Everyone wants to be able to enjoy a celebratory meal without feeling deprived, but for some people it can be hard to break their health routine with a special meal or two and then get back on track afterwards. If you are someone who’s Christmas lunch ends in a food spiral of gingerbread for breakfast, leftover pav for lunch and more Lindt chocolates than you can imagine right through to New Years where you begin to contemplate a drastic detox, read on!

Here are my tips to enjoy this festive season without missing out or having regrets for the weeks that follow.

Intestinal parasites are microscopic organisms that can be present in contaminated food, water or passed person to person. Parasites can infect your digestive tract, reproducing and causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal microbiome. This can cause a range of digestive symptoms and can lead to various health issues if left untreated.

Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is when individuals experience adverse symptoms when consuming gluten, despite testing negative to coeliac disease. While less severe than coeliac disease, gluten intolerance can cause considerable symptoms and significantly impact quality of life.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance can be managed by following a gluten-free diet. Support to reduce digestive and immune inflammation may be necessary alongside a gluten free diet to resolve chronic health conditions associated with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays crucial roles in various bodily functions, including neurotransmitter production, iron metabolism, immune function, bone health, energy metabolism and growth.

However, excessive copper levels in the body can lead to copper overload toxicity, a condition that can have serious health consequences. Copper in excess acts like a heavy metal and alters the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can contribute to poor mental health and traits of ADHD and Autism.

The impact of your changing hormones on neurotransmitters during perimenopause and menopause can a big influence on mood and brain function. Symptoms such as brain fog, low mood, anxiety and insomnia can occur as a result.

If you're experiencing brain changes in perimenopause, remember that there is support available. A naturopath can help you understand your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan to get back to feeling like yourself again.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a diagnostic test that analyses a sample of your hair to assess your body's mineral and toxic metal levels. Unlike blood tests, which provide a snapshot of your current mineral status, HTMA offers a longer-term perspective as hair can store minerals and toxins over time.

ADHD in women is often underdiagnosed due to the subtle presentation of symptoms. The same ADHD subtypes of inattentive, hyperactive and combined still occur but can look different. Women with ADHD can exhibit predominantly inattentive symptoms such as difficulty focusing, organising, and following through on tasks. Alternatively, women can be hyperactive, but it is more commonly a hyperactivity of the mind, not the body. This can manifest in women who are constantly on the go and juggling many things to stay stimulated. Impulsivity may present as interrupting or saying things without thinking, seeming to have no filter at times.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodivergent condition affecting millions of children and adults worldwide. Recent research has suggested a link between diet and traits such as inattention and hyperactivity: nutrient deficiencies can intensify ADHD characteristics. Of course, diet isn’t the complete solution, but ensuring a balanced diet can be a powerful tool alongside other ADHD supports.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that our bodies can't produce on their own, making them crucial to include in our diet. These healthy fats play a vital role in numerous bodily functions, from brain health to heart function.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time of transformation, but the physical and mental changes a woman’s body undergoes to grow a baby can cause some challenges. Naturopathic care can be a valuable addition to your pregnancy wellness plan, offering a holistic approach to support both you and your growing baby. This article explores some key benefits of naturopathic care in pregnancy.

The brain's development begins very early in pregnancy, even before a woman misses her first period. During this critical window, the neural tube, the precursor to the brain and spinal cord, forms and closes. This early stage is highly susceptible to factors that can influence a baby's neurodevelopment. By taking a proactive approach to preconception care, you can create the ideal conditions for your baby's brain development right from the very beginning. Remember, a healthy pregnancy starts well before conception, and the choices you make today can have a lasting impact on your child's future.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals due to their developing organs and systems. Those with an MTHFR mutation are even more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity, as defects in your methylation cycle can reduce the body’s ability to remove heavy metals. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to cognitive impairment, behavioural problems, learning disabilities, and other health issues.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a neurodivergent condition which is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. But sometimes these same symptoms can point to something else entirely. There are several conditions that can mimic ADHD, and really need to be ruled out before confirming an ADHD diagnosis. Let's look deeper at ADHD and some conditions that present similarly.

My lipoedema story starts over 20 years before I ever even heard of lipoedema. As a not-quite teenager starting to go through puberty, it was soon very apparent that my body was different from other girls my age. My legs were a different shape, thicker, and a different texture to others.

Lipoedema (LIE-poh-dee-muh) is a chronic inflammatory condition of excess adipose tissue (fat) affecting primarily women. It goes beyond simply having trouble losing weight in certain areas, and is a complex interplay between fat tissue, connective tissue, and the lymphatic system, leading to a painful and often frustrating imbalance of fat distribution.

Menopause is the natural transition marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, but it brings with it a cascade of hormonal changes. While hot flashes and night sweats often steal the spotlight, a lesser known but significant consequence of menopause is its impact on the immune system. As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the body's defence system undergoes a transformation which can potentially increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are environmental toxins that can accumulate in the body over time. Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing, and their nervous systems are more susceptible to damage from these toxins. Signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity in children include hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, anxiety, depression, developmental delays, speech delays, fussy or restrictive eating, poor sleep, digestives issues and weakened immune system.

Our gut, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, is a complex ecosystem packed with trillions of microorganisms, collectively called the gut microbiome. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. An imbalance in this delicate ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, can have far-reaching consequences and can potentially lead to intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and food intolerances.

Perimenopause is a natural transition, not a disease. You can empower yourself to manage your symptoms with diet, lifestyle, and naturopathic support to embrace this phase of life with confidence.

Genetic SNP’s have been linked to neurodivergent presentations including ASD and ADHD. There are 1000’s of genetic SNPs and they can vary between individuals. Identifying which SNP’s are involved can allow for targeted support to address alterations in neurotransmitters in neurodevelopmental disorders and provide neuroaffirming support.