A diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) doesn't mean a lifelong sentence of managing symptoms. There are many different aspects which impact IBS, from the foods you eat, to the gut bacteria present, overgrowths in the gut of bad bacteria and yeasts and including aspects such as your nervous system, environment, stress levels, hormones and liver function. With so many options as to what might be causing or contributing to your IBS symptoms it can be a little bit overwhelming with where to start. That is where testing comes in. Functional testing is a vital tool that we have available to us, and now more than ever before the accuracy and accessibility of functional tests are better than

Oh you're a Naturopath?......What is it that you actually do? This question comes up at almost every social gathering...and it still surprises me, because I guess I somewhat live in a little health bubble where everyone that I deal with knows exactly what Naturopaths do and what we are all about, what differentiates us from mainstream medicine and what conditions you would go to a Naturopath for. I have been meaning to write this article for a while. To put into my own words what we do as Naturopaths, but more specifically how I work as a practitioner. Because like all of us, practitioners can be so varied in the way that we work, no two people will ever practice the same way and nor should

So most people associate Gelatin with jelly, kids parties, frog in the pond and slices. But did you know that gelatine can be very therapeutic if used in the right way. So what is it? Gelatin can be derived from beef hide, pork skin and sometimes bone. It contains the essential amino acids – glycine, lysine and proline which have been found to be necessary to accelerate cell growth. These amino acids aren’t commonly consumed in high amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals, which now days aren’t a staple in the western diet. These amino acids are needed for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and even weight regulation. Gl

Apple cider vinegar is often something that I encourage my clients to use as a way of supporting their digestive function. Traditionally used for hundreds of years it is making a come back in the wellness space in a big way. And I can tell you now, it's here to stay. Made from the fermented juice of apples, the most important part of any apple cider vinegar is 'The Mother'. The 'Mother' contains all of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes, ensuring that your apple cider vinegar has the 'Mother' is vital. Apple Cider Vinegar has many health benefits. And while people claim it does a lot of things- some proven and others not so much you can't deny that this vinegar packs a punch. Within apple

Gut bacteria, microflora, probiotics- these all make up the guts microbiome. A fantastic organism which helps to regulate many different aspects of health, all from the comfort of your gut. When antibiotics are used this is the main area of the body which is impacted. The development of antibiotics was an amazing turning point in medical history, and we have them to thank for many of us being here today without the risk of contracting a disease that could kill us; like so many did prior to the discovery of penicillin in 1928. But what we are now dealing with, is the over use of antibiotics and the impact that it is having on current pathogens in terms of antibiotic resistant bugs as well