In this week's podcast episode, I am joined by our practicing Clinical Nutritionist, Melissa Kirkwood to discuss the importance of personal well-being as a parent/carer. In our online clinic, we often see a lot of children with complex health issues, children who aren't sleeping, or those who are unwell a lot, which puts a lot of pressure on the parent or carer of that child. Too often parents are so busy caring for their children, that they forget about their own wellbeing. So in this episode, Mel and I will share some practical changes you can make to support yourself.

You can look forward to learning about:

• The three categories to focus on when things seem overwhelming, are Nutrition, Movement  & Mind;
• For diet & nutrition, we will focus on:
  • The importance of protein & balancing the macros in your meals;
  • Reducing caffeine to support your nervous system;
  • Ensuring you are focusing on adequate hydration;
• For movement, we will focus on:
  • Why it might be time to quit doing HIIT workouts, and how this can impact your stress levels;
  • Alternative exercise options that will support you during this season of life;
• For mind, we will focus on:
  • How to incorporate small pockets of mindfulness into your day;
  • The importance of nature, and morning sunlight;
  • Our favourite yoga pose that settles a heightened nervous system;
  • Sleep, and why you should make it a priority (if possible)
• Mel also discusses some case studies of two recent clients:
  • Mother of two under 3 years old, who has sleep deprivation, brain fog, low energy;
  • Mother of two who is experiencing burnout, digestive complaints, brain fog, anxiety, and poor sleep.

Episode Links:

• Needing extra support? Mel would love to assist you in clinic. Check her availability here.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

After receiving such a great response to our Perimenopause Masterclass that we created for our Natural Super Kids KLUB members, we have decided to share this topic with our wider community. In this week's podcast, I'm joined by our Natural Super Kids consulting naturopath, Sarah Worboys to discuss the physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause. As Sarah and I are both in our perimenopausal years, we will be giving first-hand experience in this conversational episode.

In this episode, Sarah and I will be sharing:

• Sarah shares her journey to becoming a naturopath, and how her Mum was her first perimenopausal client;
• The facts about perimenopause including information about what hormones are affected, and potential signs and symptoms such as moodiness and sleeplessness, low mood, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, shorter/heavier/painful periods, and insulin resistance;
• The benefits of functional testing and Sarah's favourite hormonal testing;
• Unpacking stress during perimenopause, including how stress, parenting and lifestyle can impact the health of our HPA axis;
• The benefits of self-care in the management of perimenopause; 
• Discover how exposure to morning light and limiting evening light can help regulate your sleep cycle and support overall well-being;
• The importance of sleep during this stage of life and some manageable tips for improving sleep during the disruptive sleep phase perimenopause brings;
• Jess and Sarah touch on alcohol and how it can disrupt perimenopause;
• We encourage rewarding oneself in wholesome ways, such as enjoying a hot bath or a walk in nature. 

Join us in this enlightening conversation and make your perimenopause journey healthier and more manageable.

Episode Links:

• Book a consultation with Sarah here to manage your perimenopause.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Ever wondered why your child is always picky about certain foods? Ever battled with recurrent infections, allergies, or even challenging behavior? It all could be tied to something as simple as gut health.

I'm excited to announce that I've put together a brand new kids' gut health assessment. This assessment will help you determine just how healthy your child's gut is, and give you guidance on what next steps you need to take.

In this episode we will go through a series of questions to determine if your child falls under three categories:
1. Gut Repair;
2. Gut Nourish;
3. Gut Maintain;

The information in this podcast episode, together with the gut health assessment will help you make the most of the information I share in my upcoming Free Gut Health Masterclass that I will be hosting next week.  

Have you registered? If not, check out the information below to save your seat, and together we can work to improve your child's behaviour, fussy eating, allergies, and so much more..

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Discover the amazing world of the gut microbiome and why it's so important for your kid's health. Journey with us as we navigate the bustling cityscape of the gut, home to trillions of microbes that crucially influence your child's growth, development, and overall well-being. This episode is Part 3 of our gut health podcast series, if you missed Parts 1 & 2, be sure to check out the links below. 

This episode covers:

• What is the gut microbiome and why it is important when it comes to our children's health & well-being;
• Why the gut microbiome is often referred to as the "second brain";
• How the gut microbiome alters your child's growth, development, and their immune system;
• The impact of the gut microbiome on your child's mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, and digestion;
• Plus, learn how nurturing the gut microbiome can alleviate common issues such as irritability, sleep disorders, and digestive problems in your young ones. 

Ready to optimise your kid's microbiome? Click here to download your copy of our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook.

Episode Links:
Listen to Episode 135: Uncovering The Cause of Your Kids Tummy Troubles
Listen to Episode 136: A Holistic Approach to Managing Allergies & Intolerances in Children.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Have you ever wondered why allergies and intolerances, especially in children, are skyrocketing in Australia? Or if our medical system's approach to these conditions is falling short? Join us as we delve deep into the perplexing issue of food allergies and intolerances in children in Part 2 of our Gut Health Podcast Series. If you missed Part 1, click here to learn more about the underlying causes of tummy issues such as constipation, reflux, and tummy aches (plus many more).

In today's episode, I will be sharing insights on:

• The rise of allergic diseases, and the statistics behind this;
• The complexities of the hygiene hypothesis; 
• Allergies vs. intolerances, including information on IgE and IgG reactions;
• We'll question the traditional medical approach which focuses on relieving symptoms, rather than underlying causes;
• The dangers of cutting out many food groups long term;
• I will discuss the crucial role diet and holistic strategies play in managing these conditions. 
• The importance of improving gut function and immune tolerance, focusing on four main areas including:
  • Enzyme production;
  • The role of bacteria in the gut, including diversity and balancing bacterial strains;
  • The integrity of the gut wall;
  • The role the immune system plays, and how to improve immune tolerance.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Episode 6: The Hygiene Hypothesis & Allergies in Kids
• Listen to Episode 127: Navigating Food Intolerances in Kids: Insights from Clinical Nutritionist Melissa Kirkwood

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

We are starting a new gut health podcast series this week, which is my favourite topic to share with you all. Over the next four weeks, we will be diving into uncovering the cause of your kid's digestive symptoms or tummy troubles.

As an experienced naturopath, I am here to help you unravel the root cause of gut issues rather than simply treating the symptoms. We will start this episode by discussing the contrast between the Western Medical approach and the naturopathic approach when it comes to digestive issues. 

We will then move on to discussing the following:

• Examining some specific digestive ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux/GERD, abdominal cramping, and gastrointestinal infections that are common in children;
• We'll discuss the underlying causes of these digestive issues;
• The diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect your child's gut microbiome; 
• The role of food sensitivities and weakened immune systems in recurrent infections.

I'm excited for you to dive into this episode and explore the underlying causes of your kids' tummy troubles and the natural ways you can treat them. And, remember, this is just the beginning of our gut health series - so stay tuned for more educational episodes.

Episode Links:

• Looking for personalised support? Book a consultation with our online clinic here. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Are you wondering why you or your child can't seem to shake off those allergy or asthma symptoms? It's time to consider the possible role of an unseen culprit - mould. In this revealing discussion, I will be unraveling how mould could be igniting allergic and inflammatory reactions in many of us. 

In the final episode of our environmental allergies series, we will be diving deep into mould, and touching on:

• What is mould, where it can be found, and why mould is a bigger issue now than ever before;
• Why some people aren't affected by mould while others are significantly affected;
• Symptoms and potentially misdiagnosed conditions related to mould exposure including:
  • Fatigue;
  • Respiratory issues: recurrent colds/flu, asthma, bronchitis and more;
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome;
  • Brain fog, headaches, cognitive delay;
  • Fibromyalgia, and muscle inflammation;
  • CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome;
• The cause of mould, and how to determine if your house or a building you attend is affected by mould;
• What leads to mould in a building, and common sources of water damage in a home;
• Navigating the complexities of mould testing in a home, and why it's essential to hire a building biologist or an IICRC Accredited Mould Remediator;
• Why we shouldn't use bleach on mould, and how to safely remove mould.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Episode 131: Does Your Child Have A Dust Mite Allergy?
• Listen to Episode 132: Environmental Allergies: A discussion on hay fever and pollens.
• Listen to Episode 134: Breathe Easy: Controlling Asthma the Natural Way.
• Check out Nicole Bijlsma website here. 
• Purchase Healthy Home, Healthy Families book here. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Welcome back to our environmental allergies series. In this week's podcast episode we are focusing on asthma. If you missed previous episodes on dust mite allergies, and managing hayfever, grasses and pollens be sure to check out the links below. 

I start this episode with a personal story of a previous client of mine, a teenage footballer who showed a lot of promise but his asthma was holding him back. This client had been managing asthma since he was young and relied on medications and inhalers for relief. We made some big shifts with his diet, focused on environmental triggers and gut microbiome, and popped him on a personalised supplement regime. The result? He was no longer reliant on his medications and his inhalers, even his doctor was impressed. 

In this episode, we will be taking a deeper look at asthma, as well as:

• Key points when it comes to asthma;
  • Addressing underlying inflammation;
  • Dietary changes;
  • Improving the gut microbiome;
  • Improving immune regulation;
• The modern medical approach and what we can do alongside medications;
• How genetics plays a big role including information about the "allergic march";
• Identifying and addressing dietary & environmental triggers that exacerbate asthma;
  • Including dust mites, grasses, pollens and mould;
  • Dairy, especially A1 casein protein, sulfites & additives;
•  The beneficial supplements to include to reduce inflammation and asthma:
  • Omega 3;
  • Quercetin;
  • Bromelain;
• Plus dietary changes you can make to reduce inflammation in kids;
• The impacts the gut has on respiratory symptoms, including the link between the gut-lung axis;
• Gut healing foods you can incorporate to improve gut function;
• The benefits of Vitamin D, and the link between Vitamin D levels and asthma in children.

Episode Links:

• Want to manage your child's asthma? Book a consultation with one of our qualified practitioners here. 
• Improve your child's gut health with our free downloadable Gut Health eBook;
• Listen to Episode 131 - Does Your Child Have a Dust Mite Allergy?
• Listen to Episode 132 - Environmental Allergies: A Discussion on Hay Fever & Pollens

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Today we are continuing our conversation on environmental allergies, with our focus this week being on hayfever, pollens, and grasses.  If you missed last week's episode we chatted about dust mite allergies and our naturopathic approach to treatment. 

In Episode 132, I will be discussing:

• My personal story of how I dealt with a grass allergy and hayfever symptoms through my travels in California in my early 20's and how these symptoms still impact me;
• The symptoms of a grass and/or pollen allergy: 
  • Sneezing;
  • Nasal congestion/runny nose;
  • Itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat;
  • Asthma exacerbation;
  • Sinus headaches;
  • Eczema.
• The seasons that exacerbate and weather conditions that reduce the impact of hayfever symptoms;
• My tips on how you can reduce your child's exposure to grasses and/or pollens;
• Our naturopathic approach to hayfever, and allergies to grasses/pollens, and what to focus on, including:
  • Importance of microbiome diversity through outdoor play and diet;
  • Specific strains of probiotics that will improve symptoms;
  • The benefits of Vitamin D for allergy maintenance;
• Symptomatic relief, and what herbs we recommend to reduce symptoms.

Episode Links:
Listen to Episode 131 - Does your child have a dust mite allergy?
Download our FREE Gut Health eBook to improve your child's microbiome.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new environmental allergies podcast series. We will be diving into the most common allergies we see in our Natural Super Kids community and with our members in the Natural Super Kids Klub. This podcast series will include episodes on pollens, grasses, mould, and then we will move on to asthma and how this fits in with environmental allergies.

In this week's episode, we will be discussing a very common environmental allergy, which is dust mites, and will be sharing the following insights with you:

• What an allergy is, and the concerning statistics we see here in Australia and in the Western World when it comes to allergies;
• How the hygiene hypothesis could explain some of the underlying causes of an increase in allergies;
• The signs and symptoms of a dust mite allergy;
• The red flag symptoms that will help you determine whether a dust mite allergy is present, including:
  • Symptoms improve when away from the source (ie: when you're on holiday);
  • Symptoms appear all year round (not seasonal like pollens);
  • Symptoms are worse overnight and in the morning;
• I will share the #1 action step you can implement as a parent to improve dust mite allergies and my top tips to reduce dust exposure;
• We will chat about the link between humidity and dust mites;
• The number one room in the house that breeds dust mites;
• Plus, our naturopathic approach to supporting kids with dust mite allergies, including the link to the gut microbiome, the specific probiotic strains to use, and our favourite nutrients to incorporate. 

Episode Links:
Episode 6: The hygiene hypothesis and allergies in children;
Episode 78: Vitamin D for Immunity, Allergies and Brain Health;
Download our FREE Gut Health eBook here.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

 If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].