Exciting News! I’m embarking on Georgia Ede’s course: Ketogenic Diet for Mental Health, and I’m so excited to delve deeper into the potentially transformative potential of this approach. I did an Advanced Ketogenic Nutrition course several years ago but this particular focus on mental health is what really appeals to me. A recent pilot study (May 2024) published in Psychiatry Research explored the effects of a ketogenic diet on individuals with

Metabolic flexibility refers to the body's ability to adapt its use of energy sources - primarily fats and carbohydrates - in response to changes in metabolic demand, such as fasting, eating, or exercising. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining energy balance and overall metabolic health. The concept of metabolic flexibility is gaining attention not just among scientists but also in the health and wellness community as it relates to conditions

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

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

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

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

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

I am often asked about Intermittent Fasting (IF) and weight loss. However, IF has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential benefits in promoting cognitive health and mitigating the effects of cognitive impairment. This makes it an even more interesting dietary intervention. For those of you who don’t know, the IF approach alternates periods of eating and fasting, inducing a metabolic switch from glucose to ketone bodies, which has

Fermented foods, like kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, are really coming to the fore for their potential health benefits. But is there substance to these claims or is it just hype? In actual fact, recent research underscores the profound impact these foods can have on our overall health, particularly through their influence on gut microbiota, metabolic functions, immune health and chronic disease management. I’ve looked at multiple studies over the past

A May 2024 study highlights the profound impact that diet quality can have on mental health and brain structure. The study "Adherence to unhealthy diets is associated with altered frontal gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate concentrations and grey matter volume: preliminary findings" delves into this complex relationship, focusing on how diet influences neurochemistry and brain morphology. The study looked at 30 adults divided into two groups: those who ate a healthy Mediterranean