The Bean Talk

🌱 Want to know what your body actually needs before pregnancy? Book a consult with our naturopaths → https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/mungbean-health-online-bookings

Trying to conceive (TTC) and wondering if fertility supplements actually work? In this episode, naturopath Riannon and Jeremy break down which preconception supplements have research behind them, which ones are mostly marketing, and why more supplements don't mean better fertility.

Walk into any pharmacy or health food store and you'll find shelves of fertility supplements with big claims and big price tags. We separate the nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy, like folate, from the ones with research for egg quality and IVF outcomes, like CoQ10. We also talk about why the right form and dose for your body matters more than the most popular product. It all comes back to one question: what does your body actually need?

In this episode, we cover:

• Do fertility supplements actually work, or is it just good marketing?
• How to check a supplement is TGA listed (look for an AUST L number)
• The difference between folate and folic acid, and why MTHFR matters
• Why folate is about a healthy pregnancy, not getting pregnant faster
• What a 2024 review of more than 1,500 women found about CoQ10, egg quality and IVF
• Does vitamin D improve fertility? What the evidence does and doesn't show
• Why guessing at iron without a blood test can backfire
• The difference between a prenatal and a preconception supplement
• Why DHA from omega-3 fish oil matters for your baby's brain and eyes in pregnancy
• Male fertility: why his preconception health matters too
• Why the goal for pregnancy nutrition is more targeted, not more

Listen next:
Missed our fish oil episode? Hear what to look for when choosing a good fish oil → https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-most-fish-oils-are-a-waste-of-money/id1759674032?i=1000793125933

Work with us:
Free Fertility Checklist → https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/fertility-checklist

Sproutling Preconception Bundle (Falli and Seedra) → https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/products/preconception-bundle

Mungbean Health shop → https://mungbeanhealth.com/collections/shop

Connect with us:
Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

🌱 Still exhausted even though your iron results came back "fine"? Book a consult with our naturopaths → https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/mungbean-health-online-bookings

If your iron is always low, or your ferritin blood test keeps going up and then dropping again, this episode is for you. Jeremy and I break down every marker in your iron studies, so you can read your iron results and understand what your body is telling you.

So many women come to us saying "My iron is always low", "I had an iron infusion but it dropped again" or "My bloods are fine, but I'm tired all the time." Low iron is one of the most common things we see in clinic, and the answer usually isn't simply more iron.

In this episode, we cover:

• What an iron studies blood test includes, and why one number isn't enough
• Serum iron vs ferritin: what's circulating now vs what's stored
• Transferrin and transferrin saturation, explained simply
• Why we look past the lab reference range to what's optimal for you
• How inflammation can make your ferritin look normal when it isn't
• Why you can have low ferritin with normal haemoglobin, before iron deficiency anaemia shows up
• Why iron levels can drop again after supplements or an iron infusion
• Common mistakes: taking iron with coffee or tea, ignoring gut symptoms and staying on iron without retesting
• How vitamin C and iron rich foods support iron absorption
• Iron deficiency symptoms to look out for: fatigue, hair falling out, pale skin and heart palpitations
• Why your thyroid needs enough iron to work well
• A client story: how finding H. pylori helped her iron hold steady with diet alone

Mentioned in this episode

Nourish Omega by Sproutling Supplements, our new practitioner-grade fish oil made from small fish like anchovies and sardines → https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

Work with us

Free guides (including Thyroid Health for Women) → https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/free-guides

Shop → https://mungbeanhealth.com/collections/shop

Connect with us:

Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The Bean Talk is our podcast at Mungbean Health, where we share what we see as naturopaths in clinic about fertility, hormone imbalance, gut health and preconception care. New episodes every second Monday.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

Ozempic. Mounjaro. GLP-1 medications. They are everywhere right now. And whether you are considering one, already taking one, or simply wondering what all the hype is about — there is a lot more to this conversation than most people are having.

In this episode of The Bean Talk Riannon and Jeremy look at GLP-1 weight loss medications through a naturopathic lens. Not to tell you they are good. Not to tell you they are bad. But to give you the full picture so you can make an informed decision about what is right for your body.

Because the medication is only one part of the story. What you do with the opportunity it creates is what actually matters.

In this episode, we cover:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work in the body
• Why your body naturally produces GLP-1 and what that means
• How Ozempic and Mounjaro suppress appetite and support weight loss
• Ozempic side effects and what most people are not warned about
• Why GLP-1 medications are not appropriate during preconception and pregnancy
• Ozempic and fertility including insulin resistance, PMOS and hormonal weight gain
• Why muscle loss, nutrient deficiency and bone health are the biggest risks nobody talks about
• What naturopathic support looks like before, during and after GLP-1 medication
• Why coming off Ozempic without fixing the underlying issues leads to weight regain
• How to use GLP-1 medications as a tool rather than a long term solution
• Blood glucose, metabolic health and insulin resistance and why they still matter on the medication
• Natural alternatives to GLP-1 medications including OEA and incretin system support
• How digestion, rest and digest nervous system activation and whole food nutrition naturally support GLP-1 production
• Why weight loss is not the same as health improvement and what the difference means for you
• What a naturopath looks at beyond the number on the scales

If you have been curious about weight loss medications or are already on one and want to make sure you are supporting your body properly. This episode is exactly where to start.

Connect with us:

Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

That giant tub of fish oil at the pharmacy might look impressive but it is not giving you the benefits you think it is.

This week on The Bean Talk Riannon and Jeremy break down everything you need to know about fish oil. Why omega 3 is one of the most important supplements you can take, why most products on the market fall short and exactly what to look for when choosing the best omega 3 supplement for your health.

Because not all fish oils are equal. And if you are going to take something every day it’s worth understanding what you are actually taking.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why omega 3 is essential and what happens when you are deficient
• The difference between EPA and DHA and why both matter for your health
• Fish oil benefits for fertility, pregnancy, skin, inflammation, joints and brain health
• Why DHA is critical for fetal brain and eye development during pregnancy
• Omega 3 for pregnancy and why it is one of the most important nutrients for mother and baby
• Fish oil for breastfeeding and how omega 3 supports your baby's brain development after birth
• Fish oil for skin including dry skin, acne and inflammation
• Fish oil for hormones and cycle health
• Why most cheap fish oils are a waste of money and can actually cause inflammation
• How to choose the best omega 3 supplement including what to look for on the label
• The difference between triglyceride and other forms of fish oil and why it matters
• Why EPA and DHA content is more important than the total milligrams on the front of the bottle
• How to check for oxidisation and why rancid fish oil does more harm than good
• Why microplastic filtration matters and what to look for
• Introducing Nourish Omega. Sproutling's new concentrated omega 3 supplement and what makes it different

Connect with us:

Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

That giant tub of fish oil at the pharmacy might look impressive but it is not giving you the benefits you think it is.

This week on The Bean Talk Riannon and Jeremy break down everything you need to know about fish oil. Why omega 3 is one of the most important supplements you can take, why most products on the market fall short and exactly what to look for when choosing the best omega 3 supplement for your health.

Because not all fish oils are equal. And if you are going to take something every day it’s worth understanding what you are actually taking.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why omega 3 is essential and what happens when you are deficient
• The difference between EPA and DHA and why both matter for your health
• Fish oil benefits for fertility, pregnancy, skin, inflammation, joints and brain health
• Why DHA is critical for fetal brain and eye development during pregnancy
• Omega 3 for pregnancy and why it is one of the most important nutrients for mother and baby
• Fish oil for breastfeeding and how omega 3 supports your baby's brain development after birth
• Fish oil for skin including dry skin, acne and inflammation
• Fish oil for hormones and cycle health
• Why most cheap fish oils are a waste of money and can actually cause inflammation
• How to choose the best omega 3 supplement including what to look for on the label
• The difference between triglyceride and other forms of fish oil and why it matters
• Why EPA and DHA content is more important than the total milligrams on the front of the bottle
• How to check for oxidisation and why rancid fish oil does more harm than good
• Why microplastic filtration matters and what to look for
• Introducing Nourish Omega. Sproutling's new concentrated omega 3 supplement and what makes it different

Connect with us:

Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

You went to the doctor. Got the blood tests done. Everything came back normal. So why do you still feel awful?

You are not imagining it!

In this episode Riannon and Jeremy cut through the confusion and explain exactly what is going on with your hormones and why your results are not telling the whole story.

Here is the truth most people are never told. It is not just what hormones you test. It is when you test them. How you prepare. And which type of test you use. All of that changes everything.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why normal blood test results do not mean your hormones are optimal
• How hormonal imbalance symptoms persist even when results look fine
• Why hormone testing timing is everything
• When to test progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, thyroid and insulin
• The truth about day 21 progesterone testing
• FSH, LH, SHBG, DHEAS and prolactin and when to test them
• How to prepare for a hormone blood test
• Blood testing versus saliva hormone testing
• Estrogen dominance and why blood tests alone can miss it
• PCOS and PMOS hormone testing and naturopathic treatment
• Why normal reference ranges identify disease but not your symptoms
• Normal versus optimal and why it matters
• Common hormone testing mistakes to avoid
• Why working with a naturopath before ordering tests makes all the difference

If your blood tests say normal but your body tells a different story. This episode will change the way you think about your health and your results.

Connect with us:

Mungbean:

Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health

Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements:

Instagram: @sproutling_supplements

Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk:

Instagram: @thebeantalk_

https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs

So much attention goes into growing a healthy baby. The appointments, the scans, the supplements, the birth classes. But the moment baby arrives, the focus shifts almost entirely to the newborn while mum is expected to just go back to normal programming.

That is not good enough. And in this episode of The Bean Talk, Riannon and Jeremy are here to change that.

Because while your baby has just been born, your body, hormones, mind and nervous system have just entered one of the biggest transitions of your life. And you deserve just as much care, nourishment and support as your baby does.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the fourth trimester is and why postpartum recovery lasts far longer than most people think
• What is actually happening in your body after birth including hormonal shifts, uterine healing and nervous system recovery
• The dramatic drop in progesterone after birth and why it explains the emotional rollercoaster of the first few weeks
• Baby blues versus postpartum anxiety and depression. Knowing the difference and when to seek support
• How prolactin, oxytocin and cortisol all play a role in postpartum recovery and breastfeeding
• Why postpartum depletion happens and what nutrients your body needs most after birth
• Key postpartum nutrients including protein, iron, omega 3, iodine, selenium, vitamin D, choline, calcium and magnesium
• Why preconception care and pregnancy nutrition directly determine how well you recover postpartum
• The importance of rest, gentle movement and pelvic floor rehabilitation in postpartum recovery
• Why bounce back culture is harmful and what your body actually needs instead
• Postpartum mental health and the emotional changes that come with the fourth trimester
• Why asking for help is one of the healthiest things a new mother can do
• How nourishing yourself postpartum is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby
• Why healthy mums raise healthy families

Connect with us:

Mungbean: Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements: Instagram: @sproutling_supplements Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk Instagram: @thebeantalk_ https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.

Glucose gets a bad rep because people instantly associate it with sugar and deem it ‘bad’. That’s not entirely the case and Riannon and Jeremy cut through the confusion in today’s episode.

Honestly,  most people are walking around with dysregulated blood sugar and have absolutely no idea.

Constantly tired, craving sugar, struggling with your weight or dealing with hormonal imbalances? Your blood sugar might be the first thing worth looking at.

This episode shows you where to start.

In this episode, we cover:

• What glucose is and why your body needs it for energy, hormones and metabolism
• How insulin works and what happens when blood sugar goes unregulated
• Insulin resistance symptoms including fatigue, sugar cravings, weight gain and brain fog
• Why two in five adults have prediabetes symptoms and 80% do not know it
• Signs of diabetes, prediabetes and what glucose and insulin testing to ask for
• How blood sugar and hormonal imbalance connect including PCOS, PMOS and perimenopause
• Cortisol, chronic stress and the impact on blood sugar and glucose instability
• How insulin resistance affects ovulation, fertility and progesterone production
• Type 2 diabetes and why it is reversible with naturopathic support
• Natural strategies to balance blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings through protein, fibre, movement and sleep
• Why walking after meals is one of the most effective tools for glucose regulation

Connect with us:

Mungbean:

Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health

Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements:

Instagram: @sproutling_supplements

Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk:

Instagram: @thebeantalk_

https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs

In this episode of The Bean Talk, Riannon and Jeremy get into the genetics of fertility. What your DNA is telling you. Why it matters just as much for him as it does for her. And why understanding your genes gives you a great snapshot of what your fertility journey might look like.

Because knowledge is power. And when it comes to your fertility, knowing your genetic picture changes everything.

In this episode, we cover:

• How genetics and fertility connect for both men and women
• Egg quality, hormone regulation, ovulation and implantation
• Male fertility, sperm DNA fragmentation and genetic causes of low sperm count
• What MTHFR is and why it matters for fertility and pregnancy
• MTHFR mutation symptoms including methylation, folate absorption and hormones
• MTHFR variants and the link to miscarriage causes and nutrient deficiencies
• Why one in four people carry MTHFR and most do not know it
• Genetic screening and chromosomal abnormalities before trying to conceive
• What to investigate for recurrent miscarriage and genetics
• IVF preparation and why preconception care comes first
• Why your genes are not your destiny and what you can do about it

Whether you are trying to conceive naturally, navigating IVF or wanting to give your future baby the best possible start, this one is for you.

Connect with us:

Mungbean:

Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health

Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements:

Instagram: @sproutling_supplements

Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk:

Instagram: @thebeantalk_

https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs

In this episode of The Bean Talk, Riannon and Jeremy tackle the gut health conversation that doesn't get enough airtime. Yep, they’re talking about pooping.

If you’re not pooping every single day, your body is holding onto a lot more than just waste.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why daily bowel movements are essential for gut health, digestion and overall wellbeing
• How to fix constipation naturally and why it is so much more than just discomfort
• Constipation causes including dehydration, low fiber intake, slow gut motility and chronic stress
• What happens when waste sits in the gut too long including bloating, gut inflammation and hormone disruption
• How constipation and estrogen are linked and why poor bowel habits contribute to hormonal imbalances
• Signs of poor gut health including hard stools, bloating after meals, incomplete evacuation and alternating constipation and diarrhoea
• Why needing coffee to poop every morning is a sign your gut needs support
• Hydration and how dehydration makes constipation worse
• Fiber intake for constipation relief including the kiwi fruit trick that works
• How to improve gut motility through movement and walking after meals
• The gut brain connection and how cortisol and stress slow digestion
• How to improve digestion naturally through breathwork before meals
• Why laxatives are not the answer and how to find the root cause of ongoing constipation
• How constipation is linked to thyroid health and hormonal imbalances
• Simple gut detox tools you can start using today for better digestion and bowel regularity

If you have been bloated, sluggish, uncomfortable or have unexplained symptoms, this episode is worth a listen.

Connect with us:

Mungbean:

Instagram & TikTok: @mungbean_health

Website: www.mungbeanhealth.com

Sproutling Supplements:

Instagram: @sproutling_supplements

Website: https://sproutlingsupplements.com.au/

The Bean Talk:

Instagram: @thebeantalk_

https://mungbeanhealth.com/pages/podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs