Most people think they should stop drinking coffee. In my clinic, it belongs to the holy triad of things people think they should cut down or quit when they aren’t feeling optimal. It’s either red meat, alcohol or coffee that gets the chop if things are going well. Contrary to my article on alcohol (spoiler alert: it’s not good for you), I’m here to offer a somewhat … [Read more...]
Omega-3, Fish oil, depression and your mental health
When talking about fish oil for mental health, especially depression, to my patients, I always refer to it as a “research merry-go-round.” One study will show it’s positive for mental health[1] and even for reducing mortality risk.[2] As the merry-go-round continues, there’ll be a contradictory study on mental health[3] that confuses patients and practitioners … [Read more...]
The oral microbiome: A window to your mental and digestive health?
The oral microbiome is a collection of bacterial colonies found in different parts of the mouth, including areas such as the teeth and the tonsils.[1] The oral microbiome is the second most diverse bacterial environment, only to the large intestine and the colon. In fact, the digestive tract and the mouth combined house around sixty per cent of the total bacteria in our … [Read more...]
Meditation for mental health in 2022?
A question asked many times over the last decade is whether meditation is more effective than medication in managing your mental health and health in general. I put together a small workup about meditation’s role in the brain when taking some personal responsibility for stress. In that article, I promised I would do a deeper dive and feel the time is right, so here we … [Read more...]
This one small diet change benefits executive function and quality of life.
Have you ever heard of executive function? It’s the term used to classify our most important cognitive abilities. These abilities include working memory, your ability to say no, flexibility, planning for a goal, reasoning and solving problems.[1] What does this mean in the real world? It’s many things we aspire to have when our health isn’t where we want it to be. For … [Read more...]
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for mental health?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a nutritional compound that seems beneficial for mental health and everything in between. Or at least that’s how the initial research presented. Let’s look into how it might help you. NAC, as it’s usually known, is a popular over-the-counter supplement and FDA-approved drug used for paracetamol overdose.[1] Interest in NAC’s use spans multiple … [Read more...]
Magnesium: Deficient in many, essential to all.
When it comes to magnesium and its role in around six hundred different biochemical reactions in the body, essential is an understatement. In this article, we’re going to break down some of the key reasons this vital mineral is one of the first interventions for me when patients initially visit me. We’ll look at some of the different forms, which one is best to take if … [Read more...]
Is histamine making your mental and IBS symptoms worse?
I feel histamine is most well-known because of anti-histamine drugs than its actual effect on the body, certainly not IBS. It's no wonder as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is thought to affect ten to thirty per cent of the worldwide population, and that was ten years ago.[1] We've all been affected by histamine actions on the body at one stage in our lives, but hay fever … [Read more...]
Episode 11: Going on a gluten-free diet – Things you need to know.
Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! “It doesn’t take too many consultations into my practice day to have the “gluten conversation.” I don’t think I’m overstating things when I suggest that it might be the most hotly contested dietary conversation of the last decade.” In this Free and Inspired radio … [Read more...]
Episode 10:”By 3pm I’m ready to fall asleep.” Introducing the 3pm slump
Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! The 3pm slump is a common symptom for a lot of people. You just have to see the queues forming at your local coffee spot to see how many people are silently going through the same thing. We've all been there. Lunch is over, the afternoon workload is looming, and the … [Read more...]