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When Low Body Weight Has Nothing to Do with Wanting to Lose Weight
Low body weight is almost always framed around one thing: wanting to lose weight, or relate to an eating disorder. The narrative is so dominant that when someone is underweight for entirely different reasons, they fall into a gap. They don't fit a typical ‘underweight’ profile, and they often, don't get the right support.
Nicola Shubrook
10 min read


"I want to come off my antidepressants": What you need to have in place first
Perhaps you have been on antidepressants for a while and are considering coming off of them, or maybe you’ve tried titrating down only to experience significant side effects. This is one of the most common conversations I have with midlife women, and something I tell every single one of them, is that you need to have good foundations in place before you even start reducing your medication. Let’s explore this further.
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


The Gut-Brain Depression Axis: How Dysbiosis Inflames Your Brain
The Gut-Brain Depression Axis: How Dysbiosis Inflames Your Brain. About 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in your gut—but that serotonin doesn't travel to your brain. It stays in your gut and peripheral tissues, regulating digestion, immune function, and signalling. Your brain makes its own serotonin from tryptophan (an amino acid from protein).
Nicola Shubrook
4 min read


7 Physiological Causes of Depression in Midlife Women (That Your Doctor Might Miss)
7 Physiological Causes of Depression in Midlife Women (That Your Doctor Might Miss)
Nicola Shubrook
6 min read


Gut Empowerment: Unlocking the Power of Short-Chain Fatty Acids for Vibrant Midlife Health
Why Every Midlife Woman Should Optimise Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the unsung heroes behind vibrant gut health, balanced hormones, and a sharper, more resilient mind. Maximising your body’s production of these vital molecules may just be the next major wellness upgrade for midlife women. Photo by Dannie Sorum on Unsplash What Are SCFAs? SCFAs are powerful compounds made when your gut bacteria break down the fibre you eat. The three mai
Nicola Shubrook
2 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


The vagus nerve: What is it, and why it matters when it comes to your mental health?
For years as a nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner, I have been talking about the mind-body connection and that this ‘connection’ is through several different means: Physically – through our spine and skeletal system Emotionally – our emotions can influence the body, especially our gut and our immune system Physiologically – we know that the gut and the gut microbiome can influence the brain and our moods But one area that has been growing with interest
Nicola Shubrook
4 min read
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