by Feeling Great | Sep 26, 2023 | Body, Hormones
Hormones and Weight Loss: Why Diets and Exercise Alone May Not Work
Hormones and Weight Loss connection? Struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercising? You’re not alone. Many women find that traditional weight loss advice—“eat less, move more”—doesn’t deliver results. The missing link? Hormones.
Metabolism, fat storage, and energy levels are all influenced by hormonal balance. When hormones are out of sync, shedding excess weight—especially stubborn belly fat—can feel nearly impossible.
Statistics show that hormonal imbalances contribute to weight gain in 75% of women. While factors like diet and exercise matter, they’re only part of the equation. Understanding how hormones impact metabolism, fat storage, and energy levels is key to achieving long-term weight loss success.
7 Signs Your Hormones Are Affecting Your Weight
- Stubborn belly fat that won’t budge, no matter how much you exercise
- Feeling tired and irritable more often than usual
- Frequent bloating and digestive issues
- Increased stress, even over small things
- Dependence on caffeine to stay energized
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Lower libido and mood fluctuations
How Does It Impact Weight Gain
Hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, thyroid disorders, menopause, and PMS can contribute to weight gain. However, digestive health, inflammation, and toxins also disrupt hormone levels, slowing metabolism and increasing fat storage.
Additionally, Adiposopathy (Fat Cell Sickness) can cause fat cells to produce hormones that further slow metabolism—even while you sleep!
Genetics, Hormones and Weight Loss Struggles
Some women have a genetic predisposition to hormone-related weight gain. Conditions like MTHFR gene mutations affect metabolism, while food intolerances and environmental toxins trigger inflammation, leading to insulin resistance and slow fat burning.
Understanding your unique hormonal and genetic profile is key to achieving lasting weight loss results.
How to Break the Hormonal Weight Gain Cycle
The good news? Balancing hormones naturally can help you lose weight—without extreme diets or excessive workouts. A personalized plan that includes hormone testing, gut health assessments, and targeted nutrition can restore balance and improve metabolism.
At Feeling Great Wellness Solutions, we take a science-backed approach to weight loss. Through expert testing, monitoring, and tailored solutions, we help women reverse hormonal imbalances and achieve sustainable results—without restrictive dieting.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Break free from hormonal weight gain and start feeling great again. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!
Need your hormones checked? Book here.
by Feeling Great | Aug 15, 2023 | Energy/Fatigue, Spirit
Spark – Here’s how to bring it back when feeling exhausted and overwhelmed!
Do you feel drained, unmotivated, or like you’ve lost your spark? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with low energy, relying on caffeine, sugar, or carbs just to get through the day.
As a naturopath, pharmacist, and life coach, I work with people who feel this way daily. The good news? You can reignite your energy and feel vibrant again with the right approach.
Finding the Root Cause
Low energy is often just the tip of the iceberg. To fix it, I assess:
Eating habits
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Gut health
Hormonal balance
When small changes add up, the results can be life-changing.
Lisa’s Transformation: A Case Study
Lisa, 44, felt exhausted and couldn’t lose weight, even on a strict diet. She had digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and low energy.
Her Treatment Plan:
Blood tests – Revealed low iron, B12, and hormone imbalances
Gut & liver reset – Improved digestion and reduced inflammation
Diet changes – Eliminated food intolerances and added nutrient-dense foods
Lifestyle shifts – Hydration, deep breathing, and stress management
The Results? Life-Changing!
Energy restored
No more PMS, bloating, or cravings
Improved sleep and focus
Lost 5kg and exercises daily
Lisa got her spark back, and so can you! Take control of your health and start feeling amazing again.
Is it time to bring back your spark? You only get one go in this body so you may as well make the most of it. CLICK HERE to book online to get started today. Appointments available in person or Teams/Whatsapp
Julie xx (Naturopath, Life Coach, Pharmacist) Feeling Great Health Solutions Ph: 0438 593523
by Feeling Great | Jun 5, 2023 | Body
Autoimmune Specialist Naturopath Australia Online
Gut, Thyroid, and the Immune System Connection
Autoimmune thyroid disease often runs in families, but it can skip generations. It also affects more women than men. According to the Thyroid Foundation, when autoimmune disease is present, multiple symptoms can develop.
If you have a thyroid condition, there is a 90% chance it is autoimmune-related. This means that your own immune system is mistakenly attacking your thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and dysfunction.
As with any autoimmune disorder, the immune system turns against specific body parts. For example:
- Rheumatoid arthritis targets the joints
- Coeliac disease affects the gut
- Type 1 diabetes impacts the pancreas
- Multiple sclerosis damages the nerves
In thyroid autoimmune conditions, this process is known as thyroiditis. It includes Hashimoto’s disease, which slows the thyroid down (hypothyroidism), and Graves’ disease, which speeds it up (hyperthyroidism).
Why Gut Health Is Essential for Autoimmune Healing
Did you know that 80–85% of the immune system is in the gut? The gut’s beneficial bacteria regulate immune responses, protect against harmful invaders, and help absorb nutrients. However, when gut bacteria become imbalanced, immune function weakens.
A damaged gut can lead to:
- Chronic infections
- Allergies and food intolerances
- Frequent colds and infections
- Increased autoimmune activity
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for balancing the immune system and supporting thyroid health. If gut health is compromised, the immune system may continue attacking the thyroid and other organs, leading to worsening symptoms.
How Diet Affects Autoimmune Conditions
A poor diet can disrupt gut bacteria, trigger inflammation, and weaken immune function. Consuming processed foods, sugar, and additives can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and toxic buildup.
Common gut-damaging factors include:
- Antibiotics and medications
- Stress and environmental toxins
- Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, soy, etc.)
By eliminating inflammatory foods and focusing on nutrient-rich, whole foods, you can support gut healing, reduce autoimmune flare-ups, and restore immune balance.
If you have an autoimmune thyroid condition, diet alone may not be enough. Identifying and addressing food intolerances, gut imbalances, and hidden infections is key to long-term healing.
Are you ready to take control of your health? Start by restoring your gut and supporting your immune system naturally!
That’s what I’m here for your Naturopath Autoimmune Specialist Online Australia – to decode it all and formulate a plan that works for you! So, CLICK HERE to book in for video consult to get you started today.
by Feeling Great | May 31, 2023 | Cognitive Health
Brain Fog Treatment – 8 Causes & 7 Ways to Clear It
Feeling Forgetful & Foggy? You’re Not Alone
Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you’re there? Or found yourself searching for your keys for the third time today? If so, you might be experiencing brain fog.
Many people struggle with mental fatigue, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It’s like trying to think through a smokescreen—frustrating and exhausting.
Brain fog isn’t a medical condition itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It can last for hours, days, or even weeks, depending on the cause.
Is It Time to Clear Your Mind? Let’s Find Out.
What Causes Brain Fog?
Brain fog can be triggered by lifestyle habits, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions. Here are the eight most common causes:
1. Lack of Quality Sleep
Poor sleep reduces brain function, making it harder to focus, remember, and process information.
2. Dehydration
Even mild dehydration reduces cognitive performance, leading to slower thinking and memory problems.
3. Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which can disrupt brain function and contribute to foggy thinking.
4. Food Sensitivities
Undiagnosed food intolerances can cause inflammation, bloating, fatigue, and—yes—brain fog.
5. Gut Infections
Your gut and brain are connected. An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to mental fog and low energy.
6. Hormonal Imbalances
Menopause, thyroid dysfunction, and insulin resistance can all contribute to poor memory and brain fatigue.
7. Low Essential Nutrients
Deficiencies in iron, B12, and other key nutrients limit oxygen supply to the brain, leading to cognitive issues.
8. Poor Detoxification
A sluggish liver struggles to remove toxins, which can contribute to fatigue and brain fog.
How to Get Rid of Brain Fog Naturally
If brain fog is slowing you down, don’t worry—there are simple and effective ways to clear it. Start with these seven brain-boosting hacks:
1. Improve Your Sleep Quality
Aiming for 7-9 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep is essential for brain function.
Try this:
- Go to bed at the same time each night.
- Avoid screens an hour before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark for optimal rest.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily prevents dehydration-related brain fog.
Signs of dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Low energy
- Headaches
Try this: If plain water isn’t doing the trick, add a pinch of sea salt to improve absorption.
3. Eat Brain-Friendly Carbs
Refined carbs (cakes, white bread, sweets) cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, making brain fog worse.
Swap these for:
- Vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens, sweet potatoes)
- Fruits (blueberries, apples, bananas)
- Legumes & seeds (quinoa, lentils, chia)
4. Add Protein & Healthy Fats
Proteins and healthy fats stabilize blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy for the brain.
Great sources:
- Protein: Eggs, chicken, fish, tofu
- Fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish
Try this: Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast instead of sugary cereals.
5. Move Your Body Daily
Physical activity increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving mental clarity.
Try this:
- Take a 20-minute walk
- Do a 10-minute high-intensity workout
- Join a yoga or gym class
Consistency is key!
6. Manage Stress & Prioritize Self-Care
Chronic stress depletes DHEA, a hormone crucial for brain health.
Try this:
- Take a hot bath
- Go for a barefoot walk in nature
- Practice deep breathing or meditation
Even 10 minutes of relaxation daily can make a difference.
7. Check Your Iron & B12 Levels
Low iron and B12 reduce oxygen supply to the brain, causing fatigue and poor focus.
Check your levels if you experience:
- Ongoing fatigue
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
Try this: Book a blood test to assess your nutrient levels.
When to Seek Professional Help
If brain fog persists despite lifestyle changes, it may be due to underlying health issues. Here’s when to dig deeper:
1. You Might Need a Detox
- Toxins from processed foods, alcohol, and pollution can overload your liver. A guided detox every 6-12 months can reset your system.
Book a detox consultation today.
2. Food Sensitivities Could Be the Culprit
- Brain fog often pairs with bloating, sinus issues, or digestive discomfort. Food intolerance testing can help identify problem foods.
Schedule a test here.
3. Gut Infections Disrupt Brain Function
- A history of stomach bugs, recurrent thrush, or digestive issues may indicate an infection affecting cognitive clarity.
Get tested to restore gut health.
4. Hormonal Imbalances Are Impacting Memory
- Low estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can impair memory and concentration.
Book hormone testing if you have mood swings, PMS, or irregular periods.
5. Your Thyroid Might Be Sluggish
- Symptoms like constant tiredness, sugar cravings, and feeling cold can signal an underactive thyroid.
Check your thyroid levels here.
6. Thyroid Medications May Need Adjustments
- If you’re on thyroid meds but still feel foggy, your treatment may need fine-tuning.
Get personalized thyroid support here.
Ready to Clear Brain Fog for Good?
Brain fog doesn’t have to be your normal! Start with these simple strategies, and if you need more support, book a consultation today.
📢 Which of these tips are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!
by Feeling Great | Apr 25, 2023 | Mind
4 Antidotes to Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed & Depressed
Feeling Stuck? You’re Not Alone
Feeling Stuck like Emma when she sat across from me, shoulders slumped, face pale, and eyes filled with sadness. She had just turned 50 and was taking stock of her life—a process that left her feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and deeply depressed.
“I’m on my third antidepressant, and I’m not getting any better. In fact, I feel worse,” she admitted.
I’d heard this story many times. As a pharmacist, I had dispensed countless boxes of antidepressants, yet very few people experienced a miraculous shift in happiness.
Emma’s life felt like a series of never-ending struggles—her marriage was barely holding on, her energy was at an all-time low, and she had left work due to a lingering shoulder injury. On top of that, she was constantly caring for aging parents and navigating the challenges of raising two teenage boys. She was running on empty, stuck in survival mode.
She needed real solutions, not just another prescription.
Why Antidepressants Alone May Not Be the Answer
Antidepressants can be a short-term reset button for some, but they don’t work for everyone. Many women find that while medication numbs the pain, it also increases anxiety, lowers libido, and triggers emotional eating.
The truth? Long-term healing requires more than just a pill.
Your mental, physical, and emotional health are all connected. Low energy, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, unresolved trauma, and toxic relationships can all contribute to depression.
Emma was done with the medication merry-go-round and ready to make real changes. After a thorough assessment—bloodwork, hormone testing, lifestyle coaching, and habit tracking—we built a plan that worked for her.
Within two visits, she had more energy, renewed confidence, and a clear vision for her future.
If you’re feeling stuck like Emma, here are four powerful antidotes to get you moving forward again.
4 Powerful Antidotes when Feeling Stuck
1. Energy – Your Foundation for Change
Energy isn’t just about how you feel mentally—it’s about how your cells function. It fuels your brainpower, mood, and ability to take action.
When energy levels are low, everything feels harder. You retreat, avoid challenges, and struggle to stay motivated.
Boost Your Energy Today:
- Prioritize deep, restorative sleep
- Eat nutrient-dense, whole foods
- Move your body daily, even for 20 minutes
- Reduce stress by setting boundaries & saying no
When your body has energy, you’ll naturally feel more motivated, resilient, and ready to take on life.
2. Clarity – Get Clear on Your Future
One of the biggest causes of feeling stuck is lack of direction. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s easy to feel lost.
Ask Yourself:
- What does my ideal life look like one year from now?
- Am I reacting to life’s chaos or creating a future I love?
- What small steps can I take right now to move forward?
Clarity comes from action, not just thinking. Even if you get off track, you’ll learn along the way. The key is to start moving.
3. Self-Love – Build a Strong Inner Foundation
What’s happening inside you reflects what’s happening outside you.
If you feel unworthy, unlovable, or not enough, it’s time for inner work.
How to Start Practicing Self-Love:
- Identify what makes you unique & valuable
- Speak to yourself with kindness & compassion
- Stop seeking external validation—love yourself first
When you build a strong foundation of self-worth, your confidence and happiness naturally grow.
4. Manage Your Emotional State
Your emotional state affects every decision you make. When you’re in a bad state, you’ll make poor choices.
Simple Ways to Reset Your Mood:
- Listen to uplifting music or inspiring podcasts
- Move your body—dance, walk, or stretch
- Spend time in nature & breathe fresh air
- Surround yourself with supportive people
Before making big decisions, check your emotional state. Choose to act from a place of clarity, not exhaustion.
Final Thoughts – Small Changes, Big Results
The hardest part of change isn’t knowing what to do—it’s doing it consistently.
Emma’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. But with the right tools, she broke free from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and depressed.
If you’re having an Emma moment, I’m here to help. Book an appointment today, and let’s create a plan for you.
“We’re all walking each other home.” – Ram Dass ✨
Much love,
Julie XX
