Eating well during lockdown     As we find ourselves in lockdown, perhaps balancing home working with home schooling, or trying to support vulnerable neighbours, it’s tempting to put healthy eating on the back burner. Have you noticed an increased appetite for pizza, crisps and chocolate since lockdown?When we’re stressed or frightened, we naturally seek out sugar and fat for a quick energy boost. High carbohydrate comfort foods are temporarily calming during times of crisis. However, what feels like a satisfying solution in the short term can grow into a bigger problem in the ..read more

Endometriosis is a reproductive disorder, where endometrial cells which are usually found in the lining of the womb, implant themselves elsewhere in the body. During your monthly, your hormones fluctuate, which stimulates these endometrial cells to grow, and then break down and bleed as they would in the lining of the womb. This blood has nowhere to escape, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue. Approximately 10-15% of all premenopausal women have endometriosis, but despite this, the topic of how endometriosis develops remains controversial. It is clear that endometr ..read more

  In my recent article Understanding Endometriosis, we explore how endometriosis develops. Now let’s take a look at your risk factors, and nutritional approaches to managing endometriosis. We know that your risk of endometriosis is increased with family history(8). Your risk also increases if you started your periods early, or if you drink alcohol above the NHS daily guidance(9). In terms of diet, eating trans-fats such as shop bought pies, biscuits and cakes increases your risk of endometriosis.(7) We know that endometriosis lesions contain oestrogen receptors(10). So ensuring ..read more

 As I am sure you are aware, it is of vital importance to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day to keep you hydrated. Water is important for many processes, including the transport of nutrients around the body, excretion of waste products, and helping your mind to focus and concentrate. One common concern amongst my clients and students is whether tap water is safe to drink, and if not, whether bottled water or filtered water is any better. As we continue to invest in sustainability, health, and wellness, it has become more crucial than ever to consider the origins of our water cons ..read more

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common conditions clients come to see me for – seeking relief from symptoms such as constipation, pain, diarrhoea, wind, bloating and headaches. In this IBS case-study, I aim to show you how IBS can present, and how functional diagnostic testing and nutritional therapy can help. IBS case-study- the challenge Sofie was 26 years old at her initial consultation. She had been suffering from IBS symptoms of constipation, tiredness, wind and abdominal discomfort for 8 years. She believed that the symptoms had started shortly after she returned from ..read more

The terms ‘food intolerance’ and ‘food allergy’ are often confused and are two very different things. This article explains what you need to know about food intolerance, including how they develop and what testing options are available. The difference between food allergy and food intolerance Genuine food allergy is relatively rare, with only about 2% of the adult population being affected. In comparison around 45% of us suffer from food intolerance according to allergy UK. A food allergy is a swift response by the body’s immune system to a specific food. In this type of reaction, the body ..read more

It’s that time of year again…the winter blues, otherwise know as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can affect people who have normal mental health and moods through most of the year. It’s a common story that as the days get shorter and greyer, people start to feel lethargic, gloomier, and less interested in doing things that make them feel active and happier, which includes eating healthily. When we feel low, it’s tempting to reach for sweet treats for a quick sugar fix. But, unfortunately, this will not make the blues disappear! A lot of people do not realise that they suffer f ..read more

Natural detoxification: not just a fad. At this time of year, there is a lot of media attention on detoxification, and much of it is negative. The word has become associated with fad diets, strict juice cleanses, and general deprivation. However, it could, in fact, be argued that your overall health can largely be determined by the ability of your body to detoxify itself. Dry, blotchy and pimply skin, headaches, fatigue, stubborn weight, allergies, digestive issues, and generally feeling under the weather are all signs that your organs involved in the elimination process are strug ..read more

Digestive health. When I started in clinical practice, I was staggered by the number of people who suffered from gastrointestinal distress. In fact, digestive complaints, in both adults and children, are amongst the most common reasons for individuals seeking medical help. There are more than 200 over-the-counter remedies for digestive disorders. Many of these create additional digestive problems in their place, and that’s not even the worst news. Many medics don’t recognises that once we have a compromised digestive system, it can play out over our entire bodies. Thus leading to allergies ..read more

Healthy hot chocolate recipe This healthy hot chocolate is my all time favourite winter warming drink. It takes a lot to admit as a latte lover, but this cozy cup beats coffee hands down for its energising effects. Raw cacao is rich in many nutrients and contains natural chemicals which increase our serotonin levels. The high levels of magnesium help to combat depression and makes us feel happy! Maca is a naturally caffeine free, sugar free energiser known to enhance performance and stamina and balance sexual hormones. Try not to have cacao too close to bed time however, as it c ..read more