Endometriosis and PCOS: Improving fertility outcomes naturally and in IVF.

When it comes to fertility we always hope it will be easy. We are biologically made to reproduce after all. However with ever increasing infertility rates we instead need to acknowledge we may require some assistance. In 2022 approximately 1 in 4 New Zealanders experience infertility and 1 in 8 require some form of medical assistance to achieve a pregnancy. Read more to understand how you can naturally increase your chances of conceiving naturally and through assisted reproductive procedures.

Estrobolome: Do our bacteria really turn our estrogen on or off?

The estrobolome is an amazing new term used to discuss the intricate connection between our ‘estrogen’ and the ‘microbiome’ . Did you know that down there in your gut little species of bacteria are choosing whether you need more active estrogen or more inactive estrogen? We have known for a few years now how the gut plays a role in our mood and now we know it also plays a role in our hormonal balance.

Gut Health, Inflammation, Female Health, Hormonal balance, microbiomeKatherine Matthews9 August 2022liver, Hormones, Oestrogen, microbiomeComment

Gut Health & Mental Health: How connected are they?

Many of us have learned to “trust our gut.” But if we ask most people what our digestive tract is for, they’ll probably explain it as a way of absorbing nutrients and disposing of waste. So where do phrases such as “trusting our gut” or “unable to stomach the results” come from? It turns out there is a two-way street between our digestive organs and our brains. What we eat and the state of our digestive tract can have a profound impact on our moods and behaviors. And probably unsurprisingly at this point, our gut microbiome is also involved.

Gut Health, Inflammation, Mental Health, microbiomeKatherine Matthews30 July 2022microbiome, stressComment

Fatty Liver Disease: How diet and herbs can reduce fatty liver and improve your liver health.

It is normal for the liver to contain some fat, but if fat accounts for more than 10% of the liver’s weight, then liver function may be impaired and serious complications may develop. There are many ways we can lean up our liver and get our health back on track through diet, herbs and exercise.

Gut Health, Inflammation, NAFLD, Fatty Liver DiseaseKatherine Matthews30 June 2022liver, Fatty Liver, Fatty Liver DiseaseComment

Depression and Inflammation: Is hidden inflammation affecting your mood?

In the last 2 years we have all experienced Crisis in the form of a pandemic. In New Zealand we have seen a significant increase in Depression and Anxiety during this time(1). With women 58% more likely to be affected by depression than men (2). Termed by psychologists as ‘crisis fatigue’, a combination of chronic stress, anxiety, poor behavioral habits and loneliness, this constant state of pandemic alertness has led to to a state of apathy and burnout for many people (1). How is this connected to inflammation?

Is one glass really ok? The harmful effects of alcohol and how to reduce them.

Many people associate having a drink with a feeling of relaxation or a warm ‘buzz’, essentially using alcohol as a means of harmless fun. Whilst one or two glasses of wine, or a few beers, can be a nice way of unwinding, excessive consumption can have a significant impact on your health. So how does alcohol affect your body? Slurred speech, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, lack of judgment, volatile emotions, and blackouts can all follow excessive alcohol consumption. Most people will have experienced one or more of these effects at some point, crossing the line from a moderate intake to an unhealthy consumption. Unfortunately or fortunately for us women these effects can often happen more quickly and have long term impacts on our hormones and menstrual cycles. Making alcohol my number one red flag when it comes to women hormones imbalances.

Fatigue, Female Health, Gut Health, Hormonal balance, InflammationKatherine Matthews5 May 2022alcoholComment

Tackling Traveler's Diarrhea aka Bali Belly Naturally: How to Get Your Gut Back on Track After Getting Sick on Holiday

Evading this season’s colds, coughs and flu can feel like an uphill battle through a treacherous warzone. As you forge through uncharted territory, you remain constantly vulnerable to an enemy ambush closing in on you. The same can be said of your body during winter, when it must regularly defend against viruses and bacteria. Poor battle tactics, such as inadequate immune defenses, can increase the chance of viruses and bacteria leading to an infection. Fortunately, arming yourself with tools that enhance your immune response can turn the tables on the enemy and mount a counterattack that could win the war, allowing you to conquer any bugs that may come your way.

The microbiome-fibre connection

When it comes to regularity, its all about the fibre!

Did you know there are some indigenous populations that eat over 500 different kinds of plant fibres every year? Most of us are hoping to get 30 different kinds a week let alone 500. As you will be reading about soon, a variety of plant foods builds ‘microbiota variety’ in the microbiome which supports regularity when it comes to using the rest room.

Gut Health, Energy, Immunity, microbiomeKatherine Matthews22 August 2020Gut Health, bloating, gas, fibre fueledComment

Probiotics 101

Now days there are so many probiotics on the shelf. Should I buy refrigerated or shelf stable? Multi strain or single strain? This article will answer some of the many questions around probiotics and how they may help in different ages and stages of life.

Getting to the Guts of your Health

Great health is all in the Gut. From the first day of school through to your well-deserved retirement, challenges can arise at every age; your health is no exception to this. More and more, research is showing that your microbiome (i.e. your gut bacteria) is foundational for good health.

Fatigue, Inflammation, Gut Health, Energy, Immunity, microbiomeKatherine Matthews10 July 2020Pain, Inflammation, Gut Health, bloating, gasComment

Four Steps to a Stronger Immune System

Keep it simple! With the four 'S's.

These days we have more information than we can digest and we can struggle to find what is most important. I have scoured the scientific research and information for you to provide you with these four steps. I choose them as they have a big impact leading to a stronger immune system and more vibrant health. .

Immunity, Gut HealthKatherine Matthews12 May 2017 Comments

Immune Broth Recipe

A few years ago when I was living in Japan I was privileged to the availability of various kinds of mushrooms. Inspired by the Japanese cuisine which is filled with the most delectable broths that surround their noodle dishes such as ramen, I tried my hand at making some mushroom soups. Unknown to me then, these mushrooms were going to become a huge focus in science as we became aware of their immune enhancing benefits

Recipes, Immunity, Gut HealthKatherine Matthews9 May 2017 Comment

When it comes to regularity, its all about the fibre!

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