How Trigger Identification Works
 
At our clinic, we include intolerance testing  in the initial consultation, giving you a clear starting point without guesswork. By understanding what strengthens and weakens your body, we can create a personalised approach to calming inflammation, supporting your gut and skin, and restoring balance.

1. Triggers keep the immune system in “alert mode”

Eczema, psoriasis, and many kinds of nerve pain involve an overactive or misdirected immune response.
When something irritates your system — whether stress, a food, or an environmental allergen — the immune system sends out inflammatory chemicals.
 
If this happens repeatedly, your immune system never really switches off.
 
Removing triggers can reduce that constant background inflammation.
 
2. Less inflammation = fewer flares

Inflammation is behind most symptoms you feel:

• eczema itching and redness
• psoriasis plaques activating
• nerve pain burning or tingling 

By identifying what sets off inflammation, you help the body calm down. Many people see:

• clearer skin
• fewer flare-ups
• less reactive nerves
• improved energy and mood

3. Reducing triggers breaks the “flare cycle”
 
Chronic inflammatory conditions often follow this loop:
 
Trigger → Immune flare → Symptoms → Stress → More immune flare
 
Finding even one trigger can interrupt this cycle and make other treatments work better.
 
4. The skin, gut, nerves & immune system constantly talk to each other
 
Your body is one interconnected network.

• Foods that irritate the gut can spark immune signals that show up as skin or nerve symptoms.
• Stress can worsen gut sensitivity, which then flares skin or pain.
• Eczema flares can increase nerve sensitivity, making pain worse.

 
Removing triggers helps calm this whole communication system.
 
5. For some people, foods really are significant triggers
 
Not everyone with eczema, psoriasis, or nerve pain reacts to foods — but many do.
Common triggers people report include:

• dairy
• gluten
• eggs
• processed foods
• alcohol
• soy
• certain additives
• nightshades (i.e. potatoes, tomatoes, peppers)

 
When these foods create inflammation or irritation, symptoms may worsen hours or even days later — making them hard to identify without a structured process.
 
 6. Compliment existing allergy tests.

Intolerance testing can reveal issues that don't show up on classic allergy tests (because a different part of the immune system is reacting)

7.     Guide dietary and lifestyle choices:

Know what to remove and what to add to strengthen your body and reduce inflammation.

8.     Recognize individual differences: Not all cases of eczema or psoriasis are triggered by the same intolerances — testing helps pinpoint what affects you personally.

9.     Supports immune system recalibrating: For those with autoimmune conditions, identifying and removing triggers can help calm overactive immune responses and create conditions for long-term balance.
 

 The Real Goal: Reduce Immune Overload
 
Whether you use professional testing, guided elimination diets, or symptom tracking, the purpose is the same:
 
Remove irritants → reduce inflammation → calm the immune system → improve skin and nerve symptoms
 
People often report:

• fewer eczema or psoriasis flares
• calmer, more moisturized skin
• reduced burning/tingling nerve pain
• fewer digestive issues
• better sleep and energy
• Improved hormone balance – more regular cycles, reduced PMS, and steadier moods.

 
When the immune system has fewer reasons to react, it becomes more balanced and symptoms ease naturally.


 A Smart, Safe, Non-Invasive Approach to Identifying Your Triggers
 
Here’s what works best:

1.     Consider intolerance testing as a starting point — not a diagnosis
Use results to guide an elimination plan, not to cut out entire food groups long-term.
2.     Incorporate a structured elimination-and-reintroduction method
This is the (pharmaceutical approved) gold standard for identifying food-based triggers.
3.     Support the gut and skin barrier
A healthier barrier reduces flare frequency, even when triggers are present.
4.     Track your symptoms
Patterns appear quickly when you look for them.
 
 Final Thoughts
 
Intolerance testing, when used wisely, can help people with eczema, psoriasis, or nerve pain gain clarity and control over their symptoms by pointing you toward the foods most worth investigating.
 
Combining trigger identification with skin care, stress reduction, and natural medicine support gives you the best chance of calmer skin, less pain, and a more balanced immune system.
 
At our clinic, intolerance testing is part of a screening included in your initial consultation because we want to help rebalance your system from the very beginning. Understanding what strengthens and weakens your body is the crucial first step in creating a personalised plan that targets the root causes of your symptoms — so you can move toward clearer skin, reduced pain and inflammation and overall better health with confidence.

 The word asthma comes from the Greek ἄσθμα (ásthma), via Latin, meaning “I gasp for breath.” It refers to shortness of breath, panting, or laboured breathing
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the bronchial tubes constrict, making it difficult for air to pass through. This can result in wheezing, tightness in the chest, and sometimes a dry, painful cough, which can further irritate the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and bronchial tubes

    Joint pain, tenderness, or swelling in the fingers, toes, or spine
    •    Reduced range of motion and morning stiffness
    •    Eye redness and discomfort similar to conjunctivitis
    •    Nail changes such as pitting or lifting
    •    Skin and joint symptoms that may flare or improve together.

Psoriatic arthritis can also lead to bone erosion and deformities in about half of those affected.

How Food and Sensitivities Can Fuel Inflammation
Allergy, intolerance and sensitivity underpin over reactive immune systems typically found in autoimmune mediated diseases. The most common triggers or allergens we observed in clinical practice include ;

Milk, 
Cheese, 
Casein, 
Lactic acid, 
Yogurt, 
Whey, 
Butter, 
Vitamin D, 
Vitamin C,
Sodium Chloride (table salt)
Chocolate, 
Coffee, 
Caffeine, 
Wheat 
Night shades ( potato, tomato, aubergine pepper) 
Salicylate phenolics particularly from onion
Fatty acids 

Environmental culprits Include:

Washing up liquid, 
Latex, 
Plastics 
Pesticides

Autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis are often linked to overactive immune responses, which can be triggered by allergies, sensitivities, or food intolerances. When the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, it can create a chronic, low-level inflammatory response throughout the body. This inflammation can worsen skin and joint symptoms, creating flare-ups and slowing healing.


Common dietary triggers observed in clinical practice include:
    •    Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, whey, butter, casein)
    •    Wheat and gluten
    •    Nightshades (tomato, potato, aubergine, peppers)
    •    Caffeine, chocolate
    •    Salicylates (particularly from onions)
    •    Certain vitamins or additives (Vitamin D, Vitamin C, sodium chloride)
    •    Fatty acids
nvironmental factors (i.e., latex, plastics, heavy metals, detergents, washing-up liquids) can also  overwhelm the immune system, triggering chronic inflammation that worsens symptoms and slows healing
The Body Can Be Intolerant to Anything: How Hidden Sensitivities Affect Health

Case Study:
For 15 years, a 35-year-old woman struggled with widespread psoriasis and severe arthritis that limited the mobility of her hands. She was taking vitamin D supplements and drinking milk with her tea three times a day, even though she rarely consumed other dairy products, yet her symptoms persisted.

After being tested for intolerances, she was found to react to milk, other dairy products, and vitamin D. Once these triggers were removed and her treatment protocol implemented, her psoriasis cleared, and her overall health dramatically improved.

This case highlights how the body can become intolerant to both natural and synthetic substances. Once an intolerance develops, the body may struggle to absorb or utilize nutrients properly, leading to chronic inflammation, skin issues, and other health problems. Identifying these hidden triggers can be the key to lasting relief and improved wellness.
​
A Natural Approach to Relief
Identifying your personal triggers through a health screen for food intolerances is a critical first step. Once triggers are identified, temporarily removing them while supporting your immune system with a personalised protocol can help reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. From there, natural therapies can be integrated to support long-term wellness and prevent symptoms from returning..
Get started today to identify your triggers, calm inflammation, and take control of your health naturally

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​Mobility: The Unsung Hero of DigestionSmooth muscles along the intestines contract and relax in waves, propelling food forward. This movement, called peristalsis, ensures nutrients reach the right place at the right time. Without proper mobility, digestion and absorption falter, impacting every organ system.

So the quality of your blood and the health of your liver and body directly correlates to the contents of your digestion and how well you are able to digest, absorb, assimilate and utilize it.
 
Digestion and absorption issues affect every other organ and system in the body leading to compounded hormone imbalances and organ weakness and a myriad of symptoms.  Each individual will have an organ or system that is more susceptible to deficiency based on factors including genetics, neuroendocrinology, and lifestyle. 

Gut Health Impacts Every System in Your Body
When digestion and absorption are compromised, every other organ can be affected. Hormonal imbalances, organ weakness, and a myriad of chronic symptoms can develop. Genetics, lifestyle, and neuroendocrine factors influence which organs or systems are most susceptible.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent skin issues, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained inflammation, lectins could be a hidden factor. Lectins are a type of protein found in many plant foods—especially legumes, grains, and some vegetables—that can sometimes trigger immune reactions and inflammation in sensitive individuals. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview covering:

• What lectins are
• Symptoms and hidden reactions
• Anti-nutrient effects
• Impact on autoimmune and skin conditions
• Viral flare link
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Practical dietary strategies

Understanding these aspects will help you see how lectins may be affecting your health and what steps you can take to reduce their impact.

Common lectins found in foods 

Pea lectins
Peanut lectins
Wheat lectins
Kidney and soya bean lectins
Potato lectins
Tomato lectins
Squash  lectin

These are some of the lectins that can contribute to inflammation and skin or autoimmune issues. For a full list of foods and other items we test for—including lectins—you can view it [here].

Why Some People React Even When Foods “Test as Safe”
Foods like wheat, peanuts or potatoes may test as safe, yet some people still develop symptoms such as bloating, skin flare-ups, or joint pain. This is because the individual may not be intolerant to the food itself—but to the lectins within it. These reactions can drive inflammation, digestive discomfort, and autoimmune symptoms, even when conventional tests appear normal
This is why we make sure to test for lectins specifically, so we can identify reactions that typical food intolerance screens might miss.​

• Nausea after meals
• Bloating
• Abdominal cramps
• Fatigue or tiredness, especially after eating
• Joint pain
• Depression
• ADHD-like symptoms
• Skin rashes

Reactions can appear minutes, hours, or even days later, making lectins particularly difficult to pinpoint without targeted screening.
​
Some lectins are more instantaneously problematic than others. For example, phytohemagglutinin in red kidney beans can trigger severe digestive upset if not cooked properly. ​


Why Lectins Are Considered Anti-Nutrients
​
Lectins are often described as anti-nutrients because they can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals. They bind to nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, reducing their availability. Because they resist digestion, lectins can irritate the gut lining and contribute to increased gut permeability—leading to more immune activation, inflammation, and worsening of skin and autoimmune conditio

Lectins are strongly linked to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), a known driver of autoimmune disease. When lectins irritate the gut lining or disrupt the gut microbiome, they can overstimulate the immune system—worsening psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Additionally, research suggests lectins can bind to human cells and confuse the immune system, triggering it to attack healthy tissues. This can contribute to both skin flare-ups and autoimmune reactions..

Can Lectins Trigger a Virus?

While lectins do not directly activate or create viruses, they can influence the immune system in ways that make viral flare-ups more likely. Lectins can irritate the gut lining, increase inflammation, and overstimulate immune responses. For individuals carrying dormant or underlying viruses—such as EBV, HSV, or VZV—this heightened immune activity can lower resilience and create conditions where the virus may reactivate.

In other words, lectins don’t trigger viruses directly, but by increasing inflammation and immune stress, they can contribute to flares of viral symptoms, especially in people with autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory issues. Understanding how lectins affect your body is therefore an important part of managing overall immune balance and skin or autoimmune health.

Can Lectins Contribute to Low Iron, Low B12, and Low Zinc?
Lectins can play a role in nutrient deficiencies, particularly in those with digestive or autoimmune issues. Because lectins bind to minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, they can reduce how much of these nutrients the body absorbs—making low iron especially common in sensitive individuals. While lectins don’t bind directly to B12, they can irritate the gut lining, increase permeability, and disrupt microbial balance needed for proper nutrient absorption. Over time, this impaired gut function can contribute to low B12 levels.
In summary:
    •    Low iron → lectins can contribute directly by blocking mineral absorption
    •    Low B12 → lectins can contribute indirectly by impairing gut function needed for B12 uptake
    •    Low zinc → lectins can bind to zinc and inflame the gut, reducing absorption
​
Why this matters: Low iron, B12, and zinc slow down tissue repair, weaken immune balance, and significantly reduce the skin’s ability to heal—making inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions far more difficult to resolve.
The good news is that because lectins are water soluable - cooking - especially with wet high-heat methods like boiliing, stewing or even soaking in water for several hours can inactivate lectins.

 1. Soak, Rinse, and Strain

Traditional soaking and rinsing of grains and legumes helps remove a large amount of lectins. Soaking beans, straining them, cooking, then straining again further reduces lectin content.

2. Cook Using Wet, High-Heat Methods

Boiling, stewing, pressure cooking, or simmering foods dramatically reduces lectins. Even pea proteins—common in vegan powders—can be problematic, and swapping them for cooked peas can help

3. Peel and Deseed

Many lectins are concentrated in the skin and seeds. Peeling and deseeding foods like aubergines, squash, and cucumbers helps reduce lectin exposure.

4. Ferment
Fermenting foods allows beneficial bacteria to break down lectins and other defensive compounds. Fermented soy products like miso or tempeh contain significantly fewer lectins.


Take Control of Inflammation and Restore Your Health
In summary, lectins can contribute to inflammation, skin flare-ups, autoimmune reactions, and nutrient deficiencies that slow healing. Understanding your personal sensitivities is key to resolving these issues and supporting long-term health. By identifying hidden triggers through targeted testing, you can take precise, effective steps to reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and move toward optimal health. Book your complimentary 15-minute consultation today to discuss your unique health challenges and start a personalised plan to help your body heal and thrive.
​

​

Why Your GP Thyroid Test May Appear “Normal”

It’s common to feel unwell even when your thyroid test results fall within the standard “normal” range. There are two main reasons for this:
    1.    Broad Reference Ranges: Standard tests often use wide ranges to define normal, meaning subtle, subclinical imbalances can easily be missed. What’s considered “normal” for one person may still be far from optimal for another. GP testing focuses on detecting disease markers, so if your thyroid is underperforming but hasn’t crossed the threshold of pathology, it can appear perfectly fine on paper.
    2.    Limited Markers Tested: Most GP thyroid panels measure only Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and free T4. While these provide insight into central thyroid regulation, they don’t capture peripheral conversion—the process where T4 is converted into active T3 or inactive reverse T3 in tissues. Many functional thyroid issues occur at this tissue level, which is why symptoms often persist despite “normal” test results.

Understanding these limitations is crucial. By looking beyond standard markers, we can uncover hidden thyroid imbalances that affect your energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Health Screening: Your First Step
Before moving on to specific thyroid testing, we begin with a comprehensive health screening with food intolerance. This provides a “birds-eye view” of your body’s key systems and organs, helping us identify where potential blocks in optimal function may be occurring.
Key areas assessed include:

• Adrenal function – As central regulators of stress response, weak adrenals can deplete thyroid function over time.
• Thyroid function – Examining both central regulation and tissue-level activity to detect subclinical imbalances.
• Digestive function – Assessing nutrient absorption, gut health, and potential sensitivities.
• Food sensitivities – Including gluten and gliadin, which can impact thyroid and immune function.
• Vitamin and mineral status – Detecting deficiencies or malabsorption that may impair thyroid activity, including selenium, zinc, iron, and B12.

Other factors explored include:

• Heavy metal exposure and toxicity – Which can interfere with endocrine and thyroid function.
• Leaky gut or gut dysbiosis – Common drivers of inflammation and autoimmune activation.
• Nutrient absorption imbalances – Sensitivities to synthetic minerals, such as fluorine or bromine, which may block thyroid function.

Pathogen Profiling: Bacteria, Fungi, Mold, Yeast, and Parasites

As part of a comprehensive assessment, we also evaluate potential pathogen imbalances, including bacteria, fungi, mold, yeast, and parasites. These microorganisms can play a significant role in thyroid health because they directly impact gut integrity, immune function, and nutrient absorption—all of which are critical for optimal thyroid function.
Imbalances or overgrowths in these pathogens can:

• Trigger chronic inflammation that disrupts thyroid hormone production and conversion.
• Contribute to leaky gut, which may exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’.
• Interfere with the absorption of key nutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, and B12, which are essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and tissue-level activity.

By identifying and addressing these hidden pathogens, we can restore gut balance, reduce systemic inflammation, and support more effective thyroid function—helping you move toward optimal health.
For clients showing signs of autoimmunity, this screening provides crucial insight into underlying triggers, inflammation, and immune system dysregulation.
By starting with this comprehensive screening, we gain a complete snapshot of your body’s strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to create a personalized, precise plan that addresses root causes, supports thyroid function, reduces inflammation, and moves you toward optimal health.
Advanced Thyroid Assessment for a Complete Picture

Once your initial screening is complete, a detailed thyroid assessment may be recommended to gain deeper insight into your thyroid health. This advanced testing goes beyond TSH and free T4 to measure:

• TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 – Capturing both central regulation and active thyroid hormone levels.
• Reverse T3 – Identifying whether T4 is being converted into inactive forms, which can cause fatigue, weight changes, and other symptoms despite “normal” TSH.
• Thyroid Antibodies (TPO and TG) – Detecting autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ before significant damage occurs.
• Peripheral Thyroid Function Insight – Understanding how well thyroid hormones are being converted and utilized at the tissue level.

This comprehensive assessment uncovers subclinical imbalances, autoimmune activity, and subtle dysfunctions that standard tests often miss. With these insights, we can guide targeted nutritional, lifestyle, and therapeutic interventions to restore thyroid function and support overall health.

Why a Targeted Thyroid Approach Matters

By combining the comprehensive health screening with advanced thyroid testing, we identify root causes rather than just treating symptoms. This approach allows us to:

• Detect hidden or subclinical thyroid dysfunction early
• Identify autoimmune activity affecting the thyroid
• Understand tissue-level thyroid hormone activity
• Develop a precise, personalized plan to restore function, reduce inflammation, and optimize health

Whether advanced thyroid testing is necessary is determined during your initial consultation, ensuring every step is tailored to your unique needs

Get to the Root of Your Health Challenges- Faster  

​When it comes to restoring thyroid function and overall health, navigating the maze of tests, nutrient deficiencies, and hidden triggers on your own can take months—or even years—of guesswork. Working with an expert allows you to cut through the uncertainty, uncover the root causes quickly, and implement targeted strategies that actually work for your body. With precise guidance, you can resolve imbalances faster, prevent unnecessary trial and error, and move confidently toward lasting energy, clarity, and optimal health

Could your fatigue, brain fog, or stubborn skin issues be linked to an overgrowth of candida? This common yeast normally lives peacefully in your gut, skin, and mucous membranes—but when it grows out of control, it can trigger bloating, sugar cravings, joint pain, and digestive upset. Have you noticed unexplained irritability, low energy, or rashes that just won’t go away? Addressing candida effectively means uncovering the root causes and using a targeted, holistic approach to restore balance, improve digestion, and reclaim your vitality.
6 Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth often affects multiple systems in the body. Watch for these signs:

1. Digestive Disturbances – Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea caused by gut imbalance.
2. Recurrent Yeast Infections – Persistent oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
3. Fatigue and Brain Fog – Cognitive issues caused by toxic byproducts of candida metabolism.
4. Skin Issues – Rashes, eczema, or chronic acne linked to systemic inflammation.
5. Sugar Cravings – Candida thrives on sugar, often intensifying cravings.
6. Mood Imbalances – Anxiety, irritability, or depression due to gut-brain axis disruptions.

What are pathogens and do I need to worry about them?

A pathogen is defined as a bacterium, parasites, or other microorganism that may cause disease. Pathogens including Candida albicans release up to 80 different metabolites, including uric acid, ammonia, and a neurotoxin named acetaldehyde. Pathogens rarely exist in isolation because the toxins they produce create and environment and terrain that are favourable to the proliferation of other pathogens. 


Candida, Headaches, Migraines, and Brain Fog
Could your unexplained headaches or “spaced-out” feeling be linked to candida? Acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of yeast metabolism, can trigger:

• Headaches and migraines
• Brain fog, poor concentration, and “spaced-out” feelings
• Nausea and fatigue

Acetaldehyde is classified as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Candida overgrowth may also elevate uric acid, contributing to joint pain or gout attacks, and affect coordination, increasing clumsiness or accidental drop

Candida as an Anti-Nutrient Factor

Did you know candida can interfere with nutrient absorption? Overgrowth can impair uptake of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, slowing healing, energy production, and skin repair. Addressing candida supports nutrient absorption, helping the body recover and restore overall health more efficiently.



Why Testing for Food Intolerances is Critical




Candida overgrowth often overlaps with food sensitivities, making testing vital:

• Identify Hidden Triggers – Some foods, even “healthy” ones, can feed candida or irritate the gut.
• Reduce Trial-and-Error – Targeted testing prevents unnecessary dietary restrictions and speeds recovery.
• Clarify Symptom Overlap – Candida, gut dysbiosis, and food intolerances often cause similar symptoms.
• Optimize Healing – Temporarily removing reactive foods enhances the effectiveness of antifungal treatments, probiotics, and dietary strategies.
• Support Long-Term Health – A tailored approach ensures safe reintroduction of foods without relapse, maintaining gut balance and nutrient absorption.

Testing provides a clear roadmap for eliminating hidden triggers, accelerating recovery, and restoring gut and immune balance.
Why a Targeted, Expert Approach Achieves Lasting Results


In our clinic, we address candida using a combination of antifungal compounds, beneficial yeasts, binders, probiotics, herbs, dietary interventions, and nutrients to tackle yeast, bacteria, and parasites. For permanent results, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying factors that allowed the pathogens to thrive.


Our approach is gradual and focuses on strengthening digestion and energy first, making it easier to adhere to the dietary and lifestyle changes that underpin a personalized natural medicine protocol. This method is effective without being overly restrictive and prioritizes long-term resilience.


⸻


3-Step Approach to Control Candida Overgrowth


Step 1: Test


We begin with a comprehensive health screening with food intolerance, which provides a full view of pathogen levels (yeast, bacteria, parasites) and the systems affected. This helps pinpoint hidden triggers and creates a clear starting point for treatment.


Step 2: Restore Gut Balance Through Diet


Diet is central to controlling candida:
    •    Reduce refined sugars, processed foods, and alcohol – These feed candida.
    •    Prioritize high-fiber vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins – Support beneficial gut bacteria.
    •    Incorporate fermented foods gradually – Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and other fermented foods encourage microbial diversity.


Step 3: Support with Herbal Medicine and Microbiome Restoration
    •    Herbs – Oregano and thyme oils, garlic, and berberine-containing herbs can reduce candida and support gut and immune health.
    •    Probiotics – Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains outcompete candida.
    •    Prebiotic fibers – Foods such as onion, garlic, and asparagus nourish beneficial bacteria.
    •    Lifestyle support – Adequate sleep, stress management, and moderate exercise further enhance immune and microbial balance.

All herbal and supplement interventions should be guided by an expert to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Targeted Care for Faster, Lasting Candida Recovery
Candida overgrowth can impact digestion, skin, mood, energy, and cognitive function. A targeted approach with a skilled practitioner identifies the underlying triggers, addresses nutrient imbalances, and creates a personalized plan for your body. This precision method accelerates symptom relief, reduces the guesswork of trial-and-error strategies, and restores balance to the gut and immune system—supporting long-term health, energy, and overall vitality.
Managing Die-Off: A step-by-step protocol helps minimize “die-off” symptoms (temporary fatigue, headaches, or digestive upset) by gradually reducing candida and supporting detox pathways, making recovery safer and more comfortable
​
 Identify the Root Causes for Lasting Relief

Candida overgrowth can quietly affect your energy, mood, digestion, and skin. By spotting the key symptoms and following a targeted three-step approach—testing for intolerances, restoring gut balance through diet, and supporting the microbiome with herbs and probiotics—you can regain control of your health. Struggling with fatigue, skin issues, or brain fog?  Identifying  and addressing the root causes of these candida symptoms is the fastest way to restore balance and vitality.
Looking for support? Book a call with an expert to get a personalized plan, identify hidden triggers, and take the fastest path to restore your energy, skin health, and mental clarity

What is seed cycling?

Seed cycling typically involves eating pumpkin and flax seeds during the first, follicular phase (Days 1-14) of your cycle, when your period starts. You consume a combo of sunflower and sesame seeds and during the second, luteal phase (Days 14-28), or after ovulation.


What does seed cycling do? 

When your hormone are balanced, in the first phase of your cycle oestrogen  levels should be rising. In your second phase of. your cycle progesterone levels rise (while estrogen levels slowly decline). An imbalance between these hormone levels can contribute to symptoms of hormone imbalance such as painful or irregular periods, PMS, PCOS, fibroids, acne and the menopaus

In theory, by eating specific compounds found in flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds at specific times during the menstrual cycle we can support the body's production of oestrogen and progesterone

That’s because seeds contain a type of fibre called lignans. Eating the lignans found in flax and pumpkin seeds, during the first phases of your cycle, it is thought to boost oestrogen production. Eating sunflower and sesame seeds in the second phase is thought to boost progesterone as your body metabolises another lignin-related compound called enterodiol.

What are the Pro's and Con's of Seed Cycling?

Pros 

• keeps you focused on incorporating seeds into your diet 
• Rotating seeds is good because it maintains balance between phytochemcals found in each type of seed 
• Rotating seeds also reduces likelihood of developing intolerance or sensitivity👍
• Seeds are nutrient dense powerhouses of good nutrition 
• Seeds contain minerals that boost immunity, balance blood pressure and support health regeneration of tissue
• They re packed with super beneficial unsaturated fays and phytonutrients linked to lowering the development of chronic diseases 
• Super source of fibre for healthy digestion 

Cons of seed cycling 

• Don’t over think it!
• A bit too fussy and maybe counter productive for women moving away from disordered eating.
• Your body is way to smart to need you to eat a particular seed on a particular day : it will store the different types of essential compounds and utilise them as needed

How can You Simplify Seed Cycling

The easiest way to incorporate seeds  into your diet is with breakfast - add to smoothies, oatmeal or nourish bowl.  Monday to Friday rotate 1-2 tablespoon of one type of seed including flaxseed, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and chia seed. Other creative ways include pesto with pumpkin and flax seeds and/or seed butters.
​
​Should You try Seed Cycling?

Honestly the short answer is no, it is way to fussy. Should you eat seeds on a daily basis - yes, yes and yes. So if cycling them helps you to maintain the habit then do it. Otherwise I recommend committing to one smoothie per day as a mid morning snack or breakfast to get them incorporated. If your mornings are more rushed make the smoothie, smoothie bowl or warm wholegrain cereal  night before. By doing this for breakfast consistently you will find it more likely to stick as a habit

                                          Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?
                                     Maybe you have an intolerance to salicylate phenolics.

An intolerance to salicylate phenolic is indicated in our clients who typically suffer from a wide range of issues including:

• Neurological symptoms such as: short attention span, migraines, headaches,
• Cognitive and perceptual disturbances such as: difficulty in comprehension, 
• Neuromuscular issues such as: tics, seizures, and dyslexia and 
• Physical concerns such as eczema, asthma, hives, constipation and diarrhea to name but a few.

Because salicylates are in so many foods and products pinpointing a sensitivity can be challenging as the reactions are not always immediate and are often diverse.
 
What is a salicylate?
Salicylates are chemicals produced naturally by plants as a preservative and as a natural defence against harmful pests and bacteria. They can be found in  natural form in certain fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants. Salicylates are also widespread in manufactured products, such as medicines (salicylates are a key ingredient in aspirin), solvents, household cleaning goods and health and beauty products.
 
What are the signs and symptoms?
Salicylates are thought to over stimulate the central nervous system of people whom they affect. Bringing on emotional extremes of feelings of elation followed by feelings of depression.
Symptoms are therefore varied vary but can include dark rings around the eyes, swelling of the eyes, hands and feet, a rash, hives, nasal congestion, breathing difficulties and asthma-like symptoms. Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation or nausea are also common symptoms.  Behavioural symptoms, more commonly seen in children, can include hyperactivity, aggression and head banging. In adults we see symptoms similar to chronic fatigue. It is rare for someone to suffer anaphylactic shock however this can occur in severe cases.
 
Are there any tests available?
While there are currently no blood tests available, at GNC we use a US-imported screening method to test for sensitivity.
 
Can anything help me?
The most effective way to begin to solve the problem of  a reaction to salicylate phenolics is to eliminate man made salicylate compounds from your diet and lifestyle. So this includes most chemical laden grooming, hygiene, and domestic cleaning products and all food additives including:

• Artificial food coloring (petrochemical dyes)
• Artificial flavors and fragrances
• Three preservatives
• Artificial sweeteners

 
 
Salicylates in Food
Very high
Fruit & vegetables: dried apricots, dates, currants, raisins, prunes.
Herbs & spices: aniseed, cayenne, celery powder, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, dill, garam masala, mace, mustard, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage, tarragon, turmeric, thyme, Worcester sauce.
Beverages: cordials, fruit flavoured drinks, fruit and vegetable juices.
High
Fruit: apples, berries, citrus fruits, figs, grapes, guava, kiwi, pineapple.
Vegetables: broccoli, chicory, chilli peppers, gherkin, peppers, radish, water chestnut.
Herbs & spices: allspice, basil, bay-leaf, chilli, cloves, ginger, mint, nutmeg, black/white pepper, pickles.
Nuts:almonds, macadamia, peanuts with skins, pistachio, pine nuts.
Beveridges: coffee, tea, Benedictine, Drambuie, port, rum, Tia Maria.
Moderate
Fruit: apricots, cherries, dates, grapefruit, lychee, all melons, peach, plum.
Vegetables: asparagus, aubergine, avocado, cucumber, tinned/puree tomatoes.
Herbs & spices: cornflour, yeast extracts.
Nuts: Brazil nuts, desiccated coconut, peanut butter, walnuts.
Beverages:beer, cider, coca cola, rosehip tea, sherry, red/white wine