Nutrition

20 11, 2023

Vitamins & Lifestyle Steps to Boost Cognitition & Executive Performance

2023-11-20T14:13:37+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition, Vitamins|

Seeking Improved Memory, Focus & Cognitive Function?

Natural ways to support brain health

Explore the Power of Vitamin B1 

Vitamin B1, when taken in Benfotiamine form, is a remarkable nutrient for those seeking support for brain health and cognitive function.

It is highly bioavailable and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, support energy production, and is a powerful antioxidant. This combo gives quite a punch in maintaining optimal brain health.

It is renowned for and may help with:

🧠 Enhancing memory
🤓 Improving mental clarity
🔍 Supporting focus and concentration
⚕️ Neuroprotective effects which may help protect against cognitive decline
🥱 Eases nightmares
🗣️ Helps with stutters
💤 Aids sleep
♨️ Soothes the nervous system

Remember to consult with a natural health practitioner before starting a new supplement program, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. With the right guidance, incorporating Benfotiamine may unlock the potential of your brain and lead to enhanced cognitive abilities.

Unlock Peak Performance at Work

In the fast-paced corporate world, prioritize your well-being:

📊 Combat Burnout:

Address fatigue, insomnia, and low productivity with a focus on the nervous system, adrenals, and blood sugar.

🏋️ Boost Productivity:

Work smarter with minerals, B vitamins, and natural remedies supporting overall health.

🍏 Eat for Energy:

Fuel body and mind with nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and greens.

🚶 Movement & Mindfulness:

Enhance cognitive abilities through regular physical activity and stress-management practices.

💤 Sleep:

Ensure restorative sleep for refreshed focus and energy.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance:

Strive for equilibrium with breaks, family time, and hobbies.

Book a free discovery call to find out more:
https://calendly.com/nick-dale-naturopath/free-pre-consultation-call

20 11, 2023

How to Manage ADHD Naturally

2023-11-20T13:35:55+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition, Vitamins|

Wondering About Natural Options for Managing ADHD?

Find out how to address ADHD naturally

The symptoms of ADHD are many, and very often are the result of underlying issues that need to be corrected.

Naturopathy offers a different way of addressing ADHD. It’s a multifactorial condition with behaviours stemming from a variety of overlapping triggers.

Typical triggers behind ADHD:

The first step is to uncover and identify factors that are underlying ADHD. These vary from person to person, but often will include one or some of the factors listed below. By systematically and carefully addressing each area that is identified, relief and improvement can be experienced.

1) Nutritional deficiencies

These vary from person to person, but commonly I see Omega 3, B6 and B12, Magnesium and Zinc deficiencies. Identifying and correcting these deficiencies in the correct form and amounts is an important step, and is best done under the care of a Naturopath as for some B vitamins will need to be introduced very gently and in varying forms, depending on your personal requirements.

2) Food intolerances or sensitivitie

These may be obvious or very subtle. Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities is key as they can exacerbate neuro-inflammatio

3) Low protein consumption

Ensuring sufficient protein in the diet is important to help alleviate symptoms. A nice way to start the day is with eggs, which give a nice protein boost.

4) Consuming a high glutamate diet

Glutamate is something I recommend minimising as it can overstimulate brain activity and interfere with neurotransmitter function. Correcting the balance between GABA and Glutamate is key.

5) Heavy metals

A hair mineral analysis test can help identify if there is a build up of heavy metals in the body, which in turn exacerbate symptoms.

6) Parasites and low level or residual bacterial, viral, or yeast infections

Such problems commonly exacerbate ADHD and can easily go undetected. Testing can help to pinpoint if these are an issue – symptoms can also guide us. Once identified, natural therapies can be applied.

8) Lack of exercise and fresh air

💚 If you are wanting to use natural therapies to address ADHD, it’s best to be under the guidance of a Naturopath, as the program should be carefully tailored. I like to work closely with those on the program and can explain more about the process in a free discovery call. Book your free discovery call here: https://calendly.com/nick-dale-naturopath/free-pre-consultation-call

Unlocking the Food-ADHD Connection!🍏🧠

Did you know that what you eat can hugely impact ADHD symptoms?

Paying attention to your diet is as vital as other treatments. Certain foods can worsen or ease ADHD symptoms. By recognizing what to avoid, those with ADHD can control nutrition for better well-being.

A balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for ADHD individuals. While no one-size-fits-all exists, common food triggers worsen symptoms.

AVOID

🚫 High sugar and artificial additives (preservatives, coloring) can increase hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD individuals.
🚫 Processed, nutrient-poor foods (fast food, sugary snacks, high-caffeine drinks) disrupt concentration.
🚫 Foods high in Free-Glutamate, like dairy, gluten, and MSG, intensify ADHD symptoms. Consider a Low Free-Glutamate diet.

ENJOY

✅ Protein-rich diet regulates dopamine, linked to attention and focus.
✅ Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, walnuts) support brain health and improve focus.
✅ Whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins (chicken), legumes provide vital nutrients for optimal brain function.

Diet alone might not eliminate all ADHD symptoms, but it significantly improves well-being.

I’ve seen client improvements with nutritional supplements and homeopathics. Phosphatidylserine and omega-3s stand out, but need balance and supervision.

5 10, 2023

Guide on What to Eat & When for Good Health

2023-10-05T15:43:39+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition, Vitamins|

Food = Medicine!

Find out what to eat and when to set your body up for healing and longevity

So, what should we eat every day?

Food really is medicine if you eat well and make good choices. Likewise, consuming the wrong foods can be very damaging.

Here is a general guide, that I think will suit many people:

BREAKFAST

Mostly, I recommend skipping breakfast. This doesn’t suit everybody, but generally by not eating between dinner the previous night and lunch the next day (also known as intermittent fasting) can give the following health benefits:

🔥 Reduces insulin resistance and kickstarts fat burning
⏳ Promotes cellular repair, longevity and disease prevention
🧠 Boosts brain function and clarity
✨ Helps to reset the immune system

Alternatively, vegetable juices, yoghurt and berries, or eggs are great choices.

LUNCH

Eating a meal rich in whole foods, vegetables, salads, healthy fats and some protein is ideal.

For many, I recommend keeping it low carb and keeping away from typical lunchtime favourites, such as sandwiches, sausage rolls and pies. Try to include cruciferous vegetables where you can for an extra health boost; ideally, they should be consumed once per day. Soups are a good option too.

DINNER

Unprocessed, whole foods are ideal. Having a balance with fresh vegetables/leafy greens, healthy fats, protein, and some carbohydrate (if you feel you need it) should be the goal. Examples of healthy dinners are listed below:

🐟 Grilled fish, sweet potato and vegetables
🌱 Vegetable, tofu rice and barley risotto
🍗 Traditional roast chicken meal
🥚 Omlette, salad and roasted veg
🍛 Lamb and vegetable curry
🫘 Vegetarian beans and lentil curry
🥩 Beef and vegetables
🍃 Buckwheat pesto pasta with lentil/bean salad

Is meat healthy?

You will notice that I have included meat in the examples. This is because meat offers many health benefits, particularly if it is organic or free range. What’s more, some meats are particularly rich in nutrients, minerals, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and more, at levels that are hard to reach with other foods. In fact, meats provide the most readily absorbable forms of iron and zinc, and the only meaningful source of B12, which is a crucial nutrient. In addition they are a complete protein.

This is why I personally like to eat good quality meats several times a week. I am a big fan of plant based meals too, and love all the benefits fresh vegetables and green, leafy salads provide us with. It’s a case of everything in balance, and I personally like to alternate throughout the week between meat based and vegetarian meals. But, always, with everything meal, I have a large serve of vegetables or dark, leafy greens.

Vegetarian diet

Some people will want to follow, and will suit, a purely vegetarian diet. This can be very healthy and beneficial, as long as you get sufficient protein from non-animal sources and also keep an eye on your B12 and iron levels.

Should you eat carbs?

Excessive carbs create inflammation, contribute to insulin resistance and a number of long term, degenerative health problems. Carbs are a hot topic – check out this past post to find out more How many carbs you should eat varies from person to person, and it’s something I can advise on personally for your situation.

Should I eat Keto or Paleo?

Keto and Paleo diets are excellent diets, and have helped a lot of people with optimising their health, helping with weight loss, and assisting with chronic health conditions.

How to bridge over to low carb

A lot of people find it challenging to bridge over from a diet high in carbs to a low-carb diet, such as Paleo or Keto. Natural remedies can support this transition to make it gentler and easier to stick to. If you are interested to start either of these diets, it would be good to have a chat with you first, and I can help you to structure the best way forward with it.

26 06, 2023

Why You Might Be Experiencing Thyroid Imbalance

2025-10-23T16:34:33+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition, Vitamins|

Supporting the Root Causes of Thyroid-Related Symptoms

You Don’t Have to Struggle with Tiredness, Weight Changes, or Other Signs of Thyroid Imbalance

Discovering the Cause

In Naturopathy, the focus is always on exploring and understanding the underlying patterns—not just managing surface symptoms. This is especially true when it comes to persistent tiredness.

One common contributor is thyroid imbalance. Many people who come to see me with ongoing fatigue have already visited their GP, had blood tests, and even thyroid function checks—all of which come back within normal range.

Yet they still feel exhausted.

That’s when we start looking deeper. In practice, I often find that thyroid-related symptoms are linked to broader patterns—such as adrenal stress, nutrient depletion, digestive sluggishness, or hormonal shifts. By exploring these areas, we can begin to support the body’s natural rhythm and energy levels.

I often find that thyroid-related symptoms are linked to deeper patterns—such as adrenal stress, nutrient deficiencies, digestive sluggishness, or hormonal shifts.

Does a Clear Thyroid Blood Test Rule Out Imbalance?

Many people I see with persistent tiredness have already had blood tests—including thyroid function checks—that come back within the normal range. Yet they still feel exhausted.

What Iridology Can Reveal

I often detect thyroid-related patterns through iridology, especially in those showing classic signs of imbalance. Iridology can highlight chronic stress in the thyroid, as well as insufficiencies in areas like the liver and gallbladder, which are closely linked to thyroid function.

Common Signs That May Be Linked to Thyroid Imbalance

💤 Unexplained tiredness
💓 Heart palpitations
⚖️ Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
💇‍♀️ Thinning or brittle hair and nails
😔 Low mood or emotional flatness
🤰 Fertility challenges
❄️ Sensitivity to the cold
🚫 Constipation
🌵 Dry skin

Supporting the Body as a Whole

Did you know that many thyroid-related symptoms may be linked to liver and gallbladder function?

Three Common Root Patterns

It’s rare to see a purely thyroid-based issue. In practice, I often find the root cause lies in one of three areas:

  • Liver & Gallbladder
    Around 80% of thyroid hormone is converted from its inactive form (T4) to its active form (T3) in the liver and gallbladder. Supporting bile flow and reducing congestion may help this process.
  • Adrenals
    Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue may influence thyroid rhythm. In some cases, this can contribute to autoimmune patterns. Supporting adrenal resilience is often a key step.
  • Estrogen Dominance
    Excess estrogen may block thyroid hormone receptors, making it harder for the body to use available hormones. Supporting hormonal balance through herbs, nutrition, and homeopathy can be helpful.

A Naturopathic Approach to Thyroid Support

Rather than focusing only on thyroid hormone levels, I look at the broader picture—supporting the body’s natural rhythm and addressing contributing factors gently and holistically.

How I Support Thyroid Balance

My approach focuses on exploring what’s driving the imbalance. This may include:

  • 🧬 Nutritional support (e.g. iodine, selenium, zinc, B vitamins)
  • 🧘‍♀️ Homeopathy to gently support constitutional balance
  • 🌿 Herbs to support thyroid rhythm and adrenal resilience
  • 🍽️ Dietary guidance to reduce inflammation and support metabolism

Every program is tailored to your unique story—not just your diagnosis. Through testing and constitutional assessment, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface and support the body’s natural ability to rebalance.

This information is for general guidance only and does not replace medical advice. Naturopathic support is tailored to each person’s unique needs and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual results vary.

27 05, 2023

Healthy Summer Recipes

2023-05-27T13:04:36+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

Cooking with Seasonal Produce

Feel Good this Summer

Early summer is full of wonderful produce

I love to shop at my local market and buy the seasonal vegetables. One of my favourite is courgettes, which so often it can be hard to know how to use them. Here are some recipes and ideas for the season!

Enjoy!

Recipes

This is a great versatile recipe that’s packed with nutrition. I love to eat seasonal food, and courgettes are almost ready for harvesting!

Courgettes are an often forgotten superfood

They have a very low score on the glycemic index. a high water percentage and are low in carbs and sugars. It’s also densely packed with essential nutrients, despite its pale flesh colour. It has good levels of potassium, manganese, and antioxidants.

Garlic, nutritional powerhouse

Garlic, another key ingredient, is one of the most famous superfoods, with huge amounts of research behind it. It’s been linked with a reduction in heart disease, stroke, cancer and infections.

This recipe can be vegetarian if you use vegetable stock. However, if you want to boost the healing benefits, you can use bone broth instead of vegetable stock.

It can also be dairy free – just don’t add any parmesan. The courgettes make the risotto lovely and gooey without the need for cheese.

Gut restoring bone broth

I love cooking with bone broth because of the health benefits. Bone broth promotes proper digestion by supporting the healing and sealing of the gut. It also helps to inhibit infections, such as colds and flus; fights inflammation and pain, such as in the joints, and promotes strong healthy hair, nails and bones.I use it at every opportunity when cooking for my kids and family. To find out how to make it click here https://nickdale-naturopath.co.uk/bone-broth-health-benefits/

Ingredients – serves 4 people

Risotto:

  • 250 ml of arborio rice
  • 600-700 ml of chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
  • 4 x good sized courgettes
  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce

Peso sauce:

  • 100-150 grams of basil
  • 3-4 cloves of peeled garlic
  • 6-10 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons of pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan (optional)
  • A pinch of salt (Himalayan salt is a healthy choice)

Preparing the courgettes:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Slice the courgettes in half long ways. Slice thinly the cloves of garlic and lay out over the flesh of the cut courgettes. Drizzle with olive oil and season. Then bake for 30-40 minutes.

When they’ve started to brown, remove and allow to cool. Then scoop out the flesh and garlic and mash with a fork and leave to one side in a bowl.

Making the Basil Pesto Sauce:

Place all the ingredients, except the parmesan, into a blender (or use a blending stick) and turn on until you have a paste. Add olive oil until you have the consistency of a slightly runny paste, or to your choice.

Making the rice:

Heat a pan with olive oil, stir in the rice and cook for one minute.

Add stock one ladle at a time, allow it to reduce down and for the rice to absorb most of the stock before adding the next ladle. Stir frequently throughout the process and keep adding stock until the rice is just about cooked.

Next, add the courgette and garlic mixture and stir through.

Finally add a couple of tablespoons to taste of pesto sauce.

As an additional option, you can also add grilled mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, or other vegetables in season, as well as a couple of tablespoons of parmesan.

Enjoy!

Not all fish are created equal 

Fish is renowned for being healthy. It is packed with healthy oils that help abundantly in so many areas of our health, from our brains, heart and nerves to our eyes.

Wild Alaskan Salmon is an example of some of the finest fish, packed densely with nutrients: vitamins (such as B6, B12, niacin, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus), minerals, lean protein and the beneficial omega-3 fats.

Including this particular type of salmon in your diet may offer some protection against conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, depression, high blood pressure, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes and even cancer.

Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Washington followed 2,700 healthy adults for 16 years who ate 1-2 servings per week of oily fish, such as salmon.

Results showed that adults with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids lived 2.2 years longer and had a 35% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Click here for more information about the benefits of wild salmon over farmed salmon https://nickdale-naturopath.co.uk/salmon-health/

Quick, Easy, Healthy

It couldn’t be easier to prepare, simply slice up the ingredients, put them in a jug and allow to infuse. If you can find organic cucumbers and unwaxed lemons, so much the better.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Alkalizing the body
  • Promotes digestion and stomach acid
  • Helps to gently detoxify
  • Encourages drinking more water and displaces other less healthy drinks
  • Contains phytonutrients

Good habits with fluid intake are:

  • Staying well hydrated, especially when the weather warms up, is really important.
  • Having water 20 minutes away from food is ideal. Too much water with meals weakens the activity of digestive enzymes and impedes digestion.
  • Drinking water, such as lemon and cucumber water, on an empty stomach in the morning helps cleanse the intestines and prepare the stomach for solid food.
  • Avoid fridge-cold water, as it inhibits enzyme secretion in the stomach.
  • Eliminate or reduce fluids that dehydrate the body, such as fruit juices, sodas, coffee and alcohol.

Nutritious Treat for Kids & Adults

With summer just around the corner, many of us are looking for ways to stay cool and hydrated. Did you know that iced lollies can be a healthy and delicious way to do just that?

Not only are ice lollies refreshing, but they can also be packed with nutrients. You can use natural sweeteners like honey or fruit juice, and add in fruits like berries, kiwi, and mango for extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Here’s a recipe for one of my favourite ice lolly creations:

  • 1 cup of diced mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
  • 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
  • A splash of vanilla extract

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, pour into lolly moulds, and freeze for a few hours until set. Enjoy!

Remember, staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather, and iced lollies can be a fun way to mix things up. Just be sure to choose healthy ingredients and avoid excessive amounts of sugar.

Stay cool and hydrated this summer! 🍓🌞 #healthylollies #summerfun #naturopathicmedicine #hydratingfoods #holistichealth

If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, eggs can be a great option. They are so under-rated, but are a powerhouse of nutrition 🍳

It’s something I have at least once a week for lunch. I cook them in coconut oil, which is my favourite fat to cook in. Not only is it a healthy fat, but it also has a high smoke point, meaning it is less likely to get damaged by high temperatures 🥥

In the middle of the omelette I put fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano, parsley, basil – just whichever ones I have to hand. Kitchen herbs are very nutritious, have their own medicinal properties and micronutrients 🌱

On the side I try to include rocket or another cruciferous vegetable for their health benefits, such as bok choy, broccoli, or kale. I also add other healthy accompaniments such as avocado, onion, lemon for example 🥬

I always recommend buying organic and avoid battery-hen eggs, which account for 35% of eggs sold in the UK. Organic eggs are from hens that have a GM free diet with no routine use of antibiotics. They also have a higher standard of animal welfare, free-range outside and are kept in smaller flocks

June seasonal produce

Heading into June, you can enjoy an abundance of fresh vegetables, salads and fruits. Heer are some of the things to look at for, either at the market or in the shops:

  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Basil
  • Beetroot
  • Blueberries
  • Broad beans
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cherries
  • Chives
  • Coriander
  • Courgettes
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Lettuce & salad leaves
  • Mint
  • New potatoes
  • Onions
  • Pak choi
  • Parsley
  • Radishes
  • Rocket
  • Rosemary
  • Runner beans
  • Sage
  • Samphire
  • Sorrel
  • Spinach
  • Spring onions
  • Strawberries
  • Tarragon
  • Thyme
  • Tomatoes
  • Watercress
  • Wild nettles

Cooking in season and cooking from scratch are great ways to direct your diet in a healthy direction.

11 05, 2023

Natural Approach to Allergies & Hay Fever

2025-11-05T14:20:01+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

Stinging Nettle: Natural Antihistamine to Ease Seasonal Allergies and Hay Fever

Natural Hay Fever Relief

Hay fever season is upon us, and for many, the humble stinging nettle provides quick relief. It’s amazing how nature can provide the solution just where and when we need it!

Medicinal Properties of Stinging Nettles

Natural antihistamine

Nettle comes into its own in Spring, with the nutritious and flavourful young leaves. What’s more, the antihistamine properties it has are traditionally used to relieve allergy and hay fever symptoms, from watery, sore and itchy eyes to over production of mucus and lung irritation.

Cleansing & anti-inflammatory properties

Nettle is a wonderful, cleansing, purifying herb, linked with kidney and liver function.

Furthermore, it has along history of being used to help reduce inflammation and heat in the body and relieving symptoms of arthritis.

Adrenal support

It’s also useful in helping with burnout, rundown adrenals and boosting energy.

It couldn’t be easier to source young, fresh, green nettles by foraging. What’s more, they are rich in vitamins A and C and calcium and iron.

How to Prepare Nettles

Nettle Tea

I love to drink nettle tea, and it’s wonderful how easy it is to make:

  • Simply pick a young sprig nettle leaves wearing gloves.
  • Wash the leaves.
  • Put a sprig in a mug of freshly boiled hot water and allow to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Remove the sprig and drink the tea.

Nettle Soup

Enjoy this nutritious, tasty soup while also reaping the health benefits.

Ingrediets:

  • Nettle leaves
  • Coconut oil x 1 tablespoon
  • Garli x 2 cloves
  • Leak x 1
  • Sweet potato x 1
  • Stock, either vegetable or chicken

Directions

  • Wearing gloves, fill a saucepan full of nettle leaves and wash thoroughly.
  • Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan and gently fry the garlic, leak and onion.
  • Add the chopped sweet potato.
  • Cover the ingredients with vegetable or chicken stock (home made if possible.)
  • Add Himalayan salt and black pepper, and if you like it spicy add some chili powder.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Blend with a blending stick.

There are other remedies to help with hay fever and allergies, such as nutritional supplements and homeopathics. If you would like further assistance with this, please get in touch.

20 04, 2023

This or That – Which is Best for Your Health?

2023-04-20T14:45:38+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

This or That?

Which is best for your health?

Healthy eating goal

My general dietary advice is to follow a low carb, low sugar diet. I also recommend avoiding unhealthy fats and consuming plenty of nutritious whole foods and vegetables. Following this as much as possible is ideal, but of course occasionally rules get broken.

Making choices while out

With the warm summer weather on its way, as well as the King’s Coronation and bank holidays approaching, there tends to be more socialising, disrupting our usual eating pattern.

When you’re under the care of a Naturopath, or taking care to follow a healthy diet, or on a treatment program, it’s easy to worry about undoing all the good work if you stray. You can minimise this by making good choices when out. Remember too that if rules are broken, just get back into your routine and the gains are there to be had.

Simple switches & choices you can make

Avoid packaged drinks

Nothing beats mineral water. But, I realise, when you go out, you might want more than a glass of pure, plain water. There are choices for healthy soft drinks these days, but they don’t come in a carton or bottle.

Avoid:

Keep away from fizzy, sugary, caffeinated drinks, as well as diet drinks and packaged fruit juices and squashes.

Choose:

Home made soft drinks with a water base are best. Really refreshing and tasty soft drinks can include things like water infused with cucumber, mint, lemon, orange, or any mix of fresh fruits and herbs.

Not all breads are created equal

So often when we go out, bread is on offer. For example, if you try to buy a take away lunch you’ll undoubtedly find a choice of sandwiches, or as a side in a restaurant. I recommend you stay away from breads as much as possible.

Avoid:

Avoid ultra-processed, white breads. It has no nutritional value, depletes the body of nutrients, and promotes insulin resistance.

Choose:

I really can’t say to you that any bread is healthy. But it is very true to say that not all breads are created equal, some are much better than others.  If you are going to eat bread, opt for authentic sourdough (not mass-produced), dark rye breads, sprouted grains breads, or unleavened breads.

Opt for fresh, unprocessed, whole food

If you are out and being offered a meal or party food, try to keep an eye out for whole food and unprocessed snacks and avoid things that appear to be very processed or fried.

Avoid:

Crisps, peanuts, anything pastry based or highly processed.

Avoid heavy carbs like pasta dishes, high sugar foods, and highly processed meals.

Choose:

Vegetable sticks, dips such as humus, guacamole, salsa, etc, nuts (exept peanuts due to their high omega 6 content), and things that are homemade.

Opt for whole food meals, such as fish and vegetables/salads.

Keep your sugar intake down as much as possible

I don’t want to be a party pooper, but it’s a good idea to steer clear of most deserts. They are sugary, very often creamy, heavy and they are probably the main thing to avoid.

If you are out for dinner, why not have a starter instead of a dessert.

Avoid:

Desserts that are packed with cream, sugar, pastry, and which are highly processed.

Choose:

If you are going to have a dessert, then fruit based desserts, such as poached fruit or fruit salads would be better.

Low carb, low processed, low sugar

Many of us need to buy lunch on the move. If we’re doing this day after day we need to think a bit more carefully about our choices.

Avoid:

Processed breads, pastries, processed meats (hams, salamis, sausage), and hard cheesse. Also, avoiding salad dressings made with sunflower, vegetable or rapeseed oils is recommended. Salad dressings should be with cold-pressed virgin olive oils peferably.

Choose:

Soups, salads, vegetarian or vegetable-based meals.

Final tips

  1. If you know you’re going to be eating out, it’s always a good idea to top up beforehand or afterwards with something super healthy. For example, this might be a nutritious green shake, superfood salad, powerhouse soup, or bone broth.
  2. Try intermittent fasting to give your body a chance to recover. This can be as simple as missing breakfast.
  3. Keep hydrated with pure water to help flush your system.
  4. Many people will want to know about alcohol. The main advice I have on this is that if you are rundown or you have any health issues, I don’t recommend it.
  5. Typically restaurants will add extra salt and sugar to their dishes to give additional flavouring. They will also often cook with unhealthy fats. It’s okay every now and then, but not ideal regularly.

24 03, 2023

How to Restore Gut Flora With Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fermented Food

2025-11-05T14:26:11+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

Restore Gut Flora With Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fermented Food

Taking care of your gut health is a key for nearly every aspect of our wellbeing

It might seem strange that gut health can impact how we feel emotionally, our susceptibility to urinary tract infections, migraines, acne, autoimmune conditions and even our predisposition to serious disease. But in my experience, I see it as key in all these conditions and many, many more.

Gut bacteria

We all have trillions of bacteria living inside us, most of which is in our gut, and the majority are harmless. What’s more, some are helpful. But, there are a small number that are not healthy and can cause or contribute to disease.

Gut microbiome

Our gastrointestinal tract is colonized by many microorganisms, not just bacteria, but also archaea, viruses, fungi and protozoa. These microorganisms make up what we call the gut microbiota, microbiome or intestinal microflora, and can have a profound effect on our health.

Everyone has their own unique microbiome, impacted over time by illness, stress and antibiotic use.

Benefits of healthy bacteria

Making sure your gut bacteria is optimised and in balance is a vital step. It can’t be overstated.

Probiotics work by changing the balance of your gut bacteria. The goal is that the good bacteria crowd out the bad in your intestine. In turn, this stops the bad bacteria from multiplying and causing infection and inflammation issues.

An example of how this works, is how a healthy, well-balanced gut, will keep yeast at lower levels to help prevent yeast overgrowth.

Some of the benefits you might experience can include:

How to improve gut bacteria

Colonising your gut with good microorganisms or healthy bacteria can be done either with supplements or diet, such as:

  • Probiotic supplements, which are friendly bacteria that come in a range of strains and potencies.
  • Fermented foods
  • Prebiotics

Probiotics

I often use probiotics in my practice. The main reason for this is that I know that the best suited strain can be taken consistently at a specified dose. However, fermented foods and prebiotics are really helpful and great to take also.

Strains of probiotics

Not surprisingly, there are many strains of probiotics. Research has found that certain strains help more specifically with certain conditions, such as weight loss or depression.

Spore-forming, soil-based probiotics are a notable type of probiotic that are gaining momentum, and something I often use.

Here are some common probiotic strains:

  • Bacillus coagulans
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum
  • Bacillus clausii
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Lactobacillus fermentum
  • Lactobacillus gasseri
  • Lactobacillus plantarum
  • Lactobacillus reuteri
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus
  • Lactobacillus sporogenes
  • Saccharomyces boulardii

Which probiotics should you take?

Strains can be matched to individual health conditions, such as the following:

  • Bowel infection

    For example if someone has a bowel infection after the use of antibiotics, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Saccharomyces boulardii is very well suited to target this. It has other specific uses too, and is something I frequently use in addressing Candida overgrowth and diarrhoea.

  • Weight loss

    There are several areas I look at to help with weight loss, but gut bacteria is one of them. There are 5-6 strains that can be looked at to help with weight loss. One notable type is the two strains of Lactobacillus gasseri, BNR17 and SBT2055. This has been found to be effective in reducing weight and increasing fat loss.
    – A 2010 study found that Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 helped reduce bodyweight, abdominal fat, subcutaneous fat, BMI, and hip and waist circumference after 12 weeks.
    – Another study in 2018 found that high dose supplementation with Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 significantly decreased visceral fat tissue. Both high and low dose BNR17 supplementation significantly reduced waist circumference after 12 weeks.

  • Immune function

    Again there are many ways naturopathically to help boost immunity. Probitics are an important part of this, with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis being two of the best strains for this.

Fermented foods

A serve of fermented foods such as sauerkraut and Kieffer can actually have more probiotics in them than a capsule. However, where targeted strains are needed, I opt for supplements. Having said this, fermented foods are very beneficial and shall be the subject of another newsletter.

Prebiotics

These help to set up the environment for probiotics to flourish. Including prebiotics in your diet is an excellent way to help restore a healthy microbiome. I recommend trying to include prebiotic foods such as chicory root, dandelion green, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and bananas in your diet.

Stool tests

One of the great ways to determine the condition of your gut flora and gut health is through a GI360 test. These are available through my practice and I can advise you on the results and recommended steps to rebalance and optimise gut flora and gut health.

30 01, 2023

Gut Health Checklist

2023-01-30T16:54:47+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

Is Your Gut Affecting Your Health

When gut health is compromised it can have a domino affect across our health, often without obvious symptoms and impacting multiple areas of our life

Bowel health is something I talk about a lot because it’s such a frequent underlying cause or contributing factor behind so many health problems; it can’t be over emphasised. For example, headaches, skin problems, urinary tract issues, sinus problems and more are often related. 70% of our immune system is tied up with the gut bacteria, so when this is out of balance it has a ripple affect.

I’ve put together a questionnaire below. It’s worth noting that anybody can have some of these occassionally, such as a headache or upset tummy, but when symptoms become troublesome or chronic, and where you notice two or more, it is a good idea to address your gut health.

Gut Heath Checklist

  1. Do you experience constipation often?
  2. Do you experience diarrhoea otten?
  3. Do you have IBS (swings between constipation and loose bowels)?
  4. Do you experience uncomfortable or frequent burping?
  5. Do you have excessive wind?
  6. Do you experience bloating or abdominal pain?
  7. Have you taken antibiotics before?
  8. Have you had food poisoning before?
  9. Have you had a bowel infection before, such as C. Diff?
  10. Do you have skin problems?
    1. Acne
    2. Rosacea
    3. Dermatitis
    4. Psoriasis
    5. Eczema
  11. Do you experience regular headache issues?
  12. Do you have recurrent or chronic urinary tract issues?
  13. Do you have fungal or Candida issues?
  14. Do you have trouble with Bacterial Vaginosis?

Natural medicine is a wonderful way to help rebalance and correct bowel health. There are a wide range of targeted and specific probiotics, as well as antifungals, antibacterials and herbs to sooth and health the gut wall.

Iridology is useful for picking up issues with the digestive tract, and in some cases further testing, such as a stool test, can be benefiial.

Please get in touch if you would like any help in these areas.

6 01, 2023

Is a Low Fat Diet Good For you?

2023-01-06T15:12:00+00:00By |Ailments, Foods, Nutrition|

U-Turn on Fats & Oils

Low fat diets are outdated and unhealthy. What’s more, some fats are pro-health and help protect us from heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cognitive decline & much more

Supermarket shelves are still lined with packaged foods that are ‘Low Fat’, ‘Cholesterol Lowering’, ‘Lite’ and more, in line with the idea that a low fat diet is healthy.

Dated Advice

This is a legacy from 1980s health advice. Mounting evidence today is turning this advice on its head. In fact, the potential health consequences of following such a diet are only now being examined and coming to light.

Recent research (The Lancet Study) found that low fat diets could raise the risk of early death by nearly 25%. 135,000 adults took part, and those who restricted intake of fats had much shorter lives than those who enjoyed butter, cheese and meat.

Health Impact of a Low Fat Diet

The National Obesity Forum together with the Public Health Collaboration have made a call for a “major overhaul” of current dietary guidelines, which encourage a low-fat diet. In their report, which is based on 43 studies, they found that:

  • High fat diets are preferable in relation to weight loss
  • Calorie counting is not beneficial
  • Exercise doesn’t compensate for the wrong diet
  • Saturated fat doesn’t cause heart disease
  • Avoid processed foods labelled ‘low fat’ or ‘low cholesterol’
  • Snacking contributes to weight gain

Dr Aseem Malhotra (Consultant cardiologist) said it was time “for a complete U-turn” in Britain’s approach to diet, and demonization of fat. The sooner we do that the sooner we reverse the epidemic in obesity and diabetes and the sooner start improving health.”

Change in Public Policy

Public policy is hard to change for many reasons, such as industry interests, threat to public trust in Government agencies and advice, and careers being tied in with certain recommendations. While response to the report was mixed, Public Health England’s chief nutritionist, Alison Tedstone, PhD said recommending a high-fat, low-carb diet as “irresponsible and potentially deadly,”

Good Fats and Bad Fats

Not all fats are equal, and some fats are harmful, while others are absolutely vital for good health. The main fats to go out of your way to avoid are trans fats and highly refined polyunsaturated omega-6 vegetable oils. To avoid such fats involves checking labels on packaged foods.

Fats to Enjoy

  • Olives and olive oil (use it cold, not to be cooked with)
  • Coconuts and coconut oil (can withstand higher temperatures without oxidizing)
  • Organic, grass fed butter
  • Raw nuts (avoid peanuts)
  • Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Grass-fed, preferably organic meats
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Eggs
  • Omega-3 fats

Fats to Avoid

Highly refined vegetable oils: eg sunflower oil, palm oil, peanut oil, soy oil, canola oil, rapeseed oil, margarine – most supermarket pre-baked goods contain these, such as biscuits, mass produced bread, potato chips, cakes, pastries, etc.

Feedback from my clients is that most are still told by doctors and dieticians that they should avoid animal fats and eat vegetable oils and margarine to help protect particularly against heart disease. Recent research shows that heart disease is not contributed to by animal fats, but by excess carbohydrates and sugars. This can become confusing and is controversial. If you would like to speak to me about this in more detail please get in touch, you can also do more research online and examine for yourself the research that is throwing this advice into question. When under the care of your doctor for particular health conditions, I recommend staying in touch with them about any changes you wish to make.

If you have questions about how to include healthy fats in your diet please get in touch, I’m very happy to discuss it with you.

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