Health store help

Independent health store advice on managing your hormones

Looking for advice on natural wellbeing? Your local independent health stores can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This issue we speak to Suzan Turan of health store The Aquarian in Cahersiveen in Co Kerry

The human body is truly quite miraculous when we look at all the simultaneous processes it performs every day. Going through life though, there are major hormonal changes happening in both men and women, more noticeably with women.

Teens and young people

After almost two decades working on the shop floor of my health store The Aquarian in Cahersiveen I would say the main issues related to hormones in teenage girls are in having to deal with menstruation, both absence of as well as heavy flow and severe spasms.

My all-time favourite product suggestion is a herb called agnus castus which regulates hormones so that normal frequency and flow can be achieved. It is also a fantastic go-to for teenage as well as male acne of any age. When combined with a healthy diet, particularly excluding refined foods and sugar, the results can be very satisfactory.

Thyroid issues

The thyroid gland is associated with all things hormonal in both men and women. It is worth learning about its function and all the nutrients it requires for optimum performance. I love suggesting two nutrients to all my clients. One is selenium, a trace mineral. Brazil nuts, seafoods and organ meats are the richest sources of selenium. I’d advise choosing the best organic and unprocessed foods, as selenium levels depend on soil quality. Capsules are also readily available. My second recommendation is a naturally-occurring fatty acid and antioxidant called alpha lipoic acid found in many foods such as spinach, broccoli, potatoes and organ meats.

Peri-menopause

Peri-menopause is the period in a woman’s life when the body starts preparing for menopause, marking the end of her reproductive years. Many hormone-related issues arise during peri-menopause and these can benefit from an agnus castus tincture which can ease symptoms. Just remember that this herb can increase fertility!

Menopause

For the past 15 years I have been providing natural remedies and advice to women experiencing symptoms of menopause. The main issue seems to be sweating at night and during the day. Some women literally have water pouring out of their foreheads and armpits, others turn lobster red as a wave of heat overcomes their body. So we offer herbs such as sage tincture that deal with the body’s sweat process. Green tea in drink form as well as a supplement can also be a help.

Sleepless nights during menopause can leave you ready to commit horrendous actions, at least in your head, and adrenal support is vitally important during these years as it can be a very stressful time. During my own sleepless nights I’d bring a flask with warm chamomile or a night herbal infusion to bed with me. Scent your bedroom with your favourite essential oil or blend – mine would be the luxurious Turkish rose or a red mandarin essential oil blended with benzoin or tonka bean. Very comforting.

Other symptoms of menopause can include low energy levels and feeling negative. Some of my favourite menopause suggestions would definitely include essential fatty acids, in particular flaxseed oil, starflower or evening primrose oil as well as a really good quality fish oil. B vitamins and particularly B5 for stress, B6 for hormone balance and B12, which is often deficient in menopause, definitely make my list.

The most important requirement for every woman during this time is self-love. This is followed closely by the importance of self-awareness, self-care, mindfulness and the ability to share the experience and seek support.

It takes some patience trying out and finding out which products and foods suit each individual, but there are many really good options offering support both nutritionally as well as on the psychological level. Pop in to your local independent health store to find out more..

What’s What and Who’s Who at The Aquarian

“I opened the Aquarian in July 2002,” says owner Suzan Turan who had previously distributed hemp products to health stores, “and it remains the only health store in Cahersiveen. We are on the main street which is great and would get a wide range of customers including passing trade, parents and children, retired people and vegans. I think this is because we have such a broad range of stock. I would describe the Aquarian as a foodie store with lots of supplements – we are very knowledgeable about both. Babett my assistant is studying herbalism and iridology. I am qualified in aromatherapy and Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

“Our big focus is on certified organic foods. When you enter the store the first thing you see is an organic fruit and vegetable display that looks like a market stall. We also have a cheese display with humous, olives and other snack foods. Our freezer holds vegan ready-meals, our fridge holds chilled kefir, kombucha and dairy-free yogurts and cheeses. We have a dried prepacks section with the likes of lentils, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, a gluten-free section, teas, coffees, flours plus there’s juices, chocolate and sugar-free jam. We stock local honey in season and a local peanut butter.

“We stock a full range of all the big brand names in supplements. Our cosmetic wall has organic face and bodycare products as well as chemical-free hair care. Our aromatherapy range includes essential oils, floral waters and room sprays. We stock all the eco cleaning products you could need for your home. Drop in and see for yourself!”

Visit: The Aquarian, Main St, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
Speak to: Suzan Turan, owner, and Babett Duevel, sales assistant.
CONTACT: (066) 948 1733
OPENING HOURS: 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday

More Health Store Help articles...
Articles from our latest issue...