1:1 chronic health conditions | autoimmunity | menopause

every woman deserves a personalised approach to their health

A lot of women have been living with ongoing illness for years. This often worsens during and after menopause.

But society trains us to put up and shut up. Often we prioritise others over ourselves too.

I’ve found with women’s health that there are a lot of missing puzzle pieces that no one has put together.

I do a thorough assessment to get the full picture, and uncover the underlying causes so we can resolve them.

the benefits of functional nutrition & natural medicine

holistic healing & prevention

Functional nutrition and natural medicine provide a personalised and holistic approach to health that prioritises addressing underlying causes, promoting wellness and enhancing quality of life through nutrient-rich diets, natural therapies and preventive care.

Personalised Approach

Functional nutrition and natural medicine are holistic and recognise that each person is unique, with a different genetic makeup, lifestyle (movement, stress, sleep) and health history. I tailor recommendations to address my clients’ individual needs based on their goals, signs and symptoms, diet and a thorough health history.

Identifying Nutritional Imbalances

I identify nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that may be contributing to, or even causing, health issues. By addressing these imbalances through dietary changes and supplementation, I support optimal health and function.

Promoting Gut Health

The gut plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health. Functional nutrition emphasises the importance of gut health and incorporates strategies to support this.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to most health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune conditions. I help reduce inflammation by recommending the most appropriate anti-inflammatory diet and supplements, and balancing the gut.

Balancing Blood Sugar & metabolism

Stable blood sugar levels are essential for overall health and energy balance. Functional nutrition and natural medicine focus on creating personalised balanced meals because each of our needs differ.

balancing hormones

Balanced hormones are important for women's health because they regulate critical bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, reproductive health and overall well-being, ensuring physical and emotional health.

autoimmunity

Autoimmunity has specific root causes. For it to occur, we need to have a genetic predisposition, intestinal permeability and a trigger that ‘lights the fire’. This could be environmental, viral and/or stress related. It’s possible to put this fire out and autoimmunity into remission by dealing with the root cause in via the gut and immune system, using diet and nutrient therapy.

my expertise

• Gut & Digestive Health – Halitosis, Bloating, IBS, Oxalates etc

• Hormones and Thyroid – Menopause, Amenorrhoea, Hypothyroidism etc

• Autoimmunity

• Mould Illness and CIRS

• Skin Conditions – Acne, Eczema, Dermatitis, Rosacea

• Metabolism and Weight gain

menopause & health

live healthy, live fully

Menopause often brings about health challenges for women due to hormonal changes combined with ageing. Chronic health conditions can also emerge or worsen impacting women’s quality of life.

Functional nutrition and natural medicine can resolve menopause symptoms and chronic conditions by comprehensively addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors.

Typical health problems during this time might include:

hot flashes & night sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are typically experienced by many women during menopause due to the chaotic oestrogen levels, yet they are not normal. These sudden feelings of heat and sweating can be disruptive to daily life and sleep quality.

Genitourinary Symptoms

Declining oestrogen levels can lead to changes in the vaginal and urinary tissues, resulting in symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence. This may result in chronic bladder infections or interstitial cystitis, impacting sexual health, comfort and quality of life.

Bone Health

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and strength. After menopause, women are at increased risk of osteoporosis, characterised by weakened bones and increased susceptibility to fractures.

Heart Health

Oestrogen has cardio-protective effects, and its decline during menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and stroke.

weight gain

Metabolic changes during menopause, including insulin resistance, weight gain and alterations in fat distribution, can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity-related complications.

autoimmune disease

Menopause can contribute to autoimmunity through hormonal fluctuations, which influence immune function and may disrupt immune tolerance mechanisms leading to dysregulated immune responses and increased susceptibility.

Mental Health

Hormonal fluctuations and psychosocial factors during menopause can impact mental health and well-being. Women may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes such as memory and concentration issues.

Sexual Health

Changes in hormone levels, vaginal tissues, and sexual function can impact sexual health and intimacy during menopause. Decreased libido, discomfort during intercourse, and challenges with arousal and orgasm may arise.

Cancer Risk

The risk of certain cancers like breast cancer and endometrial cancer increases with age and hormonal changes during menopause.

Bone & Joint Pain

Some women may experience joint pain, stiffness, and musculoskeletal discomfort during menopause. Hormonal changes, inflammation and age-related changes in bone and joint health can contribute to these symptoms.

thyroid conditions

Menopause can affect thyroid function by contributing to hormonal imbalances, potentially leading to alterations in thyroid hormone levels and increased risk of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis.

Sleep Disturbances

Hormonal fluctuations, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleep disturbances like insomnia or frequent awakenings. Yet good quality sleep plays a key role in overall health and wellbeing.

brain fog & memory issues

Menopause is associated with hormonal, neurochemical and structural changes in the brain, which can influence mood, cognition and overall brain health.

Menopause: the psychological aspects

If you’re a post-menopausal woman, it can take a while to come to terms with this new version of you.

You may be relieved at no longer having a monthly bleed, PMS and cramps, or having to worry about contraception and pregnancy.

On the other hand, you may grieve the loss of your fertility – that potency, the possibility of having a child, or more children. And you probably miss your old body that’s been changing without the support of those hormones - the sagging skin and weight gain, especially around our middle.

Then there’s the health side of things. Hormones are protective, and their loss can lead to brittle bones; heart disease; reduced brain function contributing to anxiety, depression and brain fog; digestion problems; decreased libido; inflammation; autoimmunity and more. In our fifties, ageing hits us particularly hard.

Psychological issues can be prominent around this transition too. Women are forced to understand that youth is longer the dominant phase of their life. Maybe more grief and loss.

But (a big but), menopause can also be a time of self-reflection, personal growth and empowerment. Many women feel they come into themselves, feeling more confident with a stronger self of knowing themself, unburdened by societal expectations tied to fertility, youth and so called beauty.

This transition can bring a deeper connection to our body and a chance to embrace aging with wisdom, grace and empowerment.

But so often women experience more health issues around this time. In fact, a significant percentage of women quit working or reduce their hours simply because of the weight of this issue. New diagnoses, or old health problems that have worsened. Pain, weight gain, fatigue, moodiness, autoimmunity, cardiovascular issues.

But it doesn’t have to stay this way. It is possible to reverse this – your body is always looking for balance.

If you’re ready to take a positive step toward a healthier, more vibrant life – to do what’s necessary to feel better, live longer and reduce the risk of further health decline, maybe even free from the baggage of habits that no longer serve you, book a free chat with me. I’ve been there, I am there, and can be your guide.

about mould illness | cirs

You can become chronically ill and even die from mould exposure.

Twenty-two percent of people have a gene where their body can't get rid of the mould they ingest (mostly through breathing), and the toxins mould produces. But even if you haven't got the gene, mould will weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to yeast or fungal, bacterial and viral infections.

Unable to detox the mould and mycotoxins, your body goes into a chaotic inflammatory response that cascades across every system, potentially leading to serious illness (CIRS). 

Mould mycotoxins cause widespread inflammation and oxidative damage, deplete and interfere with nutrient absorption, disrupt hormones, and damage our immune and digestive systems. Some are cancer causing and teratogenic (cause birth defects/abnormalities).

Actinobacteria reactivity can also result from being in water damaged buildings, and may also need to be dealt with.

Symptoms of mould and bacterial exposure can include

• Headaches and migraines

• Fatigue, chronic fatigue

• Breathing difficulties, asthma

• Eye irritation

• Sore throat, chronic sinus problems

• Skin rashes

• Joint swelling and pain

• Frequent static electric shocks

• Disorientation or confusion, cognitive decline, depression, sleeplessness, vertigo

• Sudden weight gain or loss

• It can also lead to other conditions such as autoimmunity, mast cell problems and other chronic illness

Read about my personal story here, and how I got better here, or book a free health assessment.

mould must be eradicated & the body healed

Mould can manifest in different ways, often in phases

1. Mycotoxin toxicity – the toxic biproducts of mould in the body

2. A mould infection – like aspergillus in the lungs or sinuses

3. Colonisation – commonly in the gut

4. A mould allergy – sometimes results from the above

How to eradicate mould

Supporting clients dealing with mould illness or CIRS is a multifaceted journey, and as a functional nutritionist and natural medicine practitioner, I employ a comprehensive approach to restoring health.

Done in a specific order

• Mycotoxins require specific binders (supplements and food) to carry them out of the body

• Fungal growths require anti-fungals

• A staphylococcus infection, MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staph), need to be eradicated

• Related problems might include excess heavy metals, viruses, dental cavity infections and other toxins

• The gut often needs healing and rebuilding – a healthy gut can help rid your body of mycotoxins

• Appropriate diet often plays a key role

• Support must be designed for where you are in the mould process

mould can cause trauma

I also help my clients deal with the trauma often associated with mould.

Because as if the changes it can cause to people’s brain and personality are not enough, healing from mould involves moving or remediating the mouldy environment, and ditching mouldy furniture along with other porous and semi-porous items that are often treasured personal items.

functional testing

Microbiome Testing
The GI Map, GI 360, Microba Map and Nutripath Microbiome Map or CSDA stool testing, screen for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses and parasites that can cause gut dysfunction and health problems. Some of these tests also provide information on gut leakiness, gut inflammation, fat digestion, gluten response and more. This forms the basis of a personalised and targeted protocol to eradicate these and restore gut health and immunity

Mould or CIRS Testing
Genetic, Organic Acid Testing (OAT), Mycotoxin, Marcons, Leptin, MSH, VIP, ADH/Osmolality, Inflammatory markers

Food Sensitivity & Allergy testing
Includes P88, FIT, IgG, IgA, IgE, Complement testing and more, outlining which foods to avoid while healing your gut and body before beginning a possible reintroduction program

SIBO testing
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth testing is useful when other gut healing has not fully resolved digestive issues

Functional Blood Chemistry
A comprehensive and fresh new look at blood testing to identify developing nutritional deficiencies and disease patterns

Genetic testing
Designed to optimise well-being and health, improve longevity and reduce disease risk by personalising lifestyle and diet choices based on specific gene variants. This can be useful with complex illnesses when married with other testing to see which genes are expressing and need to be turned off

Other testing
Also available, including Thyroid, Hormone & Adrenal, OAT, OMX, Oral Microbiome and more