Love & Guts

#299 Dr. Eric Osansky is a functional medicine practitioner with over 15 years of experience in chiropractic care, nutrition, and natural approaches to thyroid health. After overcoming Graves' disease and achieving remission in 2009, he committed his career to helping others heal from thyroid and autoimmune conditions through holistic, evidence-based strategies. He is the author of Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease, Hashimoto's Triggers, and The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet. As host of the Save My Thyroid podcast, Dr. Osansky shares practical tools and expert insights to guide listeners on their healing journey. Dr. Osansky holds a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and is board-certified as a Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). He is also trained in herbal therapy and stays current in the field through ongoing education, conferences, and advanced coursework. In this episode, we cover:   What inspired Dr. Eric's focus on thyroid health? Were there personal or professional turning points? How does gut-thyroid communication present in clinical practice? What early signs suggest thyroid issues originate from the gut? How do intestinal permeability and dysbiosis affect autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's? Are there common microbial triggers? SIBO and hypothyroidism often co-occur. Does one drive the other? How does Dr. Eric prioritise treatment? What functional tests does he use to evaluate the gut-thyroid connection? How do nutrient deficiencies caused by poor gut absorption (selenium, zinc, iron) impact thyroid hormone production and conversion? What interventions have been most effective in improving thyroid patient outcomes, including Dr. Eric's own experience? ...and much more.   I'm beyond excited to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor! If you've followed me for a while, you'll know I use mine for everything — intimacy, tummy time, toilet training... the list goes on. Sick of spills, stains, and wet patches? Splash Blanket is your soft, stylish, waterproof solution. Originally made for intimacy, it's now a go-to for: Birthing & postpartum Free bleeding & incontinence Nappy-free time & toilet training Protecting mattresses at home or away Why settle for a towel when you can have a plush, snuggle-worthy, mess-proof blanket? Use code GUT15 for 15% off at splashblanket.com — and say goodbye to mess stress for good!

298 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters. He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems. In this episode, we cover: What the faecal microbiome is made up of What faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is The history of FMT. Its use dates back to the 4th century in China and the 1950s Why it shows promise in inflammatory bowel disease Its impact on Parkinson's' disease and Alzheimer's The protocol/experience for patients and donors Jason's clinical experience with FMT and diet post-FMT The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course). A course I am extremely excited to begin. See show notes for a special offer for the Love & Guts practitioner audience Show notes If you enrol in The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course) using the following link https://tinyurl.com/yfy6kykp you will receive a free 1-year annual subscription to the Probiotic Advisor database and free access to one of Jason's other course Depression, Anxiety and the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota. Limited time offer only as there are only a few spaces available.    To access the free course, please email Helene (helene@probioticadvisor.com) after you enrol in The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course). Helene will provide access to the Depression course and probiotics database as a bonus.   FMT Shop in the Netherlands discussed in the podcast   

# 297 Chantel Yates is a qualified naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist based in Lutruwita, Tasmania. She is passionate about her family, nature, the ocean and all things health and healing. Chantel is a GIT expert and likes to support patients to recover and maintain health, wellness and vitality by restoring and optimising gut and microbiome function. In this episode, we cover; All things restrictive diets. The common restricted diets seen in clinic Consequences of long-term food restriction What diet if any does Chantel recommend to clients How Chantel helps patients who get severe food reactions recover and eat normally again And so much more   Show notes Website   SIBO and Microbiome Mentoring for Practitioners

#296 Tara has nearly 3 decades of clinical experience working as a Naturopath, Nutritionist and herbalist working with patients in all areas of thyroid health, such as hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers, thyroid autoimmune conditions and supporting patients post-thyroidectomy.  Tara works with patients face-to-face and online globally, drawing from her hundreds of thyroid patients and also her own and one of her 3 children's diagnosis of Hashimoto's. Tara regularly mentors other health practitioners with their complex thyroid cases runs 2 thyroid practitioner training programs to educate and support practitioners in all areas of thyroid health, and offers a membership mentoring platform and group for ongoing practitioner support. Tara is a regular guest speaker on health and wellbeing podcasts, and professional organisations and companies.   In this episode, we cover: The link between the thyroid and gut, liver and gallbladder The link between thyroid disease and Lipid disorders The mechanism behind how hypothyroidism can increase the risk of gallstone formation How lack of T4 and compromised thyroid function contribute to constipation Which pathology tests Tara finds beneficial to identify areas that need addressing Treatment strategies Taras online programs and membership for practitioners   I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you've been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, and toilet training. The list goes on. So if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, or bedding, say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!" "Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."    "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!" "Birthing on the floor or bed and don't want to stain sheets or carpets? That's where Splash Blanket steps in, offering a soft, plush feel, perfect for welcoming your baby into the world. Why use a towel or hospital-grade cloth when you can wrap your little one in a cozy, snuggle-worthy, waterproof blanket swaddle?" "Just to add to the already long list of uses, nappy-free tummy time is not only great for building your baby's neck strength but also beneficial if they have nappy rash and you want to give them some nappy-less time. And the fitted sheets? They're the golden ticket to easy cleanup during toilet training and nighttime accidents." "If that hasn't convinced you, let's talk about the importance of mattress hygiene. With Splash Blanket, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is protected from spills and accidents. Plus, when staying at Airbnbs or hotels, always remember to lay down your Splash Blanket to safeguard bedding and mattresses." To dive into the world of mess-proof living visit the splash blanket website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"  

#295 Rhiannon is a highly experienced, degree qualified naturopath and nutritionist, and practitioner educator. Specialising in all hormonal health issues including perimenopause, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS & PMDD, male & female infertility, IVF support, pregnancy care and postpartum & paediatric healthcare, Rhiannon and her team at RH: Reproductive Health expertly support couples and individuals in their efforts to navigate their specific circumstances. RH:Reproductive health is committed to the successful integration of natural and conventional medicine, and believe ideal outcomes are achieved for patients when all their health care providers are working together.  Rhiannon and her team regularly working alongside Melbourne's top fertility doctors, obstetricians and gynaecologists to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. As testament to this, Rhiannon is routinely invited to present on the topic of collaborative patient care to medical professionals and naturopaths alike. After nearly twenty years in busy clinical practice, Rhiannon provides professional mentoring and education for functional medicine practitioners in both group and individual settings. This highly specialised area is outside the scope of standard education and as such, her reproduction and hormonal masterclasses and mentoring programs are a rare opportunity for practitioners to further their skills. In this episode, we cover: How perimenopause is diagnosed Markers of early change we may see in hormone pathology Strategies to implement throughout perimenopause to optimise hormones, minimise symptoms and improve long-term health outcomes. All things soy: should we be fearful of it? Common misconceptions. (safety, contraindications, benefits) Menopausal Hormone Therapy: What are the different types? (safety, efficacy, and indications) And so much more   I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you've been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, toilet training and the list goes on so if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, bedding, and just being an overall bad vibe? Say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!" "Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."  "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!" "Ready to make a splash with Splash Blanket? Dive into the world of mess-proof living by visiting their website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"  

#294 Alyssa Tait is a naturopath and physiotherapist with a Master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Her private practice focuses on persistent abdominal and pelvic pain and gut and bowel dysfunction.  Alyssa has a special interest in the gut and urogenital microbiomes and disorders of gut-brain interaction. She has spent 20 years in private practice solving complex clinical puzzles through a combined naturopathy and physiotherapy lens. She enjoys helping her naturopathic colleagues' clients using physiotherapy, and her physiotherapy colleagues' clients using naturopathy!  The application of evidence-based medicine is a long-held interest, which has led to her helping develop clinical practice guidelines on incontinence management and research-based recommendations for the gut microbiome. Alyssa is committed to bridging the gap between orthodox medicine and naturopathic medicine, having spent her career with one foot in each camp. In this episode we cover What is the difference between prebiotics and fibre  We discuss the potential benefits of prebiotics in the body. What the research reveals. How the prebiotic supplements differ from each other We discuss prebiotics in the diet versus supplements. Can we achieve the same benefits with diet alone? What Personalised Prebiotic Prescription (PPP) Factors do we consider Why it's important to know the research when considering a dose The common issues in clinical practice regarding prebiotic prescribing And so much more    I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you've been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, toilet training and the list goes on so if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, bedding, and just being an overall bad vibe? Say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!" "Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."  "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!" "Ready to make a splash with Splash Blanket? Dive into the world of mess-proof living by visiting their website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"  

#293 Dr. Leah Hechtman, PhD, is a renowned naturopathic clinician specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and comprehensive reproductive health. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is an engaged researcher, a published author, and a dedicated educator. Her extensive qualifications include advanced training in multiple disciplines. She is a revered university lecturer, a sought-after keynote speaker, and a regular voice in the media. Committed to a collaborative approach, Dr. Hechtman works closely with each patient's healthcare team, often involving general practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. She aims to inter-professionally bridge the gaps between different disciplines and theories, fostering a holistic and collaborative outcome in both clinical practice and research. Fuelled by her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and her passion for the intersection of science and spirituality, Dr. Hechtman continuously seeks to deepen her understanding of medicine.  This quest for knowledge informs her lectures, making them not only relevant but also immediately applicable and supportive. Widely recognized for her expertise, Dr. Hechtman receives numerous referrals from fertility specialists and IVF clinics globally. Instagram @leahhechtman Facebook: @LeahHechtman In this episode, we cover: The brain changes that occur in women throughout their lives, especially during pregnancy Why starting solids before 6 months may be beneficial for some babies The neuro and brain changes specific to the postpartum period and how we can identify them in ourselves and others Matrescence and the differences between women in their 20s vs 30s vs 40s and beyond  What happens to the woman and her brain as she ‘loses' her sense of self and transforms The role of prolactin and oxytocin during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. What if she chooses or is unable to breastfeed - how does that affect her brain? Microchimerism in the postpartum period - what impact does it have on her brain, sense of self, and immunology Sleep, weight, and hormones - what sleep deprivation is actually doing to the mother's brain and hallmark periods to watch out for Leah discusses her online Practitioner Only Workshops - The Clinic Room - Unlock Advanced Clinical Strategies And Techniques. Practitioners who are interested in doing this course can receive a discount if you use the code LOVE10. This offer is valid until November 27, 2023.  

#292 Dr. Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath, and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and Ph.D. degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters. He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is the Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.   In this episode we cover The GUT FEELINGS Randomised controlled trial where Jason's team assessed the impact of a probiotic, and a prebiotic-rich diet on mood. Gut microbiota alterations that may be observed in those experiencing depression The link between the microbiota and Autism spectrum disorder The inconsistencies in the data about a specific “ASD dysbiotic pattern The main tools Jason is using to modify these different imbalances We discuss Jason's Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course.  Head on over to the show notes where I will provide a link and a special coupon code to receive 20% off until the course begins. Show notes For Australian residents visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course For the ‘rest of the world' visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course

#291 Dr. Goldenberg is passionate about how we evaluate and utilize evidence. He is an active researcher with numerous publications in high-impact scientific journals such as JAMA and the BMJ and is an Associate Research Investigator at the Helfgott Research Institute. He is faculty for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and the Helfgott Research Institute where he teaches critical evaluation of the medical literature and advanced evidence synthesis. His love for teaching integrative evidence-based medicine led him to found the DrJourncalClub website and Podcast. He received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and his Bachelor's in Molecular Biology with honors from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a past  President of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. His clinical focus is on integrative approaches to gastroenterology conditions with a special focus on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. He sees patients virtually at the Goldenberg GI Center. His interest in evidence has taken him from clinic to courtroom, recently co-founding three businesses focusing on brain injury litigation and forensic epidemiology. In this episode we cover What is hydrogen sulfide and what is its function in the body When does hydrogen sulfide  become a problem and what may one experience if they have H2S overgrowth Joshua's insight from his current research on Hydrogen Sulphide SIBO How is Joshua currently testing for it? He sheds light on the new at-home handheld devices for SIBO testing Treatment strategies for Hydrogen sulphide SIBO And so much more

#281 Emrys is the director and principal clinician at Athletica Physical Health and has owned and operated clinics for over 15 years. In addition to practicing as a Musculoskeletal Therapist. He is the writer and presenter of the Vagal Complex and the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Certification programs. He also presents for Astir Australia in Shockwave Therapy. Previously, he was the Senior Lecturer for the Department of Musculoskeletal Therapy at the Endeavour College of Natural Health, a position he held for over 9 years.  Emrys originally trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in Melbourne. He went on to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company as a company artist where he danced ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, A Million Kisses to My Skin, and many more. After having his own health troubles, he decided to retire from ballet and moved back to Australia. The following year he enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy). Emrys works on the cause of patients' conditions with a particular focus on nerve pain and the role of the brain to gut axis (including the vagus nerve). In this episode, we cover: What the vagus nerve is? What is the role of vagus nerve stimulation in regulating inflammation  It's potential in microbiome dysregulation Emry's thoughts on using a TENS machine for at-home stimulation of the VN? Other at-home applications that may be useful Ways that vagus tone may be assessed Emrys shares information on the practitioner training he has available and so much more

#271 Dr. Gurevich is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. She is currently co-owner of two large integrative medical clinics, one in northwest Portland and one in northeast Portland. She runs a very busy private practice specializing in treating inflammatory bowel disease as well as IBS/SIBO and functional GI disorders. She lectures extensively and teaches about both conventional and natural treatments for inflammatory bowel disease as well as SIBO and IBS. She is one of the foremost experts on the intersection of IBD and IBS and how treating one resolves the other.  Dr. Gurevich also acts as a mentor in the naturopathic community educating about GI disorders. She supervises residents and consults with physicians about their most difficult GI cases. Dr. Gurevich was nominated as one of Portland's Top Docs by the Portland Monthly in both 2014 and 2016.   In this episode we cover What biofilms are - normal biofilms vs pathological biofilms Where they typically form The bacterial species that are commonly associated with biofilms How Ilana is testing for it Biofilm removal strategies Turd Nerds - the podcast And so much more

#270 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath and Western herbalist with more than 18 years' clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters. He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems. In this episode we cover The GUT FEELINGS Randomised controlled trial where Jason's team assessed the impact of a probiotic, and a prebiotic-rich diet on mood. Gut microbiota alterations that may be observed in those experiencing depression The link between the microbiota and Autism spectrum disorder The inconsistencies in the data about a specific “ASD dysbiotic pattern The main tools Jason is using to modify these different imbalances We discuss Jason's Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course.  Head on over to the show notes where I will provide a link and a special coupon code to receive 20% off until the course begins.  Show notes For Australian residents visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course For the ‘rest of the world' visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course  

#269 From a path of illness to discovery and eventually recovery, Dan Sipple has ridden the wave firsthand and knows the system inside and out. As a result of his personal experience and clinical expertise, he has a unique ability to recognise where, to begin with every individual he works with. Dan's method does not feature cookie-cutter protocols and recipes for wellness, but rather offers fully customised treatment plans for his patients which he considers the backbone of his approach and successful clinical outcomes. Dan is a fully qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, and herbalist with a Bachelor of Health Science. He is a registered member of the Australian National Therapists Association (ANTA). His multimodality approach features elements of both Allopathic and complementary & alternative medicine (CAM) and he regularly employs Western diagnostics in accompaniment with functional & integrative testing to help him reach the best possible patient outcomes. Dan is passionate about the areas of gut & microbiome modulation, hormone optimisation, autoimmune disease, stealth infections, immunity, and anti-aging medicines. Dan is an avid researcher, and enjoys playing guitar, gardening, hunting, the ocean, and the outdoors. He is a proud Father of two boys and resides in the Mollymook area of the South Coast, NSW. In this episode we cover What autoimmunity is The role of the thymus in autoimmunity The role of peptides in autoimmune disease and how they have been used in treatment Where Dan has seen their use as particularly beneficial Strategies for addressing autoimmunity both pharmacological and naturopathic approaches And so much more

#268 With over 15 years of industry experience, Jules has made it her mission to help people recover from fatigue, anxiety, burnout and complex health issues. She has guided thousands back to health through her eCourses, eBooks and podcast. She also sees clients 1:1 via Zoom. As a mentor, she is passionate about inspiring and guiding the next generation of new and emerging practitioners to show up online and become confident in speaking out. Her dream is for ALL practitioners to be able to create a wildly successful and rewarding business they love… without burning out — and for our industry to be one that embraces collaboration and connection rather than competition. When she's not helping her clients, Jules can be found hanging out with her husband and their rescue dogs, lifting heavy things at the gym, surfing, doing yoga, or having a cheeky coffee or wine. Because fun, adventure and balance are just as important for a successful and long-lasting career. You can find Jules at julesgalloway.com, on Facebook and Instagram at @julesgallowayhealth, her mentoring account is at @the.thriving.praccy, and check out her podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – just search for Straight Talking Natural Health. In this episode we cover What anxiety is Why the incidence of anxiety has increased over the last 2-3 years What the underlying drivers of anxiety are We discuss the Gut-Brain axis and how this bidirectional relationship influences each other How anxiety impacts the gut and how the gut contributes to anxiety Assessments used And so much more  

#267 Chloe is a Sydney-based Naturopath specialising in autoimmune health, fertility, gut & thyroid support.  Chloe's personal experience with autoimmunity set her on a path to better understand how the immune, gut, and nervous systems come together to create a perfect storm for autoimmune disease development.  Over the past 10 years working in the health & wellness industry, Chloe has worked as a clinician, health writer & educator, facilitating programs and researching immune dysregulation.  As a qualified Naturopath and yoga instructor, Chloe is also completing a Master's of Biomedical Science in her endeavour to marry the mainstream medicine understanding of health with holistic naturopathic care.  In this episode we cover What Inflammatory bowel disease is and how it differs from IBS The difference between Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Drivers of these diseases and why are they so difficult to treat Go to herbs for supporting IBD patients Other conditions that may occur alongside IBD How gut microbiome testing can be useful to support treatment Other investigations that may be carried out to diagnose IBD if suspected And so much more

#266 Dr. Brad Leech is an internationally recognised Integrative Medicine Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience. He has taught and developed subjects at leading academic institutions in Integrative Gastroenterology, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, and Public Health Research. Dr. Brad Leech is the Clinical Science Lead at Microba, where his expertise in integrative gastrointestinal healthcare enables him to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical applications. In addition to his research and working with patients, Brad offers practitioner support through his mentoring program Brad's Brainiacs.    In this episode we cover A summary of different testing methods used to identify the microbiome and pathogens The latest research on antimicrobials and the microbiome How we can use this research in clinical practice How clinicians can safely and effectively use antimicrobials in clinical practice Herbs that Brad would potentially avoid using altogether as the Risk is not worth the benefit Herbs that nourish the microbiome And so much more

#265 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath, and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary, and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters. He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems. In this episode we cover What is diverticula, diverticulosis, diverticulitis and diverticular disease Common causes of diverticulosis and why it might progress to diverticulitis or diverticular disease How to differentiate between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Symptomatic uncomplicated DD (SUDD) The link between cardiovascular health and diverticular disease We address what diet may help support those experiencing these conditions and this includes eliminating old beliefs associated with diet  What are our main treatment aims And so much more I highly recommend Jason's practitioner training on this subject Diverticular Disease: New Concepts in its Pathophysiology and Treatment

#264 Dr. Paula Smith-Brown is the Clinical Science Lead at Microba and an Adjunct Lecturer at Centre for Microbiome Research at The Queensland University of Technology. She is a PhD qualified Accredited Practising Dietitian who combines her experience as a microbiome researcher and healthcare professional to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical application.  In this episode we cover How microbial dysbiosis plays a role in IBS If the microbiome is different in those with IBS The impact a low FODMAP diet has on the microbiome FODMAP food reintroduction. How to tackle this if a patient has been on a low fodmap diet for some time If we can predict a response to a low FODMAP diet based on microbiome Strategies and interventions And so much more  

#263 Best Of 2022. Dr. Drossman received gastroenterology training at the University of North Carolina where he founded the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders. Dr Drossman is currently the Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry in Gastroenterology at UNC. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Master of the American College of Gastroenterology, Past-President of the American Psychosomatic Society (1997). Dr. Drossman has established multiple organizations to advance patient-centered education and treatment of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). He founded the Rome Foundation, and served as president until 2019, and is currently the President Emeritus and Chief of Operations. He has served as Senior Editor of Rome I, II, III, IV and is co-senior editor of Rome V to be released in 2026.  As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Drossman consults or manages the care of difficult-to-diagnose and -treat patients with DGBIs. As Founder and President of DrossmanCare (Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care) Dr. Drossman produces educational materials to teach communication skills and patient-centered care. He has published peer-reviewed articles and videotapes on medical interviewing and the patient-doctor relationship. He also facilitates workshops and communication skills training programs and has received numerous awards, as an educator and practitioner.    Most recently he co-authored a book with a patient advocate called Gut Feelings: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship for patients and clinicians. Dr. Drossman has written over 500 articles and book chapters serves on six editorial and advisory boards, was Associate Editor of the journal Gastroenterology and was the Gastroenterology Section Editor of the Merck Manual for 17 years. His research relates to the clinical, epidemiological, psychosocial, and treatment aspects of gastrointestinal disorders, and he has been principal investigator in several NIH-funded epidemiological outcomes, clinical trials, and abuse grants in DGBI and has done brain imaging in IBS. In this episode we cover: What is constipation The different types of constipation - including primary and secondary Dyssynergic defecation - drivers and signs and symptoms  What investigations are carried out by a gastroenterologist to confirm this Treatments commonly recommended or administered by gastroenterologists or GI motility specialists Why effective communication skills and patient-centered care are needed What are some ways that patients can improve their communication with doctors Get your hands on the book Gut feelings And so much more

#262 Shivan is a tenacious seeker of truth, educator, health advocate, and community builder. Shivan wasn't willing to let gut problems rule her life—and she doesn't want that for you, either hence why she created the Digestion SOS™ Documentary Series, The SIBO Recovery Roadmap® Course, The IBS & SIBO SOS® Summits, The Gut & Microbiome Rescue Summit, The Lymphatic Rescue Summit, The Dental Health Connection Summit, The Liver & Gallbladder Rescue Summit, The Fascia Summit and now the book, Healing SIBO. In this episode we cover Shivans experience with SIBO and how she came to host some amazing health and well-being summits. What SIBO SOS is Advancements in SIBO that Shivan is excited by How Shivan has managed her SIBO What Shivan wants all SIBO patients to know Who Healing SIBO is for  

#261 Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual — practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and body-identical hormones. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (1997) and the University of Calgary (evolutionary biology), Lara serves on several scientific advisory committees including The Centre for Ovulation and Menstruation Research (CeMCOR) at the University of British Columbia. She is a popular speaker and has delivered keynote presentations for the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), the University of Otago, Endometriosis New Zealand, Endometriosis Association of Queensland (QENDO), and the Evolutionary Health Society of New Zealand (EHA). Lara currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone and period-related health problems. Kira Sutherland is a Naturopathic Sports Nutritionist to some of the world's best athletes. She also lectures and mentors upcoming practitioners in the field of sports nutrition, and offers online courses for supporting athletes, trainers, and sports enthusiasts how to nourish the body to achieve peak performance and fitness. Using her 25+ years of clinical experience she has combined her knowledge of Naturopathic medicine with education in sports nutrition to create a truly wholistic approach to optimising performance for athletes and those striving for optimum health - especially women. Having lectured both within Australia and internationally on all things Naturopathic and sports nutrition, she is passionate about teaching people to take care of their bodies for the long term, not just treating them in the present moment. Kira believes that the role of a practitioner is to empower and teach clients to take care of themselves, to give them as much knowledge as possible. In this episode we cover The missing health science for mid-life women and the science sex gap  The dynamics between insulin, mitochondria, and cellular metabolism How the nutritional advice often suggested for men and young women does not always apply to mid-life women The role of muscle and mitochondria in health and metabolism Updated weight loss strategies for women over 40 If the ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting is appropriate for this demographic The metabolic Health and Vitality for Women Over 40 online course. How you access it? And so much more

#260 Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual — practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and body-identical hormones. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (1997) and the University of Calgary (evolutionary biology), Lara serves on several scientific advisory committees including The Centre for Ovulation and Menstruation Research (CeMCOR) at the University of British Columbia. She is a popular speaker and has delivered keynote presentations for the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), the University of Otago, Endometriosis New Zealand, Endometriosis Association of Queensland (QENDO), and the Evolutionary Health Society of New Zealand (EHA). Lara currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone and period-related health problems. Kira Sutherland is a Naturopathic Sports Nutritionist to some of the world's best athletes. She also lectures and mentors upcoming practitioners in the field of sports nutrition, and offers online courses for supporting athletes, trainers, and sports enthusiasts how to nourish the body to achieve peak performance and fitness. Using her 25+ years of clinical experience she has combined her knowledge of Naturopathic medicine with education in sports nutrition to create a truly wholistic approach to optimising performance for athletes and those striving for optimum health - especially women. Having lectured both within Australia and internationally on all things Naturopathic and sports nutrition, she is passionate about teaching people to take care of their bodies for the long term, not just treating them in the present moment. Kira believes that the role of a practitioner is to empower and teach clients to take care of themselves, to give them as much knowledge as possible. In this episode we cover The missing health science for mid-life women and the science sex gap  The dynamics between insulin, mitochondria, and cellular metabolism How the nutritional advice often suggested for men and young women does not always apply to mid-life women The role of muscle and mitochondria in health and metabolism Updated weight loss strategies for women over 40 If the ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting is appropriate for this demographic The metabolic Health and Vitality for Women Over 40 online course. How you access it? And so much more  

#259 Carla Wrenn is an Integrative Naturopath & Nutritionist. Completing a Bachelor of Health Science in 2001 and practicing for 21 years. As a passionate learner, Carla also completed postgraduate studies in Integrative Oncology, Autoimmune Diseases, and Functional Medicine in Australia and the USA. Carla's time is spent consulting in the area of complex and chronic diseases, especially Oncology. Carla is the owner of Peninsula Herbal Dispensary & Naturopathic Clinic, where Carla works with 12 Naturopaths and a support team, who love providing Acute Care, Consultations and lifestyle retail offerings to their Mornington Peninsula community and beyond. Carla is a passionate advocate for all we have to offer as Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine Practitioners. She values industry collaboration and has spent the last 6 years training over 1000 Practitioners in her course Vitae Mosaic – Naturopathic Functional Medicine and more recently in the areas of evidence-based oncology support and Long COVID. In this episode we cover Is there an official definition and diagnostic criteria for long covid The clinical presentation of Long Covid. How does someone know they have Long COVID?  The biological changes that occur Common drivers The link with autoimmune conditions What should someone do if they have Long COVID?  How we diagnose officially. Can we diagnose accurately? Treatment strategies and how naturopaths can help So much more      

#258 Dr. Drossman is trained in gastroenterology and psychiatry and is an internationally recognized scientist, clinician, and educator in DGBIs and communication skills training. He is the founder, former president, and currently COO of the Rome Foundation. He is Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry in Gastroenterology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also president of DrossmanCare, which develops workshops and training programs in communication skills, and he sees patients with complex DGBIs in his gastroenterology practice. Johannah Ruddy is a highly-recognized patient advocate with a background in education and management of non-profit health organizations. She is the executive director of the Rome Foundation and is on the Board of Directors of DrossmanCare. As Executive Director, she coordinates operations and educational programs. With DrossmanCare, she facilitates workshops in patient-centered care and is a simulated patient in videos on communication skills.  In this episode we cover Why they wrote the book - Gut Feelings -  the patient's story.  New insights that were gained as a health practitioner from hearing patients' stories Johannah's personal healthcare experience. The impact it has had on her healing The biggest gaps in the patient-practitioner relationship  How we can have an excellent patient-practitioner relationship We run through some case studies And so much more  

#257 Alex is an experienced naturopathic nutritionist with over ten years experience in helping women optimise their hormones, fertility and reproductive health. Her special mission is to show women with Endometriosis how to get their quality of life back through the combined power of natural, environmental and conventional medicine. Alex's approach is grounded in the principles of both naturopathic and evidence-based medicine. She is passionate about incorporating the latest research into her clinical practice, including her own research work with the National Institute of Complimentary Medicine (NICM). She also works extensively with the Australian medical community to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients. Outside of her clinic, Alex is a passionate advocate for the natural medicine industry, supporting lobbying activities through her work with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). On behalf of ATMS she also runs Australia's largest Continuing Professional Education program for fellow practitioners who want to stay on top of the latest science. In this episode Alex's personal journey with endometriosis What the research states about the causes of endometriosis Why so many endometriosis diagnoses are going missed The importance of a multi-modality approach  Dietary strategies - including the effectiveness of biological amines and low FODMAP The link between dysfunctional iron metabolism and endometriosis symptoms. Why supplementation or infusions are often not the solution The link between infections and endometriosis Natural therapies for symptom relief  And so much more  

#256 Emily started her career as an archaeologist specialising in prehistoric human nutrition before training as a Nutritional Therapist to translate her enthusiasm for human nutrition into personalised, cutting-edge nutritional and lifestyle medicine. Emily has five years of clinical experience within the industry from running her own private practice, working within the supplement industry, and lecturing in Nutritional Therapy around the country. In this episode we cover What is meant by the term ‘missing microbes' How can missing microbes be linked to disease What can cause marked disruption of the commensal gut microbiota What happens when commensal species start to seek alternative sources of fuel What bacterial syntrophy is How can we replace/nurture missing microbes And so much more

#255 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Bull-suh-wits is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine and was chief medical resident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and chief gastroenterology fellow at the University at North Carolina Hospital.  He won the highest award given in both his residency and fellowship. As a former junk-food junkie and ribeye steak lover, Dr. Bulsiewicz personally lost 50 pounds and radically transformed his health by discovering the healing power of fiber and transitioning to a plant-based diet.  He then brought these methods to his clinic and witnessed his patients have amazing results. Dr. Bulsiewicz completed 8 years of formal research training, including a masters of clinical investigation from Northwestern, an epidemiology fellowship at the highly rated UNC-Gillings School of Global Public Health, and a grant from the NIH.  His extensive research training combined with his award-winning clinical skills make him an internationally recognized leader in digestive wellness and gut health. Dr. Bulsiewicz is also the author of the book Fiber Fueled and the Fiber Fueled Cookbook. In this episode we cover The difference between food intolerances and food allergies Why food intolerances happen Histamine intolerance and histamine's relationship to estrogen What the gold standard way of diagnosing food intolerances and food allergies are and if these methods are flawed If food intolerances can be healed Strategies to improve digestive function and food intolerance And so much more

#254 Mark Pimentel, is Professor of Medicine at Geffen School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is also the Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Pimentel completed 3 years of an undergraduate degree in honors microbiology and biochemistry. This was followed by his medical degree, and his BSc (Med) from the University of Manitoba Health Sciences Center, where he also completed a residency in internal medicine. His medical training includes a fellowship in gastroenterology at the UCLA Affiliated Training Program. Active in research, Dr. Pimentel has served as a principal investigator or co-investigator for numerous basic science, translational and clinical studies in such areas as IBS, and the relationship between gut flora composition and human disease. His work has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, American Journal of Physiology, American Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Gastroenterology and Digestive Diseases and Sciences, among others. Dr. Pimentel is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology) and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.   In this episode we cover Exciting new developments with SIBO research What the research says on PPI's increasing the risk of SIBO Current treatment for hydrogen sulphide treatment Why methane overgrowth (IMO) is so stubborn to treat Sibo diet post active treatment - how long to keep people on it The impact of ageing on the small intestine and the link between Scleroderma and antivinculin antibodies The preferred substrate for SIBO breath testing The Microbiome Connection book And so much more

#253 Dr. Gurevich is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. She is currently co-owner of two large integrative medical clinics, one in northwest Portland and one in northeast Portland. She runs a very busy private practice specializing in treating inflammatory bowel disease as well as IBS/SIBO and functional GI disorders. She lectures extensively and teaches about both conventional and natural treatments for inflammatory bowel disease as well as SIBO and IBS.  She is one of the foremost experts on the intersection of IBD and IBS and how treating one resolves the other.  Dr. Gurevich also acts as a mentor in the naturopathic community educating about GI disorders. She supervises residents and consults with physicians about their most difficult GI cases. Dr. Gurevich was nominated as one of Portland Top Docs by the Portland Monthly in both 2014 and 2016. In this episode we cover What Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and Bile acid malabsorption is and their link to diarrhoea The underlying causes of these conditions Symptoms someone may express if they experience any of these conditions Steatorrhea - what is it? Complications and consequences that can occur if left untreated Strategies and interventions Diagnosis of these conditions And so much more

#252 Moira Bradfield, founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services, is a Naturopath, Acupuncturist and educator with over 18 years clinical experience. She has a passion for helping people experience optimal health in sustainable and sensible ways. Clinically she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, the vaginal microbiome and their associated impact in health and disease. In 2019 Moira is embarking on formal research with Griffith University as part of commencement of PhD studies in the area of the vaginal microbiome and conditions of vaginal dysbiosis. In this episode we cover What  Vaginal Lactobacilliosis and Cytolytic vaginosis is Why they often are described as one disorder and what the microbiome and diagnostic differences between the two are Other conditions that these may be mistaken for such as vulvovaginal candidiasis Why they occur How we diagnose Treatment strategies  And much more Moira also has a valuable webinar available for practitioners and the public on these often confusing conditions. (I highly recommend)  

#251 Nicole Bijlsma is a woman of passion, and her passion lies in environmental medicine. Nicole was a former naturopath and acupuncturist with 15 years of clinical experience who changed her career pathway to become a building biologist after noticing a strong correlation with many of her patients illnesses and health hazards in their home. Nicole is the author of the best seller Healthy Home, Healthy Family, was a columnist for Body+Soul (Herald Sun) and is frequently consulted by the media to comment on health hazards in the built environment (The 7PM Project, Sunrise, The Today Show, The Circle, Channel 7 News, Today Tonight, Channel 74, ABC radio, Fox FM, numerous webinars and podcasts). Nicole has thirty years experience lecturing at tertiary institutions in nutrition, Chinese Medicine and environmental medicine, and has published in peer-reviewed journals. Her extensive knowledge in environmental medicine has seen her speak at various conferences both in Australia and abroad (USA, Thailand and New Zealand).  Nicole single handedly established the building biology industry in Australia, was the former President of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists and established the Australian College of Environmental Studies in 1999 to educate people about the health hazards in the built environment. The college is the only institution in Australia to provide nationally accredited training in Building Biology and Feng Shui. Nicole is currently completing her PhD investigating health hazards in the built environment under the supervision of Professor Marc Cohen at RMIT. For information about her research In this episode we cover What different forms of mould related illness exist The obvious and not so obvious signs that a house may be experiencing issues with mould What may someone experience physically/emotionally when they are exposed to dampness Mould - is it all bad news or does it serve a purpose? Why is it important to get to the source (water damage) itself rather than being focused on mould. Nicole's thoughts on Clove oil, vinegar, bleach, and air purifiers (how effective or ineffective are they?) Following a flood how long does it take for mould to take hold? And what can we do to prevent? When mould has been identified in ones home, car or working environment, what steps should one take? And so much more

#250 Dr. Paula Smith-Brown is the Clinical Science Lead at Microba and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Centre for Microbiome Research at The Queensland University of Technology. She is a PhD-qualified Accredited Practising Dietitian who combines her experience as a microbiome researcher and healthcare professional to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical application. Dr. Paula Smith-Brown has a specialist interest in infant and child nutrition and allergies and intolerances in all ages and is the founder of the ABC nutrition clinic.   In this episode we cover The prevalence of allergies in children Why children in Australia are getting more early-onset eczema and allergies The importance of the microbiome in immune development What families who can not breastfeed can do to support a child's health Why not all topical nappy cream preparations are great  Why timely introduction of complementary foods is important Strategies to prevent allergy And so much more

#249 Tara Nelson is a West Australian-based naturopath with over 24 years of clinical experience. After many years of seeing primarily thyroid conditions in her clinic, Tara went into researching for herself and further education in order to improve her clinical outcomes in her complex thyroid patients. Tara has developed a six-week online practitioner thyroid training program to further educate practitioners in thyroid health, and thyroid case mentoring for practitioners, a practitioner affiliate program, and runs an online thyroid recovery program. Tara has completed extra studies in the AIP dietary and lifestyle approach, which she utilises with many of her thyroid and other autoimmune patients. Tara is on a mission to bring awareness and education to the public and practitioner community alike, about the importance of thyroid health on a deeper level. In this episode we cover The difference between hyperthyroidism and Graves disease The prevalence of these Signs, symptoms, and drivers To iodine or not to iodine How Hyperthyroidism and Graves present on bloodwork How practitioners and patients can perform a thyroid physical assessment Treatment strategies And so much more I am making this ep live today rather than tomorrow as Tara is offering a free masterclass TODAY called “Why you can't lose weight even though your thyroid levels are normal”

#248 Gavin Guard believes that the average doctor visit is not giving patients the time and support they deserve. He graduated summa cum laude from Whitman College with a bachelor's in biochemistry before completing graduate medical school training at the University of Colorado.  Since then, he's completed training with the Institute for Functional Medicine, is a Kresser Institute ADAPT Level 1 Clinician, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 nutrition coach, an AIP Certified Coach, and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist. His main clinical focuses include digestive disorders and metabolic disease like weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.  He is bringing the latest medical research to the forefront of clinical patient care. He wakes up every morning to help patients find lasting solutions to their health so that they can experience hope and feel restored. In this episode we cover The thyroid-gut axis Patterns in the microbiome that we may see The impact of dysbiosis Why we might see Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease co-occur with Celiac Disease and Non-celiac wheat sensitivity  Treatment strategies And so much more

#247 Dr. Drossman received gastroenterology training at the University of North Carolina where he founded the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders. Dr Drossman is currently the Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry in Gastroenterology at UNC. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Master of the American College of Gastroenterology, Past-President of the American Psychosomatic Society (1997). Dr. Drossman has established multiple organizations to advance patient-centered education and treatment of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). He founded the Rome Foundation, and served as president until 2019, and is currently the President Emeritus and Chief of Operations. He has served as Senior Editor of Rome I, II, III, IV and is co-senior editor of Rome V to be released in 2026.  As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Drossman consults or manages the care of difficult-to-diagnose and -treat patients with DGBIs. As Founder and President of DrossmanCare (Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care) Dr. Drossman produces educational materials to teach communication skills and patient-centered care. He has published peer-reviewed articles and videotapes on medical interviewing and the patient-doctor relationship. He also facilitates workshops and communication skills training programs and has received numerous awards, as an educator and practitioner.    Most recently he co-authored a book with a patient advocate called Gut Feelings: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship for patients and clinicians. Dr. Drossman has written over 500 articles and book chapters serves on six editorial and advisory boards, was Associate Editor of the journal Gastroenterology and was the Gastroenterology Section Editor of the Merck Manual for 17 years. His research relates to the clinical, epidemiological, psychosocial, and treatment aspects of gastrointestinal disorders, and he has been principal investigator in several NIH-funded epidemiological outcomes, clinical trials, and abuse grants in DGBI and has done brain imaging in IBS. In this episode we cover: What is constipation The different types of constipation - including primary and secondary Dyssynergic defecation - drivers and signs and symptoms  What investigations are carried out by a gastroenterologist to confirm this Treatments commonly recommended or administered by gastroenterologists or GI motility specialists Why effective communication skills and patient-centered care are needed What are some ways that patients can improve their communication with doctors Get your hands on the book Gut feelings And so much more

#246 Angela Carroll is a sought after Business, Speaking and Performance coach, helping Natural Health Care Practitioners to grow and scale their business without the burnout. Angela has worked in the Natural Medicine industry for three decades. She has run her own Practice and trained and educated over 10,000 Natural Health Care Practitioners on evidence -based Natural Medicine and how to run a successful Practice for the past 18 years in her role as a senior educator, speaker, podcaster and seminar and webinar host. Angela is a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist, Acupuncturist, in addition to being a full-time certified coach and NLP Master Practitioner and TimeLine therapist, and is an expert and creating programs. Helping Practitioners to grow a business they love, feel confident in, and attract clients who pay, stay and refer is an ongoing passion. In this episode we cover The different challenges that health practitioners face and the patterns they follow The different levels of practitioner and practice growth The challenges that are common at each of these levels solutions for these challenges How practitioners can engage clients into doing what it takes to get results And so much more

#245 Dr. Paula Smith-Brown is the Clinical Science Lead at Microba and an Adjunct Lecturer at Centre for Microbiome Research at The Queensland University of Technology. She is a PhD qualified Accredited Practising Dietitian who combines her experience as a microbiome researcher and healthcare professional to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical application.  In this episode we cover How microbial dysbiosis plays a role in IBS If the microbiome is different in those with IBS The impact a low FODMAP diet has on the microbiome FODMAP food reintroduction. How to tackle this if a patient has been on a low fodmap diet for some time If we can predict a response to a low FODMAP diet based on microbiome Strategies and interventions And so much more  

#244 Georgia is a naturopath and nutritionist with 17 years' experience who's clinical practice specialises in women's health, particularly hormone imbalance and fertility and conception issues as well as pregnancy and postpartum support. She has a Masters in Human Nutrition,  Bachelor of Health Science (Comp Med) and Advanced Diploma in Health Science (Naturopathy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine) and has also completed post graduate training in Women's Health with Dr Andrew Orr and is part of The Experts Group specialising in PCOS, Endometriosis and Fertility. In this episode we cover An overview of iron metabolism What hepcidin is General factors that affect how hepcidin works or doesn't work in the body  How hepcidin and iron metabolism change over the menstrual cycle in reproductive-aged women General factors and women-specific clinical considerations that need to be considered when looking at women's iron status  When the best time is to test and how do we dose effectively And so much more

#242 Dr Azita Moradi is the Founder and CEO of Freed (www.freed.global), an organisation dedicated to assisting individuals and teams develop sustainable resilience and well-being strategies to thrive in complexity. Dr. Azita Moradi is a graduate of Monash University and is a fellow the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. She is also an adjunct senior lecturer at Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences. Dr. Moradi gathers part of her knowledge and experience from her own life story. She grew up in Iran during the political turmoil of the Islamic revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. After arriving in Australia as a teenager, she had to negotiate a completely different culture and language at a critical time in her development as she entered Year 12. Dr. Moradi also draws on over 21 years of experience as a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, medical practitioner, lecturer, coach, and consultant to produce outstanding results for individuals, teams, and organisations. Over the years she provided advice and expertise in the areas of interpersonal dynamics, resilience, personal mastery, and flourishing in the face of adversity and challenge. Her experience has on more than one occasion saved her life as well as the lives of others!  Over the last 12 years, she has worked as a Medical Examiner providing expert opinion and assessments on individuals' mental health and wellbeing, resilience, and capacity to work in periods of transitions and changes in a variety of organisations, including state and federal government.   In this episode we cover Why Azita has a deep passion for caring for the health practitioner or carers How the Covid 19 pandemic has impacted mental health Positives that have come out of this experience for many  Strategies to improve resilience and cultivate joy in complex times The importance of perspective and if it can be taught Why the health practitioner needs to be aware of their own triggers and self care and how this can influence our treatments So much more 

#242 Gabriela Rosa is a world-renowned fertility specialist, reproductive health educator, and sexuality researcher. Since 2001, Gabriela and her team of clinicians blend evidence-based science into a holistic, supportive, education-focused approach to fertility treatment. Her proven and effective methodology delivers a 78.8% live birth rate even when other treatments have previously failed. In 2021, Gabriela launched the TalkSex™ with Gabriela Rosa podcast to educate and explore through holistic conversations with other researchers and experts the world of desire, pleasure, and satisfaction, aiming to create a new path of self-discovery for those on and off the fertility journey.   In this episode we cover What inspired you to start the podcast “Talk Sex”  Sexual challenges couples face when trying to conceive, particularly when the journey has not been easy. The emotional and psychological consequences What the research states about sex when trying to conceive Strategies to help keep sex fresh, loving, less heavy, and fun and to preserve the relationship And so much more   Gabriela would love to give the love and guts listener a free physical copy of her latest book, Fertility Breakthrough: Overcoming infertility and recurrent miscarriage when other treatments have failed. The customized coupon code Love&Guts or love&guts

#241 Dr Michael Breus is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was one of the youngest people to have passed the Board at age 31 and, with a specialty in Clinical Sleep Disorders and is one of only 160 psychologists in the world with his credentials and distinction. In addition to his private practice, he not only treats athletes and celebrities, Dr. Breus also trains other sleep doctors and consults with major airlines, hotel chains, mattress manufacturers and retailers to provide the optimum sleep experience for their customers. For over 14 years, Dr. Breus has served as the Sleep Expert for WebMD which includes a monthly column called “Sleep Matters”. Dr. Breus also writes The Insomnia Blog and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Psychology Today, MedPedia, Organized Wisdom, and Furniture Today. With more than a dozen appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Breus has been dubbed a “Sleep Expert” and holds a seat on his Clinical Advisory Board. Additionally, Dr. Breus' audio relaxation CD, created for Crown Plaza Hotels, helps millions of people fall asleep each year. In this episode we cover How the book Energize came to be. Now this is an interesting story What energy is and what types exist How knowing your power profile: Body Type + Chronotype can be useful when wanting to improve energy and optimal health What emotional energy is and what are energy vampires Strategies to optimise your energy. Such as the daily 5 x 5 When should the diff chronotypes have sex/ masturbate And so much more    

#240 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath, and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary, and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters. He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems. In this episode we cover What is diverticula, diverticulosis, diverticulitis and diverticular disease Common causes of diverticulosis and why it might progress to diverticulitis or diverticular disease How to differentiate between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Symptomatic uncomplicated DD (SUDD) The link between cardiovascular health and diverticular disease We address what diet may help support those experiencing these conditions and this includes eliminating old beliefs associated with diet  What are our main treatment aims And so much more I highly recommend Jason's practitioner training on this subject Diverticular Disease: New Concepts in its Pathophysiology and Treatment

#239 Dr Victoria Sampson obtained her Bachelor in Dental Surgery from Barts and the London, where she was also chosen to represent the UK in a four month training program at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Sweden. She then completed her Foundation Training in central London, ranking in the top 100 newly qualified dentist in the country. Victoria pays particular attention to the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body, and sees the mouth as a mirror of general health. She uses biomarkers and inflammatory markers in her work to diagnose and monitor patient throughout their treatment, often working with other specialties to treat patients as a whole.Victoria takes a preventative approach to dentistry, attempting to make treatment as minimally invasive as possible. Victoria has been at the forefront of change in dentistry, by undertaking research projects in multiple fields of dentistry and taking a special interest in the relationship between the mouth and the body. She has published numerous papers both in the UK and internationally, with her most recent publication in the British Dental Journal being the most cited and viewed article ever published. In both 2019 and 2020, Victoria has been recognised for her achievements, as one of the finalists for the award for Best Young Dentist in England by the Private Dentistry Awards as well as winning best Young Dentist Award by the British Endodontic Society in 2019. She has also won the national prizes from the British Society of Dental Maxillofacial Radiology and the Association of British Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for her research. Victoria has successfully acquired the Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties from the Royal College of Surgeons (England), and is currently completing her diploma in Facial Aesthetics as well as Restorative Dentistry. In this episode we cover How the mouth is a mirror to the rest of the body How the oral microbiome is linked to various conditions such as diabetes, cvs disease, alzheimers, obesity, SLE, RA, ulcerative colitis/ chron's, fertility and erectile dysfunction What changes the environment of the mouth; thus the oral microbiome We discuss mercury fillings and the controversy that surrounds Victoria expands on her research between COVID19 and oral microbiome/ oral health  We discuss practical strategies to maintain optimal oral health and to keep pathogens at bay And so much more  

#238 Kelly Brogan, M.D. is a holistic psychiatrist, author of the NY Times Bestselling book, A Mind of Your Own, Own Your Self, the children's book, A Time For Rain, and co-editor of the landmark textbook, Integrative Therapies for Depression. She is the founder of the online healing program Vital Mind Reset, and the membership community, Vital Life Project. She completed her psychiatric training and fellowship at NYU Medical Center after graduating from Cornell University Medical College, and has a B.S. from M.I.T. in Systems Neuroscience. She is specialized in a root-cause resolution approach to psychiatric syndromes and symptoms. In this episode we cover What is Kelly's perception of the label “mentally ill” What's a different lens with which we can view illness The Five Psychiatric “Pretenders” that we need to be aware of What it means to be woke Kelly shares her spiritual awakening What spiritual bypassing is and the consequences of it How we can lead from the heart/soul during such challenging times And so much more

#237 Georgia is a naturopath and nutritionist with 17 years' experience who's clinical practice specialises in women's health, particularly hormone imbalance and fertility and conception issues as well as pregnancy and postpartum support. She has a Masters in Human Nutrition,  Bachelor of Health Science (Comp Med) and Advanced Diploma in Health Science (Naturopathy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine) and has also completed post graduate training in Women's Health with Dr Andrew Orr and is part of The Experts Group specialising in PCOS, Endometriosis and Fertility. In this episode we cover What are the 4 phases of the female menstrual cycle What are the hormonal changes that occur in each phase  How does oestrogen and progesterone affect histamine What are the immunological and microbiome changes that occur in each phase  What other gut changes (beyond microbiome) occur  What are imbalances/pathologies that can occur with each of these and how do they present in the female clinically  How does histamine intolerance / imbalances /MCAS particularly affect females clinically (pre-, peri- and post-menopause) Strategies that clinicians need to consider: immunological (focussed on histamine) imbalances in relation to female health? And so much more

#236 Austin Perlmutter, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and consultant. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his internal medicine residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon. His focus is on helping identify and resolve the biological basis for “stuckness” in the body and brain, especially around decision-making. He hosts the Get The STUCK OUT podcast and is a co-producer of the Alzheimer's, the Science of Prevention Docu-series. His writing is featured online on MedPage Today, Doximity, KevinMD, Medium, Psychology Today, MindBodyGreen, and DrPerlmutter.com, and his work connecting COVID-19 with immune-related depression appears in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.  In this episode we cover: Some of the known or ‘theorized” mechanisms that underpin depression How systemic inflammation, behavioural changes and psychological stressors related to Covid-19 can increase the risk of depression The impact of Covid-19 on BDNF and what the consequences of this are How the pandemic has influenced our diet and what impact this is having on depression How sleep influences our risk of depression Psychedelics Strategies to help prevent the onset of depression or to support those who are experiencing depression And so much more

#235 Emily started her career as an archaeologist specialising in prehistoric human nutrition before training as a Nutritional Therapist to translate her enthusiasm for human nutrition into personalised, cutting-edge nutritional and lifestyle medicine. Emily has five years of clinical experience within the industry from running her own private practice, working within the supplement industry, and lecturing in Nutritional Therapy around the country. In this episode we cover What are the common risk factors of urinary tract infections? Who is most affected? The urinary tract was long thought to be sterile except in the case of active infections; what's the latest research currently telling us? What is meant by the term ‘gut-vagina-bladder' axis and how is it relevant to how we think, and support, UTIs? How would you approach the natural management of UTI, including the use of probiotic/prebiotic therapies? And so much more  

#234 I was recently interviewed by Biopractica on the subject of IBS. I thought it may be a great time of the year to share this episode with you. To be honest, given that 1 in 5 Australians experience symptoms of IBS at some time in their lives according to the gastroenterological society of Australia I figure that it's always an appropriate time to be having these discussions. I hope that you enjoy and if you know someone who needs to listen to this episode please make sure you share it with them.

#233 Dr. Karin is a board-certified Naturopathic physician, graduating from Bastyr University. She received her undergraduate degree in biomedical science from Grand Valley State University, where she excelled as a student-athlete. After her collegiate experience and witnessing the traumatic unfolding of 9/11, Karin was called to serve in the military as a Naval aviator and deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF in 2010. Dr. Karin's practice is focused in integrative neurology, and embraces a philosophy centered around forming and maintaining resilience in health. She believes that any path to wellness is the correct one, and by using the tools we instinctively possess combined with the art and science of medicine, we can uncover the deeper root of disease and work on an individual basis to improve the state of health. As a peer-reviewed published author, Dr. Karin focuses personal research on the neuroimmunology of resilience and enjoys serving as a liaison between her education and clinical practice. Dr. Karin's personal experience caring for her father has grown into a professional passion to provide individualized care for caregivers, feeling strongly that they are the core tenant of health in their communities and homes, and often speaks with support groups in her local area. In this episode we cover What Parkinson's disease is Causes, including some lesser known How is the gut involved? Did you know that constipation precedes the motor symptoms common in Parkinsons by about 20 years The hallmark symptoms of PD Patterns seen in the gut that either precede the onset of parkinsons or are there while present? What measures can we take to prevent the onset of disease If symptoms can be reversed  What health providers should know The role that care partners play in the overall health and wellness of PwP and so much more

#232 Lesley Braun is a well-respected integrative medicine leader who is passionate about improving public health, ensuring health professionals understand the therapeutic power of herbs and nutritional supplements and their patients have access to sound information and a variety of safe treatment options. Dr Braun is the Blackmores Institute Director. Dr Braun is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (Western Sydney University) and has held research positions at The Alfred Hospital, Monash University. She was Vice President of the National Herbalists Association of Australia, an Academic Board Member of Endeavour College, and former member of key industry groups including the Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council, Advisory Committee for Complementary Medicine (TGA), the Advisory Committee for the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association, and the National E Health Transition Authority (NeHTA) medicines terminology group. Lesley is a current member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia's Complementary and Integrative Therapies Group Executive, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australia-China Business Council Health, and Medical Research working group, plus on the course advisory committees for nutrition courses at Endeavour College and the Think Group. She is the main author of four best-selling textbooks including Herbs and Natural Supplements – an evidence based guide, founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Advances in Integrative Medicine, and was a regular columnist for the Australian Journal of Pharmacy for 20 years. In 2018 she was named The CEO Magazine's Health & Pharmaceutical Executive of the Year. In this episode we cover What is mental well- being The mental well-being spiral What the allostatic load model of stress is How we can measure and individuals stress Some impacts that stress can have on the body What the biggest stressors to date are How CAM be effectively used, in the different stages of the stress response The link between sleep and mental health

#231 Petrea King is the Founder and CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation which she established in 1989 after her unexpected recovery from leukaemia. Petrea is a well-known author of nine best-selling books. She is an inspirational keynote speaker, teacher, and facilitator. Petrea is also qualified as a naturopath, herbalist, clinical hypnotherapist, yoga and meditation teacher and has been a regular guest on ABC Radio's Midweek Conference for 19 years. In 1983 Petrea was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and wasn't expected to survive. Meditation and integration of past traumatic experiences, including the suicide of her brother, became paramount in her recovery. Petrea has counselled tens of thousands of people living with life-challenging illnesses, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, trauma and tragedy. She's at the forefront of wellness education and is a frequent lecturer at medical and other conferences. Petrea has produced more than a dozen relaxation and meditation practices, including one for children, Rainbow Connection.   In this episode we cover Petrea's fascinating and inspiring story of healing The default mode network (DMN) and the task-positive networks (TPN)  What role disruption of these play in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline Why an understanding of the two could be useful in healing  The 4 qualities that create healing, which encompass resilience, peace of mind and happiness What is emotional literacy Strategies that help to improve brain function and sense of wellbeing And so much more