It’s becoming more common nowadays for people to be intolerant or allergic to certain foods, and while some may disregard this concept as a fad, a cry for attention or perhaps an attempt at being trendy – food intolerances really do exist. Improperly managed they can cause a wide variety of symptoms that can be extremely uncomfortable and can significantly affect your quality of life. It is estimated that one-fifth of the population believe that they have a food intolerance. (1) Many people with food intolerances know that there is a food that is disagreeing with them, but they can’t quite pu ..read more

Gut Health All disease begins in the gut – Hippocrates. Your digestive system is more important for your overall health than you probably realise. It’s so much more than whether you do your number two’s regularly: digestive health impacts on your immune system, inflammation, hormone balance, mood, energy, skin, brain health and more! Naturopaths and other holistic health practitioners have long been banging on about the importance of ‘healing the gut’ for a wide range of digestive disorders and overall wellbeing. In the last few decades, research into the importance of a healthy digestive ba ..read more

A few years ago I was interviewed by Carly Taber for Casa de Karma. It was a very well received podcast at the time but the website is no longer live, so I am going to share some of my content from there over the next few weeks. Here is a video version of the podcast episode where I was interviewed all about gut health. The post Gut Health Explained – an interview appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath ..read more

This rocky road inspired chocolate bark is a slightly healthier alternative to the original. It’s also a great gift idea if you’re wanting to save money and still give to those you care about this Christmas. Ingredients 200g dark chocolate (aim for at least 70%) 140g Pomegranate seeds 60g pistachios (shelled/chopped) 20g unsweetened coconut flakes Method Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the pomegranate seeds, pistachios and coconut flakes in bowls. Fill one large pot with water and place a smaller pot inside. Bring to a boil then reduce to lowest heat. Ensure no water ..read more

November is just around the corner, and there are some exciting changes happening that I wanted to share with you. Clinic Update: First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have visited my clinic, whether it was at my home-based location or Health Dimensions. Your trust in my care has truly warmed my heart. For 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Health Dimensions family where i first began seeing patients, and it has been an incredibly enriching experience. At the start of 2022 I began seeing patients from a clinic room located at my hom ..read more

This class teaches parents/carers the brief basics of infant massage so they can get started at home. What’s included in this course: Permission sequence Which Oils to Use When is the best time to massage your baby Contraindications (when not to massage) Basic massage techniques Legs Abdomen Chest Backs Duration: 45-60 minutes   What do I need to bring? Participants should bring along the following items: • a towel, blanket or rug for your child to lay on • a flat change mat to lie under the blanket • an oil that you are happy to use on your baby (If you are unsure ..read more

New research suggests that dysregulated iron has a role in the formation and progression of endometriosis. It’s not uncommon for people with endometriosis to have been diagnosed with iron deficiency. Several years ago, I wouldn’t have blinked an eyelid at the inclusion of an iron supplement in the regime of someone with endo, but given some of the emerging research, I am starting to be concerned. While the research refers solely to endometriosis, it’s likely that this also relates to adenomysosis. Here is a TLDR: Endometriosis is the presence of cells from inside the endometrium sitting elsew ..read more

Below is a recipe from Lilly Lloyd, who has shared some wonderful nutrition information and recipes over at my instagram and facebook pages the last couple of months. She has moved on to a different path and is no longer providing nutrition consults, but here is a yummy recipe from her to say Goodbye!   Honestly, who doesn’t love a perfect eggie?! I absolutely do and they taste even better when they’re paired with this epic salad! Anything with halloumi and you’ve got me SOLD!   So, with anything we put in our mouths we should be curious of what and how it’ll feed our bodies. Ok so ..read more

Endometriosis is a multifaceted gynaecological condition that affects many people with uteruses from as early as the first menstrual cycle, and possibly well into menopause. It is believed to be associated with a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors that drive inflammation. A lesser known player that influences endometriosis is our microbes, in particular the bugs of our vaginal and digestive microbiome. The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the ..read more

Before jumping into the yumminess of these, let’s talk about the benefits of Macadamia nuts for your health. So, what is so good about Macadamias? Studies have shown that including low GI (glycaemic index) nuts like macadamias in a healthy kilojoule-controlled eating plan, combined with regular moderate exercise, can help with weight loss by curbing your appetite.  Good Fats Nuts contain good unsaturated fats and don’t increase blood glucose and insulin levels that cause hunger. The macadamia is one of very few plants to include Omega 7, a monounsaturated fatty acid. These healthy oils ..read more