We are often bombarded by new shiny gadgets and fads that are meant to help us achieve optimal health, but there is a return to ancient practices including breath and cold and heat therapy. Join integrative doctor Olivia Lesslar and naturopath and breathing instructor Mim Beim as they discuss the benefits of these timeless practices and learn how they can be used and monitored in conventional blood pathology.

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In this episode, we address myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and its similarities with Long COVID. Nutritional biochemist Dr Rhona Creegan explains that ME/CFS is considered a bio-toxin illness characterised by prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive issues (brain fog), and other systemic symptoms. One distinctive feature is post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen after physical or cognitive exertion. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, headaches, and orthostatic intolerance—where blood pressure and heart rate fluctuate upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting. This episode also features naturopath Stephanie Gadsden who was diagnosed with ME/CFS as a 17 year old – she shares her personal health struggles, which were initially misunderstood by the medical community, and highlights how she found relief through a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach. The focus is on reducing the patient's "toxic load" (infections, stress, environmental toxins) and rebuilding their body’s resilience. This often includes working with health coaches to help patients make sustainable, long-term changes. Stephanie also discusses common treatments she uses, such as immune-modulating herbs, antivirals, mitochondrial support, and addressing nutrient deficiencies, as well as using IV nutrient therapy when appropriate. 

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In this episode, diabetes focused GP Dr Gary Deed discusses the limitations of blood tests when it comes to diabetes diagnosis. For example, haemoglobin A1C may be inaccurate in certain conditions such as iron deficiency or recent blood transfusions. He points out that testing insulin levels to assess insulin resistance is controversial since lab variability makes it unreliable for clinical practice. Instead, visceral obesity, waist circumference, and BMI are more practical markers for insulin resistance. He also discusses the utility of newer tests like C-peptide and fructosamine, along with continuous glucose monitoring. Blood test interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan joins the discussion with the best blood and other diagnostic methods to detect the presence of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Dr Creegan underscores the importance of optimal ranges over standard lab reference ranges.

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This discussion spans inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thyroid presentations, with autoimmunity bridging the two. Integrative GP Dr Charlotte Middleton highlights the complex nature of IBD, its growing prevalence, especially among children, and the importance of early and thorough diagnostic workups to manage it. Thyroid focused naturopath Tara Nelson discusses factors affecting the accuracy of thyroid function tests including circadian rhythm, medications, stress and the patient’s own unique set point. She delves into the various thyroid antibodies, euthyroid sick syndrome and the patient who flips between hypo and hyperthyroid presentations.

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Join naturopathic doctor Lara Briden and women’s health naturopath Katey Weekes as they discuss their philosophy around testing in general and conventional blood testing in particular. Lara Briden explains that while measuring oestrogen and progesterone levels can have their place, she prefers assessing LH, FSH, prolactin, and androgens, particularly in conditions such as PCOS. She highlights that testing for PCOS typically involves a high LH to FSH ratio, elevated androgens, and sometimes low SHBG, but emphasises that a polycystic ovary ultrasound finding isn't sufficient for diagnosing PCOS. Katey Weekes highlights that testing helps differentiate whether hormonal issues are contributing to mental health symptoms and guides her treatment.

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Join our host Toni Chambers as she explores the foundations of conventional blood pathology with nutritional biochemist and pathology interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan. They discuss how laboratory reference ranges are determined, the factors that affect the results and the importance of understanding both lab reference and optimal ranges, using uric acid and TSH as examples. Dr Creegan also outlines the clinical use of derived values.

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Deepen your understanding of drug-herb-nutrient interactions in thyroid conditions. Hear from thyroid specialist naturopath Tara Nelson, pharmacist and nutritionist James Jensen and integrative GP Dr Aparna Hegde. 

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The increasing prevalence of toxins in the environment – whether they be from mould, plastics, heavy metals, pesticides or poor water quality – can all impact thyroid functioning, and affect younger people than ever before. Nurse practitioner Ashe Young details the many environmental insults and increasing pressure on young women as reasons for their increasing presentation with thyroid disorders. Emily, diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease in her mid-20s, joins the conversation to detail her journey with an under active thyroid. 

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In this episode, we talk to naturopath and thyroid cancer survivor Melissa Briggs as she shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, through to her clinical practice supporting others through thyroid cancer. Holistic dietitian Natalie K. Douglas provides insight into how she determines those patients with cellular hypothyroidism versus hypothyroidism. 

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Healthcare practitioners and researchers alike have seen an increase in post COVID thyroid presentations. Hear from integrative GP Dr Ameeta Gajjar and thyroid specialist naturopath Tara Nelson on possible mechanisms, presentations and treatment approaches. A young patient also tells her story of developing hypothyroidism post COVID infection. 

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