Stress is a constant companion for many people today. Unlike brief moments of tension in the past, chronic stress often lingers, leaving the body trapped in a state of alert. You might not feel stressed in the usual way anymore. Instead, you feel drained, restless, and unable to bounce back even after rest. This happens when your body stays stuck in the fight or flight response longer than it should. What the Fight or Flight Response Means for Your Body The fight or flight response is your body’s natural reaction to danger. It prepares you to either face a threat or escape from it. This reaction is meant to be quick and temporary. When it works as intended, your body switches on alert mode and then returns to calm once the danger passes. Today, many people face ongoing pressures like work demands, poor sleep, or health problems. These keep the body in a constant state of readiness, even when there is no immediate threat. This means your nervous system stays activated, which can cause: Feeling tired but wired, especially in the morning Difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night Persistent anxiety or a sense of being on edge Digestive discomfort such as bloating Relying on caffeine just to get through the day These signs do not mean you are broken or weak. They show your body has been under stress for too long and needs support to recover. Why Chronic Stress Uses Up Your Energy Your adrenal glands play a key role in managing stress. They release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help you respond quickly. When stress is short, this system works well and then resets. But when stress lasts for weeks or months, your body shifts focus from healing to survival. This shift explains why you might say: “I eat well but still feel exhausted.” “I take supplements but don’t see improvement.” “I’ve tried everything, so why do I feel stuck?” Your body is not ignoring your efforts. It is prioritising coping mechanisms over recovery. This means it uses energy to keep you alert rather than to repair and restore. How to Support Your Body Without Adding More Pressure Supporting your stress response means helping your body adapt rather than pushing it harder. Some herbs and nutrients have been used traditionally to calm the nervous system and reduce the constant stress load. These do not force energy or mask symptoms. Instead, they reduce the constant stress load so recovery can actually happen. Examples include: Ashwagandha   It has a long history of traditional use in people who feel: Tired but wired Run down, yet unable to switch off Flat during the day but alert at night Rather than acting like a stimulant, it’s typically used to help the body tolerate ongoing stress more effectively. Other herbs and nutrients sometimes used alongside or instead of ashwagandha include: Skullcap , often considered when stress shows up as tension or difficulty switching off Licorice , used selectively in people whose energy feels consistently low Certain ginseng varieties , chosen carefully for stamina rather than quick energy Magnesium , which supports relaxation and muscle function B vitamins , which play a role in energy production and nervous system health It is important to match support to your body’s needs. What helps one person may not help another — and in some cases, can make things worse keeping you stuck in fight or flight mode. Practical Steps to Break Free from Chronic Stress Here are some ways to help your body move out of constant alertness and into recovery: Prioritize sleep: Create a calming bedtime routine and keep a consistent schedule. Practice gentle movement: Activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can reduce tension. Limit caffeine: Gradually reduce intake to avoid withdrawal but also reduce overstimulation. Mindful breathing: Simple breathing exercises can activate the body’s relaxation response. By making small, consistent changes, you give your body the chance to reset and rebuild energy. Understanding Your Body’s Signals Is the First Step This isn’t about guessing or adding more supplements. A better question is: What is your body struggling to cope with? If you want help working that out, you’re welcome to book a session or get in touch. Just because you’re feeling like this now doesn’t mean you have to stay this way. It usually means your body has been running in survival mode for too long.

This creamy chicken and broccoli recipe  is a simple, high protein meal that works well for many people who want something nourishing without feeling too heavy afterward. It’s easy to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and can be adjusted. Chicken breasts provide about 35 to 40 grams of protein per serving, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair. Broccoli adds fibre and important vitamins like C and K. The creamy garlic sauce uses Greek yogurt. For those who avoid dairy, simple swaps like coconut yogurt or cashew cream keep the sauce creamy and flavorful. This recipe is flexible. You can swap vegetables, or add grains like rice or quinoa depending on your appetite and dietary needs Grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce on a plate Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 cups broccoli florets 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste For the Creamy Garlic Sauce ½ cup Greek yogurt 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped ¼ teaspoon paprika Dairy-Free Alternatives Coconut yogurt Cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, and garlic) How to Make It Season the chicken and broccoli Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and broccoli florets. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken Grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked and juices run clear. Prepare the broccoli Steam or roast the broccoli until just tender but still bright green. Make the creamy garlic sauce Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and paprika in a bowl. Mix well until smooth. Serve Plate the chicken and broccoli, then spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Enjoy. Nutrition Profile Without Grains (per serving) Protein: 35–40 grams Fat: 15–18 grams Carbohydrates: 8–10 grams Fiber: 4–5 grams With Grains Added (½ cup cooked rice or quinoa) Protein: 38–42 grams Fat: 15–18 grams Carbohydrates: 30–40 grams Fiber: 6–8 grams Omitting grains keeps the meal lower in carbs, suitable for those monitoring carbohydrate intake. Tips for Customizing Your Meal Swap vegetables if broccoli doesn’t agree with you. Green beans, zucchini, or asparagus work well with the creamy garlic sauce. Try different cooking methods for variety. Pan-searing chicken gives a crispy crust, while grilling adds smoky flavor. Roasting broccoli brings out natural sweetness. Make it dairy-free by replacing Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Both options keep the sauce creamy and delicious without dairy. Why This Meal Supports Natural Health This creamy chicken and broccoli recipe focuses on whole foods with minimal processing. It avoids heavy sauces, refined carbs, and artificial ingredients. The combination of protein, fibre, and healthy fats helps maintain stable blood sugar and supports digestion. Garlic and parsley add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Eating well is foundational—but it may not be the full picture anymore. “If I eat a good diet, why do I need to take supplements?” Shouldn’t I be getting everything I need from food?” Am I going to be on these forever?” These are questions I hear from long-time clients—people who genuinely take care of themselves. They’re eating well, prioritising whole foods, cutting back on sugar, doing so much right. And yet... something still feels off. That’s when the question comes: “Do I really need to keep taking these supplements?”  And it’s a fair question. Here’s what I’ve seen in my office over the years—and why personalised supplementation still matters. ✅ Quick Summary Even great food can fall short— NZ soils are low in key minerals Absorption matters as much as intake Life stages and stress increase your nutritional needs RDIs are the bare minimum to prevent disease—not the optimal target to feel fantastic 1. Good Food, Low Minerals You might be eating well—but what about the soil your food is grown in? NZ and Aussie soils are naturally low in selenium, zinc, and chromium—trace minerals that support your thyroid, immune system, hormones, and more. Research shows most NZ soils have relatively low selenium levels  compared to many other countries, and some areas (especially in the South Island) show lower selenium in people’s blood levels.( Source ) Even the best vegetables can only give what the soil holds. So if that’s depleted? Your body might be too. It’s one of the biggest reasons we supplement: to top up the tank when food alone isn’t enough. 2. What You Eat Isn’t Always What You Absorb Your body’s ability to absorb nutrients can change over time. Past gut issues, stress, low stomach acid, inflammation, hormonal shifts… all of these can reduce how well your body extracts what it needs from food. So even if your meals are loaded with goodness—your cells might still be missing key support. 3. Sometimes You Just Need More The RDIs (Recommended Daily Intakes) are designed to prevent deficiency—not to help you feel energised, resilient, or hormonally balanced. A perimenopausal person has different needs than they did at 25 Someone healing from burnout or long‑term stress has higher nutritional needs Sometimes increasing support temporarily makes all the difference I’ve seen clients on maintenance plans reduce their supplement support, only to notice energy dips, mood shifts, lower sleep quality. They restart the supplement and feel more like themselves again. Think of it like building a house. If you don’t have enough bricks (nutrients), it doesn’t matter how pretty the curtains are. You need structure first. Steady energy and balanced wellbeing—this is what targeted support can help maintain 4. Why Do I Need Supplements If I Eat Well? Sometimes, yes. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Some nutrients become part of your ongoing maintenance support—just like brushing your teeth or drinking water. Some clients decide to pause a supplement just to see how they feel. A few weeks later, they come back saying: “I’m not sleeping as well.” My energy’s dropped a bit.” It’s often subtle. Like your battery slowly draining from 100% to 60%. So What’s the Goal, Really? It’s not about being on a whole shelf of pills. It’s about using good quality, targeted, and personalised support —based on where your body’s at right now, and what it needs to thrive. Life shifts. Hormones shift. Seasons shift. Nutrient needs change with them. Imagine having the nutrients on board to keep your energy steady, your moods balanced, and your health stronger through whatever life throws your way. That’s why we support the body well—not just when things go wrong, but to help keep things going right. If You’ve Ever Thought… “I feel off—even though everything else looks good.” You’re not necessarily doing anything wrong. Your body might just be saying: “I need a bit more help here.” If you’ve been wondering why you still feel flat or fatigued—even when your diet looks good—this might be the missing piece. Your body deserves a plan that fits where you’re at now ➡️ Message me or comment below and I can help you figure out what support may be missing.

Healing begins when food works with you, not against you "I thought keto was meant to help me feel better… why do I feel worse?" If you’ve ever felt like that, you’re not alone. Many people search online wondering, “why is my healthy diet making me feel worse ?”  The answer isn’t always simple — and it often comes down to timing and your body’s current state of healing. I hear this so often in my office. Not just with keto, but with almost every diet trend out there – paleo, FODMAP, fasting, plant-based, Whole30. The truth is, no diet is universally “right.” Some diets support healing. Others add stress. And sometimes, the same diet can do both – just at different times in your healing journey. Gentle, nourishing foods like soups may support easier digestion When a Healthy Diet Makes You Feel Worse Instead of Better Your liver, gallbladder, and gut play a huge role in how well you digest and process food. If they’re not functioning at their best ( you may not even be aware of it ), a high-fat, high-protein diet like keto can actually make you feel worse by putting more pressure on an already struggling system. That’s why some people thrive on these diets – while others end up with more bloating, fatigue, or discomfort. A Real-Life Example One client came in with severe constipation after starting keto. The diet had helped in some ways, but it was also placing too much stress on his body. We switched him to lighter proteins and gentler foods that supported his digestion. Within days, the bloating calmed and the bowels began moving again (which he was very relieved about! 😉). The point is: it wasn’t that keto was “bad.” It just wasn’t the right timing for his body. Why I Ask All My Clients for a Food Diary A food diary helps uncover the patterns and feedback your body is giving you. One of my non-negotiables with clients is a food diary – not to judge or criticise, but to observe. Your body is giving feedback all the time. My job is to decode that feedback and match your food plan to where your body is right now . Without seeing what you’re actually eating, it’s almost impossible to tailor support properly. You might not be eating anything you’re overtly sensitive to, but if your meals are too heavy on fats, or too demanding for your digestion, you can stay stuck – with nausea, gut pain, or diarrhoea that just won’t shift. 💚 Your body has the answers. The Full Health Evaluation helps uncover them — now just $80. What Your Body Might Need Instead Sometimes your diet may need to include: ✅ More vegetables, soups, or gentle foods to ease digestion ✅ Lighter proteins like fish and chicken instead of red meat ✅ Periods of simplicity, before reintroducing more complex foods Then, when your gut is stronger, we reintroduce other foods at the right time , so they work for you – not against you. What to Do When a Healthy Diet Is Making You Feel Worse It may not mean the diet is bad. It may just mean your body isn’t ready to handle those foods yet . So if you’ve been frustrated that your healthy diet is making you feel worse , it’s often not about the food itself — it’s about whether your digestion and healing systems are ready for it. With Nutrition Response Testing™, we can uncover what your body needs right now, remove the barriers to healing, and give you a personalised plan that supports your energy, digestion, and vitality. Ready to Stop Guessing Every Meal? If you’ve been frustrated that your healthy diet is making you feel worse , it may not be the food itself — it’s about what your body is ready for right now . That’s exactly what we uncover in a Full Health Evaluation  using Nutrition Response Testing™. You’ll walk away with: ✅ Clarity on which foods support your body today ✅ Insight into the barriers that keep you stuck ✅ A personalised plan to improve your health 💚 Normally $200 , right now you can book your Full Health Evaluation for just $80 (save $120) . 💫 You don’t need another strict food rule. You need clarity and a way to align your diet with the timing of your body’s healing.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right”—taking the supplements, eating clean, stretching, resting—but your improvements just don’t seem to last? In my clinic, I often find this happens because something important is being missed . Not missed by you because you’re lazy or not trying hard enough. Missed because the real issue—what’s actually driving the inflammation or fatigue or pain—hasn’t been properly identified. That knee pain or stubborn bloating or low energy might not be the actual problem. It might be a signal —pointing to something deeper: like a sluggish liver overwhelmed by toxins, hidden parasites, heavy metals, chronic infections, or food stressors. And when the body’s real priority  is overlooked, it can feel like no matter what you try, things never quite resolve. Your Body Is Like a Lock With Six Numbers You might know all six. You might even be doing all the “right” things: the best diet, quality supplements, good sleep. But if the numbers are in the wrong order , the lock won’t open. This is why I love Nutrition Response Testing . It listens to the wisdom of the body—and respects it. I don’t assume what to address first. I test. I ask the body what its highest priority is, and I follow that sequence. When we work in the right order, the body often begins to heal itself. A Real-World Example: Knee Pain That Wouldn’t Budge Let’s say your right knee is chronically inflamed and painful . You’ve tried magnesium, turmeric, Boswellia. Hot packs. Maybe even structural adjustments. And it helps a little —but the pain always creeps back. Why? Because what if the knee is just the messenger ?What if the root cause isn’t even in the joint? What if the real issue is your liver , struggling to clear toxins—and that toxic buildup is showing up in the weakest spot in your body: your knee. The liver and gallbladder  are deeply involved in movement , flexibility , and the health of tendons, ligaments, and joints . When they’re under stress, your body can feel stiff, sore, or inflamed—often in places you'd never expect. That might look like recurring joint pain, tight hips or shoulders, slow muscle recovery, or stiffness that seems to come and go without reason . The Power of Priority: Healing in the Right Order In my clinic, I don’t guess—I test. I find the first number in your healing combination , and once that’s addressed, the next layer can reveal itself. It’s why my clients often say: “I’d tried so many things over the years, but once we found the real issue and addressed it in the right order, everything started to shift.” Healing isn’t linear. It’s layered. And it’s intelligent. When we follow the body's natural healing sequence, it does what it’s designed to do: restore balance . Why Symptoms Aren’t the Whole Story One of the biggest mistakes I see is people chasing symptoms. Treating the pain where it shows up. Taking another supplement. Swapping diets. Trying harder. But if you’re only focused on where it hurts, you may miss where it starts . True healing begins when we stop reacting—and start listening. Ready to Stop Guessing? Ready to stop guessing? If you’ve been doing all the right things and still feel stuck, it might be time to find the right order. Your body knows how to heal. Let’s help it do it in the right order. 👇 Book your discounted Nutrition Response Testing consult:

Feeling tired, foggy, or stuck—despite eating healthy, cutting sugar, or doing "all the right things"? It might be time to take a closer look at one powerful but often overlooked nutrient: protein . Why Protein Matters in Healing Protein isn’t just for gym junkies. It’s foundational to your body’s ability to: Maintain lean muscle while losing fat Stabilise blood sugar Reduce energy crashes, cravings, and mood swings Repair tissues, skin, joints, hair, hormones, gut lining Build resilience after stress, illness, or life change 🔍 Client Spotlight: What Was Missing? One client—who had already done a lot of foundational healing—came in with energy crashes and migraines. Her food journal looked great: veggies, smoothies, wholefood snacks. But her body still wasn’t recovering. When we reviewed her intake and tested with Nutrition Response Testing, we discovered her protein intake had quietly dropped. Her body simply didn’t have the raw materials it needed to stabilise. Once we brought protein back in, her energy lifted. The migraines began to ease. How Much Protein Do We Need? A good general rule: 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. So for a 65 kg adult → aim for 65 grams per day , spread across meals. Some people need more: Older adults (65+) : 1.0–1.5g per kg Pregnant/Breastfeeding : Increased needs Healing or recovering : More to rebuild tissue Children/Teens : Support for growth Athletes or strength training : 1.2–2.0g per kg 🥚 Protein at a Glance (65g Daily) Breakfast: ½ cup Greek yoghurt + 1 egg + 2 tbsp nuts → 20g Lunch: 100g chicken + 1 cup lentils → 18g Dinner: 100g salmon + 30g cheese → 27g ✅ Total: 65g protein Protein Isn’t Everything—But It’s Foundational If your body isn’t getting enough, everything else—gut healing, hormone balance, energy—can stall. ❓ Still Feeling Stuck? If you’re doing all the right things but still feel flat, fatigued, or foggy—there’s a reason. I help uncover the missing pieces with Nutrition Response Testing, so you can finally move forward. Let’s find out what’s in the way.

You’ve cut gluten. You’re eating “clean.” You’re on supplements, clearing toxins, and doing everything “right.”But somehow… progress still feels stuck. The symptoms are lingering. The energy’s not coming back. The inflammation isn’t resolving. Often, the issue isn’t something obvious. It’s not a dramatic reaction—like eating something and rushing to the toilet to “detox” (diarrhoea 💨). That’s easy to spot. The trickier ones are the foods that quietly chip away at your progress—causing inflammation that stays low-level and hard to pin down. Here are five of the most commonly overlooked food triggers  I see in clinic, and a real case story that brings this into focus: 🌾 1. Oats Even “gluten-free” oats can be reactive for those with gluten sensitivity. Inflammation continues. Porridge, oat milk, muesli—all culprits I’ve seen stall recovery until they’re removed. 🥛 2. Dairy Dairy is one of the most common reactive foods in clients dealing with eczema, fatigue, anxiety, gut issues, sinus congestion, and skin problems. Not all dairy needs to be avoided—cheese and butter are often well tolerated. Milk is usually the issue. Yogurt can be tolerated for some, but not everyone. Often people say, “But I’ve always had milk! "Like rust, the reaction can build up slowly over time, spreading from one system to another until symptoms show up loud and clear. 🌽 3. Corn Corn is a top 10 allergen and can easily go unnoticed. Popcorn and corn chips are common culprits. Corn starch (often used for thickening) is usually okay for mild sensitivities, but whole corn products often aren’t. 🥚 4. Eggs This is one of the most overlooked food sensitivities I see. Most people are focused on dairy or gluten—which may well be part of the issue—but the missing piece can often be eggs. More specifically, the egg white. It’s a common reaction in people with gut issues or hidden parasites. I’ve seen many cases where simply removing eggs—even temporarily—allowed real progress to happen. The good news? This is often temporary. I’ve worked with many clients who couldn’t tolerate eggs at first—but after healing, were able to reintroduce them with no reaction. Eggs, when tolerated, are a fantastic source of nutrients and protein. 🌱 5. Soy Soy milk is often introduced when people give up cow’s milk—but it can be just as aggravating. Soy is also a top 10 allergen and can be a hidden source of inflammation. That said, many people tolerate good-quality fermented soy like miso, tempeh, and gluten-free soy sauce. And if soy is out completely, coconut aminos is a great alternative. Real Case Study: From Raw, Itchy Skin to Full Recovery One client came to me with severe eczema —their skin was raw, itchy, inflamed, and covered a large percentage of their body. Their system was overwhelmed, and the diet had to be very restricted  at first to calm the inflammation. Through Nutrition Response Testing, we discovered a chronic hidden parasite issue —a major driver of the skin condition. We addressed it with a personalised nutritional and dietary programme  to support gentle detoxification and gave the body what it needed to heal. Over time, we reintroduced foods. Eggs initially triggered severe flare-ups and had to be avoided for 9 months. But now? This client can eat eggs again with no reaction at all. They can now tolerate gluten  (not every day, but without symptoms), cheeses , butters , milk in moderation , and even tomatoes —all of which were problematic early on. This client is now in the maintenance phase  of their program and doing well. They did the work. They committed to healing. And their body responded beautifully.🧡💜 Final Thoughts Food can be medicine—or it can quietly keep inflammation alive. If your symptoms aren’t shifting—even when you’re doing everything “right”—take a closer look at these five foods. They could be your missing piece. 🌿💚

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right… but still feel off? You're eating well. Taking your supplements. Avoiding the foods your body flares up from. You've cleaned up your lifestyle—and yet you're still tired, bloated, foggy, or dragging yourself through the day. If this sounds like you, then perhaps the ideas below will help you get unstuck. You're an important part of your own healing process. Supplements, diets, and detoxes absolutely have their place—but so does your attitude and how you feel 99% of the time. And I want to gently offer a thought: what if it’s not just your body that needs a reset—but your thought patterns? Joe Dispenza, in You Are the Placebo , shares something powerful: “Your personality creates your personal reality.” That means your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours—the things you do, think, feel on autopilot—are shaping your biology. Here’s how: every time you think a thought, your brain releases chemicals—neuropeptides—that communicate with the cells of your body. If you’re constantly thinking stress-based thoughts, your body gets flooded with the same stress chemistry. Over time, those neuropeptides literally begin to alter your cellular environment, triggering the same genes, the same immune responses, and the same symptoms. As Joe puts it: “The same thoughts always lead to the same choices, the same choices lead to the same behaviours, the same behaviours lead to the same experiences, and the same experiences produce the same emotions.” If you're waking up each day already bracing for another battle with your body, repeating the same routine, worrying about the same symptoms, talking about how tired you are… well, you’re sending your body the same instructions to stay in survival mode. And in survival, the body doesn't prioritise healing. You don’t need to have had a breakthrough moment or massive trauma release for this to be true. For many of us, it’s simply a pattern, a loop we become stuck in. You wake up, eat the same “safe” foods, think the same thoughts about your symptoms, carry the same low-level anxiety, watch the same shows, check the same social feeds, rehearse the same worry. And by the end of the day, your body is stuck in exactly the same chemical state it started in: tension, uncertainty, and survival. That loop can feel impossible to break— but it’s not. This is where we start. Not with perfection. But with awareness, persistence, and a willingness to believe that how you feel day-to-day matters. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to begin. Try this instead: Ask your body a different question: “What do you need today?”  instead of “What’s wrong with me now?” Interrupt the routine: go for a walk, listen to a song that shifts your mood, turn off the symptom search - don't Google it! Journal one win. Every day. No matter how small. Gratitude literally shifts our biochemistry into a healing mode. As Joe Dispenza says: “If you keep firing the same thoughts, you’re wiring the same circuits.” When you change the thought—even slightly—you begin to change the circuit. And that’s where real healing becomes possible. Let me be clear: this isn’t about thinking happy thoughts and pretending everything's fine. It’s about breaking unconscious patterns that are holding your healing hostage. Here’s how you can begin: 🩷 Pattern Breakers to Try This Week: Notice your habitual-thoughts.  When you feel that symptom creep in, what’s the first thought? Can you pause before reacting? Ask a new question.  Instead of “Why is this happening again?” try “ What’s my body trying to tell me today? ” Change your state.  Move your body, shake off tension, smile at someone, or do something unexpected. Break the loop. Listen to uplift music, read something uplifting. Choose one belief to rewrite.  Something like: “My body is capable of healing, even if I don’t see it yet.” Your body listens to everything your mind says. And when you change the message—it often changes the outcome. You don’t have to stay stuck in the same loop. With hope, Alison 🩵 Advanced Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner

“I used to eat gluten and be fine. Now, even the good stuff—sourdough, wholemeal bread—makes me bloated, itchy, and sometimes running to the toilet. It’s like I’m reacting to more and more foods and I don’t know what to do anymore.” And it’s not just gluten. People are reacting to broccoli, Kefir, Bone broth. Even water can feel like it’s “not sitting right.” When you food sensitivities seem to be multiplying, it’s easy to think your body is failing. But it’s not. Your body is adapting and trying to support you—and it’s asking for help. What’s Gone Wrong? When your body is functioning well—meaning you’re sleeping well, you have good energy, your digestion is working properly and you just feel good—your tolerances are naturally high. You can eat a variety of foods, handle daily stresses, and bounce back quickly. But when your system becomes overburdened, whether due to: Poor sleep Stress (emotional or physical)- the cat is sick, you have teenagers in the house, work worries, etc Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)- current or old that haven't fully resolved Chemical exposure (chlorine, mercury, aluminium, pesticides, fragrances) Nutrient deficiencies Unprocessed emotional trauma (grief, anger, unresolved experiences) ...your body starts operating in survival mode. And in survival mode, digestion is not the priority. Repair, regeneration, and detoxification slow down. The nervous system stays on high alert. Your system becomes inflamed, reactive, and tired. That’s when even healthy foods can start causing symptoms. But I Thought Broccoli Was Healthy? It is. So is bone broth, kefir, oats, and sauerkraut. But when the body is inflamed or overwhelmed, even so called healthy, nourishing foods can become a problem. I’ve seen clients have severe abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating broccoli, eczema flare ups from apple cider vinegar, severe constipation from raw milk. This is why removing foods alone doesn’t fix the problem. It’s like painting over mould on a wall without treating the damp underneath. The symptom may go quiet for a while, but the root issue continues—until it’s addressed properly. So What Do  We Do? This is where Nutrition Response Testing (NRT)  is so powerful. NRT allows us to communicate directly with the body using muscle testing. We’re not guessing or following protocols from a textbook—we’re asking your  body what needs attention first, second, third. Your body always knows what to do, if we listen. Some people’s “fires” are parasites. Others are overloaded with heavy metals. Others have unresolved emotional stress that’s become biologically embedded. NRT helps us identify and sequence the steps that lead to true health improvement and not just symptom suppression. It’s Not a Race—It’s a Restorati on Imagine your body is a house that’s been damaged by fire. You don’t start by redecorating or installing a new kitchen. You put the fire out. You clean up the damage. Then you rebuild. Health restoration is no different. It takes time, intention, commitment, and the right sequence. And the most powerful part? Your body has an extraordinary capacity to heal —once we remove the barriers and support it properly. Dr. Joe Dispenza writes in You Are the Placebo  that chronic stress changes our biology. Healing starts when we calm the stress response, support the body’s systems, and align our mind with what’s possible. You are not powerless. You are not broken. Your body is communicating, and yes— you have the capacity to heal. If you’re reacting to more foods, it’s time to stop chasing symptoms and start listening to your body, and find out what it’s really trying to tell you.

Switching refers to when your body goes in the opposite direction from what is expected—essentially, when the nervous system is in a state of confusion. This confusion can affect normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms and problems that feel out of control. A classic sign of switching is when a person on the correct nutritional program feels worse instead of better or experiences a rollercoaster effect —feeling better one day, worse the next, then better again. This fluctuation is a sign that the body’s natural healing processes are not working as they should. How Switching Affects You: When your body is switched, it can make it feel like your health journey is a constant up-and-down battle. You may start a new nutritional program with hope and excitement, only to find that your symptoms get worse, or you experience a cycle of feeling better and then worse and then better and so. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything you can to improve your health, and it may leave you wondering why your body isn’t responding as expected. Why Does Switching Happen? Switching is often caused by one or more of the following stressors: food sensitivities, chemical or heavy metal toxicities, immune stress, and nutritional deficiencies . These stressors can cause confusion within your nervous system, disrupting normal bodily functions and preventing the healing process from moving forward. Case Story: "Sarah’s" Journey Sarah came to us feeling frustrated after following a nutritional program but experiencing a constant rollercoaster effect . Some days she felt fantastic—more energy, less bloating, and better digestion. But then, the next day, her symptoms would come back with full force, leaving her exhausted and confused. Through NRT  (Nutrition Response Testing™), we identified that Sarah's body was switched  due to sensitivities to certain foods and a hidden immune stress that wasn’t being addressed. When we cleared these stressors and adjusted her nutritional plan, Sarah’s body began to stabilise. The rollercoastering stopped, and she began feeling consistently better as her body was able to heal and adapt properly. What This Means for You If you are experiencing fluctuations in how you feel despite following a nutritional program, you may be switched . Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of switching, can help your body correct itself and restore balance. Get the Help You Need With Nutrition Response Testing™ (NRT) , we can identify and resolve the root causes of switching in your body. By clearing the barriers and providing the right nutritional support, your body can begin to heal properly, bringing you one step closer to lasting health and vitality.

🍃 Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what foods to eat to improve your gut health and uncover your food sensitivities? One day, you read that kombucha is a great way to support digestion, so you try it—only to find your bloating gets worse. Then there’s A2 milk, which is often hailed as a gentler alternative, but for some, it still causes discomfort. You might also enjoy sourdough bread because it’s “better” than regular bread, but if you need to avoid gluten, it’s usually still not the right fit. 🍃 On top of that, there’s the ongoing confusion about protein. Should you be eating more or cutting back? How do you know what's right for you ? This is where the struggle lies for many people, especially when the diet advice online contradicts what your body is telling you. For example you eat more protein only to find yourself uncomfortably constipated or you increase your fat intake & now you're dashing to the toilet multiple times. 🍃 The truth is, diets don’t work for everyone because every body is unique. What works for one person may not be right for YOU, especially when it comes to food sensitivities, Gut health, and nutrient balance. That’s where Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) comes in. It’s a powerful tool that helps you understand exactly what your body needs and what it’s sensitive to, so you can make informed choices about what to eat. For example, if your thyroid is struggling then you need to avoid foods that weaken your thyroid and increase foods that nourish it & you! 🍃 With Nutrition Response Testing, you can identify food sensitivities that may be causing your symptoms and which foods can support your healing. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and by using NRT, you can create a personalised dietary and nutritional plan that’s right for your body. It's time to stop the confusion and start feeling better. Let me know if you’d like to learn more!

The problems associated with soy, especially soy milk. Including unexplained digestive & thyroid issues. 🍃 If you've been exploring alternatives to dairy and wheat, soy milk and soy flour may have crossed your mind as healthier options. But it’s important to understand the potential health implications. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation , a leader in natural health information, soy may not be the best choice for everyone. Also bare in mind soy is considered a top 10 allergen. 🍃 Soy and Hormonal Disruption Soy contains phytoestrogens , plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. These compounds can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially leading to thyroid problems and other health concerns. The Weston A. Price Foundation highlights that even small amounts of soy can affect thyroid function, particularly for individuals already dealing with thyroid issues. In fact, soy can sometimes contribute to a condition known as goitrogenesis , where it can interfere with thyroid hormone production and lead to goiter (enlarged thyroid). 🍃 Soy and Nutrient Absorption Soy also contains anti-nutrients  such as phytates and lectins, which can block the absorption of key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. This interference with mineral absorption can contribute to deficiencies over time, which may affect your overall health. Weston A. Price research emphasizes how these compounds, especially in processed soy, can be problematic for digestion and mineral balance. 🍃 The Goitrogenic Effect of Soy As mentioned before soy is considered a goitrogenic  food, meaning it can interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction. Goitrogens, found in foods like soy, can inhibit the body's ability to produce thyroid hormones by blocking the action of iodine, a critical component for thyroid health. Many experts cautions that regular consumption of soy, especially in large quantities, can exacerbate thyroid issues for those who are already vulnerable or have pre-existing conditions. 🍃 Fermentation: This is why many can tolerate soy sauce! Fermentation can make soy easier to digest. Fermented products like tempeh and miso are often better tolerated because fermentation breaks down the problematic anti-nutrients and makes soy more digestible. However, some people still can't tolerate good quality soy sauce, though this is less common. 🍃 The Soy-Gluten Connection For those on gluten-free diets, it’s important to be aware that many processed gluten-free products contain soy flour. In fact, over 60% of packaged foods, including many gluten-free products, contain soy. So if you're not improving as well as you expected to when changing your diet - check how much soy flour you are consuming. 🍃 How Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) Can Help If you’re unsure whether soy is affecting your body, Nutrition Response Testing (NRT)  can help identify food sensitivities and determines how soy and other foods impact your body. This non-invasive method can help pinpoint whether soy is contributing to your digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, or other symptoms, allowing you to make better dietary choices.