Natural Medicine Podcast

URGENT MESSAGE: Denise has generously organised a 20% discount for the first 60 people to purchase her upcoming 28 Day WholeFood Challenge course beginning in January 2024:Use the code: NatMedPodcast20We're born with a genetic blueprint, including some variations we may have acquired along the way. These variations, called SNPs (short for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), influence certain characteristics of our DNA blueprint to change gene expression. What we now know is that diet can have effects on gene expression  leading to powerful effects on our health.And what better clinician to lead us through how to master your genes using food, than Dr Denise Furness.Strap in and have the rewind button handy. This is an information-packed podcast!ReferencesMCM6 - lactoseMCM6 is located upstream from the LCT gene, which produces the enzyme lactase required to digest lactose. MCM6 influences LCT and lactase expression.PMID: 11788828, PMID: 12915462, PMID: 15114531HLA-DQ haplotypes - Gluten Human leukocyte antigen (HLA system) encodes the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). These genes code for antigens (proteins) that help cells recognise self versus non-self. Genetic variations within HLA-DQA1 & HLA-DQB1 are linked to coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions.PMID: 30763397, PMID: 29244800MTHFR FolateMTHFR converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5,10 methyleneTHF) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). 5-MTHF is needed to convert homocysteine to methionine, therefore MTHFR supports methylation (making SAM) reactions throughout the body.MTHFR 677 T allele and increased risk for lower folate and higher homocysteine levels PMID: 25788000, 24091066, 7647779,  9545395 APO-E Alzheimer's, LipidsAPOE’s main phenotypes are caused by the combination of two SNPs that combine to form the genotypes/isoforms of ε2, ε3 and ε4 or E2, E3, E4. The E4 allele is associated with higher LDL levels and cardiovascular and neurological complications. PMID: 25328986, PMID: 11882522SLC30A8 - zinc transporterSpecific to pancreatic islets and mainly expressed in β-cells that transport zinc from the cytoplasm into insulin secretory vesicles. Allelic variants have been associated with glucose and pro-insulin levels and confer susceptibility to insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PMID: 28218639, 17463249, 30936916.FTO and MC4R - weight and obesityFat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO)Melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) PMID: 31954858, 19079261, 26888713

Most parents go through a period where their child becomes a picky eater, but some children experience excessive anxiety and severely restrictive eating habits. So much so that their microbiota and hence their entire gut health become markedly impaired. Moreover, the normal strategies we think would help overcome fear of food might actually compound anxiety towards trying new, healthier foods.Lisa Moane is consummately credentialed to help children with food-related anxiety. With 3 children of her own, Lisa weaves together the technical know how with the practicalities of family life to ensure achievable positive outcomes for children. Lisa holds a B.Hsc in Naturopathy, an Adv Diploma in Nutritional Medicine, a Masters in Food Science, and is also an SOS Feeding Therapist Level 3.  In today's episode, Part 1 of a 2-part series, we'll explore the causes and  drivers of "food anxiety". Listen in as we delve into the ways in which healthy eating patterns go awry, and how, through gentle but thoughtful ways, we can help an anxious child overcome aberrant eating behaviours.Subscribe to the Training Course Waiting ListREFS TBC

Hi guys, Bear with me.Shownotes and synopsis up soon.In the meantime:https://www.tabithahealey.com/https://hcanza.org/ 

Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the second leading cause of death for Australians, and has been for several years. Sadly, research is suggesting that the disease burden of dementia, AD and other conditions of cognitive decline is only going to continue to rise. So, what can we be doing to safeguard our patient's brain health? Today's guest is Bec Guild, a naturopath, herbalist and the scientific comms manager from the Australian nootropics  supplement company, myBrainCo. In today's episode, Bec takes us through the signs, symptoms and risk factors of declining brain wellbeing. She shares how we can use herbs and nutrients with proven nootropic benefits to support our patient's brain longevity. 

Skin conditions can be tricky and frustrating for both patient and practitioner. This is where the skills of Rebecca Hughes shine. Her detective-like  approach in her quest to help her patients plus years of clinical practice have given her significant expertise in managing skin conditions. Today we embark on Part 1 of Atopic Dermatitis, commonly called Eczema, how we can tease the presentation apart from other disorders. We'll discuss where the foundations of natural medicine (ie. the gastrointestinal immune response) is placed in the therapeutic approach, considering the significant stress which patients are in, and delve into some of the best approaches and pitfalls of common therapies.We can't tell you much now, but this is the herald of something exciting for practitioners in the near future. Also, watch out for Part 2 of Eczema, plus further episodes on how we can help patients with other skin disorders. REFERENCES:Etiology of Atopic Dermatitis:Atopic Dermatitis. Health Topics. Nat Inst Athr Musculoskel Skin Dis. Stanway A. Atopic Dermatitis. Dermney NZ. 2004 Feb. Updated: Jarret P. 2021 Feb, 2023 May. (Accessed 2023 Sept 24). Galli E, Cincola B, Carello R, et al. Atopic Dermatitis. Acta Biomed. 2020;91(Suppl 11):e2020011.  Guttate Psoriasis:Saleh D, Tanner LS. Guttate Psoriasis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. [Updated 2023 Jul 31] (Accessed 2023 Sept 24): Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Al-Tameemi A, Elyoussfi S, Coulson I. Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Dermnet NZ. 2023 Mar. (Accessed 3023 Sept 24). Nutritional Approach to inflammatory skin disorders: Diotallevi F, Campanati A, Emanuela Martina E, et al. The Role of Nutrition in Immune-Mediated, Inflammatory Skin Disease: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Feb; 14(3): 591.Kanda N, Hoashi T, Saeki H. Nutrition and Atopic Dermatitis. J Nippon Med Sch. 2021 Jun 30;88(3):171-177.Balić A, Vlašić D, Žužul K, et al. Omega-3 Versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan 23;21(3):741.Charoenngam N, Holick MF. Immunologic Effects of Vitamin D in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2020 Jul;12(7):2097. Histamine Intolerance:Histamine Intolerance (impaired histamine degradation)Low-Histamine Diet in Atopic DermatitisHistamine Intolerance- A Pseudoallergic reaction

It's not often that you get an expert, orthodox OR functional, who has walked the path of "patient" and so knows that journey intimately. Even more rare is one who has been touched by cancer. Rarer still one who has recovered from recurrence and metastases. Eddie Enever is THAT practitioner. He has had his fair share of ups and downs in life. He's battled with cancer and survived not once, but three times, struggled with anxiety and depression, experienced a marriage break up, and financial demise. He not only survived but now thrives living a life full of deep connection, meaning and purpose. He TRULY knows the stressful journey of those diagnosed with cancer, and indeed how this sinister diagnosis affects not just themselves but their family, friends and indeed their whole social network. Eddie was so powerfully moved by his own experience that he now devotes his clinical time to help patients learn the lessons of healing and find meaning to their cancer diagnosis. He has developed a course for patients to help them navigate this tricky web and find their path back to living and loving life. After working with thousands of clients in his role as a health professional, he has developed a unique way of seeing past the facades, drawing out blockages, perceptions and limiting belief systems and empowering his patients to discover their own unique gifts, talents, and power to change their lives. Listen in as we delve into Eddie's journey and his pearls of wisdom for those touched by cancer.Resources:Your Oncologist is not your enemy eBook:A diagnosis of cancer is one of the most terrifying and overwhelming experiences one can go through. The doctor-patient relationship is a powerful aspect of healing. I wrote this eBook especially for people like you who find themself facing cancer. This eBook guides you as to how to effectively communicate with your oncologist about your cancer-care. Your Guide to Integrative Oncology eBook:This eBook is essential reading if you want to take control of your journey with cancer and build a holistic, comprehensive and integrative approach to your treatment and create your own statistics.Your Hero’s Journey Online Cancer Support ProgramUse this exclusive link for NMP listeners to receive 20% off ($99)!The ultimate program that guides you through every aspect of the cancer journey, from diagnosis and how to effectively communicate with your oncologist, to choosing your treatments and the ways you can best complement those treatments. You'll learn how to manage cancer anxiety and discover meaning and purpose within your diagnosis. No stone is left unturned with this comprehensive ONLINE program presented by experienced naturopath, cancer coach and 3 time cancer survivor Eddie Enever. 

The Cell-Logic 2023 Symposium will be held in Brisbane on the 4th & 5th of November.Emerging Nutrition Science is unfolding our understanding of the thousands of bioactive molecules which influence gene expression; this knowledge must change the way we practise nutritional therapies. This Symposium has been convened to highlight and simplify the complex and intricate interactions between food-derived molecules and human cells.Twelve speakers from around the globe will guide you in unveiling the Secret Language of Food, a programme which is superbly complemented by an experiential gastronomic journey that includes a "Taste the Science" educational event and a Mediterranean-themed gala event, "Dinner in the Vineyard". Book now to secure your ticket!

From a short interview with a chirpy young lady at NatEx 2020, I've come to respect the juggernaut mindset of Samantha Gemmell. I thought that being a Virtual Assistant (VA) was just about setting appointments and "manning* the phones" while the main practitioner was helping patients. I was SO WRONG! Today, Sam takes us through what a VA is, the numerous tasks and responsibilities placed on a VA, and how to find one if you're a practitioner in need of another set of hands/ears/eyes/mind. In the years she's been a VA herself, to now mentoring others and matching those she helps with appropriate practitioners, Sam has developed support collateral, algorithms, and her mentorship program "to help others to help others". It's her way of giving back to the practitioner world and she's nothing less than awesome! Listen in! You're bound to learn heaps like I did!FREE GUIDE: https://samanthagemmell.simplero.com/ultimate-guide-rockstar-health-va*forgive the misogyny 

Further to Carolyn's Urgent Callout for candidates in her Trial, today we delve into the MTHF controversy and how it affects fertility, miscarriage and a host of other conditions. Notwithstanding that just having a podcast is like hacking at an iceberg with an icepick (there's SO much to learn!), we'll chat about Carolyn's trial for her PhD Thesis, MTHFR biochemistry, appropriate testing, current controversies in the "folate versus folic" debate, and the groundswell against folic acid food fortification and supplementation in a substantial portion of the population. Heaps of links to learn from below!TBC...Link to Carolyn's UTS Trial.

PLEASE READ/LISTEN!Carolyn Ledowsky  is well-known for her expertise in supporting people with MTHF  Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Carolyn has an urgent callout for all practitioners to help her find suitable candidates for her PhD Trial. These candidates are your patients who have suffered multiple miscarriages.There's an upcoming podcast to learn more, but for now, please help in securing enough trial participants so we can get the clearest picture of what works with regard to Folic Acid versus MTHF supplementation.Link to Trial Participation.References TBC

Throughout your clinical career, physical assessments will be integral in crystallising a naturopathic diagnosis and directing care. Many assessments seem mundane (the expert clinician will often appraise their patients subconsciously), but done correctly and with cognisance they can reveal hidden pathology that is often missed by those who skip them . Take Blood Pressure (BP), for instance. It is one of the cardinal vital signs along with pulse, respirations and temperature, but how often do we repeat these measurement in our patients? But let's not stop at the usual medical assessments. What about patients' posture, symmetry, vitality, fingernails, eyes, hair, gait, thyroid palpation...and how much can we attend to all these assessments when consulting remotely? Today Katie Barron takes us through how critical these and other physical assessments can be in choosing the correct course of action and cementing your place as a responsible healthcare professional, not the least of which is referral to appropriate medical care when necessary. Katie is masterful at being present with her patients and she demands excellence in those she tutors.   REFERENCESKatie Barron- Free Stuff for PracsKatie Barron- Mini-TrainingsKatie Barron's Full course (Contact Katie for Discount) Aetiological Sieve Mnemonic: See("C") That Italian Vase Now Has Many New Dried Peas In It(Stands for the initials: C, T, I, V, N, H, M, N, D, P, I, I.)Possible causes: Congenital, Trauna, Inflammation (Infection or Autoimmune), Vascular, Neoplastic, Hormonal, Musculoskeletal, Nutritional, Drugs, Psychiatric, Idiopathic, Idiosyncratic. Rehman R, et al. Blood Pressure Measurement. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.  [Updated 2022 Dec 28] (Accessed 2023 Feb 22).  Sapra A, et al. Vital Sign Assessment. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. [Updated 2023 May 1] (Accessed 2023 Feb 22). Belleza M. Head-to-Toe Assessment: Complete Physical Assessment Guide. Fundamentals of Nursing. NurseLabs. [Updated 2023 Jul 2] (Accessed 2023 Mar 01).  The Stanford Medicine 25. Stanford Medicine. Stanford University. (Accessed 2023 Mar 01). NB: ALWAYS REMAIN WITHIN SCOPE OF PRACTICE! Natural Medicine Podcast and Natural Medicine Partners Pty Ltd shall be held harmless in all undertakings and accept no responsibility for your actions. Refer to Natural Medicine Partners Full Terms and Conditions.

When women are faced with a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) to explain their fertility issues, hirsutism, acne and possible weight gain they are often left scrambling for help. All too often, they feel unsupported, misunderstood and are left with their symptoms not managed optimally. In today's episode we discuss why PCOS is probably a misnomer, given the fact that "polycystic ovaries" isn't the hallmark of this disorder. Rather, newer guidelines reveal ovarian androgens being the major reason, and the new target, for the syndrome picture. Moreover the classical "apple-shaped" obesity has been shown to be false. Rebecca Hughes, a Naturopath and Functional Medicine Practitioner at the Melbourne Functional Medicine Clinic is a super-sleuth who's caring nature won't let her rest until she fully understands what's causing her patients' ill-health. Rebecca is not just expert and handling complex hormonal disorders, but skillful at remedying them as well!In today's episode, we'll discuss presenting symptoms, the underlying pathology, and appropriate nutritional, herbal and lifestyle measures to help these women regain hormonal control and regain their previous vitality. REFERENCES:Teede H, Misso M, Costello M, et al. and the International PCOS Network. International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Monash University, Melbourne Australia 2018. (Accessed 2023 May 23). [Full Text]  Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, et al. Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. [Full Text]  Grant P, Ramasamy S. An update on plant derived anti-androgens. Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Spring;10(2):497-502. [Full Text] 

Histamine intolerance is a growing concern, but confusion still surrounds its prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. Certainly histamine is far more than a biogenic amine which causes runny nose, flushing and other allergy symptoms. Indeed, histamine is involved in a diverse array of metabolic processes from regulation of temperature, normal sebum production and stomach acid release to estrogen metabolism, acne, brain fog and a multitude of gastrointestinal symptoms often ascribed to other conditions. Today Joanne Kennedy takes us through her clinical experience with histamine intolerance and what drove her to write an eBook and other resources for practitioners to learn about this confounding condition.REFERENCES:Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1185-1196. [Full Text] Erdag D, Merhan O, Yildiz B. Proestos C, editor. Biogenic Amines [Internet]. IntechOpen; 2019. Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, et al. Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art. Biomolecules. 2020 Aug;10(8):1181. [Full Text]  Schnedl WJ, Enko D. Histamine Intolerance Originates in the Gut. Nutrients 2021;13:1262. [Full Text]Zhao A, Sun J, Liu Y. Understanding bacterial biofilms: From definition to treatment strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2023;13:1137947. [Full Text]  Roy R, Tiwari M, Donelli G, et al. Strategies for combating bacterial biofilms: A focus on anti-biofilm agents and their mechanisms of action. Virulence. 2018;9(1):522-554. [Full Text] Mohamed SH, Mohamed MSM, Khalil MS, et al. Combination of essential oil and ciprofloxacin to inhibit/eradicate biofilms in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Appl Microbiol. 2018 Jul;125(1):84-95. [Abstract] Schnedl WJ, Schenk M, Lackner S, et al. Diamine oxidase supplementation improves symptoms in patients with histamine intolerance. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2019 Dec; 28(6): 1779–1784. [Full Text]  Kettner L, Seitl I, Fischer L. Toward Oral Supplementation of Diamine Oxidase for the Treatment of Histamine Intolerance. Nutrients 2022;14:2621. [Full Text]  Selvam T, Schwieger W, Dathe W. Histamine-binding capacities of different natural zeolites: a comparative study. Environ Geochem Health. 2018;40:2657-2665. [Full Text] 

What springs to mind when someone mentions that a child has AD/HD? (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Previously separated to ADD or ADHD)      Running around the classroom disrupting other kids?      Anger outbursts where a child storms out of class?      Inability to concentrate and subsequent poor school work?      What about psychological pain and confusion at your body's lack of control of your own thoughts?      What about bodily fatigue from auditory over-stimulation?      What about loneliness, sadness and frustration at your own lack of impulse control? These are just a hint of the pain and frustration that ADD/ADHD kids, and indeed adults, persevere. What's worse is that many of these kids go without optimal help, perhaps just living on white food and medicines. Well, Fin Mackenzie is here to change that! Fin understands the hurdles facing kids with ADD/ADHD. Over her years of clinical experience, she's helped many kids to accept and manage their condition and to find their gifts in living with AD/HD. The success of her approach has led her to write a course for health practitioners (coming soon!), where she goes through all the practical steps necessary to optimise kids’ mental, social and physical health. Today we discuss AD/HD diagnostic criteria and the foods, nutrients and herbs that can support their wellbeing. We explore aspects to how they feel and what they need in social and schooling circles and how their brains work differently to process the world and circumstances around them. Fair warning; it's a long podcast! There's a lot to cover…and more to come in her forthcoming course! Stay tuned!RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington DC, USA: APA. 2022.  Diagnostic Manuals. RANZCP. Rhys Price-Robertson. Diagnosis in Mental Health. Institute of Family Studies, Aust Govt. 2018 Jul (Accessed 2022 Dec 2)Your Health in Mind. Expert mental health information for everyone. RANZCP. 2023 (Accessed 2023 May 24). ADD/ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. MINDD Foundation. 2023 (Accessed 2023 May 24). Patrick RP, Ames BN. Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. FASEB J. 2015 Jun;29(6):2207-22. [Full Text] Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al. The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based Conclusions about the Disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Sep;128:789-818. [Full Text]  

The transition from  student to fully-fledged practitioner is daunting for any professional, but every once in a while you meet someone who really got organised from the get-go for their future career.Meet Naomi Read, a Nutritionist who furthered her acumen to be a Naturopath (about to graduate when this podcast was recorded) and was so uninspired by the business curriculum during her college degree that she wrote an eBook to help not only herself, but her student friends.Naomi personifies the true health professional and her words, "...holding space for the patient" reveal a wisdom beyond her youth.In this podcast we discuss Naomi's impression of the shortcomings of preparation for  a practitioner business, how developing an eBook was borne from her verbatim answering of questions from her cohort, how her attending an NHAA event cemented her connection to her colleagues and her chosen career and how a bowl of lemons on her kitchen table was a lightbulb moment for her business.Listen in if you're a student Nutritionist, Herbalist or Naturopath and want a head start on preparing your future self for successful business life.Naomi Read: naomi@thebowloflemons.com.auwww.bowloflemons.com.aueBook: https://www.thebowloflemons.com.au/store/p/startingabusiness Book - Starting business for Dummies by Veechi Curtis:https://booko.com.au/w/1213887/Small-Business-for-Dummies_by_Veechi-CurtisJon Wardle, SCU: https://www.scu.edu.au/about/contacts/staff-directory/staff/48453.phpNHAA:https://nhaa.org.au/why-join/how-to-join/ Nutrition Consultants Australia - Yvonne Coleman: https://nutritionconsultantsaustralia.com.au/products/medications-and-nutrition/manual.aspx

In today's episode we explore the paradigms of bias in the natural and orthodox health care profession. As my guest, naturopath Geraldine Headley explains, we need to be aware of how insidiously our unconcious bias to "big nature" may be influencing therapeutic decisions. In our candid discussion, Geraldine urges practitioners to explore whether pecuniary interests are playing a role in clinical decision making.  As a mentor to the complementary medicine profession, I love how Geraldine raises this issue for discussion and brings awareness to the fact that 'big pharma' isn't the only player influencing health care.  Connect with Geraldine HeadleyRESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Vitamin D interactions:Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Duntas L, Kanakis GA, et al. Drug-induced endocrinopathies and diabetes: a combo-endocrinology overview. Eur J Endocrinol. 2019. 181:R73-R105. Coenzyme Q10 does not interact with warfarin:Engelsen J, Nielsen JD, Hansen KFW. [Article in Danish] [Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on warfarin dosage in patients on long-term warfarin treatment. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 Apr 28;165(18):1868-71. Coenzyme Q10 does interact with warfarin (look closely at the wording!):Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2007 Sep;27(9):1237-47. 

We know that pregnancy can take a toll on a woman's body and involves prioritisation of nutrition to the fetus (foetus) at the expense of the mother.  We also know that this can result in significant depletion of nutrients, and furthermore can even result in  structural changes to the mother's brain tissue.It's no wonder, then, that there's a thing called pregnancy brain, and that women suffer from extreme fatigue, sometimes months, or even years after giving birth.Stress hormones play havoc with maternal hormonal balance and immunity. When does this depletion become pathological? When does post-partum fatigue become a problem? And what other issues face women after giving birth? Today we are joined by naturopath, Georgia Marrion. Georgia is an expert in supporting women both during their pregnancy and in the post-partum period. Join us as we delve into the aetiology and supportive measures we can offer women who suffer from prolonged fatigue, stress and ensuing mental health issues which impede optimal family functioning.RESOURCES FROM TODAY'S EPISODEDiscover Georgia MarrionFertile Ground- Forth Trimester SupportREFERENCESHuntley R. What is postnatal depletion and do I have it? ABC Everyday. Posted 6 Mar 20196 Mar 2019, updated 19 Oct 2020. (Accessed 3023 Apr 3).  Hoekzema E, Barba-Müller E, Pozzobon C, et al. Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure. Nat Neurosci. 2017 Feb;20(2):287-296. DOI: 10.1038/nn.4458Barba-Müller E, Craddock S, Carmona S, et al. Brain plasticity in pregnancy and the postpartum period: links to maternal caregiving and mental health. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2019 Apr;22(2):289-299. DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0889-zChenko N, Dukart J, Tchaikovski S, et al. The expectant brain-pregnancy leads to changes in brain morphology in the early postpartum period. Cereb Cortex. 2022 Sep 4;32(18):4025-4038. DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab463Kim P, Leckman JF, Mayes LC, et al. The plasticity of human maternal brain: longitudinal changes in brain anatomy during the early postpartum period. Behav Neurosci. 2010 Oct;124(5):695-700. DOI: 10.1037/a0020884Zeisel SH, Niculescu MD. Perinatal choline influences brain structure and function. Nutr Rev. 2006 Apr;64(4):197-203. DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00202.xDhiman P, Pillai RR, Wilson AB, et al. Cross-sectional association between vitamin B12 status and probable postpartum depression in Indian women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2021 Feb 17;21(1):146. DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03622-xHoughton LA, Yang J, O'Connor DL. Unmetabolized folic acid and total folate concentrations in breast milk are unaffected by low-dose folate supplements. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jan;89(1):216-20. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26564Williamson JM, Arthurs AL, Smith MD, et al. High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 22;14(19):3930. DOI: 10.3390/nu14193930

Rochelle Waite has a different take on supporting women through the perimenopausal period. Instead of reaching first for "women's herbs", Rochelle instead goes back to grass roots Naturopathic principles. With Masters in Immunology, Reproductive Medicine and Women's Health Medicine she is perfectly placed to make practical recommendations to maintain her patients' enjoyment of life as they transition through perimenopause.Her reasoning? If cells aren't properly nourished then organs can't function efficiently, and if they don't work then herbs which ostensibly work on those organs could be thwarted.Working with basic nutrition and digestive enhancement, Rochelle brings about rejuvenation from the ground up to avoid unnecessary supplementation and hence improved compliance from her common sense approach.URL: https://rochellewaitenaturopath.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/rochellewaitenaturopath/References: Kanat M, Sipahioglu M, Arinc H, et al. Is lipid lowering treatment aiming for very low LDL levels safe in terms of the synthesis of steroid hormones? Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(1):104-12. Epub 2007 Jan 17. DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.10.058Schade DS, Shey L, Eaton RP. Cholesterol Review: A Metabolically Important Molecule. Endocr Pract. 2020 Dec;26(12):1514-1523. DOI: 10.4158/EP-2020-0347Hu J, Zhang Z, Shen WJ, et al. Cellular cholesterol delivery, intracellular processing and utilization for biosynthesis of steroid hormones. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010;7:47. DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-47Reid R, Abramson BL, Blake J, et al. Menopause and Osteoporosis Working Group. Managing Menopause. SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014 Sep;36(9):830-833. DOI: 10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30487-4Silva TR, Oppermann K, Reis FM, et al. Nutrition in Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021 Jul;13(7): 2149. DOI: 10.3390/nu13072149Medical & Health Articles. Foods for Menopause. Jean Hailes For Women's Health. 2023. (Accessed 2023 Mar 13). https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/foods-for-menopausePeters BA, Santoro N, Kaplan RC, et al. Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights. Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:1059–1072. DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S340491Lowe NM, Lowe NM, Fraser WD, Jackson MJ. Is there a potential therapeutic value of copper and zinc for osteoporosis? Proc Nutr Soc. 2002 May;61(2):181-5. DOI: 10.1079/PNS2002154Ciappolino V, Mazzocchi A, Enrico P, et al. N-3 Polyunsatured Fatty Acids in Menopausal Transition: A Systematic Review of Depressive and Cognitive Disorders with Accompanying Vasomotor Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jun 23;19(7):1849. DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071849Ko SH, Kim HS. Menopause-Associated Lipid Metabolic Disorders and Foods Beneficial for Postmenopausal Women. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 13;12(1):202. DOI: 10.3390/nu12010202Wong RH, Thaung Zaw JJ, Xian CJ, Howe PR. Regular Supplementation With Resveratrol Improves Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2020 Nov;35(11):2121-2131. DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4115