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Ferritin: What your test result actually shows, and why both low and high can matter
Ferritin is the marker that tells you what's actually in your iron stores, not just what's circulating in your blood right now. It's also one of the most misunderstood results on a blood test, since both a low reading and a high one can be telling you something important, and they don't mean the same thing.
Nicola Shubrook
6 min read


Iron and your thyroid: The connection nobody mentions
If your thyroid results keep coming back normal but you still have every symptom of an underactive thyroid, fatigue, low mood, weight changes, cold hands, low iron could be part of why. Your thyroid needs iron to actually make and use its hormones, and this link rarely gets mentioned.
Nicola Shubrook
2 min read


Iron and energy: why you're exhausted even when your GP says you're not anaemic
Being told your bloods are "normal" doesn't always mean your iron is where it needs to be for you to actually feel energised. There's a real gap between not being anaemic and having enough iron on board, and that gap is where a lot of unexplained fatigue lives.
Nicola Shubrook
2 min read


Iron and your brain: why low iron can affect your mood, focus and memory
Iron isn't just about energy, it's one of the raw materials your brain uses to make the chemicals behind mood, focus and motivation, which is why low iron so often shows up as low mood or brain fatigue before it shows up as anything else. We see iron issues come up again and again in clinic, usually because someone's bloods came back "normal" but they still don't feel right (remember normal doesn’t always mean optimal for that individual). Understanding what iron actually doe
Nicola Shubrook
2 min read


What is the gut-brain axis, and why does it matter for your mood in midlife?
Your gut and your brain are in constant communication. Not metaphorically, but through direct physical pathways that affect how you feel, how clearly you think, and how resilient your mood is. In midlife, when hormones are shifting and stress is often at a peak, this connection becomes even more important. Here's what the gut-brain axis is, and what it means for your mental health.
Nicola Shubrook
4 min read


Why folate matters for your mental health in midlife, and why folic acid is not the same thing
Folate (vitamin B9) plays a significant role in mood, brain function, and mental wellbeing throughout life. Midlife women are one of the groups most likely to be low in it. In this post we look at why folate matters for your mental health, why many women aren't getting enough, and why the synthetic version you'll find in most supplements is not a reliable substitute.
Nicola Shubrook
6 min read


Is There a Link Between Bile Acids, the Microbiome, and Mental Health?
We often think of bile as simply a digestive fluid, something that helps break down fats after a meal. But emerging research is revealing a much broader role. Bile acids are not just digestive helpers; they are powerful signalling molecules that interact with the gut microbiome, influence inflammation, and may even shape brain function.
Sophie Nielsen
3 min read


Methylation, Detoxification & Depression: The Hidden Biochemical Block
Deep inside every cell in your body, a process called methylation is happening right now. But when methylation becomes dysregulated you accumulate stress chemicals in your bloodstream, your neurotransmitters don't get cleared properly, your oestrogen backs up, and you feel anxious, depressed, and wired but exhausted.
Nicola Shubrook
5 min read


Vitamin D: The Hidden Link Between Menopause, Mood and Immunity
What if the missing piece to your low mood is something as simple as vitamin D?
Nicola Shubrook
4 min read


Fibremaxxing: The Midlife Wellness Revolution
Why Maximising Fibre Can Transform Gut and Mental Health for Women 40+ Fibremaxxing started trending over on TikTok, and whilst that may be more for the ‘kids’ (Gen Z) it is a trend that as midlife women, we can get on board with. This trending health movement is all about encouraging you to increase you daily fibre intake for profound benefits in digestion, hormonal balance, brain health, and overall well-being. This approach is rooted in evidence, not hype, and it is espec
Nicola Shubrook
3 min read


Creatine for the mind: what the latest science says about brain and mental health benefits
Creatine is a substance found in every cell in the body, and it is essential for producing energy. It is more commonly known as a sports supplement, as it can enhance muscle strength and power, and can therefore lead to better results. However, creatine is now being researched for its potential neurological and psychological benefits, including improving cognition, memory and mood. How creatine is used by the body for energy Whilst we can get creatine from food, meat and
Nicola Shubrook
2 min read


Meet Magnesium: The ‘Relaxation Mineral’ Your Child Might Be Missing
Is your child struggling with sleep, feeling anxious, or having trouble staying focused at school? Magnesium might be the missing link to help them feel more calm and focused. Magnesium is an essential mineral that gently supports your body’s natural rhythms, playing a crucial role in everything from mood regulation to sleep quality. Often referred to as the ‘relaxation mineral’, magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, making it essential for overall health. It
Sophie Nielsen
3 min read
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