It’s not every day you have the chance to interview a successful Dragons' Den contestant who’s changing our environmental health, but in this episode I share exactly that. 

Laura Harnett is the founder of Seep - a company which creates sustainable household essentials for cleaning. With not scrap of plastic in sight. 

In view of the crisis of microplastics alone, this kind of cleaning revolution is critical for all of our health.

Laura wants to eliminate 1 billion plastic cleaning items from landfill by 2030, and when she appeared this year on Dragons' Den, she and her company received whole-hearted support as well as investment from Trinny Woodall and Deborah Meaden. Here’s a lovely clip of the moment!

Laura is so inspiring and helpful to listen to, as well as completely passionate about what she does.  I think you’re going to love this conversation - it’s a real dose of energy, vision and hope.

More about Laura:

Laura Harnett conducted a successful career in the corporate world, working as a buyer, consultant and in retail for some of the world’s biggest consumer and retail brands. While a director at Selfridges, Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her perspective on life was utterly transformed – such that she decided to create a new business that would genuinely make a difference. This was when she founded the Bcorp, Seep, to help us clean up our cleaning act: providing appealing alternatives to polluting plastic products. 

Find out more about Laura’s work on the Seep website and on Instagram

Further information, recommended by Laura:

https://aplasticplanet.com/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072287/#CR237

Laura references the book Cradle to Cradle: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/405817/cradle-to-cradle-by-michael-braungart-and-william-mcdonough/9780099535478 

And for those in West Sussex, here’s a link to The Greenhouse in Pulborough, the shop where I first came across Laura’s products: https://thegreenhouse.shop/

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

Repurposing food that would otherwise be thrown away might sound like dumpster diving, or saving the planet, or necessity - depending on your point of view. 

But Lucinda Croft is turning it into a most powerful, civilised and friendly affair - creating tables of delicious food and genuine friendship, and delivering high-quality fresh ingredients to individuals and families in the local community.  And she’s determined to use it to support people who are on a journey from just surviving, to properly thriving.

We discuss the surprising impact of building community, the powerful part that food can play, the value of tables, and the joy (and strategy) of creating win-win-win connections.

The Wholesome Warehouse is a voluntary organisation seeking to help vulnerable families and individuals, including women escaping domestic violence, refugees, and those affected by homelessness. Throughout the year, they:

• collect high quality furniture item donations and deliver them to households in need
• deliver personalised and healthy food boxes to families and individuals who need them
• host meals, events and workshops providing both volunteers and recipients opportunities for meaningful friendship and community

Lucinda Croft left a successful acting career to become Managing Director of the globally acclaimed interiors company, Dragons of Walton Street. Today, her entrepreneurship continues as a Director of Light Up Trails, but she has also become a social entrepreneur in West Sussex.  She and her husband Simon founded The Wholesome Warehouse in 2020, and they secretly hope their story will inspire you to do similar things, in your own community.

Find the Wholesome Warehouse at https://www.thewholesomewarehouse.com/

and follow them on Instagram @thewholesomewarehouse 

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

While Lisa was using Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to guide her health journey, her hairdresser noticed something unexpected.

Lisa’s prematurely grey hair was recolouring of its own accord.

But HTMA isn’t just about reversing grey hair. In fact, it’s primarily about ensuring that nutrient status is optimal for every aspect of health.

Testing scalp hair shows how well the body is accessing critical nutrients, and also shows if there are signs of toxicity, such as exposure to heavy metals.

In fact, HTMA tests for 37 different elements. Who knew that our hair was so complicatedl?

With expert analysis of results and clinical guidance, patients can action HTMA tests to support their energy, hormone balance, nutrient status and much, much more.

For example, to sort out chronically low vitamin D levels, you may need to check and address important co-factors like Magnesium and Boron, which are notoriously difficult to test for in bloods.

And the same minerals are also crucial for ensuring that bone density stays excellent beyond menopause.

Lisa has analysed many thousands of HTMA tests and has supported athletes to attain peak performance with her approach. I was absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to hear some of her wealth of personal and professional experience, and I think you’re going to be fascinated too.

Inspired? Do get in touch via my website https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact and let’s discuss supporting your health.

More about Lisa:

Lisa Pitel-Killah is the Founder of Vykon®.She specializes in Mineral Balancing using Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and has a background in functional medicine. Lisa educates health practitioners and individuals using HTMA testing to regain energy, erase debilitating symptoms and maximize health. She is the creator of the Foundation Mineral Protocol™ and the first ever all-encompassing custom mineral powders produced exclusively by Vykon Supplements, based on HTMA testing.

https://lisapitelkillah.com/ 

Instagram: @lisapitelkillah

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

TW: miscarriage, pregnancy loss

If anyone can transform dry statistics into practical yet compassionate healthcare, it’s Caroline. I love her quiet insistence on better health information, and creating the kind of health support that truly empowers women’s work in the world.

Caroline first faced health challenges after the birth of her second child, when intense fatigue began to hinder her ability to parent.

Diagnosed with an underactive thyroid - but given no information as to why this had occurred, or why symptoms continued despite medication - Caroline promptly determined to discover the wealth of nutrition and lifestyle work she could do to support her health.

Retraining as a Holistic Naturopathic Nutritional Practitioner, Caroline promptly leveraged her own pain for others’ gain, focusing particularly on thyroid and hormone/reproductive health in women.

We discuss the complex interplay between thyroid function and all other hormones in the body, the special relevance of thyroid health for women at various life stages, and how seeing all this in context of the wider health picture can make all the difference.

Caroline’s website: https://www.get2health.com/

The microbiome testing we mention: https://invivohealthcare.com/products/testing/

Two organisations creating support for people who have experienced baby loss:

https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support

https://www.sands.org.uk/support-all-types-baby-loss
 

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

When you have burned out like Sam has, and then trained like Sam has, then you have compassion and knowledge in abundance to support clients who want to regain their energy levels and get their lives back.

I am so pleased to introduce a fellow member of The Thyroid Collective, a specialist group of nutrition and lifestyle medicine practitioners who, as well as pursuing a clinical focus on thyroid health issues, have each had our own journey with thyroid health.

In addition to this thyroid focus, Sam Blackburn’s busy clinic also specialises in supporting people experiencing ME / Chronic Fatigue and Long Covid.

We discuss the ways that food sensitivity, nutrients, viral load, stress, trauma and ‘small t’ trauma, mycotoxins, and even personality type, may play a significant role in determining one’s overall health and physical vigour.

As well as revealing some raw moments from her health journey, Sam shares the infectious hope she has gained from rebuilding her own energy and transforming her health.

Sam’s website: www.energynutritionist.com

The Chrysalis Effect: https://www.thechrysaliseffect.co.uk/#recoveryoptin

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

For over 15 years Emma Maitland-Carew has run a busy nutritional therapy clinic in Oxfordshire, where she uses live blood analysis to provide real-time health information to her in-person clients.

Emma takes us through what live blood analysis is, how it’s done in clinic, and how it can be used to shed light on a whole variety of health issues, including one’s nutrient status, the health of the gut microbiome, toxic load, and immunity.

Emma Maitland-Carew is the person who very first introduced me to nutrition and lifestyle medicine: I consulted her when facing insomnia, fatigue, and various other horrible things. And Emma was the first health professional I ever met who seemed to care about dealing with the causes of illness, not just plastering over its effects. In fact, my inspirational experience as her client is the primary reason I left my work in history academia, and re-trained as a nutritionist myself - a journey which she very generously encouraged. So, as you may imagine, Emma is my most highly-treasured guest.

Before working in nutrition, Emma was Head Chef for the Penny Brohn Cancer Care Centre, the UK’s leading Cancer Charity. Having trained in nutrition and lifestyle medicine at The Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London and the University of Bedfordshire, Emma also qualifed as a Wellbeing Coach with the Chrysalis Effect, a coach in Metabolic Balance, and a coach in the stress resilience techniques of HeartMath. Emma’s work in Live and Dried Blood Analysis is certified by The Complementary Medical Association. She currently sees clients in-person and online from her clinic in Oxfordshire.

See Emma’s website for more information and to get in touch: https://emmamaitland-carew.co.uk/

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

If you, or someone you know, is facing health challenges, I trust that this interview will cheer you up and stoke HOPE.

I’d been wanting to interview a client for a while now - and then, just before Christmas, my wonderful client Eleanor got in touch to share how she was getting on. 

A few months had gone by since we finished working together, so I was thrilled to read her encouraging update: 

"I wanted to let you know - hot off the press - that my numbers are now officially in range … I have gradually tapered off medication altogether … and I feel good energy-wise and sleep-wise”.

Alongside her doctor’s oversight of medication, Eleanor and I had been working towards these goals for a number of months (this is how nutrition and lifestyle medicine work: tortoise that wins the race kind of thing). 

We used carefully tailored nutrition and lifestyle medicine approaches, to address the autoimmune issues that were the driving factor behind her health challenges. 

But NB this isn’t a smug, “everything’s totally fine and resolved” kind of conversation. 

Eleanor is generously sharing a journey that has been challenging and hard, that is a lot easier now, but isn’t pretending to be entirely over.

And yet, having persistently put in the changes, Eleanor is now gloriously (and understandably) cheerier now than when we first met.

Have a listen, and find out how and why. 

And if any of the things we talk about feel relevant to you or someone you know, drop me a line, and let’s have a conversation.

PS for anyone wondering, yes her hair did stop falling out!

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

Does it feel as though you’re being told completely contradictory things about the toxicity of everyday life?

For example, one minute we’re being told our drinking water is dangerous, next minute we’re assured there’s absolutely nothing wrong. Who’s right? What’s really going on?

Dr Jenny Goodman is the perfect guide through all of this. Having worked to help clients recover from toxicity for over 20 years, she does have some awful truths to tell, but this is no fear-mongering episode! Dr Goodman simply takes us by the hand, and shows us how to take calm and sensible action to help our minds and bodies flourish. And unsurprisingly, these actions are important for the planet too.

I love the way Dr Goodman speaks and writes.  She has all the evidence to hand, and immense amounts of experience, and on top of this the rare gift of making every fact and every analysis truly interesting. If you’re anything like me, you’ll come away from this episode sobered, and yet also energised and encouraged - and with some very welcome clarity on simple steps to take in your own life.

More about Jenny Goodman:

Dr Jenny Goodman is a medical doctor, lecturer and media broadcaster, who qualified at the Leeds University School of Medicine, worked in the NHS, and then undertook further study with the British Society for Ecological Medicine.

Jenny worked in ecological medicine for over 20 years, and has now written two incredibly important books, Staying Alive in Toxic Times (2021), and, this year, Getting Healthy in Toxic Times. I heartily recommend them both: they’re brilliantly written, easy to read, packed with amazing client stories, and end-noted with all the important evidence.

https://www.drjennygoodman.com/getting-healthy-in-toxic-times

https://www.drjennygoodman.com/stayingaliveintoxictimes

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

Now that the UK is beginning to get chilly, it’s high time to talk about immunity for winter. 

You already know about garlic, ginger, and hot toddies when you start to feel ill. 

But how can we support our whole immune system to work at its best all the time?

I answer a few client questions, as well as address subjects such as:

• mindset 
• people who catch everything going
• food and drink
• environmental air quality
• toxic load
• sleep
• looking after your gut specifically for immunity
• supplemental support you may not have heard of
• viral load
• lymphatic drainage

I mention mould remediation in this episode. There are many dodgy outfits (watch out), but I have come across a few reputable companies. The one I have worked with myself, on my own house, is  Pure Maintenance, who were so good that I then decided to connect with them:

https://www.puremaintenanceuk.com/health-partners/clare-backhouse

Others I’ve had recommended by reputable people are:

Building Forensics http://buildingforensics.co.uk/about-us.html

Action Dry https://www.actiondry.co.uk

Healthy Homes and Beyond https://healthyhomesandbeyondiaq.org.uk

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/

If you're feeling jaded about the world, slow down and listen to this episode. 

Zoe McIntyre is quietly going to re-inspire you! 

Under her gentle manner lies a clear and driving ambition to change the futures of countless children and families for the better, using food.

When poverty collides with cheap and terrible products like Ultra Processed Foods, many young people are vulnerable to all sorts of health problems such as obesity and malnourishment. 

But at the Hackney School of food, children learn to grow and cook food. And get confident doing so. 

It's also a place where people re-connect with nature, re-connect with neighbours, and get outside into some green space.

And if that doesn't strike you yet as a world-changing activity, you'll soon think again when you hear Zoe.

Get ready for a wholly invigorating listen.

Find the Hackney School of Food: https://www.hackneyschooloffood.com/

Instagram: @hackneyschooloffood 

Zoe McIntyre is the manager of Hackney School of Food, a food education hub in the heart of Hackney, London, which teaches children in Hackney and beyond to grow and cook healthy, nutritious and sustainable food from scratch. Previous to managing Hackney School of Food, Zoe was the Advocacy Manager at the think tank Food Foundation where she led impactful campaigns and advocacy activities on issues related to Free School Meals and children's food access including running the #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign fronted by footballer Marcus Rashford. She is committed to ensuring that food education is accessible to every child in the country, by creating a blueprint for gold standard food education in Hackney. 

Early Taste Experiences and Later Food Choices article: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/2/107

Contact Clare via her website: https://www.transformationnutrition.org/contact 

Theme music is by Chris Marchand. You can find more of his work at https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/