by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue
Do You Have a Lack of Energy?
9 Common Energy Zappers & How to Let Them Go
Feeling exhausted? Lost your motivation? Struggling to get through the day? Lack of energy is a common issue, and you may not realize that certain habits are draining you. According to the Daily Mail, one in five people constantly feel tired and sluggish.
If you’re looking to boost your vitality, start by letting go of these;
9 Energy Zappers and Replacing Them With Better Habits.
1. Poor Sleep Habits
Sleep is non-negotiable for energy. Your body needs quality rest to recharge, heal, and function at its best. Find your ideal sleep duration and align it with your natural rhythm. Prioritize early nights, as the hours before midnight are the most restorative.
2. Processed Foods
Nutrient-poor, heavily processed foods drain energy instead of fueling your body. Instead, choose whole, real foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds. Need inspiration? Click here for recipe ideas!
3. Lack of Physical Activity
Movement boosts circulation, increases oxygen flow, and enhances mental clarity. Exercise also builds muscle, which strengthens your body’s energy production. Even 10 minutes of daily movement—whether walking, stretching, or strength training—makes a difference.
4. Dehydration
Your body is 70% water, and even slight dehydration slows you down. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, adjusting for exercise and climate. Enjoy herbal teas and broths in colder months, and limit dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol.
5. Overscheduling & No Downtime
A packed schedule leaves no room for relaxation or fun. Plan breaks into your day—walks, meditation, reading, or meeting uplifting friends. Time for self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.
6. Shallow Breathing
Deep breathing is an instant energy booster. Shallow breaths limit oxygen intake, slowing your metabolism. Set a reminder to take 10 deep breaths several times daily. Your brain and body will thank you!
7. Negative Mindset
Your thoughts shape your energy levels. Instead of focusing on lack and stress, shift toward progress and gratitude. Set small, achievable goals and take daily steps toward them. Even imperfect action is better than procrastination.
8. Toxic Relationships
Spending time with draining, negative people can leave you emotionally exhausted. Limit interactions that deplete you and seek out positive, supportive relationships instead. Energy is contagious—choose wisely!
9. Nutrient Deficiencies & Health Issues
Constant fatigue, poor recovery, or body aches may signal underlying health issues. Check key nutrients like B12, iron, vitamin D, and thyroid function. If you need expert guidance, book a consultation today to get your energy back on track!
Ready to Reclaim Your Energy?
Start by making small changes and notice how your energy improves. Need extra support? Book a session and take the first step toward feeling vibrant, strong, and fully alive!
Want to Maintain Healthy Habits? Read This. To more information about energy, read this Accept Feeling Tired and Exhausted as Normal? and we love to hear you experience!
by Feeling Great | Weight Loss
7 Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight No Matter How Hard You Try
Are You Struggling with Weight Loss? Here’s Why
When you step on the scale and see no progress, it can be discouraging. You’ve tried everything—eating less, exercising more, but the results just aren’t showing.
Many people follow the common advice of “80% diet and 20% exercise.” While this isn’t entirely accurate, it’s clear that what you eat plays a significant role in your weight loss journey. If you’re wondering why your weight isn’t budging, here are seven possible reasons.
7 Common Reasons Why Weight Loss Is Stubborn
1. Counting Calories, Not Nutrients
Focusing only on calorie counting might not be the best strategy. Low-fat foods often contain hidden sugars and additives, which your body stores in fat to protect your brain. These additives can slow down your progress.
Solution: Choose nutrient-dense foods that keep you fuller for longer. Opt for veggies, fruits, high-quality proteins (eggs, chicken, tofu), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds). This will help curb hunger and allow you to eat less.
2. Lack of Essential Nutrients
When you’re low in key nutrients like iron, B12, magnesium, and zinc, your energy levels drop. This often leads to cravings for sugary, high-calorie foods like cakes and biscuits.
Solution: Book a health check with your local naturopath to address any deficiencies and get back on track.
3. Insufficient Sleep
Sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, leading to overeating and poor food choices.
Solution: Turn off electronic devices an hour before bed, and aim for a bedtime of 10 pm or earlier. This will help your body follow its natural circadian rhythm.
4. Slow Metabolism Due to Thyroid Issues
Thyroid problems can slow your metabolism and affect your energy, gut function, and muscle recovery. If you’re gaining weight despite doing everything right, it might be thyroid-related.
Solution: Get a comprehensive thyroid test to check your TSH and thyroid antibodies. Correct any deficiencies in key thyroid nutrients such as iodine, B12, and zinc.
5. Food Intolerances or Sensitivities
Food intolerances can cause bloating, fatigue, and cravings. These sensitivities can disrupt fat-burning and lead to fluid retention.
Solution: If you suspect food intolerances, visit a naturopath for testing. This can help identify any allergies or sensitivities contributing to your weight struggles.
6. Constant Stress
Chronic stress can slow your metabolism as your body tries to conserve energy. This leads to insulin resistance, poor food choices, and weight gain.
Solution: Identify your stressors, practice deep breathing, and make time for activities that bring you joy. If stress continues to be a problem, consider speaking with a professional for guidance.
7. High Environmental Estrogen Load
Exposure to synthetic chemicals, like xenoestrogens in plastics and cosmetics, can mimic natural estrogen in the body. This disrupts hormone balance and leads to weight gain.
Solution: Switch to glass or stainless steel water bottles, and avoid microwaving plastic containers. This simple change can help reduce estrogenic effects and support weight loss.
Get On the Right Path to Weight Loss
If any of these issues resonate with you, it may be time to rethink your approach. By addressing the root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, or stress, you can start making real progress in your weight loss journey.
Ready to get started? Book here for Julie our resident naturopath to create a personalized plan that supports your health and weight loss goals.
Here’s more information about Foods NOT to eat when trying to lose weight – Food to Avoid for Successful Weight Loss and you can also read Ketogenic Diet!
by Feeling Great | Body
Naturopath Gut Health Online Australia
10 Signs You Have Leaky Gut
For a long time, doctors didn’t believe in leaky gut syndrome, calling it a made-up condition. But now, more research is showing that Intestinal permeability is real and can play a big role in chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases.
Alternative health experts have always known the gut is key to overall health, with Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, saying, “All disease begins in the gut.” Today, science is proving him right.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut happens when your gut lining becomes damaged. Things like stress, infections, toxins, certain foods, and even aging can cause this damage. When the gut lining is damaged, harmful particles like undigested food and bacteria can leak into your bloodstream. This causes inflammation, and your immune system can start attacking your body.
Symptoms of leaky gut can include bloating, cramps, food sensitivities, and fatigue.
Conditions Linked to Intestinal permeability
Leaky gut can lead to many health problems, such as:
- Arthritis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Chronic fatigue
- Thyroid problems
- Autism
- Trouble losing weight
- Brain fog
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
What Causes It?
Our environment has changed a lot over the years. We’re exposed to more chemicals, processed foods, and toxins than ever before, and our bodies are struggling to keep up. This mismatch can lead to leaky gut.
Main Causes
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Nurofen)
- Too much caffeine or alcohol
- Smoking
- Processed foods like sugar and gluten
- Infections (candida, bacteria)
- Toxins (from plastic, pesticides, heavy metals)
- Stress and aging
10 Signs of Leaky Gut:
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s, arthritis)
- Stomach issues (gas, bloating, IBS)
- Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, rosacea)
- Candida or thrush
- Frequent antibiotic use
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD)
- Seasonal allergies or asthma
- Hormonal issues (e.g., PMS, PCOS)
How to Heal
Healing leaky gut involves removing toxic foods and irritants from your diet. I recommend a personalized gut repair plan that helps heal your gut naturally.
The 4R Healing Plan:
- Remove: Get rid of bad foods and infections that hurt the gut.
- Replace: Add digestive aids like enzymes to help with digestion.
- Repair: Give your gut the nutrients it needs to heal.
- Reinoculate: Bring back good bacteria to restore gut balance.
If you think you have leaky gut, book an online consultation with our Naturopath Gut Health Online Australia. We’ve helped thousands of people, and many have seen huge improvements, including lower autoimmune antibodies.
by Feeling Great | Menopause
Menopause Naturopathic Treatment – Where Are You On The Menopausal Spectrum? Where To From Here?
Just saying the word menopause, stirs up bad associations for many women – aging, endings, mood swings, hot flashes. Menopause is different for each woman, not unlike pregnancy, menstruation, and labor. For some it can be filled with intense pain, disruption, inner turmoil and isolation, and others can sail through it unhindered.
What is menopause?
Menopause is technically when you run out of your finite number of eggs, you were born with. After puberty, ovaries release mature eggs each month, during ovulation, which orchestrate your monthly hormonal cycle. If an egg isn’t fertilized, it’s expelled from your body. At menopause, this all stops.
Did you know our eggs and ovaries are extremely sensitive to chemicals and toxins in the environment? Women who smoke or exposed to many chemicals often have an earlier menopause than they would’ve normally.
Peri-menopause
is transition proceeding menopause. Starting 8-10 years prior to menopause and it’s different for every woman. Some can start as early as the late thirties. Majority at 45 to 51 years and is filled with a wide variety of symptoms associated with a change of life – heavy periods, irregular periods, mood swings, PMS symptoms, poor memory, forgetfulness, feeling down, sad.
Post menopause
occurs roughly 51 years plus, but is different for everyone. It’s defined by having no period for at least a year. There’s often a “post menopausal zest”, a burst of energy and disappearance of most menopausal symptoms.
During the menopausal phase, you’re naturally producing less oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. During peri-menopause and time of menstrual cessation, some unwanted and unpleasant physical symptoms can happen. Knowing what to expect can make it easier.
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by Feeling Great | Hormones
Female Hormone Specialist – Understanding your body’s signals
Are Hormones Causing Your Fatigue, Weight Gain, or Mood Swings?
Do you feel like your hormones are out of balance? If so, you’re not alone. Hormones act as chemical messengers, influencing everything from energy levels and mood to digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. When they become imbalanced, a range of symptoms can arise, impacting your quality of life.
As a Female Hormone Specialist, I help identify and address these imbalances through natural solutions. Functional and naturopathic medicine focus on finding the root cause, using methods like salivary hormone testing to measure the active hormones affecting your body. This allows for precise treatment using herbs, nutrients, and natural hormone therapy.
Mainstream medicine often relies on blood tests, which measure both bound and unbound hormones, sometimes missing key imbalances. If your symptoms aren’t reflected in your test results, you might be told it’s just aging—when in reality, a deeper issue may be at play.
Let’s explore common hormonal imbalances, symptoms, and how to regain balance naturally.
7 Hormone Imbalance and Symptoms
1. Progesterone: The Balancing Hormone
Progesterone helps counteract excess estrogen, which can contribute to growths, cancers, and other health issues. Maintaining the right balance is essential for both men and women.
Symptoms of Low Progesterone:
- Swollen breasts
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Anxiety or depression
- Brain fog
- Low libido
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone profile (most accurate) or blood test.
2. Oestrogen: The Key to Hormonal Harmony
Both men and women require a balance of three oestrogen forms—Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to prostate issues, heart disease, and hormonal cancers.
Symptoms of Low Oestrogen:
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory lapses
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression
Symptoms of Excess Oestrogen:
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Heavy or irregular periods
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood tests.
3. Testosterone: Vital for Strength and Vitality
Both men and women need healthy testosterone levels. Low levels are linked to heart disease, low libido, and muscle weakness, while excess levels may cause acne, hair loss, or hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low libido
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms of High Testosterone:
- Acne
- Irritability
- Excess facial hair (women)
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood test with SHBG.
4. Thyroid: The Metabolic Regulator
Thyroid hormones control energy levels and metabolism. Many thyroid issues go undetected in standard blood tests, leading to misdiagnosed fatigue, weight gain, or depression.
Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function:
- Constant fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning
- Feeling cold
Best Testing Method: Comprehensive blood test, including TSH, fT3, fT4, and thyroid antibodies.
5. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in stress response. If levels are too high or too low, adrenal fatigue can occur, leading to disrupted sleep, weight gain, and anxiety.
Symptoms of High Cortisol:
- Sleep issues
- High blood pressure
- Mood swings
Symptoms of Low Cortisol:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sugar cravings
- Feeling low or unmotivated
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal profile to track cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day.
6. DHEA: The Hormone Precursor
DHEA is crucial for testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone production. When levels drop, it affects stress adaptation, energy, and immune function.
Symptoms of Low DHEA:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Depression
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal hormone testing.
7. Insulin: Regulating Blood Sugar and Energy
Insulin resistance can develop years before diabetes is diagnosed, affecting metabolism, energy, and weight management.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:
- Sugar cravings
- Weight gain (especially around the waist)
- Low energy and frequent hunger
- Irritability
Best Testing Method: Fasting blood glucose or HbA1c test.
Take Control of Your Hormones
Your body is a complex network of hormones, working through feedback loops that affect every aspect of health. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them! Testing and personalized support can help restore balance, energy, and overall well-being.
Want to read more about Hormones? Read this Hormones and Weight Gain After 40
Book your hormone test and start your journey to better health today!
by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue, Thyroid
Do I Have a Thyroid Problem? The Ultimate Guide
Understanding Thyroid Health
Thyroid Problems are far more common than most people realize. Surprisingly, nearly 60% of individuals with thyroid dysfunction remain undiagnosed. If you constantly feel tired, struggle with weight changes, or experience unexplained mood swings, your thyroid may be the root cause.
This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck plays a significant role in energy levels, metabolism, and overall well-being. Recognizing symptoms early can make a huge difference in restoring balance to your body.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Thyroid Problem
Signs of an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism):
- Extreme fatigue and sluggishness
- Unexpected weight gain
- Dry skin, brittle nails, and hair thinning
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation and digestive issues
- Brain fog and memory problems
- Mood swings or depression
- Hoarseness or swelling in the neck
Signs of an Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism):
- Unintentional weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling anxious or on edge
- Excessive sweating
- Trouble sleeping or restlessness
- Shaky hands or muscle weakness
- Feeling overly warm
If you recognize several of these symptoms, consider getting a thyroid test to gain clarity about your health.
Take the Thyroid Symptom Survey to see if you have a thyroid problem.
Who Is at Risk for Thyroid Problems?
Certain groups are more prone to developing thyroid disorders. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are a woman – Hormonal fluctuations increase thyroid vulnerability.
- Have a family history – Thyroid disorders often run in families.
- Are over 60 – Age raises the likelihood of thyroid imbalances.
- Have an autoimmune condition – Conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger thyroid issues.
- Have been exposed to radiation – High radiation levels can affect thyroid function.
- Are iodine deficient – Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.
Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventative steps to maintain a healthy thyroid.
Why Are Thyroid Problems So Common?
Many lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to thyroid dysfunction, including:
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Low iodine, zinc, and selenium levels impact hormone production.
- Toxin Exposure – Chemicals in food, skincare, and household products disrupt thyroid health.
- Chronic Stress – Elevated cortisol interferes with proper hormone conversion.
- Poor Gut Health – Since thyroid hormones activate in the gut, digestive issues can worsen symptoms.
By addressing these factors, you can support thyroid function naturally and prevent long-term health complications.
The Right Way to Diagnose Thyroid Problems
Many standard blood tests fail to detect early thyroid dysfunction. A comprehensive thyroid panel should include:
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Free T4 (Inactive thyroid hormone)
- Free T3 (Active thyroid hormone)
- Reverse T3 (Helps assess thyroid function)
- Thyroid Antibodies (TPO, TG – to check for autoimmune issues)
Proper testing ensures a clear diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
Thyroid Medication: What You Should Know
Thyroid medications like levothyroxine (T4) help supplement low hormone levels. However, if your body struggles to convert T4 into active T3, you may continue feeling unwell despite taking medication.
Factors such as stress, poor diet, and inflammation can hinder hormone conversion. Addressing these imbalances can improve how your body responds to medication.
Top 10 Natural Ways to Support Your Thyroid
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Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods
Eat whole foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc to support thyroid function.
-
Stay Hydrated with Filtered Water
Avoid chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, which can interfere with iodine absorption.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to lower cortisol.
-
Engage in Regular Exercise
Physical activity helps balance hormones and boosts metabolism.
Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to restore hormonal balance.
-
Get Comprehensive Thyroid Testing
Ensure you check all thyroid markers, not just TSH, for an accurate diagnosis.
A strong digestive system helps with thyroid hormone activation. Consider probiotics.
-
Maintain Stable Blood Sugar Levels
Reduce processed sugars and eat protein-rich meals to prevent energy crashes.
Use natural skincare, household products, and organic foods to minimize toxin intake.
-
Support Natural Detoxification
Help your body eliminate toxins by drinking plenty of water, eating fiber, and avoiding inflammatory foods.
Take Control of Your Thyroid Health Today
Thyroid dysfunction can significantly impact your energy, mood, and overall health. But with proper testing, lifestyle changes, and support, you can regain balance and feel like yourself again.
Ready to improve your thyroid health? Book a consultation today and start your journey toward feeling great!
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