Lauren Groves Naturopathy

Mold, a seemingly innocuous and often overlooked part of our environment, has long shared our living spaces, growing silently on damp walls, or even on that forgotten loaf of bread. These minute fungi, which release spores into the air, are an integral component of our planet's ecosystem, aiding in the decomposition of organic matter. However, not all interactions between humans and mold are benign. For many, exposure can usher in a slew of health concerns, ranging from mild to severe.

The reactions our bodies can have to mold are multifaceted. Some individuals might brush off its presence, with little to no evident symptoms, while others grapple with noticeable allergic responses. Then, there are those who, due to various factors, might experience more insidious health effects over time. From transient IgG sensitivities to lifelong IgE allergies, and even the more covert dangers posed by mycotoxin exposure, our interactions with mold can greatly differ. This guide seeks to illuminate the intricate world of mold-related health issues, offering insight into its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and potential treatments. Join us as we delve deep into understanding mold illnesses and how they impact our lives.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), often recognized by its profound and persistent tiredness, is more than just everyday exhaustion. This debilitating condition also referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, reaches beyond the realm of sleep and rest, impacting the daily lives of its sufferers in countless ways. From cognitive disruptions to muscle pain, CFS presents a myriad of symptoms, the root causes of which have been the subject of intense study and debate.

In the midst of these explorations, diet has emerged as a significant player. While there's no singular 'miracle diet' that applies to everyone, the food we consume undeniably plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being, energy production, and bodily functions. For many grappling with CFS, dietary adjustments, although not curative can provide some symptomatic relief and may bring you one step closer to overcoming their fatigue.

In this guide, we will traverse the landscape of various dietary approaches that show promise in managing CFS symptoms. From the ketogenic regime for those encountering the Warburg effect to the nutrient-dense focus of the Wahls Protocol, our journey is geared towards unlocking the latent energy within, all through the power of what's on our plates. 

In a world always seeking the newest scientific breakthrough or revolutionary treatment, we often overlook the immense healing power housed within our daily habits. This is particularly true when it comes to managing and recovering from complex health conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). While no magic pill or quick fix can instantly erase the burden of CFS, some of the most potent tools in your arsenal are surprisingly simple, yet highly effective: quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient exposure to sunlight.

CFS, characterized by profound, debilitating, and long-term fatigue, is a complex disorder with varied symptoms and potential causes, making it challenging to manage. However, emerging research suggests that it might have a lot to do with our body's cellular powerhouses - the mitochondria, and their process of bioenergetics. To fully comprehend the profound impact that sleep, diet, exercise, and sunlight can have on your journey with CFS, it's important to first understand the wonders of mitochondrial bioenergetics, a term that refers to how our cells produce and use energy.

In this article, we delve into the world of mitochondria, and unravel how these four foundational lifestyle elements, though not 'glamorous' or 'revolutionary', can significantly enhance mitochondrial function, thereby playing a pivotal role in your CFS healing journey. We'll explore the often-underappreciated magic of these basics, and illustrate how they can become the unsung heroes in your quest for improved health and energy.

In a world where "no pain, no gain" is often hailed as the mantra of physical fitness, individuals living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) face a challenging paradox. The exhaustion they experience is not the kind that's resolved with a good night's sleep or a couple of days of rest. It's a pervasive and unrelenting tiredness that significantly impairs their daily life. And yet, multiple studies and expert opinions suggest that exercise — a supposed energy-drainer — could be part of an effective management strategy for this complex condition. But how can this be?

Welcome to our deep-dive blog post, "Exercise and Chronic Fatigue: Discovering the Balanced Approach". Here, we aim to debunk myths and provide practical tips for those navigating the intersection of exercise and chronic fatigue. It's a delicate tightrope to walk, but with informed guidance and a personalized approach, it may lead to enhanced quality of life. Read on as we unravel this enigma and shed light on how exercise can be strategically incorporated into a life marked by chronic fatigue.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is one of the most important systems within the human body. It regulates key bodily functions including digestion, heart rate, and respiration, ensuring that our bodies are functioning optimally – unfortunately for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome this system can become dysfunctional which results in many of the symptoms associated with this condition. Fortunately, recent evidence suggests that vagus nerve stimulation may benefit those with ANS dysfunction by toning down the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and balancing out our "fight-or-flight" response. In this blog post, we'll look at what causes ANS dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome and explore how engaging your vagus nerve could help to alleviate symptoms in CFS/ME patients.

Stimulating the vagus nerve can be another tool to use in your CFS/ME recovery journey. You can do this at home using various methods, including humming, gargling, deep diaphragmatic breathing and binaural beats. The most effective method is to use a TENS device with an ear attachment – make sure you adjust the frequency and pulse width for best results. Use your TENS machine 10-20 minutes daily for 1-3 times per day depending on what works best for you. Experimenting with different frequencies or ear locations could help you find one that provides calming effects without any unwanted side effects. With regular practice of these techniques, you should soon start experiencing positive changes in your overall well being!