Thứ Hai, 22 tháng 8, 2016

A few ‘teensy’ changes with health and emotions

by Michelle Edwards, Healthy Life Naturopath & Nutritionist
The teenage years can be an emotional roller coaster for teens - and also mum and dad who have to deal with it!
The transition from primary to high school brings an increased workload, pressure to achieve good grades, as well as the onset of puberty and its associated hormonal and developmental changes.
Acne
Acne is experienced by more than 90% of Western teenagers. It can range from mild, with just the occasional lump and bump to severe with lots of redness, pain and swelling. Acne can also impact on self-esteem.
What can help? Reducing redness, swelling and infection can help improve self-esteem. Herbs beneficial in the treatment of acne include burdock, echinacea and vitex.
Burdock and echinacea work as blood purifiers, cleansing the blood and reducing infection and inflammation. Vitex is particularly beneficial in the treatment of hormonal acne which flares up before periods. It is also extremely beneficial in young men, particularly in combination with a good liver tonic.
Inadequate levels of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to acne. Zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B5 supplements may help reduce the likelihood and severity of acne by reducing sebum (oil) production. Slow or poor wound healing and scarring is a sign of zinc deficiency.
Menarche
In times of old, the onset of a young woman’s period was significant, signalling the change from childhood to womanhood.
Today, periods often start at a much younger age and difficulties with regularity, PMS symptoms and pain are becoming increasingly common.
What can help? Irregular, heavy and painful periods may be regulated by using chaste tree daily for 3 - 6 months.
The traitional Chinese herb dong quai is particularly beneficial in the treatment of heavy and painful periods, and works well in combination with chaste tree. Chaste tree may also assist in hormonal mood swings, breast pain or tenderness.
Additional vitamin B6 may be needed if there are marked mood swings and fluid retention.
Concentration & Focus
In high school, a higher level of concentration and focus may be required to cope with increased study.
What can help? Research shows supplements with 900mg of Omega-3 fatty acid DHA taken for as little as one month can improve concentration and information retention, as well as regulate controlling and attention seeking behaviour. 
Recent scientific studies show that brahmi, a herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, is beneficial in improving comprehension and general memory, as well as balancing moods and reducing anxiety. These effects were most pronounced after long term use (12 weeks plus).
Stress & Anxiety
Some teenagers can feel overwhelmed by social and relationship challenges and experience mild to moderate stress symptoms.
While we strongly recommend that anyone with severe depression, severe mood swings or suicidal tendencies seek medical advice and treatment immediately, there are some natural stress relievers that may help to maintain a good emotional balance.
What can help? For a gentle approach that is effective for both acute periods of stress and longer term, deeper emotional issues, Bach flower and Australian bush flower essences are worth investigating.
Herbs and nutrients that may help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and also improve coping ability include B complex vitamins, SAMe, rhodiola, sacred basil, withania and St. John’s wort. 
Supplements with additional magnesium are also beneficial, especially for muscular tension, headaches, teeth clenching or grinding.
The teenage years are a time of growth and development, mentally and emotionally.  A good diet, complemented by a multivitamin, regular exercise and adequate sleep are vital for optimum health.

Resource: healthylife.net.au

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