Can Lowering Homocysteine Levels Naturally Reduce Heart Disease

Can lowering homocysteine levels naturally reduce heart disease?

In this article, weโ€™ll explore what homocysteine is, how it impacts cardiovascular health, and effective strategies to manage elevated levels naturally.

How Changing Your Identity Can Transform Your Health

How changing your identity can transform your health

In the pursuit of personal and professional development, many people focus solely on achieving specific goals or changing their habits. However, this approach often overlooks the most transformative aspect of habit formation: identity.

Does High Fasting Triglycerides Cause Heart Disease

Does high fasting triglycerides cause heart disease?

In this article, weโ€™ll explore the role of fasting triglycerides, their connection to cardiovascular health, what optimal levels are and why aiming for those levels is essential.

The Role Of C Reactive Protein

Inflammation and Heart Health: The Role of C-Reactive Protein

This article will explore what CRP is, its role in cardiovascular health, the importance of maintaining optimal CRP levels, and lifestyle strategies for managing chronically raised CRP.

Why Systems Beat Goals Every Time

Why Systems Beat Goals Every Time

Many people set ambitious health goals, losing weight, lowering blood pressure, or reducing stress. While goals provide direction, they often fall short of ensuring lasting change. This article explores why building systems and repeatable habits offer a more sustainable path...

Is Cholesterol The Only Source Heart Disease

Is high cholesterol the only cause of heart disease? The truth!

This article will highlight some of the lab tests and factors I look at that go beyond cholesterol, explain common imbalances, and shed light on the lifestyle factors that play a role in cardiovascular health. It’s time to look at...

What Is Type 1.5 Diabetes

What Is Type 1.5 Diabetes? Understanding the Overlooked Form of Diabetes

In this article I want to provide a general breakdown of LADA/Type 1.5 diabetes, so that there is increased awareness around this often overlooked and poorly managed condition.

Cholesterol Lowering Spreads And Seed Oils Increase Heart Disease Risk

Cholesterol lowering spreads and seed oils increase heart disease risk

Seed oils, including those derived from sunflowers, corn, and soybeans, have become dietary staples in modern cooking and food manufacturing. Yet, mounting evidence suggests that these oils may be detrimental to cardiovascular health, particularly through their high levels of omega-6...

The Science Of Affirmations

The Science of Affirmations: Reprogramming Your Mind for Behavioural Change

Affirmations are often viewed as positive self-talk, a practice that involves repeating uplifting statements to oneself. But there’s more to affirmations than just boosting self-esteem. They have the power to reprogram the subconscious mind, leading to meaningful changes in behaviour.

How Exercise Affects the Accuracy or Interpretation of Blood Test Results

How Exercise Affects the Accuracy or Interpretation of Blood Test Results

Exercise is widely recognised for its profound benefits on overall health and well-being. However, what many people may not realise is that acute exercise, especially within 48 hours before a blood test, can significantly impact certain biomarkers, leading to skewed...

Modifiable and Non Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) doesnโ€™t wait for retirement or slower days. Itโ€™s the leading cause of death globally, and those over 40 are at an increased risk, especially men. CVD is often a silent, gradual process, and by the time symptoms...

Lipoprotein A And Cardiovascular Health

Lipoprotein (a): What is it and how does it impact cardiovascular health

When it comes to cardiovascular health, many of us will be familiar with names like LDL and HDL cholesterol and even perhaps triglycerides, for those with a stronger interest in this subject. However, there is one very important molecule that...

Apolipoprotein B Vs Cholesterol How To Lower Apob Naturally

What is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)? Why ApoB is more important to assess than just cholesterol

In this article I will be talking about something called Apolipoprotein B or abbreviated as ApoB, which should hopefully help you consolidate your understanding of cholesterol and heart disease.

Increase Faecal Pancreatic Elastase Naturally

How to increase faecal pancreatic elastase naturally

In this article we dive into a common stool test marker, pancreatic elastase. Firstly, we explore what pancreatic elastase is, typically reference ranges for pancreatic elastase on a stool test and how our team of Nutritionists and Functional Medicine Practitioners...

Natural Ways To Lower Triglyceride Levels

Natural ways to lower your triglyceride levels

Have you been told you have high triglyceride levels? Perhaps you want to know what caused it and what you can do to lower your triglycerides. In this article we take a deep dive into what triglycerides are, there relevance...

Best Functional Medicine Test For Cardiovascular Risk

The best functional medicine blood tests for cardiovascular risk

In this article we look at some common and some less common cardiovascular risk blood test markers that we use in our functional medicine clinic. We discuss what these markers are and provide typical ranges to aim for to help...

Understanding Your Thyroid Hormone Blood Test Results

Understanding your thyroid hormone blood test results

In this article we look at interpreting your thyroid hormone blood test results. To do this I break down each individual marker, what it is and why it is tested. Throughout the article we discuss the potential imbalances or patterns...

How To Lower Faecal Zonulin Naturally

Faecal Zonulin: What is it and how can you lower it naturally?

In this article, we will take a deep dive into a common marker found on comprehensive stool tests, Zonulin. We look at what zonulin is, it’s association to health issues, what it means for your gut health and what can...

How To Lower Calprotectin Naturally New

Calprotectin: What it is and how you lower it naturally

In this article, we look at the stool test marker known as calprotectin. We explore what calprotectin is, what it means if your calprotectin levels are elevated and how to interpret your test results. We also look at natural ways...

Turmeric Curcumin Health Benefits

Turmeric & Curcumin: Helpful or Hype

In this article, we explore the spice turmeric as well as its popular active component, Curcumin. How might turmeric and curcumin benefit your health and is there good evidence behind its use? If it can help, what conditions might it...

Functional Medicine Overcome Constipation Naturally

How Functional Medicine can help you overcome constipation naturally

In this article, we explore the many causes of constipation and how nutrition, lifestyle and functional medicine can help to alleviate constipation and associated symptoms. We explore the role of lab testing looking for underlying causes as well as supplements...

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The Healthiest Snack in the World

In this article we are going to look at some research looking at intermittent periods of exercise and its impact on muscle protein synthesis. We also explore other benefits of exercise snacking.

best-exercise-for-weight-loss

What is the best type of exercise for weight loss and fat loss?

If you are embarking on a weight and fat loss journey and want long-term success, you may be considering what exercise can help you reach you best reach your goals. This article covers the pros and cons of different exercise...

i-am-hungry

How to manage hunger successfully for weight loss

What is hunger? Hunger is a physiological process โ€“ in other words, the physical body is signalling that food needs to be consumed to maintain energy levels. Different chemical substances and signals produced by both the brain and the gut,...

questioning-tracking-calories-on-phone

The pros and cons of tracking calories for weight loss

This article explores the popular methods for tracking your nutrition intake: calorie counting, flexible dieting and meal plans and provides some top tips for tracking your nutrition intake. For most people, calorie counting tends to be done on an app...

why-does-protein-help-with-weight-loss

Why is protein important for weight loss?

If you are embarking on a weight and fat loss journey, you are likely wanting to be setting yourself up for success. Research shows that the role of protein within your diet could be one of the most important tools...

fiber-food

The importance of fibre for weight loss

Eating foods that are naturally rich in fibre are a corner stone of any successful weight loss journey! This article covers some of the many benefits of fibre, examples of high fibre foods, some tasty meal ideas, as well as...

man-hoovering-counting-exercise-weight-loss

Does Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) improve weight loss?

If you are looking for success in the long term with your weight loss goals, then NEAT is one of the most valuable tools in your toolbox. Read on to find out more about what NEAT is, what happens to...

weight-loss-success

How to measure weight loss success

How do you measure when youโ€™ve reached success on your weight loss journey? And how do you know if youโ€™re on the right road to where you want to get to in the meantime? Having clear goals allows you to...

healthy-happy-women

13 Tips to help you lose weight and keep it off for good

Following weight loss, people on average regain a third of their weight lost within a year and the rest within 3-5 years (Avenell et al. 2004, Dansinger et al. 2007). If you do not want to be one of these...

flexible-dieting-weight-loss

Can flexible dieting help with weight loss?

In this article we provide a basic look at what flexible dieting is and some of the pros and cons to consider.

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Does fasted cardio help with weight loss?

You may have heard or read that fasted cardio is superior for losing weight and fat and therefore wondered whether this is true. This article provides the science behind fasted cardio and some need to knows and top tips for...

meal-timing

Does meal timing and frequency matter for weight loss?

When and how much you eat are important components of setting up a weight loss diet and achieving a calorie deficit. Part of creating a personalised nutrition plan involves establishing meal frequency and timing that is optimal for you. This...

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Does exercise help you lose weight?

If you are about to embark on a weight loss journey and are wondering about whether exercise can help you lose weight, this article provides you with the research on exercise and weight loss, along with some tips to use...

macros protein fats carbs

What is a good macronutrient intake for weight loss?

If you are setting up your diet for weight loss, then you may want to decide how much of each different macronutrient you will consume. Check out How to Calculate Calories to get this sorted first! This article provides a...

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What psychological factors affect weight loss?

In this article we look at five often overlook areas associated to weight loss psychology and how they may be impacting your ability to lose weight and maintain that weight loss.

Body Fat Target Old Article

What is an appropriate body fat percentage goal?

The quest to lose body fat remains a popular google search and a common reason for people hiring nutritionists, health coaches and personal trainers. Common reasons for this desire to โ€œoptimiseโ€ body fat levels may be due to health concerns,...

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Understanding metabolism and how to influence it

Understanding metabolism is key to managing your energy, weight, health and performance. This article provides a brief overview of what metabolism is, five facts on metabolism and five tips to optimise yours!

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Phase Angle Analysis: What this marker tells us about body composition and health

Phase angle is one of the markers we assess as part of our body composition assessments with clients and available as a standalone service.

man-showing-muscles-muscle-mass

Muscle mass: An under-appreciated tool in optimising health and longevity

If youโ€™ve been considering when to start that resistance training programme and / or pondering over whether muscle mass really is that important, then this article is for you โ€“ it provides a brief overview of muscle mass and what...

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Elevated waist circumference and visceral fat, what are the implications to health

The health risks associated with increased levels of body fat are commonly talked about, but where you store body fat may be of equal importance. This article highlights the numerous ways in which an elevated waist may be an indicator...

type of body fat

Does the type of fat you have and where you store fat matter?

People often want to โ€œloseโ€ body fat, but what type of fat and from where you lose it matters โ€“ especially when it comes to health. Whilst you can measure body fat levels through body composition measurements, what does this...

Body Water Image

Body water: its importance and what factors influence it

Water is essential for life and that includes the human body! It is central to every chemical process that takes place in the body and has a multitude of important roles. This article provides a brief overview of the role...

Body composition scales with apples

A guide to body composition assessment methods

This article covers some background on body composition, why it matters, and the pros and cons on the most common methods to measure body composition.

the stages of change

The Stages of Change: How to optimise your progress in each area

Change isnโ€™t all or nothing, and change doesnโ€™t always equal action either. Successful change can be incremental and unfold over time as you become more ready to take on a new behaviour.

10 tips to improve insulin sensitivity

10 tips to improve insulin sensitivity

This article provides tips to optimise insulin sensitivity. The tips will also assist to: help manage blood glucose levels, prevent and/or reverse type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk factors, PCOS and other insulin resistant associated conditions.

improve insulin sensitivity exercise tips

Improve insulin sensitivity with these exercise tips

Insulin plays an essential role in the body, from facilitating the movement of sugar (glucose) into the cells, to promoting muscle synthesis, to stimulating the growth of new cells. However, like most things in life, we want just the right...

insulin resistance weight gain

Insulin resistance and weight gain: chicken or egg?

Whilst there is a definite relationship between insulin resistance and weight gain, which one comes first remains unclear. Both insulin resistance and weight gain are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases. Letโ€™s examine their relationship.

stress and weight gain

Stress and weight gain

During stress, we adapt our physiology and behaviour so that we are able to survive. This is known as the stress response. Under normal conditions, the stress response is vital and healthy. However, when activated repeatedly, it can have negative...

lifestyle factors and type 2 diabetes

Lifestyle factors and type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes results from genetic and lifestyle factors. The great news is, lifestyle can be changed. Changes to diet, physical activity and weight (especially body fat) levels prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes. This article covers the key lifestyle...

exercise type 2 diabetes

Exercise and type 2 diabetes

The more you move and more active you are, the more you exercise and the fitter you are, the healthier youโ€™ll be and the longer youโ€™ll live. Slightly over simplified, but you get my point!

inflammation and type 2 diabetes

Inflammation and type 2 diabetes

A well-balanced inflammatory response maintains good health, prevents illness and aids recovery. However too much of an inflammatory response, known as a low-grade inflammatory response, is associated with a host of chronic diseases, one of which is type 2 diabetes....

learn how to manage stress and chill out like a pro

Learn how to manage stress and chill out like a pro

Stress. That dreaded word that we hear more and more. We know that too much is bad for us. We know itโ€™s associated with chronic diseases, reduced immunity, poor sleep and weight gain. Unfortunately, that only seems to make the...

is low carb best for type 2 diabetes

Is low carb best for type 2 diabetes?

Expert advice on recommended carbohydrate intake for type 2 diabetes remains controversial making it particularly confusing to know how much to have. This article summarises research on the impact of a low carb diet on type 2 diabetes.

An introduction to insulin, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

An introduction to insulin, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Insulin plays a fundamental role in how food is utilised and stored. A state of insulin resistance results in metabolic dysregulation, subsequent health issues and chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Read on to find out more about insulin,...

Small Intestine Bloating

A Functional Medicine Approach to Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

In this article we look at the health of the small intestine with a particular focus on Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO for short. Our Nutritionists and Functional Medicine Practitioners regularly see SIBO and help to support clients with...

how to improve energy: the role of anaemia

How to improve your energy: The role of anaemia and what you can do about it

Our energy levels can be affected by so many things, but one of the fundamental areas to consider is that of impaired oxygen delivery or what might be more commonly associated with anaemia.

why thyroid is important image

Why the Thyroid is important and what symptoms, imbalances and testing options you should be aware of

In this article I want to introduce you to the role of the thyroid in health and disease prevention. I will overview common symptoms and imbalances that can occur as well as possible testing.

water why its important and-how much should you consume image

Water: Why itโ€™s important and how much should you consume?

There is a striking resemblance between the amount of water on this earth and the amount of water in the human body. With around 60-65% of the human body being water and 75-85% of the brain being made up of...

what is best fat to cook with image

What fats are best to cook with

With an ever-growing body of research underscoring the importance of dietary fats in our meals, discerning the most beneficial fats for cooking has never been more paramount. This article delves into the structure of fats, highlighting why preserving their integrity...

understanding hunger physical psychological cues

Understanding Hunger: Physical and psychological cues

Have you ever had a sudden urge to eat something or following a meal had a significant desire to eat more, especially something sweet? Why is it that this seems to happen at the same time of day each day...

mindful eating tips image

My Top 10 Mindful Eating Tips from Thich Nhat Hanh

Here are some tips I have taken from Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh, also known as โ€œThe Father of Mindfulnessโ€. These were taken from his short book titled How to Eat.

why we eat food and the body image

Why We Eat: Food and the Body

In this article we are going to look at the connection between food and our physiology and why food can play such an important role in optimising health and improving physique.

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Why people get “hangry” and what to do about it

In this article we are going to look at why some people get โ€œhangryโ€ after not eating for a while or between meals.

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A Functional Medicine Approach to PCOS: How to assess and manage PCOS naturally

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted condition that affects women across the globe, presenting a complex challenge to both patients and healthcare professionals alike. In the realm of functional medicine, a holistic and individualised approach to diagnosis and management...

the art of failing well image

The art of failing well

Most of us start our journey of health with massive ambitions. You feel energized, motivated and ready to turn your diet on its head, or rather, on its feet. You clear all the crisps, sweets and treats from your cupboard,...

functional medicine approach to giardia image

A Functional Medicine approach to Giardia

So youโ€™ve had a stool test and it looks like you have a Giardia infection. Giardia is a parasitic infection that can bring about a host of disruptive symptoms, affecting both digestive and overall health, yet it is rarely discussed...

what causes intestinal gas what can be done

What causes intestinal gas and what you can do about it

We all have gas, some of us more than others, but on average we all pass wind 10-15 times per day. For some excessive gas can be embarrassing, and for others a tool for child-like humour, what should be understood...

fats general overview image

Understanding Fats

Fats have had a bad rap over the past 30-40 years. The obsession around low fat products along with misinformation based upon cherry picked research has ultimately lead to a state of confusion as to whether fats are helpful or...

caffeine general overview image

Understanding Caffeine

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can help provide mental stimulation, in fact it is the worlds most consumed psychoactive drug. The media and opinion often portray caffeine as something that can be both good and bad for your health....

alcohol general overview image

Understanding Alcohol

How we all respond to alcohol is likely to be very individual but let’s explore it’s potential affects on your health and physique goals, as well as providing some ways to be more mindful and make better choices when it...

carbohydrates general overview image

Understanding Carbohydrates

Not all carbohydrates are equal and over the years the image of carbohydrates have gone from friend to foe back to friend again depending on what article or โ€œexpertโ€ you listen to.

fibre - a general overview image

Understanding Fibre

In this article I aim to provide a general overview of fibre, its benefits and the best sources to include in your diet.

protein image

Understanding Protein

In this discussion we are going to look at the role protein plays in the body, whilst determining what optimal levels are for you and reviewing whether too much protein can be bad for you.

what are phytonutrients image

What are Phytonutrients?

Weโ€™ve all heard of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, but what are phytonutrients?

nutrition & lifestyle considerations for crohn's disease image

Nutrition and lifestyle considerations for Crohnโ€™s Disease

In this article I am going to discuss the role of inflammation in the gut with a particular focus on Crohnโ€™s disease. Weโ€™ll look at the main symptoms, probable causes and what you can do to help improve your outcome.

best prebiotic probiotic foods image

The Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods and how to support Postbiotic levels

To help support the balance of bacteria in our gut there are certain foods that should feature regularly in your diet. The two food groups you should include are prebiotics and probiotics. In this article we look at why beneficial...

do you use food to self sooth image

Are you using foods to self-sooth?

In this article we look at emotional eating, how to raise awareness and some tactics to help you overcome emotional eating habits that often lead to yo-yo type dieting and an inability to achieve your health and physique goals.

7 Hidden Blocks to Female Fat Loss image

Is Thyroid Function Impacting your Weight Loss Efforts

In this article we take a quick look at how thyroid function might be affecting weight loss and how you might be able to determine if you potentially have an underlying thyroid issue.

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Why your low Secretory IgA (SIgA) levels are causing immune and digestive issues

Mucosal surfaces cover a large part of our body. The digestive tract, nose, mouth and throat are prime examples where this mucosal layer plays a critical role in supporting our health.

the importance of mindful eating image

The Importance of Mindful Eating

In this article we look at what mindful eating is and what you can do improve how you eat and the process of mindful eating.

microwave cooking how does it effect your health image

Microwave cooking: How does it affect your food and your health?

For such a common method of cooking there has been a surprisingly sparse amount of research completed on the positives or negatives of microwave cooking on our food and our health. Most of the articles / blogs online are either...

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Organic vs Non Organic Food

There is an increasing awareness with regards to organic foods vs non-organic foods, with many people choosing to buy organic for a variety of reasons, with the most popular reasons given are that of reducing toxin exposure, being better for...

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How many vegetables should I eat per day?

There is not a week that goes by without a contradictory article telling us exactly how many vegetables we must eat to stay healthy. But is there an amount that’s right for everyone? Should we be aiming for a certain...

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Mercury Detoxification Considerations

Unfortunately we have many exposures to mercury these days and some level of management is required to help prevent the poisonous effects of mercury exposure.

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A Basic Guide to Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, often referred to as deep breathing, plays a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing the functionality of our nervous system. This technique, which involves deep, rhythmic breaths from the diaphragm, encourages full oxygen exchange โ€” the beneficial trade...

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A Functional Medicine approach to performing an elimination diet

Embarking on an elimination diet can seem like a daunting endeavour. However, when guided by the principles of functional medicine, this process transforms into a powerful tool for uncovering the hidden causes of discomfort and disease. In this article, we...

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Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

In this article I would like to discuss the benefits of including Epsom Salt baths in your life and how they can help with a range of health issues.

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Nutrition strategies for connective tissue injury prevention and recovery

Following an injury, enhancing, and optimising the recovery process, is a primary concern for anyone who likes to move and feel healthy. Additionally, preventing injury is even better! Conventional treatments of rest, immobilisation, ice etc. are well known. This article...