An ancestral or traditional diet focuses on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods similar to those consumed by our ancestors, emphasising foods that are minimally processed and closer to their natural state. Adopting an ancestral diet during the postpartum period can be incredibly beneficial, as it naturally includes many of the nutrients needed for recovery after childbirth, supports breastfeeding, and helps balance hormones.

The fascinating dialogue between our muscles and brain is an area of scientific inquiry that has revealed intricate connections pivotal for our overall health, performance, and wellbeing. This crosstalk, a complex biochemical exchange, highlights the body's remarkable capacity for integration and adaptation. Understanding the mechanisms behind this dialogue not only sheds light on the holistic nature of human physiology but also opens new avenues for enhancing physical and cognitive health.

Ever wondered why when you start eating snacks like Doritos or popcorn you can’t stop going back for more? Let me reassure you it’s got absolutely NOTHING to do with your willpower and everything to do with the evil science of food engineering, which literally hijacks the brain and leaves you feeling unfulfilled.

Whilst there are incredible benefits of intermittent fasting on factors, such as reducing weight and improving insulin sensitivity, and therefore preventing diabetes, fasting can have a negative impact on the delicate web of hormones in women.

While researchers continue to explore various aspects of long COVID, one intriguing avenue of investigation is the role of the gut microbiome in shaping the trajectory of this condition. In this blog post, I delve into the fascinating interplay between the gut microbiome and long COVID, exploring how disruptions in this microbial community may contribute to symptoms and potential strategies for restoration.

The root cause of autoimmunity is a complex and multifactorial issue that is not fully understood. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own tissues and organs. While the exact cause of autoimmunity varies depending on the specific autoimmune disease, several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of illness rather than just treating the symptoms. When applied to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), functional medicine aims to understand the unique factors contributing to an individual's IBS and develop a personalised treatment plan.

The practice of intermittent fasting has long been in mainstream knowledge and one of the most common questions I get in my educational work is ‘does intermittent fasting really work?’…

My answer is, yes, it can be pretty miraculous actually in supporting healthy weight loss, improving blood sugar regulation, digestion, energy levels and brain health. However there are some caveats that I believe are important to highlight (see the end of this article).

The brain is an EXTREMELY energy hungry organ. Despite the fact that it weighs a mere 1.5kg (on average), it takes up at least 25% of the overall body’s energy requirements - that’s massive. It’s no surprise, therefore, that energy deficits in the brain drive the development of mental health conditions and cognitive health diseases.

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and encompasses a vast number of symptoms - bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, wind, pain, indigestion, acid reflux, nausea. Just like the number of symptoms, there are a large number of reasons why anyone can suffer with any of the above complaints, and this is where conventional medicine is lacking - its solutions are rarely tailored to any of the root cause of these symptoms, and instead mask them and often perpetuate them.

Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found readily available in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, have been heralded for many years for their therapeutic impact on the brain.

The ketogenic diet was first introduced by physicians in the 1920s for the treatment of childhood epilepsy, after scientists discovered that during periods of fasting the body begins to use fat as a source of energy instead of glucose, which resulted in less seizures in patients. Two specific compounds were found to be produced in the body during fasts – acetone and beta‐hydroxybutyric acid – now known as ketones, which are a byproduct of fat breakdown in the liver and are used by the body as energy when there is no more glucose available.

A growing body of research displaying clear links between high levels of inflammation in the body and depression is revealing how the serotonin model, which is based on the understanding that low mood is caused by a deficiency in serotonin and therefore supports the use of antidepressants, is becoming defunct. A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, found a 30% increase in inflammation in multiple brain regions in those suffering from depression.

Vitamin D, also widely known as nature’s version of Prozac and the sunshine Vitamin, helps regulate the amounts of calcium and phosphate in the body; these are needed to keep bones, muscles and teeth healthy. Maintaining the level of Vitamin D in the body therefore helps to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, muscle weakness and cardio vascular disease. It also plays an important role in our immune health and mental health. Very importantly, it is not just a vitamin but also has hormone-like qualities which play a role in switching genes on and off to further support our health.

So what’s the big deal with sugar and why should we watch our sugar intake? To put it simply, our bodies are not geared up, genetically, to be eating excessive amounts of sugar and refined sugar.

Have you ever considered the connection between what you are eating and your levels of stress, anxiety and fatigue? Most people wouldn't even think to join the dots between our dietary intake and our feelings. However, negative symptoms associated to chronic stress can be significantly exacerbated, as well as in some cases, triggered by what we eat.