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A defining moment in human health

We are standing at the edge of a defining moment in human history — one that will reshape how health is understood, managed, and lived. Most practitioners won’t see it coming until it’s already here. The pace of change is no longer linear; it’s accelerating at a parabolic rate.

Over the next ten years, healthcare will undergo a larger transformation than it has in the past two hundred. What once took generations to evolve will soon happen within a single career span.

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Why the next leap will eclipse the last 200 years

In the 1850s, global life expectancy hovered around 35 to 40 years. In industrial cities such as Manchester, it was recorded as low as 26. Up to 40% of children died before the age of five. Since then, humanity has doubled its average lifespan — one of the greatest achievements in modern history.

But that magnitude of progress will soon appear slow compared to what lies ahead. To understand why, we must look at how medicine has actually evolved — not as a straight line, but as a series of paradigm shifts.

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Medicine has never moved in a straight line

Medicine does not evolve gradually. It moves through distinct eras, each defined by its dominant questions, tools, and limitations. Every era solves the problems of its time — and creates the blind spots of the next.

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Medicine 1.0: survival through intervention

The age of infection and emergency care (1800s–1950s)

The first modern era of medicine was built around one core mission: survival. Its philosophy was direct and uncompromising — find the problem, cut it out, kill the pathogen. The focus was acute illness, trauma, and infectious disease. Surgery, antibiotics, vaccines, early imaging, and public health measures transformed mortality rates almost overnight.

Breakthroughs such as germ theory, penicillin, antisepsis, and sanitation saved millions of lives. Yet this era had little understanding of long-term health. There was no framework for chronic disease, prevention, or personalisation. Medicine 1.0 was exceptional in emergencies, but largely blind to the slow decline of health over time.

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Medicine 2.0: managing disease, not health

The rise of chronic disease frameworks (1950s–2010s)

As life expectancy increased, the medical challenge shifted. Infectious disease gave way to chronic illness. Medicine 2.0 emerged with a new goal: management. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders became the dominant focus.

Pharmaceuticals, specialist referrals, evidence-based medicine, and large clinical trials defined this era. Disease was framed as isolated dysfunction within individual organ systems. While imaging, surgical techniques, and electronic health records advanced rapidly, care became fragmented. Poly-pharmacy increased, symptoms were suppressed rather than resolved, and patients often cycled endlessly through the system.

Medicine 2.0 kept people alive — but rarely helped them thrive.

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Medicine 3.0: personalisation, prevention, and patterns

From symptoms to systems (2010s–2025)

The limitations of chronic disease management gave rise to a new way of thinking. Medicine 3.0 reframed health as a dynamic, interconnected system shaped by genetics, environment, lifestyle, and time. The focus shifted toward root causes, prevention, and optimisation.

Functional blood work, genomics, microbiome testing, wearables, and systems biology expanded what was possible. Practitioners began looking for patterns rather than isolated markers. Precision nutrition and functional reference ranges replaced one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Yet this era introduced new challenges. Data became abundant but scattered. Interpretation demanded high cognitive load. Standards varied widely, access remained inconsistent, and outcomes depended heavily on practitioner experience. While powerful, Medicine 3.0 was difficult to scale.

Many believe this is the peak of modern healthcare.

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Why medicine 3.0 is not the end point

Despite its advances, Medicine 3.0 still relies on humans to manually integrate overwhelming amounts of data, make predictions, and adjust protocols over time. It improved insight — but not intelligence. It offered tools — but not true systems.

The next era changes that entirely.

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Medicine 4.0: intelligence, automation, and decentralised health

Predictive, adaptive, and continuously evolving care (2025–2040+)

Medicine 4.0 represents a fundamental shift in how health is defined and managed. Health becomes a continuously evolving dataset, updated in real time across all stages of life. The focus moves from reaction to prediction, from static plans to adaptive systems, from intervention to self-correction.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins, predictive analytics platforms, continuous multi-biomarker wearables, synthetic biology, and autonomous medical systems will allow health trajectories to be forecast before disease manifests. Diagnostics will become ambient. Treatment will adapt dynamically. Biology itself becomes increasingly programmable.

But this transformation comes with real challenges — data privacy, equity, over-reliance on technology, loss of human connection, and the risk of eroding individual agency. Intelligence must be guided, not blindly trusted.

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Building the infrastructure for medicine 4.0

This is where MyHealthPrac enters — not as a response to Medicine 4.0, but as an early foundation for it.

MyHealthPrac is a decentralised health management system designed to translate complexity into clarity. Built on over a decade of research, line-by-line journal reviews, and clinically informed logic, it transforms vast amounts of health data into actionable, root-cause solutions. Hard-coded algorithms, pattern recognition, and predictive frameworks allow practitioners to move beyond interpretation and into intelligence.

This is not theory. It is not a distant vision.

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Not the future of health — the next standard

Medicine 4.0 is not coming someday. It is arriving now. And the systems built today will determine whether this new era empowers practitioners and individuals — or overwhelms them.

MyHealthPrac is being built to lead that transition.

New
Philosophy
6 min read

The 4 ages of medicine and the one we haven’t met yet

August 5, 2025
The 4 ages of medicine and the one we haven’t met yet
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Nutrition is the language of our cells –it dictates how we look, feel, function and perform. It is drastically undervalued when compared the uncountable list of benefits proper nutrition can yield. For this reason, I have decided to write about my top choices of foods that support physiological or neurological changes to favour improved training performance. My initial thoughts were to create a ‘top 10 foods’ article but anyone who knows me, will understand that I really love getting into the nitty-gritty detail.

This will be a 5-part series ranging through meats, nuts, seeds all the way through to vegetables and fruits.

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Focal Points

The primary focal point for strength performance is to increase neurological drive (supporting dopamine and acetylcholine production) whilst avoiding any suppression (which would be induced from any GABAergic or serotonergic actions). This will optimise drive, motivation, muscle contraction, muscular tone, focus and clarity whilst avoiding any inhabitation or relaxation.

Other key factors to look at when improving performance would be to ensure that there are optimal levels muscle carnosine levels to buffer PH and offset fatigue, support thyroid function, improve blood flow, support DNA formation, strengthening structural connective tissue and activating the correct pathways to supply the body with available energy stores.

For optimum strength performance, you preferably want to avoid carbohydrates pre-training to ensure there is no pump-induced fatigue and to minimise serotonin secretion – therefore fats and proteins are best choices.

This being said, everyone is individual and what will be highly beneficial for one person may not reap similar effects in another due to food intolerances, nutrient status, hormonal levels and genetic code.

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Bone broth – do you even bone though?

This is classed as ‘natures multi mineral’. For thousands of years humans have consumed bones, with theories going as far back as Palaeolithic eras. Bone broths contain bio-available minerals (easily absorbed by the body) such as; calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur to chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine.

Cooking bones in a broth releases a combination of nutrients that support:

  • Healthy joint mobility and function
  • Collagen biosynthesis
  • Modulating appropriate immune and inflammatory responses
  • Improved gut health
  • Joint health is a key limiting factor on strength and performance. The neurological system will inhibit strength as a self-safety mechanism to protect the joints by preventing any further damage.

One of the most valuable components of bone broth is gelatin, this acts like a soft cushion between bones that helps them move without friction. Gelatin also provides us with building blocks that are needed to form and maintain strong bones; helping take pressure off aging joints and supporting heathy bone mineral density. Weight training can increase bone density, joint health and mobility but only when it is complemented with an appropriate nutrient regime to feed the specific prosperities to do so.

Another key nutrient in bone broth is collagen, this is found in everything from our joints, bones, ligaments and tendons all the way down to the cellular level. Collagen supports the function of chondrocytes, these are small cells found within the cartilage of joints. Chondrocytes produce mucopolysaccharides and the formation of new collagen that keep joints cushioned and lubricated. Research done by the Department of Nutrition and Sports Nutrition for Athletics at Penn State University found that when athletes supplemented with collagen over the course of 24 weeks, there was significant improvements in joint comfort and a decrease in factors that negatively impacted athletic performance. (Clark KL1, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A)

Another powerful nutrient that supports joint health and functionality in bone broth is hyaluronic acid; this acts as a “shock absorber” for joints. It holds water and forms a gel-like substance, lubricating and cushioning joints by surrounding tissues found around nerves (predominantly found in the synovial fluid between joints).

Bone broth is also loaded with glycine. This is classed as a ‘conditionally essential’ amino acid. It is used in the synthesis of haemoglobin, creatine, porphyrin, bile salts, glutathione and the nucleotides DNA and RNA. Glycine is involved in gluconeogenesis (the manufacture of glucose), it helps drive glucose into cells acting similar to the function of insulin. ‘When glycine was ingested with glucose, the plasma glucose area response was attenuated by > 50% compared with the response after the ingestion of glucose alone’ (Mary C Gannon, Jennifer A Nuttall, and Frank Q Nuttall). This means that the athlete with be able to have a slighter high carbohydrate intake to restore glycogen levels, support mTOR, mitigate cortisol and improve training performance.

Glycine also assists digestion by enhancing gastric acid secretion. Research found that only certain proteins stimulate gastric acid secretion, glycine being one (Wald A, Adibi SA.) – thus helping protein digestion and assimilation for enhanced recovery from workout to workout.

Bone broths help mediate appropriate immune and inflammatory responses due to the nature of healing the gut wall (due to nutrients such as proline, glutamine, arginine, gelatin and collagen). This will improve the gut walls integrity and prevent intestinal damage and permeability. If the gut wall becomes permeable, undigested food, toxins and pathogens can pass through the intestinal barrier and into the bloodstream, resulting in a hyper-vigilant immune and inflammatory response to address the ‘foreign invaders’. A healthy response is required for appropriate modulation of training-induced inflammation and endocrine function to enable efficient recovery and optimise super-compensation for growth and development.

Last but certainly not least; roughly 66% of neurotransmitter (chemical brain messengers dictating functions throughout the body) production is made within the gut. If there is any distress or down-regulation in the gut, neurotransmitter production will decrease – resulting in a decrease neural drive.

If the gut wall is inflamed, there is high chance that the brains barrier (blood-brain-barrier) will also be inflamed due to inflammatory stimulation from the vagus nerve, a nerve connecting the gut directly to the brain. This will decrease the brains performance and neurotransmitter reception in the brain.

Go hard or go bone.

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Learning to love liver

Organs meats are incredibly abundant in B vitamins, these are essential in detoxification, the citric acid cycle (energy production), neurotransmitter conversions amongst many other key functions within the body crucial for training performance and recovery.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) is one of several enzymes that degrade dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. COMT introduces a methyl group to catecholamines, donated by the nutrient S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe). Nutrients such as 5-methylfolate (bioactive B9) or methylcobalamin (bioactive B12) support the production of SAMe (Goodman JE, et al. Carcinogenesis. 2001). This is crucial for training performance as the accumulation of too much epinephrine or norepinephrine can lead to over-excitation ‘burn out’ from central nervous system (CNS) fatigue.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with elevated levels of homocysteine (a proinflammatory molecule), fatigue, weakness and adrenal dysfunction (consequently leading to poor energy regulation and a lower androgenic profile).

The recommended minimum intake for B12 is 2.4mcg per day, this is easily hit from beef liver which supplies over 70mcg per 100g (now this may seem extremely high when compared to the RDA, due to it’s nature of being a water-soluble vitamin, toxicity levels are far higher, with no signs of oral toxicity from up to 2,000mcg).

Liver also has a considerable amount of folate (roughly 290mcg per 100g). In 100g of beef liver, there is just over 70% of the RDA requirements for folate (sitting around 400mcg) however this is roughly 3 times less than the optimal levels. We must note, folate is different to folic acid – folate is the bioavailable form that the body actually requires rather than the synthetic version, folic acid, which can place your body under greater amounts of stress dependent if you have a defect in the MTHFR gene. Folate is quintessential for proper methylation whilst also assisting with the recycling BH4 back from its used form, BH2 (Coppen A, et al. J Affect Disord. 1989). This is a key co-factor for the conversion of dopamine (amongst other neurotransmitters) and nitric oxide – thus increasing neural drive and performance whilst increasing the delivery of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to throughout the body.

Now I am going to talk about nucleotides, this is a classification of nutrients that are very powerful but unfortunately only known by a minority within the strength and performance world. You name it, Liver is incredibly abundant in this nutrient. They form the backbone of the DNA double helix – this is the most basic genetic material found in the nucleus of a cell that helps forms a blueprint of life. Nucleotides serve varied roles in energy metabolism (integral role of fat, protein and carbohydrates metabolism), enzymatic regulations, signal transduction and as structural components of coenzymes.

Dietary nucleotides are needed by certain cells and their functions for cellular regeneration, largely within the gastro-intestinal tract. Epithelial cells are situated within the intestines, their own production is too low to cover there needs for mucosa growth and its repair process (Sanderson IR, et al. J Nutr. 1994). Within the intestinal flora, specific strains are unable to produce their own nucleotides such as bifidobacterium longum (Rossi M, et al. Arch Microbiol. 2000). The health of the gut dictates your recovery capacity, and you can only train as hard as you can recover. This is done through mediating appropriate immune and inflammatory responses whilst optimizing nutrients digestion and assimilation required for new cellular turnover.

Another aspect how nucleotides can drastically support optimal recovery is the formation of lymphocyte and macrophage cells (Coffey RG, et al. Fed Proc. 1985). These cells are required for appropriate immune function and therefore your management of your biochemistry from training induced stress and inflammation. They have a fast proliferation rate which places a very high demand on nucleotide availability, therefore having a bigger pool of nucleotides means that they have a more efficient production rate.

Nucleotides support the oxygenation of blood, as erythrocyte cells are unable to produce their own nucleotides (Micheli V, et al. Quad Sclavo Diagn 1983). This will increase the circulation and flow of blood around the body to optimize performance and nourish muscles and organs with nutrients in order to heal.

Dietary nucleotides have indirect benefits to support other organs and metabolic processes such as liver function, repairing damaged DNA from oxidative stress and support RNA formation required for the formation of new proteins.

Nucleotides have also been shown to reduce post-exercise immunosuppression and hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) axis activation, whilst also lowering cortisol and creatine kinase (J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Feb) therefore favouring a physiologically anabolic state.

Nutrition
5 min read
Top foods for improved training performance
Top foods for improved training performance
Part 1 of a five-part series exploring performance nutrition through a functional lens. This article examines how bone broth and liver support neural drive, joint health, recovery, and metabolic resilience to enhance strength and training performance.
September 10, 2025

The myth of quitting

Vaping is often promoted as a tool to help people stop smoking, yet the data tells a different story. Although 85% of e-cigarette users report starting vaping to quit cigarettes, a 2013 study across four countries published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found they were no more likely to quit than those who never vaped. In fact, reports show that vaping often reduces the likelihood of quitting altogether, with around 70% of users becoming dual users—continuing to smoke while vaping.

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What’s actually in the vapour

A 2017 Harvard study analysing 24 flavoured e-cigarette brands found that every single one contained at least one aldehyde or flavouring chemical listed as “High Priority” by FEMA or classified by the FDA as Harmful or Potentially Harmful. Despite this, these products are inhaled repeatedly every day.

We also don’t fully understand how common ingredients—propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and other additives—behave when heated and aerosolised, especially when used 20 to 30 times a day beyond their original FDA approval context.

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Lung injury and toxic exposure

The risks became highly visible during the 2019 outbreak of vaping-associated lung injuries, which resulted in 2,807 hospitalisations and 68 deaths in under a year. One major contributing factor was vitamin E acetate—an additive whose harmless-sounding name masked its severe effects when inhaled.

Research from Johns Hopkins examining 56 e-cigarette devices found that many produced aerosols containing potentially unsafe levels of lead, chromium, manganese, and nickel. These metals originate from heated metal coils and are linked to lung, liver, immune, cardiovascular, and neurological damage, as well as certain cancers. The danger is amplified by ethyl maltol, a common artificial sweetener shown to facilitate the transport of heavy metals into cells.

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Cardiovascular and clotting risks

Vaping also exposes users to high concentrations of ultra-fine particles and toxins at levels comparable to conventional cigarettes. These particles activate platelets, increasing their tendency to clump together—an important contributor to clot formation and cardiovascular disease.

Research from Poland suggests that chemicals such as acrolein and formaldehyde, created during e-liquid heating, accelerate arterial hardening and narrowing by more than 1.6 times. Studies from the University of California, San Francisco found that daily e-cigarette use doubles the risk of heart attack, while dual users face a fivefold increase compared to non-smokers.

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Hormones, fertility, and pregnancy

The effects extend beyond the lungs and heart. A 2022 study found that vaping doubles the risk of erectile dysfunction in men aged 20 and over. A separate 2020 study of 1,221 men showed a 34% reduction in total sperm count among e-cigarette users compared to non-users.

E-cigarettes contain endocrine-disrupting compounds capable of interfering with hormonal balance and reproductive function. In women, a large study involving 71,940 participants found that unfavourable birth outcomes increased by 62% among those who used e-cigarettes during pregnancy.

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Immune suppression and hidden contaminants

Vaping weakens the body’s ability to fight infections. A 2018 study published in BMJ Thorax showed that e-cigarette vapour damages alveolar macrophages—key immune cells responsible for clearing pathogens, toxins, and allergens from the lungs.

Additional concerns come from contamination: an analysis of the ten top-selling U.S. brands detected endotoxins above the limit of detection in 23% of samples tested, adding another layer of inflammatory risk.

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Beyond health: society and the environment

Beyond physiology, there is a broader cost. The argument that vaping benefits society is weak when considering its environmental impact. Each disposable vape contains a lithium-ion battery; in the UK alone, the lithium discarded annually in vapes could produce around 1,200 electric vehicle batteries.

On a social level, vaping increasingly functions as an emotional crutch—an “adult pacifier” that outsources stress regulation and potentially disrupts brain chemistry and hormonal balance rather than addressing underlying causes.

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The real experiment

E-cigarette use continues to grow rapidly, while robust long-term research on its health effects remains limited. What we do know already points to serious risks—many of which mirror or compound those of smoking itself.

Don’t be society’s guinea pig. It’s time to confront the dark side of vaping.

Detox
5 min read
The dark side of vaping
The dark side of vaping
Despite widespread belief, vaping does not reliably help people quit smoking and frequently leads to dual use. Studies link e-cigarettes to lung injury, heavy metal exposure, hormonal disruption, fertility issues, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function. With limited long-term research, rising usage, and significant environmental costs, vaping represents a large-scale experiment on public health—one with increasingly alarming warning signs.
May 6, 2023

Below are alternative methods which have been studied for their efficacy and effectiveness in combating postpartum depression.

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Saffron

A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 new mothers diagnosed with PPD. After 8 weeks, results showed that the saffron group experienced a 96% remission rate for postpartum depression from just 15-mg Saffron per day, more than double the remission rate of placebo group ‘Researchers concluded that saffron can have a safe and significant mood-elevating impact for those suffering from postpartum depression who want to safely breast-feed their newborns’ (8)

When compared with antidepressant medications, saffron has been found to have similar efficacy – without the side effects.

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Folate

In placebo-controlled trials, folate has been used as an adjunctive treatment to fluoxetine. Findings indicated significantly greater improvement in the folate group, a difference most pronounced in women (14)

94% of women who received fluoxetine, with the addition of folate 500 mcg per day, were treatment responders, compared with 61% of those who received fluoxetine and placebo

It is recommended that women of reproductive age consume 0.4–1 mg folate daily to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects.

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Exercise

Exercise is integral to optimal health in pregnancy, as well as in the prevention of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, along with other comorbid diseases. Regular physical activity (after selectively auditing through 216 studies) during pregnancy, pregnancy, and puerperium, or in the postnatal period itself as compared to inactivity, was found to reduce the risk of developing depression in pregnant women and after the birth of a child (6)

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Massage

A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs of massage therapy in depressed people concluded that massage therapy is significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms (11), decreased urinary levels of cortisol (12); and increased urinary levels of serotonin and dopamine (13)

The purpose of this post is to raise awareness and display the vast array of possible paths one could take in supporting their own mental well-being when combatting PPD.

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Infant Massages

Infant massage improves mother-infant interaction for mothers with postnatal depression (7)

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Seafood

In a large Danish prospective cohort study of more than 54,000 women, participants who were in the lowest quartile of self-reported fish intake during pregnancy were at increased risk of being treated for depression with an antidepressant up to 1-year postnatally (9). Rather than extrapolating this solely to benefits Omega-3, it is important to take into account that sociodemographic characteristics not only influence food availability in house-hold diets but also emotional statue

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Bright Light Therapy

In participants who received at least three weeks of bright light therapy each morning for 1-hr had improvements in their depression scores by a mean of 49%; among participants who completed at least 5 weeks, scores improved by 59% (10)

Caveats in this field of research are that the study pools are low most likely due to the ‘cost vs return’ of investing into studies in this sector

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References:

  1. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2013 Nov-Dec; 58(6): 643–653.
  2. Lindah l V, Pearson J L, Colpe L. Prevalence of suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum. Arch Womens Ment Health 2005;8:77–87.
  3. Phytomedicine. 2017 Dec 1;36:145-152. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.10.005. Epub 2017 Oct 7.
  4. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Sep; 52(3):456-68.
  5. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2001 Mar; 80(3):251-5.
  6. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Sep 2 ;55(9). Epub 2019 Sep 2. PMID: 31480778
  7. J Affect Disord. 2001 Mar;63(1-3):201-7. PMID: 11246096
  8. J Integr Med. 2013 Nov;11(6):377-83. doi: 10.3736/jintegrmed2013056.
  9. Strom M, Mortensen EL, Halldorsson TI, et al. Fish and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes during pregnancy and risk of postpartum depression: a prospective study based on a large national birth cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 90:149–55.
  10. Oren DA, Wisner KL, Spinelli M, et al. An open trial of morning light therapy for treatment of antepartum depression. Am J Psychiatry 2002;159:666–9.
  11. Hou WH, Chiang PT, Hsu TY, et al. Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: a meta-analysis. J Clin
    Psychiatry 2010;71:894–901.
  12. Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, et al. Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birthweight and postpartum depression. Infant Behav Dev 2009;32:454–60.
  13. Field T, Diego MA, Hernandez-Reif M, et al. Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2004;25:115–22.
  14. Coppen A, Bailey J. Enhancement of the antidepressant action of fluoxetine by folic acid: a randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2000;60:121-30.
  15. Mischoulon D, Fava M. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1158S 61S.
  16. Roder C, Schaefer M, Leucht S. Meta analysis of effectiveness and tolerability of treatment of mild to moderate depression with St. John’s Wort [in German]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2004;72:330–43.

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Women's Health
5 min read
Combatting postpartum depression
Combatting postpartum depression
Evidence suggests that nutrients, movement, touch, light exposure, and lifestyle-based interventions—such as saffron, folate, exercise, massage, seafood intake, infant massage, and bright light therapy—may meaningfully reduce PPD symptoms and expand the range of supportive options available to new mothers.
December 20, 2022

Endometriosis is costing women, and Australia, an estimated total of $9.7 billion per year in medical bills and lost productivity, according to new research.
This equates to an average cost of $30,000 per sufferer per year, both personally and to society.

Around 20–40% of this cost sits directly within the health sector:
– Medications
– Doctor visits
– Assisted reproductive technology (e.g. IVF)
– Transport costs to attend appointments

The remaining 60–80% is due to lost productivity, either from absenteeism or presenteeism—being physically present but unable to perform due to severe pain and discomfort.

Reducing pain caused by endometriosis by just 20% could save Australia billions.

This condition affects more than 830,000 women—over 10% of Australia’s female population.

Symptoms vary widely, contributing to the condition being overlooked or misdiagnosed for 7–12 years, with 1 in 5 doctors missing the diagnosis.
At least 50% of patients experience fertility issues.

Given the scale, one would expect significantly more research, education, awareness, investment, and progress in this field.

Yet many men remain unaware of what endometriosis even is.

This is not necessarily the fault of men.
It is a failure of the system to provide adequate education and visibility.

Women are not being treated with the care, respect, or urgency this condition demands.

It’s time things changed.

Women's Health
5 min read
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis causes chronic pain, fertility challenges, and major productivity loss. Delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness continue to leave women without timely care, demanding urgent systemic change.
December 17, 2022

How many of the following symptoms for iron deficiency do you have?

  • Non-Physical Symptoms
  • Anxiety
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Lowered attention
  • Light-headedness
  • Mood swings
  • Post-partum depression

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Physical:

  • Atrophy or enlargement of the taste buds
  • Compromised immune function
  • Hair loss
  • Koilonychia (Brittle, spoon-shaped nails)
  • Leg cramps / heavy legs
  • Lowered body temperature
  • Mouth sores
  • Pale skin complexion
  • Palpitations
  • Poor thyroid function
  • Skin problems
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen tongue
  • Restless legs
  • Pregnancy complications

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Here are some of the mechanisms behind the above symptoms:

Iron is required for tryptophan hydroxylase activity, this enzyme converts tryptophan to 5HTP, the precursor for serotonin – the chemical brain messenger responsible for our happiness. Therefore with inadequate iron levels, serotonin production will be reduced.

Iron is also needed for tyrosine hydroxylase, this enzyme is essential for the production of dopamine – the chemical brain messenger that is responsible for our drive and motivation.

Iron is essential for the intracellular reception of T3. This reduces the activity of the main thyroid hormone thus lowering metabolism, energy, whilst leading to hair loss and other related factors.

Iron is required to make hemoglobulin. Hemoglobulin helps carry oxygen within the blood to tissues, an integral part of energy production. If iron is low, the body’s ability to produce energy is hindered therefore increasing the likelihood for fatigue. This same mechanism leads to reduced oxygen availability to the brain giving reason as to why headaches are also linked to iron deficiency.

The paling of the skin and inside of the eyelids is due to less hemoglobulin within the blood, as hemoglobulin gives blood its red pigmentation.

Reduced hemoglobulin levels result in less oxygen within the body. As a compensatory mechanism, the body will start to increase breathing and heart rate in hope to get more oxygen, thus leading to a shortness of breath and increased heart palpitations.

Conditions
5 min read
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Symptoms of iron deficiency
When iron is low, serotonin, dopamine, thyroid activity, and oxygen delivery are all compromised, contributing to fatigue, mood changes, poor concentration, hair loss, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular strain. Identifying and correcting iron deficiency can be a key step in restoring energy, mental clarity, and overall physiological balance.
December 15, 2022

The effectiveness of Vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS dates back over 40 years. Results were noted, such as:

  • ‘Significant decreases in all symptoms’ (1)
  • 70% reporting good or partial response’ (2)
  • ‘Improvement in 63% of patients on pyridoxine’ (3)

The dose used within these studies ranged from 40-200mg (with a possible risk of toxicity at 200mg).

Only one patient of the 940 participating in these trials indicated the presence of any side effects that could be attributed to the neuropathy associated with pyridoxine toxicity. (4)

A meta-analysis of nine published trials involving almost 1,000 women with PMS found that vitamin B6 is more effective in reducing PMS symptoms than placebo. (5)

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 94 women found that 80 mg pyridoxine taken daily over the course of three cycles was associated with statistically significant reductions in a broad range of PMS symptoms, including:

  • Moodiness
  • Irritability
  • Forgetfulness
  • Bloating
  • Anxiety (6)

Below are my preferred dietary sources of Vitamin B6 per 100g:

  • Liver – 1mg
  • Salmon – 0.9mg
  • Sunflower Seeds – 1.33mg
  • Pistachios – 1.7mg

The recommended daily allowance sits around 1.3mg, which makes an easy target to obtain via food.

However, to achieve the dosage used in the above studies is between 30-153 times higher than the RDA, making it unachievable to obtain through diet alone.

As you can see here, Designs For Health provides 50mg of Vitamin B6 in just one capsule. This is in the form of Vitamin B6 in its most bioavailable form – P5P.

Magnesium and Vitamin B2 are required for the conversion of P5P. The deficiency rates of magnesium make this conversion much harder.

High protein diets or genetic susceptibilities (such as NBPF3) are factors that can increase the need for more Vitamin B6.

Have you ever used B6 for your PMS?

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References:

  1. Goei and Abraham, 1983
  2. Brush, 1988
  3. Day, 1979
  4. London RS, et al. 1991
  5. Wyatt KM, et al. BMJ 1999
  6. Kashanian M, et al. 2007
Nutrition
5 min read
Vitamin B6 and PMS
Vitamin B6 and PMS
While food sources can meet daily requirements, the doses shown to improve PMS are difficult to reach through diet alone. Supplemental B6, particularly in its bioactive form (P5P), alongside adequate magnesium and vitamin B2, may support symptom reduction in susceptible individuals.
December 10, 2022

PMS is characterised by a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the day before menstruation.

(Awanish Kumar Pandey, et al. 2013) indicated that 100% of girls tested showed a prevalence of at least one symptom of PMS, with 42.5% showing more than five symptoms.

Some of the most common psychological symptoms ranged from:

  • Lethargy (83%)
  • Anger and hypersomnia (74%)
  • Anxiety (68.5%)
  • Feeling overwhelmed (62.5%)
  • Hopelessness (50%)
  • Difficulty in concentrating (33.5%)
  • Tearfulness (26.5%)
  • Insomnia (26%)

Some of the most common physical symptoms ranged from:

  • Joint or muscle pain (77.5%)
  • Headaches (67%)
  • Weight gain (58%)
  • Backache (57.5%)
  • Bloating (41%)
  • Breast tenderness (31%)
  • Acne (*16.5%)

*16.5% may seem low when compared with some of the other figures mentioned above, however, this still equates to 1/6 women suffering from acne every single month around their menstruation.

The conventional approach for addressing PMS uses SSRI’s, which numbs the individual along with increasing the likelihood of suicide ideation, risks post-SSRI-sexual-dysfunction and depletes melatonin.

This complex condition likely has multiple causes, with fluctuations in hormone levels and nutritional deficiencies playing key roles.

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OESTROGEN

One of the possible reasons for PMS has been associated with the excess of oestrogen relative to progesterone.

High oestrogen has also been found to increase thyroid-binding-globulin, which will reduce the activity of the thyroid hormones, further leading to apathy and a lack of energy. Ensuring oestrogen’s efficient metabolism through the correct pathways and supporting elimination from the body is paramount.

In short, this requires a range of nutrients from cruciferous vegetables, flaxseed and possibly grapefruit (grapefruit does have the ability to inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme which will decrease the metabolism of medication. Therefore grapefruit should be avoided to prevent medical complications).

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PROGESTERONE

Progesterone is also at its lowest during the time of PMS. Progesterone acts on GABA receptors in the brain to produce a calming effect along with supporting thyroid conversion, thus assisting with energy.

The consumption of Wild Yams supports progesterone.

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MAGNESIUM

Magnesium deficiencies may be causing or aggravating symptoms of PMS. Magnesium is essential for nerve, muscle function and the ability for the muscles to relax, all of which can be affected in PMS. (Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010 Dec).

A decrease of 12.42% in serum magnesium levels have been found in the follicular phase when compared to the menstruation with magnesium levels elevating a further 7% in the luteal phase. These fluctuations portray the role of magnesium in accordance with menstruation. Magnesium can be obtained through the consumption of dark chocolate or almonds.

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IRON

In a meta-analysis, eating an iron-rich diet was linked to a 31% lower risk of developing premenstrual syndrome (Am J Epidemiol. 2013 May). Iron will be depleted during menses, thus further depleting levels. Iron is essential for energy regulation, along with being an essential a cofactor for the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which catalyses the conversion of tryptophan into 5-hydroxytryptophan, a precursor for serotonin (the neurotransmitter associated with mood and happiness).

Iron obtained from plants is likely to have reduced bioavailability within the body. It is often accompanied by phytic acid and oxolates, both of which bind with the iron to prevent absorption.

Another factor to take into account when seeking to optimise iron levels within the body is stomach acid (HCl). HCl is essential to break iron down from food for assimilation within the body.

One can complete the baking soda challenge test for indication of whether their HCl is low or not, by drinking 250ml of water mixed with 1/4tsp of baking soda first thing in the morning. If the individual belches after the 3-minute mark, this would correlate to low HCl and therefore a likelihood that the individual will have poor digestion and assimilation of iron within their body.

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ZINC

Women have a 24%–29% lower risk of PMS when in the top 2 quintiles of zinc to copper ratios (Am J Clin Nutr. 1995). Zinc deficiency is associated with depression while copper up-regulates the CYP19A1 enzyme, which leads to aromatisation of androgens to oestrogen (estradiol) while enhancing estradiol binding affinity to the oestrogen receptors, which amplifies its action.

Below are my preferred dietary sources of zinc per 100g:

  • Oysters – 61mg
  • Beef – 11mg
  • Hemp Seeds – 10mg

Zinc is another micronutrient which requires HCl for its assimilation, therefore assessing HCl status could also correlate with the potential zinc status within the individual.

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VITAMIN B6

The effectiveness of Vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS dates back over 40 years. Results were noted such as ‘significant decreases in all symptoms’ (Goei and Abraham, 1983), ’70% reporting good or partial response’ (Brush, 1988) and an ‘improvement in 63% of patients on pyridoxine’ (Day, 1979). The dose used within these studies ranged from 40-200mg (with possible risk of toxicity at 200mg).

Only one patient of the 940 participating in these trials indicated the presence of any side effects that could be attributed to the neuropathy associated with pyridoxine toxicity (London RS, et al. 1991).

Obtaining this level of Vitamin B6 effectively through food will be extremely difficult as these dosages are 29-115 times that of the recommended daily allowance.

Below are my preferred dietary sources of Vitamin B6 per 100g:

  • Organic liver – 0.6mg
  • Pistachios – 1.7mg
  • Salmon – 0.9mg

Above is just an example of how proper nutrition can support and mitigate against PMS.

Women's Health
5 min read
The prevalence of PMS
The prevalence of PMS
PMS symptoms may be influenced by oestrogen–progesterone balance and deficiencies in magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. Addressing nutrition, digestion, and hormone metabolism can play a meaningful role in reducing symptom severity and improving monthly wellbeing.
December 10, 2022

Trauma can lead to long lasting adaptive mechanisms to protect the individual from repeated exposure, usually these evolutionary defensive behavioural patterns continue later in life despite not being coherent to current day stressors. ⁣

This can lead to distorted situational awareness, disconnecting ones responses and actions from perceived ‘normative’ behaviour.⁣

Highly sensitive triggers may be running in the subconscious mind unknowingly to the individual.⁣

Studies show the adaptive response from trauma can extend over 14 generations. This is a huge component contributing to dysfunctional community syndrome and further stigmatisation.⁣

The following are common factors in trans-generational trauma:⁣

  • Accidental’ epidemics⁣
  • Massacres⁣
  • Starvations⁣
  • War⁣
  • Slavery ⁣
  • The removal of people to reserves ⁣

Below are examples of traumatic events:⁣

  • African Slavery⁣
  • The Holodomor⁣
  • The Holocaust⁣
  • World War 1⁣
  • World War 2⁣
  • Dutch Hunger Winter⁣
  • Ritualistic Abuse⁣
  • Aboriginal Australian Lineage⁣
  • Childhood sexual abuse ⁣
  • Middle Eastern War⁣

Do you think trans-generational trauma has impacted you in any way?

Mental Health
5 min read
Trans-generational trauma
Trans-generational trauma
Trans-generational trauma can quietly affect awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Recognising its influence may be a first step toward understanding inherited patterns and restoring agency, safety, and connection.
December 10, 2022

The paradigm of depression being a disease/disorder has evolved around the concept that neurotransmitters are primarily the root cause.

Yet, dysregulation in this field could very well be a symptom, coping mechanism and signal from a multitude of different issues ranging from inside, as well as outside of the body (as explained in my previous post).

The association of depression solely being linked to low levels of norepinephrine and serotonin is flawed throughout studies. There are many other variables that can result in this outcome.

Several studies indicate that as few as 25% of depressed patients have low levels of neurotransmitters, while paradoxically, some patients have abnormally high levels of neurotransmitters with no history of them ever being low.

Does the placement of depression into the category of disease/disorder attach a greater overwhelming thought process to the word than if we were to label it as a symptom?

One could argue that generally speaking, symptoms are alleviated with greater ease when compared with the disease.

It is easy to allow our identity to be taken hostage by adopting the ownership of depression and succumb to its depths.

Yet when we shift our thinking to understand that depression does not embody us as individuals, nor does it yield an element involved in modeling our identity, we shift our thoughts to a greater sense of self-empowerment.

We can overcome the ‘depression vs self’ mentality by accepting that depression is an adaptive and protective mechanism from the human body, accompanied with respect for the opportunity it brings forth to gain further insight into what needs nurturing.

I understand this is a challenging and delicate shift to take, yet the perception of the experience is paramount to one’s thoughts.

Could we disempower the shackling chains of emotional paralysis, gain buoyancy in the swamp of thoughts and restore vitality into one’s behaviour when depression is approached in the light of a symptom?

Can we utilise it as foresight with direction to what may require attention and care within our body and how we live?

This paradigm shift allows more of a harmonious level of awareness with the experience of depression and what possibilities it may bring.

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References:

  1. Asberg M, et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976
  2. Mol Psychiatry. 2010 March
  3. Della FP, et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2012
  4. Della FP, et al. Behav Brain Res. 2012
  5. Della FP, et al. Metab Brain Dis. 2013

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Mental Health
5 min read
Depression: disease or symptom?
Depression: disease or symptom?
Viewing depression as a symptom rather than an identity can foster self-empowerment, insight, and more personalised paths to healing—shifting focus from labels to understanding what the body and mind may be asking for attention and care.
December 10, 2022

Depression is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. The diagnostic criteria for depression include:

  • Depressed or irritable mood
  • Decreased interest in pleasurable activities and ability to experience pleasure
  • Significant weight gain or loss (>5% change in a month)
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
    (Berton O, et al. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006)

Chances are that you have felt several of the above criteria but yet you may not have associated it with depression.

This is because depression is a broad term that may affect one person differently to the next, along with having a diverse range of possible causations.

Below is a list of some of the factors that can lead to depression and apathy:

  • Trauma
  • PTSD
  • Abuse
  • Post-natal depression
  • Adverse childhood exposure
  • Lack of safety
  • Economic struggles
  • Autoimmunity
  • Social isolation
  • Heartbreak
  • Social media
  • Lack of purpose
  • S.A.D – Seasonal Affective Disorder (Vitamin D deficiency)
  • Mold exposure
  • Anaemia
  • Sex hormone imbalances (Low/high oestrogen, low testosterone)
  • Hypo/hyper thyroidism
  • Stress
  • Pain
  • Chronic illness
  • Genetic traits
  • Methylation issues
  • Heavy metal toxicity
  • Parasites
  • Nutrient deficiencies (B6, etc)
  • Nutrient excess
  • Artificial light exposure
  • Poor sleep
  • Mitochondrial dysfunctions
  • Poor gut health
  • Gut/brain axis inflammation
  • Cytokine model of depression
  • Medication
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Divorce
  • Substance abuse
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Lyme
  • Toxic and ambivalent relationships

Each reason, being so unique, may require a completely different approach for therapy from the next.

This reverberates a quote of William Osler, stating ‘It is much more important to know what sort of a patient has a disease than what sort of a disease a patient has’. Unfortunately, society generally neglects the beauty of individuality whilst overlooking the crucial interplay and synergy from the multifactorial systems essential for optimal function within our body.

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Mental Health
5 min read
The diversity of depression
The diversity of depression
Depression can arise from trauma, physiology, lifestyle, environment, or biochemical imbalance. Because no two cases are the same, effective care depends on understanding the individual—not just the diagnosis.
December 10, 2022

Have you suffered challenges to your mental health?

Depression has the third highest burden of all diseases in Australia (13%) [1] and also third globally [2].

Almost half (45%) Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime [3].

One in five, about 20%, Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year:

  • 11.5% have one disorder and 8.5% have two or more disorders.
  • 14% of Australians suffer from anxiety disorders.
  • 6% depressive disorders [4].

The age with the highest prevalence of mental illness is between 18-24 years of age.

21.2% of adolescents between 15-19 years of age met the criteria for a probable serious mental illness [5].

Six Australians die from suicide every single day, with a further 30 people will attempt to take their own life [6].

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people Australians aged 25-44 and the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 [7].

Australians are more likely to die by suicide than skin cancer.

Indigenous Australians experience double the rate of suicide when compared to non-indigenous Australians [8].

The LGBT community experiences four times the rate when compared with those identified as heterosexual [9].

In 2011, men accounted for 76% of deaths from suicide [10], yet an estimated 72% of males don’t seek help for mental disorders.

54% of sufferers with mental illness do not seek treatment [1], which is only compounded by the delay in treatment due to problems with detection, social stigma and accurate diagnosis.

Individuals with mental illness accessing treatment are half that of people seeking treatment with physical disorders [11].It’s time to raise awareness for mental health.

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References

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2014). Australia’s Health 2014. AIHW: Canberra.
  2. World Health Organisation. (2008). The global burden of disease: 2004 update.
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 4326.0, 2007. ABS: Canberra.
  4. Kitchener, B.A. and Jorm, A.F. (2009). Youth Mental Health First Aid: A manual for adults assisting youth. ORYGEN Research Centre, Melbourne.
  5. Ivancic, L., Perrens, B., Fildes, J., Perry, Y. and Christensen, H. (2014). Youth Mental Health Report, June 2014. Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute, Sydney.
  6. The Australian Senate. (2010). The Hidden Toll: Suicide in Australia Report of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
  7. http://www.aihw.gov.au/deaths/causes-of- death
  8. Australian Bureau of Statistic. (2012). Australian Health Survey: First Results. ABS, Canberra.
  9. National Mental Health Commission. (2013). A Contributing Life, the 2013 National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. NMHC, Sydney.
  10. Department of Health and Ageing. (2013). National Mental Health Report 2013: tracking progress of mental health reform in Australia 1993 – 2011. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
  11. Commonwealth of Australia. (2010). National Mental Health Report 2010. Canberra, Australia.
Mental Health
5 min read
Mental health: do you care?
Mental health: do you care?
Mental health conditions are common, serious, and often untreated. Reducing stigma, improving early intervention, and encouraging help-seeking are critical steps toward prevention, support, and saving lives.
December 10, 2022

Got plaque?

The conventional approach uses a process known as ‘Triple Therapy’ – this is the combination of two different antibiotics in-conjunction with a proton-pump inhibitor (which lowers HCL).

Not only does this have a low success rate, but it makes the host vulnerable to infection from other pathogens and parasites post-treatment. This is due to decreased stomach acid and a lessened ability to sterilise bacteria within food along with less competitive dominance within the gastrointestinal tract due to the eradication of the microbiota (pathogenic and beneficial species) within the gut, leaving available space to harbour unwanted bacteria.

H. Pylori is starting to develop resistance to antibiotics, making the conventional approach less and less effective – leading to the ‘thought’ process of adding more medication to the mix to overcome this resistance by using ‘Quadruple Therapy’.

The Health Protection Agency reports that the prevalence of H. Pylori antibiotic resistance varies within the UK depending on location, from 20-63% for metronidazole and 4.4-11% for clarithromycin. [11]

This is one factor explaining why as many as 20% of affected individuals have a reoccurring infection even after treatment.

Another factor for reinfection is the presence of H. Pylori in the oral cavity [1–3]; therefore, failure to eliminate H. Pylori from the mouth could lead to gastrointestinal reinfection.

Gingivitis and chronic periodontitis may be associated with H. Pylori infection and considered as a potential reservoir for bacteria. [4,5]

The plaque should be removed professionally, and oral hygiene procedures should be performed along with eradication strategies of H. Pylori [6] to increase the probability of success.

One could argue that an alternative approach yields much less risk to the host when compared with the iatrogenic complications and long-term hindrance from antibiotics (especially given that a single course of antibiotics can disturb the microbiome for unto 2-4 years post-treatment [12]).

The following has been found effective when addressing H. Pylori:

  • Bismuth subcitrate
  • Mastic gum
  • Goldenseal/Berberine
  • DGL Licorice wafers
  • Matula tea

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The following foods have also been found beneficial:

  • Coconut oil
  • Manuka honey

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All this has to be addressed with the appreciation of humans being a multi-dimensional and bi-directional organism.

Seeking advice from a trusted professional is always recommended when dealing with any health ailments.

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References:

  1. Morales-Espinosa R, et al., Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2009
  2. Nguyen AM, et al., Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1995
  3. Miyabayashi H, et al., Helicobacter. 2000
  4. Gebara EC, et al., J Clin Periodontol. 2006
  5. Dye BA, et al., Am J Public Health. 2002
  6. Eskandari A, et al. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.
  7. Abro AH, et al. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2011
  8. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2014
  9. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2011
  10. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011
  11. Surveillance of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in England and Wales; Public Health England, 2008
  12. Jernberg, C, et al. 2010
Gut Health
5 min read
Pylori, plaque and protocols
Pylori, plaque and protocols
Reducing plaque, addressing oral health, and using targeted non-antibiotic strategies may improve eradication success while lowering long-term risks to the gut and immune system. A whole-body, professional-guided approach is essential.
December 10, 2022

Globally, more than 50% of all people are infected [8], with the prevalence of escalating with age. [9]

Helicobacter Pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that colonises within the human gastrointestinal tract (this includes the mouth).

Symptoms:

  • Belching
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Upper abdominal bloating
  • Decreased appetite
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Bad breath
  • Heartburn
  • Reoccurring oral plaque
  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth cavities

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Risks:

  • H. Pylori infection is the main cause of chronic gastritis, with an infection rate between 80%-95% in sufferers. [7]
  • It is present in almost all cases of duodenal ulcers and most cases of gastric ulcer [10] with as many as 90% of individuals with ulcers being infected.
  • H. Pylori is a significant contributing factor for the risk of gastric cancers.
  • H. Pylori burrows deep within parietal cells (cells that secrete stomach acid), not only does this make it harder to eradicate, but this also leads to unique symptoms within the host. One factor being hypochlorhydria (low levels of stomach acid secreted within the body); this prevents the host from sterilising bacteria in food, reduces the ability to obtain nutrients desired from food and the inability to assimilate certain key minerals, such as zinc or iron.
  • Reduced intrinsic factor (IF) production is also likely for individuals suffering from a H. Pylori infection. IF is essential to bind with vitamin B12, preventing further breakdown from stomach acid along with attaching to the surface of the ileum to allow for absorption of B12 into the body.
  • H. Pylori can also block vitamin C absorption, thus compounding to the amount of oxidative damage inflicted onto the body.
  • H. Pylori infection augments the gastric mucosal damage induced by NSAIDs.
  • H. Pylori antagonises Aspirin-induced delayed ulcer healing due to suppression of acid secretion by the enhancement of PGE2 possibly derived by COX2 expression.
  • Benefits:
    Due to the nature of the parasite being a gram-negative bacteria, it shifts the immune system more towards a Th1 mediated response as opposed to Th2 – this can reduce the severity of allergies, asthma and other humeral/mucosal reactions.

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Benefits:

Due to the nature of the parasite being a gram-negative bacteria, it shifts the immune system more towards a Th1 mediated response as opposed to Th2 – this can reduce the severity of allergies, asthma and other humeral/mucosal reactions.

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References:

  1. Morales-Espinosa R, et al., Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2009
  2. Nguyen AM, et al., Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1995
  3. Miyabayashi H, et al., Helicobacter. 2000
  4. Gebara EC, et al., J Clin Periodontol. 2006
  5. Dye BA, et al., Am J Public Health. 2002
  6. Eskandari A, et al. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.
  7. Abro AH, et al. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2011
  8. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2014
  9. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2011
  10. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011
  11. Surveillance of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in England and Wales; Public Health England, 2008
  12. Jernberg, C, et al. 2010
Gut Health
5 min read
H Pylori: 50% globally infected
H Pylori: 50% globally infected
H. pylori disrupts stomach acid production, damages the gastric lining, and interferes with key nutrients such as B12, iron, zinc, and vitamin C. Although it may modulate immune balance by shifting responses toward Th1, its long-term risks to digestive, immune, and metabolic health are significant.
December 10, 2022

If you are unfortunate and have had your palatine tonsils removed or have reoccurring infections with your tonsils, this may just help …

The group of tonsils provide:

  • Protection against pathogens and toxins
  • Lymphatic detox
  • Excretion organ
  • One of the greatest immune modulators
  • Supporting the brain's glymphatic system

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This last point is massively overlooked, here’s why …

The glymphatic system is essential in mitigating risk against neuro-developmental disorders and degeneration, this ranges from Autism, Alzheimer’s through to some categories of depression.

This system clears the brain during sleep (mostly delta-wave sleep) of harmful proteins (such as amyloid-beta) and waste products by pumping the cerebral spinal fluid through the brain’s tissues. This flushes the waste into the body’s circulatory system in which it eventually reaches the liver where it can be eliminated.

This process is roughly 10 times more active during sleep as opposed to when awake. The brain also shrinks by around 60% of its original size to increase the efficiency of waste removal.

The removal of tonsils will also reduce the efficiency of the immune system, resulting in an increased chance for the development of food intolerances and possibly acting as a contributing factor towards autoimmune diseases (the severity of this risk is not currently quantifiable). If you have had your tonsils removed, there are several options you can do.

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In my opinion, here are two of the most important:

  • Massage the intracranial lymph (around the jaw and neck) to improve glymphatic circulation and possibly decrease neuroinflammation
  • Ensure you have a good duration and quality of sleep (promoting delta wave sleep through binaural beats, gratitude logs or specific devices may help)

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* The group of tonsils provide direct lymphatic drainage through the cribriform plate to Waldeyer’s Ring – this is a formation of lymphatic tissue situated in and around the:

  • Pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids)
  • Two tubal tonsils (posterior to Eustachian tu)
  • Two palatine tonsils (this is what the tonsils is most commonly referred to)
  • Lingual tonsil (base of tongue)
  • Laryngeal tonsil (near the vocal cords in the larynx)
Gut Health
5 min read
Tonsils – the brain’s drain
Tonsils – the brain’s drain
Tonsil removal or chronic tonsil infections may reduce immune efficiency and impair glymphatic circulation. Supporting lymphatic flow around the jaw and neck, alongside deep, high-quality sleep, may help compensate and protect long-term brain and immune health.
December 10, 2022

You are only as ‘strong’ as your weakest link

Our body is a complex yet beautiful organism that we barely scrape the surface when it comes to an understanding of how we work.

What we do know is that every system within our body is interdependent on one another. It works and flows synergistically and has a bidirectional relationship.

We often prioritise aesthetics whilst neglecting other systems, only paying attention to them when it is too late and hardship, dysfunction, or disease has manifested as a consequence.

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The following systems are what need respect, nurture, and care:

  • Muscular System
  • Structural
  • Endocrinological
  • Neurological
  • Gastro-Intestinal
  • Microbial
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Pulmonary System
  • Immunological
  • Biotransformation
  • Lymphatic System
  • Psychological
  • Emotional
  • Environmental
  • Spiritual
Philosophy
5 min read
Human symbiosis of health
Human symbiosis of health
Focusing on aesthetics while ignoring foundational systems leads to dysfunction over time. True health comes from supporting the body as a whole—physically, mentally, and environmentally.
December 10, 2022

In a meta-analysis assessing the mineral intake of approximately 3,000 women. It found that eating an iron-rich diet (20mg per day) was linked to a 30-40% lower risk of developing premenstrual syndrome when compared to the lowest intake of iron (around 10mg per day) (Am J Epidemiol. 2013 May).

Menstruating women lose around 40% more iron per day when compared to men, with some studies stating how heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of anemia in the developed world (Liu Z, et al. 2007).

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicates that 12-16% of non-pregnant women (aged 16-49 years) have iron deficiency, with 2-4% having anemia.

Increasing iron intake through diet and supplementation for two months has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms considerably in all anemic women (Mitesh Sinha et al. 2013).

Nutrition
5 min read
Iron and PMS
Iron and PMS
Menstrual blood loss increases iron requirements, making deficiency and anemia common contributors to PMS. Supporting iron intake through diet or targeted supplementation may significantly reduce symptoms, particularly in iron-deficient women.
December 9, 2022

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is becoming increasingly more talked about but is still, in my opinion, one of the least appreciated and under-utilised systems in the restoration of movement dysfunctions and chronic health complaints.

Everybody, including health practitioners and those in the fitness industry, could benefit from understanding and implementing lymphatic techniques. You can consider that a homeostatic balance of the internal environment can be a true measure of health.

Lymphatic techniques can, therefore, aid the body in moving towards more of an internal state of homeostasis.

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How does the lymphatic system function?

The lymphatic system is, in essence, the sewage system of the body.

It has the incredible ability to trap nearly all soluble antigens, roughly 99%, with its role in waste removal. This is significantly important for the other body systems to not become overwhelmed and develop issues as well.

The lymphatic system contains the thymus, an endocrine organ which is responsible for the development of T-lymphocytes, immune cells that are involved in fighting infection through the process of cell-mediated immunity.

The spleen plays a key role in the lymphatic system as the largest lymphatic organ, having a vital role in a host of detox processes, such as:

  • Filtering blood
  • Removing old dead red blood cells
  • The maturation of lymphocytes and macrophages to aid in fighting infection

The splenic communication of the tenth cranial nerve, the Vagus nerve, is crucial in reducing inflammatory cytokine production.

The tonsils also form part of the structure of the lymphatic system. With the tonsils formed of lymphatic tissue, housing lymphocytes and macrophages, they protect the digestive system and lungs from pathogens entering through the nose or mouth.

There is also a deep association with the gastrointestinal system through gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) known as Peyers Patches, with the role of the gastrointestinal system intrinsically linked to the immune system. Estimates suggest that roughly 70-80% of immune function is beholden to gastrointestinal health.

This amazing system also comprises millions of lymphatic vessels which, if placed end to end in a continuous line, would circle the earth four times! Alongside these vessels there are over seven hundred lymph nodes within the body, with the most populated areas being the neck, skin and the intestines.

This mass of lymphatic vessels works in uniform direction towards the heart, with valves interspersed to prevent any backflow from occurring. This one-way system is aided by the structure of the vessels which allow fluids to flow in the direction of clearance, but with numerous valves preventing backflow. Allowing the system to be cleared, very much how a filtration device on a fish tank would work.

The ability to regulate fluid homeostasis is a key aspect of the lymphatic system. The body contains fifteen litres of lymphatic fluid, predominantly of water, and roughly 10% of proteins, hormones and waste products. Comparing this to the five litres of circulating blood that we have, the body wouldn’t contain three times more lymphatic fluid than blood if it wasn’t a critical component of our survival!

From the five litres of circulating blood, over the course of a day, three litres of plasma leaks out into the interstitial space.

If not appropriately removed through the lymphatic system this can lead to swelling outside of the cellular space due to the increased fluid concentration and alterations in pressure.

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Without effective drainage this can create stagnation in the fluids;
Let’s go back to the fish tank analogy above, we know that stagnation of fluids is detrimental to the ecosystem, the same being the case for our health.

In a system with appropriately functioning lymphatics, this plasma is removed from the interstitial space into the lymphatics system and circulated upwards towards the subclavian vein. This is where it flows into the venous system, before returning to the liver, detoxifying and purifying the blood.

Taking a deeper look into the pathway of the lymphatic vessels will give an understanding into the application of treating the lymphatic system.

As a one way system drains into the venous system at the bilateral sites of the subclavian veins, all lymphatic vessels are required to flow in this direction. The right upper quadrant of the body drains through the right lymphatic duct and into the right subclavian vein, whilst the remainder of the body drains through the thoracic duct into the left subclavian vein.

The thoracic duct is responsible for the majority of lymphatic flow and also houses the largest lymph node, the cisterna chyli, which is a major site of drainage for the liver. It’s crucial to keep this node functioning well as between 25-50% of the returning lymphatic fluid through the thoracic duct is returned from the liver.

There is an important bidirectional relationship between the cisterna chyli and the liver, with an overburdened liver that can’t move or function optimally placing more load on the cisterna chyli. Having a lymphatic system that can’t drain well, especially at the cisterna chyli, increases the potential to create stagnation around the liver. A lymphatic vessel that is unable to drain will not be able to receive fresh supply creating this backlog.

A fairly recent discovery reveals that the lymphatic system also continues up into the central nervous system through the glymphatics, more commonly known as the glymphatic system.

The glymphatic system has the same role as the lymphatic system, however it is only situated in the brain. This helps to reduce inflammation and drive the removal of waste products which is essential for overall brain health. Additionally, the protective benefits of this system helps to distribute fuel sources and various other vital components around the brain.

Detox
5 min read
The lymphatic system
The lymphatic system
By clearing waste, regulating fluid movement, and supporting immune and neurological health, the lymphatic system plays a central role in resilience and recovery. Optimising lymphatic flow can be a powerful, underutilised tool in addressing chronic health issues and restoring balance within the body.
November 14, 2022

Are you currently exposed to phthalates on a regular basis? Were you exposed during early developmental stages—for example, through maternal exposure such as a mother working in a hair salon while pregnant? Have you noticed symptom improvement after reducing phthalate exposure?

Higher phthalate levels have been associated with a two-fold increase in the rate of endometriosis. Phthalates are present in almost anything fragranced and are widely used in soft plastics, vinyl, cleaning products, nail polish, and perfumes. As early as 2002, environmental groups reported that over 70% of personal care products contained phthalates. Today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 470 million pounds of phthalates are produced each year.

Phthalates are now officially recognised as reproductive toxins throughout both the European Union and the United States. Animal studies show that rats given high doses of certain phthalates stopped ovulating altogether. Phthalates reduce oestrogen production by ovarian follicles—oestrogen being one of the primary drivers of follicle growth and egg development in both animals and humans. Suppression of oestrogen by follicle cells would be expected to impair follicle growth, helping explain why women with endometriosis often exhibit significantly higher phthalate levels than those without the condition.

Potential sources of exposure are extensive. Plastics can leach into food, particularly when food is packaged while hot or stored in plastic for long periods. Personal care products are a major contributor, including cosmetics, hair products, lotions, infant care products, medications, medical devices, nail polish, and perfumes.

Vinyl products are another source, such as shower curtains, flooring, wallpapers, blinds, diaper mats, rain gear, inflatable mattresses, school supplies, car interiors, and yoga mats. Additional exposures may come from air fresheners, electronics, plastic jewellery, sex toys, and children’s toys.

Given their prevalence and biological impact, understanding and minimising phthalate exposure is an important consideration in hormone and reproductive health.

Women's Health
5 min read
Phthalates and endometriosis
Phthalates and endometriosis
Commonly found in plastics, fragrances, and personal care products, phthalates can interfere with oestrogen production and reproductive function. Reducing exposure may be a meaningful step in addressing hormone-related symptoms.
February 8, 2022
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