Whilst the importance of nutrition during preconception and pregnancy is well established, often the focus is primarily on the need for micronutrients such as iodine and folate, with other nutrients being sidelined, particularly from a mainstream medical view.

As humans, our bodies - and gut, in particular - house a combination of good and bad bacteria. Under normal or "balanced" conditions, a widely diverse selection of good bacteria in the gut outnumber the bad. A lack of bacterial diversity and/or increased unfriendly bacteria can lead to a range of health problems. Lack of sleep, high levels of stress, consumption of high-fat and high-calorie food such as junk food, and a lack of prebiotics in the diet can all contribute to an unhealthy gut. So, how to reverse the effects of modern life?

A preliminary nutritional study involving patients with bipolar disorder found that an increase in particular fatty acids such as Omega 3's appeared to reduce mood swings and irritability when used as an adjunct to traditional pharmaceutical drugs.

The study involved 41 participants between the ages of 20 and 75. Patients were treated over a 12 week period. In particular, an intake high in omega 3s and low in omega 6's, in addition to usual care led to a reduction in irritability, mood swings and pain and an increase in energy in Bi-polar patients.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death in Australia. Such prevalence results in a landslide of well-meaning but conflicting advice and misinformation, particularly online. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease when identified and addressed early can make all the difference in preventing a cardiovascular event such as a stroke or a heart attack.

Calcium is synonymous with three things; strong bones, strong teeth and dairy. They fit nicely together when it comes to selling milk and dairy products, but is it all really that simple? With the rates of osteoporosis on the rise in the western world, despite regular consumption of calcium-rich dairy, it’s time to review the role of calcium.

Acupuncturist and Naturopath in Brisbane's southside suburb of Moorooka discusses a recent study that looks at the impact of diet on health.

The study involving 250 participants, highlighted that a junk food diet comprising of meat, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks may in fact have the effect of reducing the volume of the left hippocampus in the brain. In contrast, a diet containing fresh fish and vegetables may have the opposite effect.

In particular, a compound found in red wine, chocolate and red grapes known as resveratrol is showing promising effects in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's Disease according to a recent study.

One of the main bio-markers involved in Alzheimer’s Disease known as Amyloid-Beta Plaques was found to become stabilised in patients with moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. This resulted in a slowing down of mental decline as compared with the placebo group.

A breakfast that contains fresh protein, slow-release gluten-free carbohydrates such as quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth and brown rice, some good quality fats such as avocado or coconut oil and some green vegetables is the ideal way to start the day for every member of the family.

It provides the body with energy, clarity of mind, blood sugar stability and will keep you feeling full for at least 3 to 4 hours.

A huge study involving 4000 women aged between 60 and 80 years of age has established that those participants who followed a Mediterranean diet had a much lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who followed a low-fat diet at five years follow up.

In fact, the reduction rate in the women who added a generous splash of olive oil to their Mediterranean diet was as much as 68 % and those who added nuts to their Mediterranean diet were 41% less likely to develop breast cancer as compared with those who were eating predominantly a low-fat diet.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids comprise of two acids (EPA and DHA). Our body is unable to produce these compounds itself so it is important that we must obtain these fats from our diet. Salmon is one of the highest sources of these essential fatty acids, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents as well as vital compounds for our brain and nervous system.

So it seems that there has been a rather dramatic shift that has occurred particularly in places like Australia and the US where the general population is more concerned about eating healthily than ever before. There are raw and paleo cafes and restaurants opening up on every street corner, television shows like the Paleo way and Good Chef Bad Chef that are being targeted at a mainstream audience.

Hello health seekers

Spring is here which meals only one thing in the world of naturopathic medicine...DETOX

In my opinion, partaking in a 6 week supervised detox program during the season of spring is the most holistic way to shed pounds just in time for summer as well as have you feeling incredibly alive and energetic.