IBS is a bowel disorder characterised by abdominal cramping and alterations in bowel movements, which may alternate between diarrhoea or constipation. It is a functional disorder, meaning it is primarily caused by the function of the gastrointestinal tract, rather than as a result of underlying diseases. So what foods should you eat and avoid to improve the condition?

Long after a virus has cleared you may be still feeling its effects lingering on for weeks or maybe even months. This could be due to the virus remaining latent within your body or it could have triggered an increase in inflammation. Common symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, dry skin, anxiety, muscle pain and simply not feeling like your normal self.

Reflux is most commonly caused by dietary habits, lifestyle choices and certain medications. It is highly treatable, often by removing the trigger and implementing changes to diet and lifestyle.

Stress, trauma and difficult situations are often an unavoidable part of life. Coping strategies are essential in helping you build resilience to stressful situations and assist in minimising their impact on your life.

One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is to change the way you eat. Anti-inflammatory foods are high in antioxidants, polyphenols and other compounds that target inflammatory proteins circulating in the body to reduce, repair and delay cell damage. So, what foods should you consume to reduce inflammation?

The menstrual cycle is governed by the fluctuations of hormones, which are the body's chemical messengers that relay important information between cells and body systems to function properly.

Our hormones influence the way we look and feel physically and mentally, which is why it’s important to understand their influence on energy needs and output.

Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is an inflammatory reaction affecting approximately 1 in 5 Australians. It is triggered when allergens, such as fur, dust, pollen or mould, are inhaled. The immune system produces antibodies in defence of these allergens, promoting the production of inflammatory chemicals which cause the flu-like symptoms.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive disorder characterised by small cysts forming on the edges of enlarged ovaries. The cause of PCOS isn't well understood, however, diagnosis is usually determined by the presence of 2 of 3 criteria; irregular periods, excess androgens or polycystic ovaries detected via ultrasound.

Sleep is an integral part of human health and lack of good sleep quality can greatly impact daily functioning. It's responsible for physical healing, processing emotions, recovery from illness, improving motor skills, dealing with stress, and cognitive processing such as problem solving and memory processing. So, how can you improve your sleep?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male reproductive disorder affecting 10-20 per cent of the male population worldwide. It is characterised by an inability to attain or sustain penile erection during sexual activity, persisting for more than three months. It is predicted by 2025, 322 million men will have ED. Luckily, there a multiple ways it can be treated and even prevented.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a group of three essential amino acids; isoleucine, leucine and valine. It is widely believed that BCAAs stimulate muscle protein synthesis to boost muscle growth and increase athletic performance. Let’s take a look at the research to determine how true this notion actually is.

Protein is necessary for the build and repair of muscles, hormone synthesis and energy production. It is a building block for bones, cartilage, muscles and skin, making it a crucial part of a healthy diet. However, is it possible to consume too much protein?

Among the most widely researched supplements is creatine, an organic acid that functions to supply energy to cells, particularly in the muscles and brain tissue. Its primary benefit is its ability to enhance strength and power output during resistance training, while increasing lean muscle mass when combined with resistance exercise.

While I’m a huge advocator of plant-based eating for individual health and the welfare and preservation of animals and the environment, vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk of deficiency in some nutrients. 

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, awareness around this issue is necessary to plan your diet correctly and ensure you’re nourishing your body with all the vital nutrients, in order to continue eating plant-based long-term.

Eliminating dietary dairy for a therapeutic period of time or indefinitely can significantly reduce inflammation and health complications stemming from lactose intolerance such as allergies, acne, gut issues, eczema and the risk of developing serious illnesses such as some cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

With fat loss being one of the most common complaints I see, I’ve compiled a list of foods that have been clinically shown to accelerate fat loss when accompanied by a healthy diet and lifestyle. Try adding one or two of these foods to your daily diet.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. For those who can tolerate it, gluten can be a healthy addition to ones diet. However, for gluten-sensitive individuals, consuming gluten may cause diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, migraines, brain fog, irritability and the risk of developing more serious illnesses.

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder characterised by an ongoing state of sadness and absence of pleasure. It may often have no perceivable cause and can affect physical health, quality of sleep and social interactions. To help manage depression, try incorporating at least one of these healing practises into your lifestyle.

When starting your weight loss journey it's important to optimise your body functions. Following these few suggestions will aid in healthy weight loss and improve health markers overall.

Botanically known as Tribulus terrestris, this herb is most commonly known in the athletic community for increasing strength and muscle mass. It has been used in traditional Eastern European and Iranian medicine as an aphrodisiac, while Ayurvedic practitioners have used it in the treatment of male and female reproductive disorders.