Q10, iodine (for hypothyroidism), magnesium, quercetin,
• Herbal support: Adaptogen, adrenal restorative, thyroid stimulant (hypothyroidism), thyroid regulator (hyperthyroidism), nervine tonic, immune support

Stress is one of the most common complaints of adults, whether it be psychological, social or physical. During times of stress, a cascade of physiological reactions take place within the body. It starts with the hypothalamus via the pituitary gland, to the adrenals; this is known as HPA axis activation or the stress response. The fist reaction to stress is the alarm reaction, often referred to as fight-or-flight response (part of the sympathetic nervous system). This causes elevated adrenaline, cortisol, blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, all at the expense of the parasympathetic nervous system (the system responsible for relaxation, digestion and reproduction). After this stressor has passed, the physiological reactions are passed, and things return to normal (resistance phase). When these stressors are frequent or constant, it results in the exhaustion phase. In severe or prolonged stress, the body becomes so overwhelmed, the body is unable to maintain the normal response to stress, resulting in low cortisol and disruption to the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Headaches
• Loss/increase in appetite
• Weight loss/gain
• Hair thinning
• Feelings of anxiety/overwhelm
• Brain fog

• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations: Regular exercise, weight management, increased antioxidant-rich foods, anti-inflammatory foods, reduce caffeine intake, reduce alcohol consumption and cigarettes.
• Nutritional support: Vitamin C, CoEnzymeQ10, magnesium, antioxidants
• Herbal support: Adaptogens, adrenal restorative, nervine tonic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, cognitive enhancer.