Microbiomes get a lot of attention because of their huge influence on health and disease. The penile and seminal microbiome is a growing and equally-fascinating area of men’s health. Understanding the penile and seminal microbiome is essential when we’re talking about men’s health. 

Men face significant inequalities and unique challenges where their mental health is concerned, and subsequently face worse health outcomes compared to the general population. While societal norms and stigmas have historically discouraged men from seeking help for mental health issues or encouraged us as a society to ‘brush off’ the issues men face, it's essential to recognise that the issue spreads far wider than this. Today we’re opening up the conversation, breaking down the stigma, and discussing how naturopathy can be a safe space for all men.

Male fertility is just as important as female fertility when it comes to conception, though it often gets overlooked. Did you know that in about 20% of infertility cases, the issue is solely with the man? With sperm counts nearly halving in the last 40 years - a problem made worse by the increasing age of first-time fathers, exposure to toxins, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets - many men are still reluctant to play an active role in planning for conception or even getting a fertility test. This hesitation can get in the way of understanding and improving your chances of conceiving. It’s time to take an active role in your reproductive health and in this blog, we’ll explore key factors that affect your fertility, offer practical tips to boost your reproductive health, and discuss how naturopathic approaches can support you as you plan to grow your family!

Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents bring to our clinic, and we’ve seen firsthand how significantly it can impact your child's daily life – as well as your entire family dynamic. When left unaddressed, this can become a chronic issue. But the good news is, by taking a naturopathic approach that considers your child’s overall health, we have many tools available to effectively manage and treat constipation. In this blog, we'll explore the diet and lifestyle factors often related to constipation, other underlying causes, and testing options you might like to consider.

Our mum’s weren’t wrong - breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A balanced breakfast is key to starting your day right, and one nutrient in particular is especially important if you’re a menstruating person… Protein! Today, we’re exploring why prioritising protein in the morning can be the difference in supporting a healthy menstrual cycle and overall well being. 

Your body is constantly communicating with you. From subtle signals to more obvious signs, these messages often provide insight into your overall health. As naturopaths, we incorporate physical examinations as part of thorough case-taking to help identify these messages and understand their underlying causes. A careful look at the body’s signs can guide further investigations, such as blood tests or additional functional testing, to get a clearer picture of what’s going on internally. Today we're going to explore some common physical signs and symptoms we see in clinic, and how they may relate to specific health conditions.

Anxiety in children is a concern that many parents face, but it can often be challenging to determine when those worries are part of normal development and when they might indicate something more serious. At The KAN Clinic, we know that anxiety in children is a complex issue, but with the right support, it is manageable.

Acne is a complex skin condition with a variety of contributing factors, from hormonal imbalances to diet and lifestyle. In our previous blog, we dove deep into the role that hormones play, and today it’s all about huge impact of the gut! 

Unlike the occasional pimple, acne can be a deeply personal and sensitive condition. It’s also incredibly common. So common in fact that research has shown it affects around 85% of teens and up to 54% of adults. Hormonal acne specifically is tied to fluctuations in your body’s hormone levels and points to underlying imbalances that need to be addressed. Today I’m going to help you understand hormonal acne, from its causes and symptoms, through to how our team can help you manage it and achieve healthy, glowing skin.  

Burnout, or complete emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, is not a new or uncommon phenomena. But unlike typical burnout which we understand to be a response to chronic stress and overexertion, neurodivergent burnout is understood to be a cumulative response to a lifetime of navigating a world that is not set up to support neurodivergent folk. In this blog, we’re going to explore what tools can be utilised to support neurodivergent folk experiencing burnout, and how naturopathy can fit into the picture.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multifaceted disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, it’s one of the most common gynaecological conditions. PCOS is actually not a disease, but a cluster of symptoms occurring at the same time, driven by various underlying biological mechanisms. There are generally considered to be 4 distinct types of PCOS and in order to successfully support patients in this area, it’s important to which time type of PCOS you’re dealing with… which we’re delving into today!

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds found in certain plants that have a similar structure to oestrogen, a primary female sex hormone. They bind to oestrogen receptors in the body, providing a mild oestrogenic effect, making them a particularly useful ‘food as medicine’ option for perimenopause and menopause. Today we’re outlining some of the benefits of these wonderful compounds, and providing a delicious recipe that packs a hormone-balancing punch!

As people transition into menopause, a myriad of changes occur within the body, and the vagina is no exception. These changes can significantly impact the vaginal microbiome, tissue integrity of the vagina, and overall physical and emotional/mental health of people. By understanding these changes, creating a space for patients to discuss their experiences, and taking proactive measures, patients can maintain vaginal health and enjoy a better quality of life during and after the menopausal transition.

Menopause is a natural phase in life which occurs one year after the final menstrual period. Perimenopause however describes the phase leading up to menopause, which can last anywhere from two to ten years and is often associated with adverse symptoms including brain fog - which we’re going to discuss in depth today. By understanding the causes and impacts of brain fog during perimenopause and exploring naturopathic approaches to support cognitive health, we can empower people to navigate this life stage with greater ease and clarity.

Vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, is a common condition in young girls. It can be distressing and uncomfortable, but understanding its causes can help in effectively managing and preventing it. This blog post explores the various causes of vaginitis in young girls, with a focus on common triggers.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic skin condition that can cause significant discomfort in children. It often affects the genital and anal areas. It typically presents with white, patchy skin that's wrinkled, thin, and fragile. Labial fusion and vulvovaginal structural changes are a sign of disease progression in females. But, sometimes, itching may be the only significant symptom. In males, the head of the penis and perianal area may be affected.

In this blog post we provide a quick guide to understanding this condition, how it is treated medically and how holistic naturopathic support plays an important role

In this blog post, we'll explore how vaginal pinworms in children can lead to vaginal irritation, the symptoms to watch out for, and how to effectively manage and prevent these infections using naturopathic approaches.

The two week wait is the period between ovulation and when your period is due. If you're actively trying to conceive and tracking your cycle, these fourteen days can feel like an eternity. Today we’re discussing how you can support your body and mind during the two week wait, and how a naturopath can assist if you don't conceive as quickly as you'd like.

Leaky gut is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged. This damage causes gaps in the tight junctions between the cells of the gut wall, allowing substances like toxins, partially digested food, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream, and can lead to a host of health problems. In this blog, we’re taking all things leaky gut including how it occurs, it’s impact on health, how we diagnose it, and what we can do about it!

We all know about the immediate emotional and psychological effects of stress, but there's something else happening beneath the surface. In this blog post, we’ll explore fascinating dynamics between stress and blood sugar levels, look at how they influence each other and how we can effectively manage this relationship to promote optimal health.