Healthy Issues may use natural supplements and organic choices for food sensitivity concerns

My Journey: Clinical Ecology, Functional Medicine, and Naturopathy Treatment

In my 20s I experienced a pesticide poisoning which left me with severe chemical and food sensitivities. In the ensuing years, much time was spent researching the then-new field of Clinical Ecology (now called Environmental Medicine) and the pioneering work of functional medicine doctors in Australia and overseas. As it turned out, environmental medicine, functional medicine and naturopathic treatment all played a role in my return to health.

Being ill can be a powerful incentive for making changes that lead to better health, and my early encounter with a damaging pesticide led to the realisation that the ‘cleaner’ the body was, the better it performed.

The Impact of Chemicals and Modern Life on Our Health

Today we live in a veritable soup of chemicals without really being aware of it or thinking much about it. The foods we eat today contain artificial colouring, flavourings, preservatives, and pesticides. We then wrap our food up in plastics, which not only pollute our bodies but also pollute the environment. Our buildings are sealed tight to conserve power but the materials within our homes often outgas dangerous chemicals. Do we need the dozens of cleaning products that seemingly are necessary for every job, or the personal care products that apparently are going to make us beautiful without harm? We drive our children to school more often than walk them to school. Many of us spend long hours indoors away from natural sunlight in front of computers. Hang on, didn’t I read somewhere that “sitting was the new smoking”? Have we forgotten that growing our veggies might be less expensive than buying them from the local supermarket? Food containers are getting smaller while prices are getting higher. And don’t be confused by the term “forest bathing”. It is just a new way of saying ‘take a walk in a park’ or a natural space where one can breathe, be at peace and recuperate from the fast pace of life or the artificial environment that surrounds many of us today. In Torquay, Victoria, and throughout Australia, we have unique opportunities to pursue health goals using naturopathy.

Engaging in Health Conversations for a Better Future

It is my hope going forward that I can engage you in some of these topics because making changes in some of these areas really can make a difference to the way you might feel now and in the future.

A second realisation for me was that none of us are the same and getting healthy might require a specialised individual approach. Most of us have heard the phrase “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”. The phrase is said to go as far back as the first century BC, but it still holds when one considers that Australia has a very high rate of allergy and indeed food intolerance. In my journey to find a healthier me, it soon became apparent that I would need to find a nutritional workaround for my various food intolerances. I also learned that the saying ‘you are what you eat’ probably should be restated as ‘you are what you assimilate’. As a naturopath, a huge emphasis is placed on correcting nutritional imbalances within the body, for too much or too little may have a profound effect on one’s health.

Healthy Issues Naturopath Anne-Maree Sullivan, current member of NHAA

Personalised Approaches to Health and Nutrition

And finally, I would like to say that being healthy is so much more than just eating well and looking after our internal and external environment. It also includes such things as being social, finding enjoyable ways to stay fit (sorry there is no pill for exercise), getting a good night’s sleep, reducing stress, finding happiness-an emotional vitamin, remaining engaged within our local communities, feeling appreciated, feeling safe, the list goes on. My wish for others is that they reach their best potential. We may have had injuries or illnesses that have left us less than perfect and in some degree of pain or discomfort, but what is it that can be done to make us feel better? That is the challenge that I would like to share with you in Healthy Issues, and with holistic approaches to healing.

Collaborating for Comprehensive Care

I am an independent practitioner but very lucky to be supported by my husband Bruce, who has a degree in biomedical engineering amongst other advanced degrees. He assists in many areas but especially with research, technology, and logistics. His special interest in medical instrumentation and biophysics has recently turned towards the field of natural medicine. Naturopaths do not however have the answer to everything and will refer to other allied health professionals if necessary or if they think you might benefit from such. They often work in an integrative medical environment.

Empowering Health Through Holistic Choices

It has always been my passion to help people make regular healthy choices. By doing so, people have a better chance of staying healthy and active throughout their lives. Naturopaths have a duty of care to first do no harm by our treatments, to find the cause of an ailment and to work in a holistic manner to help the body heal itself. Good nutrition is pivotal in natural therapies, but holistic treatments also attend to physical and emotional health, the microbiome, environmental concerns and genetic tendencies. Each person is unique and thus treatments will be tailored to meet each person’s individual needs.

Clear Guidance for Healthier Living

My practice pays close attention to giving clients a clear and attainable path to getting healthier. Better choices should be simple and enjoyable. I am committed to providing the education that will help my clients address short and long-term goals. Clients may read about topics on the web, or from materials I provide at my clinic in Torquay.

Encouraging Natural and Active Lifestyles

Individuals are encouraged to remove toxic chemicals from their lives and to eat nutritious, unadulterated whole foods. This is possible, even on a tight budget. Consideration is given to allergies and food intolerance. I strive to motivate my clients to stay physically, mentally and socially active.

Comprehensive Initial Consultations

Your initial visit will include questions about your diet, lifestyle, family history and questions about your current health concerns. I will also ask questions such as: how are you sleeping? How is your work environment? Are you under any particular stress? Do you get out socially? Are you able to connect with friends and family and so forth? I am interested in the whole of you.

My Areas of Interest

My special interests include:

Adult and childhood food and chemical intolerance.
‘Healthspan’ not lifespan for seniors.
LPR (Laryngopharyngeal reflux) and acid reflux
The microbiome and all things gut-related.
The management of chronic conditions and dietary considerations for those with autoimmune diseases.
Bach flower remedies and aromatic phenolics

Yours in Health and Well-Being

Anne-Maree Sullivan

Naturopath
Adv Dip (Naturopathy)
Member of NHAA (Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia)
Cert IV Therapeutic Massage
Member of MMA (Massage and Myotherapy Australia)

My Journey: Clinical Ecology, Functional Medicine, and Naturopathy Treatment

The Impact of Chemicals and Modern Life on Our Health

Engaging in Health Conversations for a Better Future

Personalised Approaches to Health and Nutrition

Get in Touch for Personalised Health Support

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