icrobiomeThe composition of our gut microbiota changes throughout our lifetime based on our environment, the foods we eat, our lifestyle, medications, and more. Patients’ dietary choices can have a significant influence on the health of their gut which in turn can impact their overall health. Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all help to regulate the microbiota and bring about health benefits, and although they sound similar, they all exert different effects! Continue reading “[5 min read] Uncovering the microbiome: prebiotics, probiotics & postbiotics” →

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australian adults have inadequate levels of vitamin D (1)? Vitamin D is considered the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it after sun exposure, specifically to UVB light (2). It plays a role in hormone regulation; supports healthy immune function; and regulates the absorption of calcium for the growth and development of strong bones and teeth (3).
Continue reading “[5 min read] Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin” →

Globally, it’s estimated that 1 in 8 people live with a mental disorder, with depressive disorders accounting for the largest amount of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among mental disorders [1]. While mental disorders are complex and multi-factorial, there is emerging research that nutrition may play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of depression [2]. Continue reading “[6 min read] The connection between food and mood” →

Compelling evidence backs the use of probiotics – beneficial live bacteria – to support health and wellbeing. Should general practitioners be advising patients to add them to their diets? Continue reading “[4 min read] The power of probiotics” →

Did you know that 1 in 10 Australian women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is one of the most common endocrine (hormone-related) disorders, and reportedly up to 70% of women with the condition remain undiagnosed [1]. From hormonal imbalances to metabolic changes such as increased production of insulin and androgens, many symptoms of PCOS can be difficult to pinpoint or diagnose in its earliest stages [2]. Initial diagnosis and management usually occur in primary care settings. Continue reading “[5 min read] Medical nutrition therapy for PCOS” →

Nutrition research review: Role of dietary fibre in promoting immune health – An EAACI position paper. 

Dietary fibre is an important factor in determining the gut microbiome and influence the immune system. Dietary fibre-derived metabolites are involved in immune cell decision-making processes, giving rise to the suggestion that the trend over time towards lower intakes of dietary fibre is contributing to the rise in allergic and hypersensitivity disorders.
Continue reading “Research summary: Role of dietary fibre in promoting immune health” →

Did you know that dementia affects over 400,000 people living in Australia and almost 50 million people worldwide [1]? Dementia is a term used to describe abnormal changes in the brain. It describes the loss of memory, reasoning, and cognitive abilities, with the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Eventually, the symptoms can become so severe they prevent the person from managing even essential daily functions.  Continue reading “[5 min read] The MIND diet – Nutrition for dementia” →

Nutritional genomics is an nascent and fast-moving scientific field that examines how nutrition impacts genes and their variants, with a specific interest in how the diet may contribute to or prevent disease [1].
Continue reading “[5 min read] Nutritional genomics and personalised nutrition” →

Nutrition research review: The safe and effective use of plant-based diets with guidelines for health professionals

Plant-based diets have soared in popularity in recent years. It is important that health professionals have a good understanding of how we can support patients consuming a plant-based diet to achieve optimal nutrition.
Continue reading “Research summary: Guidelines for plant-based diets” →

Increasing societal demands involving work and family can often lead to overexertion, excessive fatigue, and inadequate energy levels. But when exhaustion is also associated with ice cravings (e.g. pica), headaches, or dizziness, it might indicate a more serious medical condition. These all represent common signs of anaemia, a condition in which depleted iron stores lead to reduced production and circulation of red blood cells.
Continue reading “[4 min read] Nutrition therapy for anaemia” →