by Feeling Great | Cognitive Health, Gut Health
The Antidepressant Dilemma: Mood & Gut Connection – What Are Your Options?
Feeling Stuck? Let’s Explore Your Choices with Mood & Gut
Struggling with low mood, anxiety, or brain fog? Feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster? Maybe you’ve visited your doctor and now have a prescription for antidepressants in hand. But is that your only option?
After 20 years dispensing antidepressants, I saw firsthand that while they may help in the short term, they often don’t provide lasting happiness. That’s why I stepped away from the counter and now offer natural, long-term solutions to support mental well-being from the root cause.
Your Mood & Gut: The Connection You Need to Know
Before making a decision, consider this—your gut health directly affects your mood. Ever had a “gut feeling” or butterflies in your stomach? That’s because your gut and brain are constantly communicating.
Here’s something groundbreaking: 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut—only 10% comes from the brain! Yet many antidepressants work by recycling serotonin in the brain, rather than supporting the gut where most of it is made.
It makes sense to optimize gut health first, rather than applying a quick fix that doesn’t address the root issue.
6 Natural Ways to Support Mood & Gut Health
1. Cut Down on Sugar & Processed Carbs
- Swap biscuits for an orange, or cake for veggie sticks and hummus. Studies show high sugar intake can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and mood disorders.
2. Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods
- Load up on vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole foods. A good rule of thumb? One handful of protein, three handfuls of veggies per meal.
3. Increase Healthy Fats
Your brain thrives on good fats like:
- Avocados, eggs, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil
- Omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds
- Avoid fried foods and hydrogenated oils found in packaged snacks.
4. Move Your Body Daily
Exercise boosts brain health and energy. Try:
- 20 minutes of aerobic activity (walking, jogging, dancing)
- Keep your heart rate at 180 minus your age for optimal benefits.
5. Practice Gratitude & Stress Management
High stress damages gut bacteria and increases inflammation. Daily habits like:
- Gratitude journaling
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Forgiveness and compassion
can make a big difference in balancing emotions.
6. Minimize Gut Disruptors
Certain medications and lifestyle habits harm gut health. Reduce or avoid:
- Acid-reducing meds (Nexium, Losec, Ranitidine)
- Antibiotics unless necessary
- Processed foods and trans fats
Need Support? Let’s Create a Plan Together
If you’re looking for natural, sustainable solutions to support your mood, energy, and gut health, I can help! Book a consultation at my naturopathic clinic in Corowa or schedule an online video call.
I’ve helped thousands of clients regain their well-being, and they’ve never felt better. Supporting your body naturally beats a temporary fix every time!
Read about 4 Antidotes when Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, and Depress? or you can also read the Mental Health Holistic Approach and if you find this is helpful, we love to hear your thoughts!
Book now for your personalized health plan.
Wishing you a healthy, happy day!
Julie xx (Naturopath, Life Coach, Pharmacist)
PS: Did you know you absorb the microbiome of those around you just by breathing? The human body is truly fascinating!
by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue, Mental Wellbeing
7 Major Benefits of Floating
Why Is Floating Gaining Popularity?
Floating has been around for decades, but recently, it’s getting more attention for its powerful health benefits. More people are discovering how it can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even relieve chronic pain.
Origins of Floating
The idea of floating in saltwater for therapeutic benefits isn’t new. It has been used for years, but over the past five years, it has made a strong comeback.
Back in the 1950s, neuroscientist John C. Lilly studied the effects of sensory deprivation on anxiety, addiction, and stress. Seeing impressive results, he developed a commercial float tank that made floating accessible to more people.
Floating became popular in the 1960s, but concerns over water cleanliness slowed its growth in the 1970s. Despite this, researchers continued studying its effects. Today, float centers are everywhere, including my favorite one—The Private Sea in Mornington.
So, why should you try floating? Here are seven major health benefits that might convince you.
1. Floating Lowers Stress
One of the biggest reasons people float is stress relief. Floating helps in two ways:
- The magnesium in the water lowers stress hormones like cortisol
- Sensory deprivation gives your mind a break, reducing tension
In a study, participants who floated eight times over two weeks saw a 21.6% decrease in cortisol levels. They also handled stress better without the usual spikes in cortisol.
The best part? That deep relaxation doesn’t disappear once you leave the tank—it lingers, helping you stay calm in daily life.
2. Floating Increases Magnesium Levels
Magnesium is essential for over 235 bodily functions, yet many people are deficient. A lack of magnesium can lead to:
- Muscle cramps and fatigue
- Poor sleep and anxiety
- Joint pain and headaches
Floating replenishes magnesium levels by soaking your skin in Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Just one float session can provide enough magnesium to support your body for days.
3. Floating Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Chronic stress triggers high cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Floating helps by:
- Reducing cortisol production, helping you feel calmer
- Improving sleep, which directly impacts mental health
- Promoting relaxation, so you feel lighter and more positive
In one study, people who floated 12 times reported less stress, pain, and anxiety. They also noticed improved sleep and a more optimistic outlook, with results lasting up to four months.
4. Floating Relieves Physical Pain and Inflammation
If you struggle with chronic pain, floating might be the relief you need. It helps by:
- Increasing circulation, which reduces muscle tension
- Promoting oxygen flow, which speeds up healing
- Relieving joint pain, even for conditions like fibromyalgia
Floating has been shown to reduce pain, stress, and muscle tension, helping people move more freely with less discomfort.
5. Floating Improves Sleep Quality
Struggling with insomnia? Floating can help reset your sleep cycle.
- Magnesium relaxes muscles, preparing your body for deep sleep
- One hour in a float tank is equivalent to four hours of deep rest
- Even after just one float, people report feeling more refreshed
Better sleep leads to better energy, focus, and mood—all essential for a healthy lifestyle.
6. Floating Enhances Creativity
Artists, writers, and musicians use floating to boost creativity. A study found that floating improves technical skills and enhances problem-solving abilities.
When your brain enters a deep relaxation state, creative ideas flow more easily, making floating a great tool for anyone looking to unlock their full potential.
7. Floating Deepens Meditation
Many people struggle with meditation because of distractions. Floating makes it easier by:
- Eliminating external noise
- Helping you stay fully present
- Allowing your mind to enter a theta state—the deepest level of relaxation
This deep mental clarity can last for days or even weeks, helping you stay focused and mindful in everyday life.
What to Expect on Your First Float
Float tanks are spacious, measuring around 2.5 meters long and 1.2 meters tall, so you can sit up inside. The water, heated to 35°C, is infused with 350kg of Epsom salts, making you effortlessly float.
Before or after your session, you can also enjoy an infrared sauna for an even deeper relaxation experience.
Each person’s float experience is unique—some feel meditative, others creative, and many report feeling refreshed and optimistic for days afterward.
Final Thoughts
Floating is an amazing experience that can help you feel relaxed, balanced, and pain-free. It’s now my go-to gift for loved ones near The Private Sea in Mornington.
You can also read about Sensory Overload I hope this gave you insights and you can share us your experience!
Need to get to the root cause and feel relaxed, and pain-free – come see me
References
[1] https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/j…
[2] http://floatinglotus.com/wp-content/uploads/…
[3] http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-07100-002
[4] http://floatinglotus.com/wp-content/uploads/…
by Feeling Great | Mental Wellbeing
Is It Time to Break Free from Sabotaging Patterns?
Breaking Old Patterns – Reclaim Your Spark and Transform Your Life
Breaking Old Patterns? Have you ever noticed people who seem to radiate energy, joy, and confidence? It’s almost as if they have a natural spark that draws you in. I’ve always been fascinated by this energy and its impact on how people share their unique gifts with the world. From high school teachers to local shopkeepers, the people who exude this spark seem to have an undeniable magnetic quality.
But what about those who feel their spark has faded? This was my inspiration to help others reignite the natural vitality they were born with.
Our bodies and minds are complex, and it’s easy to get stuck in unhelpful patterns. When I work with clients, I start by examining their biochemistry and daily habits. From there, we declutter and rebuild. Once your foundation is strong, you can move forward with confidence and vitality.
How Does Your Brain Control Your Life?
Everything that happens in the brain affects the body. Today, we often hear about managing stress, anxiety, and depression. However, everything we experience, from our thoughts and feelings to our actions, follows a specific pattern in the brain—called neural maps. These patterns can either be helpful or unhelpful.
Unhelpful patterns include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Pain
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Poor sleep
On the other hand, helpful patterns might look like:
- Creativity
- Confidence
- Learning
- Performance at school/work
- Riding a bike
- Speaking a language
The brain is a powerful tool that, once conditioned, continues to repeat these patterns until something is done to change them.
Breaking Old Patterns: A Real-Life Example
Consider the case of Angela, who suffered from severe anxiety and agoraphobia. Her anxiety was draining all her energy and resources, leaving her unable to cope with daily life. She came to me with a list of five issues to address. I focused on the root cause—her anxiety.
By treating the anxiety first, we were able to eliminate the overwhelming feeling that consumed her day. After just a few sessions, Angela regained her energy and began asking, “What can I do to feel good?”
This story highlights how our brains create patterns, but they can also be rewired. Clinical hypnotherapy is a powerful tool in this process, allowing us to replace negative patterns with positive, life-changing ones.
Psychology vs. Clinical Hypnotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Many people ask about the difference between psychology and clinical hypnotherapy. Psychology deals with the conscious mind, focusing on understanding our reality and maintaining existing patterns. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, the part of the brain that creates and breaks patterns.
While psychology can help us understand the origins of our patterns, clinical hypnotherapy goes deeper. It bypasses the conscious mind and reprograms the subconscious. This allows for faster and more effective change without reactivating old patterns.
How Clinical Hypnotherapy Works
In hypnotherapy, we don’t dwell on the problem; instead, we focus on creating new neural maps. The process begins with an investigation into the patient’s history and the identification of the most helpful changes. Then, we guide the patient into a relaxed, suggestible state—similar to daydreaming or meditation.
In this state, the brain is more open to change, and new, positive patterns begin to form. These changes can happen immediately, leading to lasting transformation.
Take Control of Your Brain, Take Control of Your Life
If your old patterns are running your brain and holding you back, it’s time to take action. Change is possible, and when your brain changes, everything changes.
Are you ready to reclaim your spark and break free from patterns that no longer serve you? Let’s begin today and unlock the possibilities for a vibrant, fulfilling life.
You can also read Making Changes – What Hat Are You Wearing? Hoping that’s given you food for thought and a few ideas to digest. If you know someone who would benefit from this, please share it.
CLICK HERE to book a session with me and let me help you achieve your healthy future.
