I absolutely love the work that I do with gut health. Far beyond its role in digestion, the gut is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that impacts nearly every aspect of our well-being, from immunity to brain function. When we think of peri-menopause and menopause, we don’t usually think of the gut, but we should because emerging research has identified the gut microbiome as a significant player in these hormonal

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Functional nutrition proactively supports healthspan by promoting lifestyle-based therapeutic approaches and personalized whole-body health and wellness. In this regard, when I talk about biological age, I am referring to the physiological state of an individual's body, reflecting the cumulative impact of lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors on aging processes. Unlike chronological age, which remains constant, biological age can vary significantly among individuals of the same age group and can significantly

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Peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause bring a host of challenges for women, including increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. These risks are compounded by the hormonal changes that occur during this period, which can lead to both physical and cognitive health issues. Oestrogen, in particular, plays a critical role in brain function, including supporting neurotransmitter activity, promoting blood flow to the brain, and protecting neurons from damage. Interestingly, oestrogen’s

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It is extremely exciting that so much research is coming out on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia at the moment.  The Lancet just published their 2024 report on Dementia prevention, intervention and care.  The report identifies 14 modifiable risk factors, including new additions such as untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol, that could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases if addressed effectively. The Commission also underscores the importance

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Menopause is hugely significant in a woman's life, bringing various physiological changes that can impact overall health. Nutrition plays a critical role in managing these changes, reducing symptoms, and preventing long-term health issues such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Understanding Menopause and Peri-menopause Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, typically occurring between 50-55. Peri-menopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, can start years earlier and is

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting many women of reproductive age. The WHO estimates that 8–13% of reproductive-aged women are affected. However, up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide – which is a shocking statistic. It can be poorly understood and clients are often left feeling helpless with very few options for treatment. One emerging area of research is the role of mitochondrial dysfunction

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In July last year, I began feeling really unwell—extreme night sweats, shortness of breath, and profound fatigue. My first thought was, "Here it is, menopause." However, it turned out I had post-COVID pneumonia, which led to a week in the hospital and six months on prednisone. Fast forward to this July, and I was still struggling with the same symptoms. Much of it I attributed to Long COVID. But during

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The impact of environmental toxins on health has been increasingly recognized, with mycotoxins emerging as significant contributors to neurological disorders. Mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, can affect human health in various ways, including crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and inducing neurotoxicity. Assessing mycotoxin exposure it crucial across many chronic disease conditions. For the sake of this post,  I am only going to look at neurological health,

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As we know, cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, pose significant challenges to public health and are extremely traumatic for the affected families. There is so much to read but some emerging research highlights the role of homocysteine, an amino acid produced in the body, in these conditions. I heard this on a podcast the other day so decided to delve deeper. Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to

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Intermittent fasting (IF) has a beneficial impact on insulin sensitivity, metabolic rate, and cellular repair processes.  The role of autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that occurs during fasting, is a key benefit of IF. As a reminder, IF is important as it: reduces inflammation, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving heart health. contributes to better mental clarity and increased energy levels. aids in weight loss by reducing calorie intake and enhancing

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