Before you supplement lets check
the foundations for health
When I look at supporting your health I’m often not jumping straight to herbs, vitamins or supplements to start. Im not going to start by adding more to your routine and lifestyle without firstly addressing the foundations of your health.
What are the foundations for health?
I consider these the “non negotiables to your health”
These are the basics we should be looking at. They create the “foundation” and plant the “seed” for our body to thrive, grow and function as we are made to.
They are simple.
1. Hydration
Water is often so overlooked, yet every cell in our body requires water to function. It supports digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, mood and clarity of thought. You might just find your symptoms of exhaustion, constipation, sluggishness, brain fog and irritability are an add on effect from your body being “severely dehydrated”.
Now each of us require different amounts of a total intake of water. 2L a day is a good starting point although this will vary from person to person.
Tips
- Don’t wait until your thirsty to drink water, make it apart of your daily routine.
- Keep your bottle with you and easily measure by the end of the day how much you have had.
- Upon waking have a glass of water to gently wake up your digestive system.
2. Get out into the SUN and NATURE
Get back to nature, our bodies aren’t made to be constantly sitting inside closed off from nature. Getting outside allows our mind and body to reconnect with nature, experience natural light, fresh air and come back to ourselves. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial for supporting our bodies natural wake/ sleep cycle. Morning sunlight suppresses melatonin (bodies sleep hormone) and increases serotonin to boost your mood and alertness for the day (time to wake up).
Tips
- Have your morning cup of tea or coffee outside
- Instead of eating in the lunch room have your lunch outside when possible
- Go for a walk
3. Eat a varied diet
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, what you eat influences the environment they live in and how they respond. Now some of us are creatures of habit (myself included). So it’s important we look beyond constantly eating the same foods, vegetables, fruits and favourite meals.
Why food variety matters for your gut
The trillions of microorganisms in our gut include bacteria, fungi and other microbes. What you eat helps shape the environment these microbes live in.
Different microbes thrive on different types of carbohydrates and fibres. So when we eat a wide variety of plant foods, we're providing a wider range of nutrients and fibres for our gut microbes to use.
The important part is variety.
If someone eats the same apple, broccoli and chicken every day, they're still eating nutritious foods but they're giving their gut a relatively narrow range of substrates to work with.
Whereas someone who regularly rotates through 30+ different plant foods is exposing their gut microbiome to a much broader range of fibres and plant compounds.
*Note everybody is uniquely different and requires an individualised approach when addressing their foundations for health and one’s full medical history should always be considered.
Think variety not perfection
I wouldn’t make an unrealistic rule where you need to eat 30 different plant foods a week, rather be mindful of what you are eating, how often you are eating it and how you are cooking it. Simply replace one item or two the next week instead of eating the same few foods every week, try to regularly rotate your vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices.
“It’s not about eating perfectly, It’s about giving your gut more variety to work with”.
Don’t underestimate the basics
There is a place for Naturopathic support including herbal medicines and vitamins. In my practice supplements should not carry the whole responsibility for your health.
If you’re spending most your time indoors, barely drinking water and eating the same foods every day. A supplement might not be the first place I start.
I will look at the foundations and work from there.
- Minimum 1.5L a day possibly more depending on your individual bodies needs.
- Eat a varied diet, small changes nothing drastic replace one favourite vegetable the following week with another.
- Get outside
- See the sunlight
Real life is busy, I get it.
Start small
- Carry a water bottle
- Step outside for 10 minutes
- Take your lunch outside instead of eating at your desk
Start with what you can actually maintain because that’s what’s going to stick and going to work for you.
Got the foundations right?
Book a complimentary clarity call to see how my Naturopathic support can help you.
Caffeine, Cortisol & Your Gut
Are you reaching for coffee because you enjoy it or because you feel like you can't get through the day without it?
For many people, coffee is simply part of their routine.
But for shift workers, nurses, busy professionals, parents, students and anyone running on too little sleep, caffeine can become something different. It becomes the thing that gets you through the early start, the night shift, the afternoon slump or the next busy day.
As a nurse who has worked around shift work, I understand how easy it is to rely on caffeine when you're tired and still have a job to do.
The problem isn't necessarily having a coffee.
It's when caffeine becomes the way you continually compensate for fatigue, poor sleep and a disrupted routine.
Caffeine and your stress response
Caffeine works by stimulating the nervous system and blocking adenosine, a chemical that builds up and contributes to feelings of sleepiness.
This is one reason coffee can make you feel more alert and switched on.
Caffeine can also influence the body's stress response, including cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone involved in energy, alertness and responding to stress.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Your body is designed to respond to stimulation.
But if you're already dealing with disrupted sleep, long shifts, ongoing stress and an irregular routine, continually using caffeine to push through tiredness may add another layer of stimulation to a system that is already working hard.
Shift work already changes your natural rhythm
Your body has a natural circadian rhythm that helps regulate sleep, wakefulness, hormones, digestion and energy.
Working nights or rotating shifts can make it difficult for these rhythms to stay predictable.
So when you're tired after a night shift, it makes sense that your first thought might be:
“I need a coffee.”
What about your gut?
Your gut and nervous system are closely connected.
Your digestive system is influenced by your nervous system, stress response, sleep and daily routine.
Caffeine can also stimulate the digestive system, and when taken on an empty stomach increases your stress hormone cortisol.
For some people, that may mean increased bowel movements. For others particularly when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach or alongside an already unsettled digestive system, it may contribute to symptoms such as:
reflux or heartburn
stomach discomfort
urgency to use the bathroom
changes in bowel habits
feeling unsettled or jittery
Everyone responds differently, so it's worth looking at your individual response rather than assuming coffee is automatically a problem.
The caffeine and fatigue cycle
This is where I often encourage people to look at the bigger picture.
You have a busy shift.
You're exhausted.
You have a coffee to keep going.
You finish work and struggle to wind down.
Your sleep isn't as restorative.
You wake up tired.
So you have another coffee.
And the cycle continues.
For shift workers, this can be particularly difficult because sleep is already happening at times that don't necessarily align with your natural body clock.
I'm not here to tell you to stop drinking coffee
I drink coffee I love my morning coffee!
My approach isn't:
“You're tired stop drinking coffee.”
Real life doesn't work that way.
If you're working a 12-hour shift, starting work at 5am, working nights or juggling a busy family and work life, simply telling you to remove caffeine isn't necessarily realistic.
Instead, I'd ask:
Why are you relying on caffeine?
When are you drinking it?
How much are you having?
How is your sleep?
How is your digestion?
How are your stress levels?
And most importantly:
What is your body trying to tell you?
A naturopathic approach looks at the bigger picture
Rather than focusing on caffeine alone, I like to look at the different pieces that may be contributing to how you're feeling.
This can include your:
Sleep: Are you getting enough quality sleep and allowing yourself enough recovery time?
Nervous system: Are you constantly switched on, rushing or relying on stimulation to get through the day?
Nutrition: Are you eating regularly enough to support your energy, especially when working unusual hours?
Gut health: Bloating, reflux, bowel changes or digestive discomfort becoming part of your routine?
Stress: Is caffeine helping you manage fatigue while the underlying demands on your body remain unchanged?
Shift pattern: Are rotating shifts making it difficult to establish consistent routines?
The goal isn't to create another list of things you have to do perfectly.
It's about finding realistic ways to support your body around the life you're actually living.
So what can you do?
Start by noticing your caffeine habits
- How many caffeinated drinks are you having each day?
- What time are you having your last one?
- Are you drinking caffeine because you enjoy it or because you're exhausted?
- What happens to your digestion after coffee?
- How do you sleep after having caffeine later in the day or before a sleep period?
- Do you feel like you need caffeine just to feel “normal”?
Your body isn't failing you
If you're exhausted, relying on coffee and noticing changes in your sleep, digestion, mood or energy, it may be telling you that something needs more attention.
Sometimes the answer isn't another coffee.
It might be looking at the foundations underneath your energy, sleep, nutrition, digestion, stress, nervous system regulation and how your work schedule is affecting your body.
As a Naturopath, and with my background in nursing, I take a realistic approach to supporting people who are busy, working shifts or simply trying to keep up with everything life demands.
I look at what's happening, connect the pieces and work out practical ways to support your health that actually fits your routine.
Because ultimately, that's what is going to work.
Book a complimentary Clarity Call where we can briefly discuss your caffeine intake and its effects on your energy, stress response, sleep cycle and everything in between.
A Naturopathic Approach to the burnt out shift worker!
Working shifts can be demanding, early starts, late finishes, overnight shifts and changing rosters can make it difficult for your body to know when it is time to work, eat, rest and sleep.
When you are constantly adjusting to different hours, it can be easy to put your own wellbeing last.
You might find yourself feeling tired but wired, struggling to switch off after a shift, relying on coffee to get you through the day, experiencing digestive changes, feeling stressed or simply not feeling like yourself. I have been there, with my background in nursing, I understand the realities of working shifts and the impact that irregular hours can have on your energy, sleep, stress levels and overall wellbeing. As a Naturopath, I take a whole person approach I meet you where you are and we work together working with your schedule not against it.
Your nervous system and shift work
Shift work can place ongoing demands on the nervous system. Moving between day and night shifts, working under pressure and trying to function when your body wants to sleep can make it difficult to properly switch off.
You may notice that you are:
Finding it difficult to relax after work
Feeling constantly “on the go”
Struggling to wind down before sleep
Feeling more irritable or overwhelmed
Experiencing changes in energy throughout the day
Finding it difficult to feel rested even after sleeping
Supporting the nervous system can be an important part of helping the body move from a state of constant demand towards greater rest and recovery.
Supporting your stress response and adrenal health
Your body's stress response is designed to help you respond to demands. For a shift worker however, there can be repeated demands from work, changing sleep patterns, limited recovery time and everyday life.
The goal isn't to expect your body to cope with an unrealistic schedule. It is about finding practical ways to support your body within the life you are actually living.
Your gut and shift work
Your digestive system can also be affected by irregular working hours.Eating at different times, eating quickly during a short break, relying on convenience foods or having meals during the night can all make maintaining a regular digestive routine more challenging.
You may experience bloating, changes in bowel movements, reflux, digestive discomfort or simply feel that your gut isn't functioning as well as it used to.
Naturopathy looks at digestion as part of the bigger picture. We can explore your food choices, meal timing, digestive function, stress levels and other factors that may be contributing to what you are experiencing.
When it comes to food, I take a realistic approach.
I understand that shift work can mean you're busy, on the go, working through breaks or reaching for whatever is convenient. Together we will look at practical ways to nourish your body that fit around your shifts, your routine and your life.
Sleep for the busy shift worker
For many shift workers, sleep can be one of the biggest challenges. It isn't always as simple as “go to bed earlier” when your roster changes from week to week.
Supporting sleep may involve looking at your nervous system, daily routine, nutrition, stress, light exposure and the transition between work and rest.
Small realistic changes can sometimes make a meaningful difference particularly when they are designed around your actual roster rather than an ideal routine that isn't possible for you.
Where Reiki can fit in
Reiki can provide a space to pause, slow down and reconnect with your body. Reiki may support relaxation and create an opportunity to step away from the busyness of shift work and focus on rest and wellbeing. It might just be the dedicated pause and break you needed.
A personalised approach to shift work
There isn't one approach that works for every shift worker.
Your roster, sleep pattern, work environment, nutrition, stress levels, digestion, energy and lifestyle are all unique.
My nursing background has given me an understanding of the demands of working in healthcare and caring for others, while my Naturopathic approach allows me to look beyond the immediate symptom and consider how the different pieces may be connected.
If you are a shift worker who feels tired, stressed, run down, disconnected from your usual routine or simply not feeling your best, naturopathic support can help you explore what your body may be asking for.
You don't need to wait until you are completely burnt out to start paying attention.
Sometimes supporting your health starts with taking a step back, listening to your body and finding practical ways to give it the support it needs.
Book a complimentary clarity call to see how I can support your nervous system, adrenals, digestive health, energy and sleep with your continuously changing work demands.
Is your body asking you to slow down?
Are you noticing the signs?
Or are you ignoring them?
For the busy work people who are always “on”.
When you're running a business, leading a team, managing deadlines, building a career or constantly juggling competing demands, slowing down can feel almost impossible.
There is always another email to answer, another decision to make, another meeting to attend and another thing that needs your attention.
You keep going.
Until your body starts asking you to pause.
It might start subtly. You feel more tired than usual. Your sleep isn't as restorative. Your digestion changes. You find yourself feeling tense, overwhelmed or unable to properly switch off at the end of the day.
You may even notice that you're functioning well on the outside, while internally you feel completely depleted.
When being busy becomes your normal
When you're used to being busy, stressed and constantly switched on, it can become so familiar that you stop recognising it as a sign that your body needs support.
You push through tiredness.
You work through lunch.
You take your laptop home.
You tell yourself you'll rest when things settle down.
But there is always something else to do.
Over time, constantly operating in a state of pressure can affect the way you sleep, digest, recover and feel throughout the day.
Your body can be telling you it's time to pause
Some signs you may need to slow down include:
Feeling tired or depleted despite getting some rest
Difficulty switching off from work
Poor or unsettled sleep
Digestive changes or discomfort
Feeling constantly “on”
Irritability or feeling easily overwhelmed
Low energy or motivation
Tension and difficulty relaxing
Finding it harder to concentrate
Feeling disconnected from yourself
Simply not feeling like yourself
These signs don't necessarily mean something is wrong, but they are worth paying attention to rather than continually pushing through.
Sometimes your body needs something different from another productivity strategy. It may need rest, nourishment, nervous system support and space to recover.
This is where looking at the whole person can be valuable.
At Wondering Willow, Naturopathy considers areas such as nutrition, lifestyle, stress, digestion, hormones, energy and nervous system regulation to understand how the different pieces may be connected.
Reiki provides a dedicated space to step away from the demands of work, slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Slowing down doesn't mean doing less with your life
It can mean creating the capacity to keep doing what matters to you without constantly running on empty.
Your health is part of the foundation that allows you to show up for your business, your career, your relationships and yourself.
You don't have to wait until you're completely burnt out to start listening.
Sometimes your body isn't asking you to stop. It's asking you to slow down enough to hear what it needs.
If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, disconnected or simply not quite yourself, it may be time to pause and look at the bigger picture.
Book a complimentary clarity call to discuss how together we can support your nervous system.
Naturopathy, Nutrition and Reiki for Nervous System Support
In our busy lives, our nervous system can spend a lot of time responding to stress. Feeling tense, overwhelmed or unable to switch off can affect many areas of wellbeing, including sleep, digestion, energy, and concentration.
Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to supporting the body and mind. This may include looking at nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress management, movement, and other complementary practices that encourage relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Nourishing the Nervous System Through Food
Nutrition is an important foundation for wellbeing. Our bodies need a variety of nutrients to support energy production, brain function, and our nervous system processes.
Including a variety of whole foods can help provide this nourishment. Protein sources such as eggs, fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, and seeds provide amino acids and other nutrients. Healthy fats from foods such as oily fish, avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds can also be part of a balanced diet.
Eating regular balanced meals can also be helpful for maintaining consistent energy throughout the day. Rather than focusing on a single “anxiety fighting” approach, it is often more beneficial to build a varied and nourishing eating pattern.
Reiki and Relaxation
Reiki is a complementary practice that is often used to encourage relaxation and a sense of calm.
For some people Reiki provides an opportunity to slow down, become more mindful, and take time away from everyday pressures. The quiet environment and focus on relaxation may help people feel calmer and more grounded after a session.
Creating a Holistic Approach
Supporting the nervous system doesn't have to involve one single solution. Nourishing food, adequate sleep, gentle movement, relaxation practices, time in nature, breathing exercises, and complementary therapies such as Reiki can all be incorporated into a person's wellbeing routine.
Naturopathy focuses on understanding the individual and creating realistic lifestyle changes that can be maintained over time. When anxiety is persistent, severe, or affecting everyday life, professional medical or psychological support should also be considered.
Caring for the nervous system is ultimately about creating space for the body and mind to rest, recover, and feel supported one small habit at a time.
Has this sparked your curiosity?
Book a complimentary clarity call to see how I may be able to assist you
Reiki & Naturopathy: Supporting the Mind–Body Connection
Have you ever noticed that when life feels overwhelming, your body can feel it too? Or you might think you’re fine but your body is telling you otherwise?
Maybe you feel tired and depleted, your digestion isn't quite right, you're struggling to switch off, or you simply don't feel like yourself.
Our mind and body are constantly communicating with each other and sometimes what we are feeling physically can be connected to what is going on in our lives emotionally, energetically and mentally.
Looking at the whole.
This is where Reiki and Naturopathy can complement each other beautifully.
Naturopathy looks at the whole person considering nutrition, lifestyle, stress, digestion, energy, hormones and all body systems. Rather than looking at one in isolation, we look at them all. To understand the bigger picture and identify ways to support your body's natural ability to restore balance.
Reiki offers a different way of supporting that connection. It can provide a quiet space to slow down, relax and reconnect with yourself. For some people, Reiki can be a deeply grounding experience, particularly when they have been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained or simply disconnected.
Bringing the two together
At Wondering Willow, I believe there is value in supporting both the physical and the energetic aspects of wellbeing.
My approach is individualised, during our sessions, I draw upon Naturopathic knowledge, Reiki and my intuition to meet you where you are and explore what support may be most appropriate for you.
This may include herbal medicines, flower essences, Reiki, or a combination of these approaches.
Sometimes you may know exactly what you need support with. Other times, you may simply know that you don't feel quite right, but you're not sure why.
That’s where I come in I take the time to connect the pieces, understand what your body may be asking for, and work towards helping you feel more balanced, grounded and aligned with your goals.
Supporting you as a whole person
Wellbeing isn't always about fixing one thing.
Sometimes it's about slowing down enough to listen to your body.
It's about understanding the connection between how you think, how you feel and how your body responds.
And sometimes, it's simply about having the right support while you find your way back to feeling more like yourself.
Reiki and Naturopathy can offer two different yet complementary ways of supporting the mind & body connection helping you reconnect with yourself.
Still unsure? Book a complimentary Clarity call
With Warmth,
Makayla
Reiki for Rest and Relaxation
In a busy world finding the time to slow down and rest can be difficult or get pushed to another day. Sometimes the body is tired but the mind is still busy.
Do you experience any of these?
“Wired but Tired”
“Mind racing”
“Restless”
“Overwhelmed”
Meet Reiki
Reiki offers a gentle quiet time to pause and focus your attention inwards to relax and reconnect with what your body is feeling and trying to tell you.
It’s time to get back to you
Reiki is a gentle practice that supports the flow and balance of energy within the body. Just as nature has its own seasons and rhythms. Our body needs periods of movement and periods of rest just as the sun rises and sun sets. When life gets busy it’s easy to slip out of our “rest rhythm”. This is when Reiki creates a designated opportunity for you to stop, reconnect and simply be.
Your mind and bodies chance to slow down
During a session I invite you to just be. Lay comfortably, breathe normally and allow your mind and body to completely relax and immerse into the massage table.
Reiki & Rest
Rest isn’t something we should just allow ourselves to have once everything is done. It is a natural and needed part of caring for ourselves. Taking time to slow down can bring you insight, reduce stress, support your sleep, regulate your nervous system and simply be the little reset that you just needed.
At Wondering Willow, Reiki is offered as a space to rest and reconnect. Supporting you to check back in with yourself and feel grounded and aligned.
Sometimes, you don't need to do more.
You may simply need a moment to stop, breathe and allow yourself to rest.
With Warmth
Makayla
ADHD In Children
A Naturopath’s perspective
At the heart of my practice is the philosophy that we are all different, two children with medically diagnosed ADHD will not get the exact same protocol. I consider their unique presentation, take a look at their health from the very moment they are brought into the world. I look at conception health, womb health and every development to now. Factoring in diet, genetics, lifestyle, stress and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and pollutants.
With a full comprehensive background of the child’s history I work to connect the dots to the underlying factors contributing to the presentation of ADHD.
A Naturopaths clinical understanding of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. Naturopathic care takes an individualised approach, recognising that every child is different. There is no single treatment or ADHD diet that suits everyone. Recommendations are personalised to support each child's unique health needs, symptoms and overall wellbeing. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised advice. As every child is unique, I strongly recommend booking a consultation so treatment and dietary recommendations can be tailored specifically to your child's individual needs.
Nutrition
Diet forms the foundation of naturopathic treatment. A balanced, whole-food diet helps provide the nutrients required for healthy brain development and nervous system function.
Key dietary strategies include:
Prioritising lean protein at each meal to support stable blood sugar and neurotransmitter production.
Including healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, walnuts and flaxseeds.
Choosing high-fibre vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Reducing highly processed foods, artificial colours and excessive added sugars where appropriate.
Identifying individual food sensitivities if there is a clear clinical history suggesting they may contribute to behavioural symptoms. Where nutritional deficiencies are identified, targeted supplementation may be recommended.
Lifestyle support
Healthy daily routines can significantly influence attention and behaviour.
Important lifestyle factors include:
Maintaining consistent sleep routines and good sleep hygiene.
Encouraging daily physical activity, which has been shown to improve attention and mood.
Limiting recreational screen time before bedtime.
Supporting emotional wellbeing through mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Working collaboratively with parents, teachers and other healthcare professionals to provide consistent support.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine may be considered as part of an individualised treatment plan. Selection should always be based on the child's age, medical history and presenting symptoms. Herbal medicines should only be prescribed by appropriately qualified practitioners after a full consultation has taken place. These herbs are general in nature and does not mean they are suited to you.
Commonly used herbs may include:
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) to support cognitive function and memory.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for children with nervous tension or restlessness.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) to promote relaxation and healthy sleep.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) where anxiety or difficulty settling is present.
Oat seed (Avena sativa) as a gentle nervous system tonic.
Functional Pathology Testing
Testing is guided by the individual's clinical presentation rather than performed routinely. Functional investigations may be considered depending on the presentation although these should be based on clinical need rather than routine screening.
Potential investigations may include:
Full blood count (FBC).
Iron studies including ferritin.
Vitamin B12 and folate.
Vitamin D.
Zinc and copper (where clinically indicated).
Magnesium
Thyroid function tests.
Functional Microbiome test
Please note this is not an exhaustive list and is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your qualified health professional or book a consultation to see what is best for you.
An Integrative Approach
Naturopathic care does not aim to replace conventional ADHD management but rather to complement it. By supporting optimal nutrition, lifestyle habits, supporting nutritional deficiencies and addressing individual health concerns, naturopathic treatment may support a child's ability to thrive.
Children with ADHD benefit most from an individualised, multidisciplinary approach involving parents, educators and healthcare practitioners to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Key nutrients to consider
This is not an exhaustive list and there are many other nutrients to consider.
I ask you if you do take these nutrients you want to look at your dosage and the type of supplement. This will tell you how its absorbed, delivered through the body and if it is the form you require.
Zinc
Now some kids not all can be “fussy or picky eaters”. Its in this fussiness that nutrients tend to become depleted. A major one being Zinc. Zinc is responsible for hundreds of functions it supports our immune system, healing abilities, critical for cell growth not to mention its imperative for regulating key hormones. Low intake of zinc can lead to poor memory, impulsiveness, irritability and neurological changes affecting mood.
Magnesium
Is essential for child growth, helps regulate dopamine which is the hormone responsible for motivation and aiding in focus. For children with ADHD this is crucial in calming their nervous system helping them focus and regulate their emotions.
Iron
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that is responsible for motivation, pleasure, it focuses our attention and controls our impulsiveness. These are some of the aspects to ADHD. Iron is crucial in building and aiding to the synthesis of dopamine. Therefore adequate amounts of iron in turn will support the production and synthesis of dopamine and its functions.
Can you relate?
Or know someone that can?
Book a 15 minute Complimentary discovery call
Here you can discuss your symptoms, health goals and ask any questions you may have. Following this would be an initial consultation where we unpack your full health history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle to work together to achieve your health goals.
Disclaimer:
All articles are intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or personalised naturopathic advice. The information provided is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised assessment, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
As every individual is unique, recommendations that may be appropriate for one person may not be suitable for another. If you or your child has ADHD or any other health condition, please seek advice from your GP, paediatrician or qualified naturopath before making changes to medications, supplements, diet or your healthcare plan.
If you have concerns about you or your child's health, always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional for a personalised assessment.
References:
Prasad, S., & Kumminimana, R. (2025). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: insights, advances and challenges in research and practice. Postepy psychiatrii neurologii, 34(3), 196–206. https://doi.org/10.5114/ppn.2025.153717
Skalny, A. V., Mazaletskaya, A. L., Ajsuvakova, O. P., Bjørklund, G., Skalnaya, M. G., Chernova, L. N., Skalny, A. A., & Tinkov, A. A. (2020). Magnesium Status in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Soa--ch'ongsonyon chongsin uihak = Journal of child & adolescent
psychiatry, 31(1), 41–45. https://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.190036
YOUR GUT DOES MORE THAN DIGEST FOOD
Let’s take a brief look at the powerful connection between your gut health, hormones, brain health and your whole body.
When we talk about gut health we usually think about bloating, digestion, constipation or digestive discomfort. However our gut is so much more than a digestive system. It is constantly communicating and interacting with our brain, hormones, liver, immune system and the list goes on. Rather than thinking of our digestive system as an isolated system working on our gut think of it as an interconnected system that influences and communicates to our whole body.
Here are a few ways it does just that!
GUT – BRAIN AXIS
The gut and brain are in constant connection and communication through what is called the gut- brain axis. It’s through this axis that our digestive system is influenced by our nervous system, hormones and our immune system. For example have you ever noticed when you’re going through a stressful time your digestion is worse? You feel more bloated? Or your bowel habits change.
GUT – IMMUNE SYSTEM
Our gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in our immune system. The microbes in our digestive system interact with our immune system by regulating its responses. Take our epithelial cells for example they line our gastrointestinal tract and act as a barrier by regulating what passes through our body.
GUT- HORMONES
Our digestive system plays an important role in hormone regulation. Our gut produces hormones that are involved with digestion, blood sugar regulation, energy and the list goes on. For example the gut produces a hormone called GLP-1 this is made after you eat aiding to control your blood sugar by making more insulin and slowing down digestion.
GUT- LIVER
Our gut and our liver connect in many ways, the liver is the first organ to meet absorbed nutrients. The liver secretes bile, immunoglobulin a key antibody our immune system makes to protect our body regulating our gut. The liver produces bile helping us to digest fats, it is there where our gut modifies the bacteria producing metabolites influencing our liver and immune system.
WHATS NEXT?
Where I take a thorough whole body approach when I look at your health. I look beyond “gut health and symptoms” to understand the intricate connections your digestive system, hormones, nervous system, immune system and other key pathways have. I look at how one system influences others and communicates throughout your body to uncover the deeper factors contributing to your presentation.
If this has sparked your curiosity or you have any questions I’d love to hear them by sending me a message.
References:
Hsu, C. L., & Schnabl, B. (2023). The gut-liver axis and gut microbiota in health and liver disease. Nature reviews. Microbiology, 21(11), 719–733. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00904-3
Sun, L. J., Li, J. N., & Nie, Y. Z. (2020). Gut hormones in microbiota-gut-brain cross-talk. Chinese medical journal, 133(7), 826–833. https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000000706
Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. M. J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, 13(3), 886. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030886