Dr Carla Atkinson

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Why do I feel emotionally numb and disconnected? Calcium Shell: Symptoms, Causes, Dissolving it

Calcium Shell occurs when calcium salts are draw out of the bones and teeth, and float around the body in precipitates, building up in areas where they form a kind of shell around the cells in places like your muscles, brain, joints, and arteries.

This ‘protective shell’ if you will, can cause a person to experience emotional numbness and spaciness among many other symptoms, which I will go through below!

And of course it’s not great seen as we want 99% of our calcium in our teeth and bones, not in our soft tissues, if we want them to be strong!

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CALCIUM SHELL?

Often symptoms of Calcium Shell can overlap with other conditions including the symptoms of:

Slow Oxidation (fatigue, sugar cravings, low blood sugar, constipation, weight in hips and thighs insomnia, postural hypotension, poor ability to sweat, low blood pressure)

Copper Toxicity/Dysfunction (mood swings, PMS, racing thoughts, panic attacks, depression, feelings of despair, eating disorders, brain fog, frontal headaches/migraines, heart palpitations, social withdrawal, problems concentrating, problems with memory, infertility, miscarriages, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, oestrogen imbalances, low libido, and candida) , and

Hypothyroid (weight gain, cold hands and feet, lack of sweating, fatigue, dry skin and hair, constipation).

Other symptoms include:

  • Joint and muscle pain, cramps, spasms, and or twitches
  • Arthritis, osteoporosis, bone spurs
  • Premature greying of your hair
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Kidney stones
  • Low vitamin D
  • Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Impaired circulation or reduced spine movement
  • Poor dental health and tooth decay (Ca pulled out of teeth into tissues)
  • Tinnitus
  • Sensitivity to EMFs (calcium is very conductive)
  • Apathy, brain fog
  • Feeling of being disconnected, apathetic
  • Emotional numbness, psychological withdrawal
  • Feeling out of touch with reality, depression, brain fog
  • Anxiety, irritability, emotional outbursts
  • Anger, and a racing mind if copper toxicity is driving the pattern
 

WHAT CAUSES CALCIUM SHELL?

Calcium needs the proper cofactors to direct it and keep it in the bones and teeth, one big one being vitamin K especially the MK-7 form, as well as magnesium, sodium and boron.

Imbalances of minerals can mean calcium builds up which is very common with people that have a very slow metabolic/oxidation rate. Over 80% of people are slow oxidisers nowadays, so this is a prevalent issue! These people generally have lower sodium and potassium levels, which are the body’s primary solvents that dissolve the hard calcium allowing it to get metabolised into the bones and teeth. Without sufficient levels of such minerals, calcium precipitates and builds up in the soft tissues.

Copper toxicity is therefore another driver of Calcium Shell due to copper lowering potassium and raising sodium initially then dropping sodium as it burns out the adrenals, again resulting in calcium building up in the soft tissues.

Calcium shell can also occur due to an emotional trauma or chronic stress as the body uses calcium to protect the cell from a stress response. This is why we can often feel emotionally dead inside when we have Calcium Shell.

Iodine deficiency is another cause of Calcium Shell as this makes it hard to hold on to potassium causing calcium to build up in tissues. Iodine also decalcifies, hence if low, we generally have high calcium. This means Calcium Shell is also often associated with hypothyroid or Hashimotos’s.

Excessive calcium supplementation is another cause (especially when there isn’t adequate magnesium, sodium and boron to use it properly).

Hard drinking water (limestone, calcium containing stone area where water supply comes from) is another.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CALCIUM SHELL?

Unfortunately this is not likely a condition your GP may recognise and so it is important to work with a Functional Health Practitioner trained in preventative, holistic, alternative (or what I like to call ‘original’) health care, that focuses on finding the root cause of dysfunctions using patient symptoms and functional lab testing as a guide.

A full health inventory should be taken to assess symptoms and, when considering Calcium Shell, because calcium can build up in different areas of the body, one often being the hair, a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, HTMA, can help us determine if you have this condition.

Because of the link with thyroid health it’s often a good idea to also run a full thyroid panel including total T3 and rT3.

In fact, when we see discrepancies with testing, for example the results of the HTMA show hypothyroid whereas the blood test results show hyperthyroid, this shows there is decreased cellular permeability, which can be due to calcium shell, low sodium and low potassium.

 

HOW DO I BREAK UP MY CALCIUM SHELL?

Breaking through a calcium shell is not about “pushing harder.” It requires going slow and steady, at a pace your body can truly handle.

This process can feel deeply physical and emotional. As calcium begins to shift from soft tissues and move back into bone, you may notice temporary joint or muscle pain, headaches, or even old emotional patterns resurfacing. Because a calcium shell is often linked with unresolved trauma, support for both your nervous system and your minerals is essential.

Nutrients such as vitamin K2 (MK-7), vitamin A (my favourite source is Rosita Cod Liver Oil), and iodine can play a role – but they must be used carefully, in the right sequence, and within the context of your whole body. Thyroid and copper balance also often need to be addressed. This is why practitioner guidance is vital.

Because calcium shell work often involves emotional release as much as physical, complementary therapies like talk therapy, EMDR, acupuncture, or EFT can be supportive alongside mineral balancing.

This is not something to navigate alone. Inside my programs, I use HTMA testing alongside coaching and ongoing support to help you safely and effectively break down your calcium shell, while building resilience in your body and nervous system so the changes last.

[Click here to learn more about working with me through my programs.]

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The Reality of Mum Guilt

Mum guilt. If you are a mum I am certain you know what I am talking about, am I right?

Even now in this COVID-19 ‘lock-down’ and everyone is home…I feel pangs of guilt for working and asking my husband to look after the boys, or asking him to feed the boys even though I planned, prepared and cooked everything. He’s their dad for goodness sake! Why do I feel that way!? I am sure he actually wants to do it…but I still feel like I am being judged or doing something that I shouldn’t be, prioritising incorrectly and shirking my responsibilities.

I have been trying to manage mum guilt with various amounts of success since the birth of my twin boys.

There are many aspects to mum guilt but the one I have struggled with most is feeling that I lost myself, or at least the things that made me ‘me’.

For me I have struggled greatly not having time to myself and not being able to work in my business as I once could. I felt like I lost what made me feel of worth through helping my clients, and I no longer had the same time to learn and develop my knowledge and skill set, something I literally feed off.

I am a ‘mum’. My days revolve around the needs of my babies totally. Everyone else in the family (we have a dual living home in which my parents live downstairs) can get on with ‘all the things’ they ‘want to do’, but I ‘have to’ care for the boys. I must ask permission to go out or to have time to do my work, and I need to have everything in order for the time I am away.

For the first 10-11 months, my twins didn’t really sleep for longer than 40 minutes in the day, so I had very little time to do anything other than prepare food and do the housework.⁠ Their night sleeps were generally in 3-4 hour blocks and I was breastfeeding for the first 8-9 months, so again I wasn’t getting the continuous sleep I needed, waking to their every need.

I started to feel resentful and I disliked myself immensely for it. Why was I feeling this way, I should be grateful for my life, I am so lucky, what an ungrateful cow I was being!

Without going into all the details, I had a couple of completely crazy-ass-wild-psycho-bitch moments within a few days of each other, where I literally lay on the floor kicking and screaming that it wasn’t fair, I needed help…I needed some time to myself!

I look back now, and I’m totally embarrassed at how I was. I remember even being ‘inside looking out’ at the time thinking, “far out lady, chill the F down!”, and the look on my mum’s face like ‘gee she’s lost it!’. But it was my breaking point and clearly something needed to change.

Fortunately, I followed my crazy with rational discussion with my family and got some much-needed extra support where I could have a few hours a week to myself.

I hate not being in control and I have perfectionist and self-critical qualities that mean I really punish myself and feel like absolute crap when I am not being ‘as I should be’. I should be able to do all the washing, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and mothering for fur and human babies, whilst running everything for my business, and being the best practitioner, I can be for my clients, no!? There’re so many other mums out there that do!

Maybe there are…but I am pretty sure their babies probably sleep for hours in the day and maybe they out-source some of the daily tasks at home and in their business…but even if they don’t, I am me, and I clearly couldn’t, I was putting too much pressure on myself and I needed help…plus…we should never compare ourselves to others because we never know what’s really going on in other people’s lives.

Since working with clients again I noticed how my energy and mood does a whole 180 after a session. It’s like I am on a high, I am buzzing, super chatty, smiley. I am a way more fun mum. I get sillier, more creative, I have more patience, I am a nicer person to be around, and I even like myself.

Throughout my personal health journey and work as a health practitioner, I have learned the importance of self-care, self-love, ‘me-time’, sleep, rest, mindset, and doing what you enjoy. …I think every one of those goes, to some extent, when you become a mum.

Yes, we gain so much, and we wouldn’t want it any other way, we love our babies immensely and are forever grateful they have chosen us to be their mum (all the typical mummy justification and reassurance that we all do)…but that doesn’t mean it’s not freaking hard!

I am sure you will know yourself when and why you feel mum guilt, and it’s likely because your personal needs, those things that make you ‘you’, aren’t being met.

I want to acknowledge ‘mum guilt’ as a thing, remind you that you are not alone feeling this, and let you know that it’s OK…it doesn’t mean you are a bad person or a bad mum.

One thing I do with my clients when they are struggling with happiness, is to go through their human needs with them. As I was going through this with a client recently, I began to reflect on myself and realised that sometimes all that’s needed is a mindset shift. Let me show you what I mean…

The 6 human needs are: Adventure, Significance, Connection, Growth, Impact, and Certainty

Adventure – a need for the unknown, change and new stimulation – before being a mum, this may have been going on holidays, hikes, doing adrenaline junkie sports etc…but as a mum the unknowns, changes and new stimulations happen every day, so effectively this need can still be met! For example…what will be broken next, what new sound will your little one make, what new face will they pull, what amazing delights will be produced in their nappy today, and where will your treasure hunt take you in the search of your kitchen utensils!?

Significance – feeling unique, important, special, or needed – this is one I have had to remind myself often…the lack of significance I feel from not being able to work as much and help people, doesn’t mean that I am not significant. Remember, you are a unique mum of incredible importance to your little one, so special and completely needed by them. This is the most significant you could ever be!

Connection – a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something – you may not have the same connection with your husband or the same libido you had before the kids, but you can bond with your husband over the achievements of your children, and be warmed and hug each other looking over the little devils knowing you made them. Of course, you may also get a few seconds of hug time and closeness with your little one between their own adventures, or you may hit jackpot and get nap time hugs together!

Growth – an expansion of capacity, capability, or understanding – before motherhood this may have been growth of your skill set, new courses and experience et cetera. As a mum your personal development goes through the roof! You learn a whole new meaning to patience, anger management, and troubleshooting. Your capacity increases with ‘all the things’ you need to do to just get through a day, your capability is limitless because you did it all and survived the day, and your understanding goes up tenfold as you now fully comprehend the meaning of ‘mummy brain’!

Impact – a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others – this was likely through your work or volunteering offerings before kids, but now you are making a huge impact to the lives of those “Mini-Me’s” you are raising and supporting, helping them through life and giving them everything you can. You are having the most significant impact on their lives.

Certainty – to feel that everything is under control, a desire for systems, processes, and other preservation mechanisms – well you could be certain that there is no control, and none of these things will be in place…or you can switch gear and see that the routine you have from wake-up time, meal times, bath time, and bedtime and your systems of getting to each of those processes, your tactics for some self-preservation time at the end of the day, actually means there is great certainty each day!

Bingo! Everyone’s needs are met!

In all seriousness though, it is freaking hard being a mum, and it’s not always easy to put a positive twist on things. So, remember to show yourself some compassion, offer yourself some caring advice (what would you say to a friend in your situation?), and show yourself some gratitude and appreciation for the work you are doing as a carer, cook, cleaner, laundry maid, window washer, meal planner, kitchen hand, chief financial officer, entertainer, psychic, rule enforcer, teacher, investigator, translator, friend, nurse, referee, personal assistant, chauffeur, life coach, and role model!

The development of our children in these first few years are the fastest they will ever be. If we blink or stay down feeling sorry for ourselves, we will miss it.

I am sure in years to come we will look back on this time with great admiration and respect for ourselves, or maybe we will just forget the pain like we did that of child birth!…either way, I know I am trying to appreciate as much as I can, remind myself that it’s OK to ask for help, it’s ok to sit and do nothing when I have the chance, and it’s vitally important to shut down that mean voice inside trying to bring me down.

We are doing our best and that’s all anyone can ask for.

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Understanding Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA): A Comprehensive Guide

WHAT IS HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS (HTMA)?

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a non-invasive analytical test that measures the mineral content of hair tissue over time.

Unlike blood tests, which reflect what’s circulating in the moment, HTMA offers insight into longer-term mineral patterns — showing how the body has been utilising, storing, and adapting its mineral resources.

These patterns can provide valuable context around energy production, stress response, metabolic function, and overall physiological resilience.

HTMA is not a diagnostic tool on its own. Rather, it’s a way of observing trends and relationships within the body’s chemistry, helping to inform supportive and personalised nutritional strategies.

This page explains how HTMA works, what information it can offer, and how it is used within my work.

 

HOW DOES HTMA WORK?

Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality, and well-being, providing structural support in bones and teeth, and maintain the body’s pH, water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme reactions. They conduct and transfer energy across cell membranes making them the basic ‘spark plugs’ in the chemistry of life (literally where your energy comes from!).

Hair is body tissue that passes through lymph, blood, and extracellular fluids before reaching the skins surface. As the outer layers of hair harden, metabolic products amassed during their formation get locked in. This ultimately, when properly interpreted, provides us with a blueprint for your unique body’s biochemistry.

 

HTMA FOR HEALTH OPTIMISATION

Our health and well-being may be aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, aggravating conditions including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, fatigue, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.

HTMA is a non-invasive cellular biopsy that measures the mineral composition in hair to reflect the level of nutrients and toxic elements in the body tissue and so it’s used for mineral imbalance diagnosis.

We investigate the levels of 35 nutrient and toxic minerals, and over 25 important mineral ratios (minerals are things like calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium etc.) in your cells and use this information to develop and nutritional balancing protocol.

Check out this video from a previous program I ran, taking you through what the HTMA can show you.

 


BENEFITS OF HTMA TESTING

Knowing your mineral levels can tell us about heaps of stuff going on in your body and why you’re feeling as you are both physically and emotionally. Here are some things we can look into…

  • how effectively your body is making energy (your metabolic or oxidation rate) – it’s not healthy for this to be slow or fast, it’s important for it to be balanced,
  • how well you’re managing stress,
  • energy levels and fatigue
  • thyroid and adrenal health
  • your mental health
  • liver and kidney stress
  • why you keep getting sick
  • how well you are digesting food
  • nutritional deficiencies
  • your blood sugar and glucose metabolism,
  • how well your body is detoxing things,
  • your heavy metal toxicity status,
  • we can even discover things about your personality!

…plus so much more! Minerals are literally the spark plugs of life.

Dr Linus Pauling, said “You could trace every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

When we balance minerals, often things like hormonal imbalances, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog etc. get fixed. Balancing minerals is of benefit to anyone.

It’s been a game changer for me after having my twins. Growing a baby requires around 10% of our minerals, then when you add on the sleepless nights, breastfeeding, and stresses of becoming a new mumma, you can see how we can become incredibly depleted. Mineral balancing has been particularly useful to me for:

  • increasing my energy levels and vitality (replenishing my depleted stores)
  • decreasing brain fog and increasing focus and clarity (I was seriously scared to drive before, my concentration was so poor),
  • helping with my mood (way less crazy, angry, irritated, and frustrated moments – I even like myself again!),
  • digestion (way less gut issues and bloating).


DON’T I JUST GET MY MINERALS FROM THE FOOD I EAT?

In an ideal world yes, but unfortunately our world is far from ideal at the moment. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives, pharmaceutical medicines, and stressful lifestyles also have detrimental effects on our nutritional status.

Even if you now grow our own food in an amazing bio-dynamic set up and live in the outback away from industry, have you always lived that way?

 

CAN’T I JUST DO A BLOOD TEST TO LOOK AT MY MINERALS?

HTMA provides clinical data missed by standard blood, urine or stool testing.

Blood tests are great, but blood is a transport medium that is outside of our cells. The body does it’s best to keep blood content as constant as possible, drawing from stores and depositing components in other parts of the body where needed. Bloods provide us with a snapshot in time, they don’t, however, give the full picture of what’s going on at a deeper tissue level.

Hair, on the other hand, is cellular tissue, so with the HTMA we see what’s getting into your cells. Neat huh! I love the example of magnesium to show what I mean here…only 1% of magnesium is in the blood, 99% is in the cells…so a blood test to look at your mineral levels isn’t going to give you a whole lot of the story hey?…you need HTMA! Plus, with magnesium, your recorded level is dependent on how long they leave the tourniquet on for, amongst other things.

Plus, bloods tests don’t even test for half of the minerals on the HTMA panel. Ever asked your doctor to blood test you for mercury toxicity before? Nope!

Even if they do test for say zinc, they often don’t test for its’ ratio with other minerals, which in many cases can be just as important as the isolated mineral itself.

For example, if copper and zinc aren’t balanced this can suggest copper toxicity, oestrogen issues, endometriosis, fibroids, and/or psychological/mood disturbances. If calcium and potassium aren’t balanced, then this can suggest issues with the thyroid and even early onset hypothyroidism…before a blood test can even detect it!


HOW DO MINERALS IMPACT MY HEALTH, GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES?

To give you some idea of the importance of minerals I thought it would be good to show how a few are involved with your health…

Calcium is a primary structural element, but it needs to be directed where to go or it can cause issues. It also helps control our nervous system, maintain pH (alkalinity), is involved in muscle contractions, stops excess lactic acid, promotes insulin secretion, and high calcium can inhibit thyroid hormone. Imbalances may be linked with anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, adrenal hyperactivity, hyperthyroidism, excessive thirst, muscle aches, memory loss, depression, hearing difficulties, fatigue, joint stiffness, weakness, restless leg syndrome, constipation, and kidney stones.

Magnesium is involved with 500+ different enzyme reactions and is a key element for cellular metabolism. It helps regulate sugar metabolism (clears insulin from blood), it’s involved with energy production, reduces inflammation, and helps the relaxation of muscles. As I mentioned, magnesium is an intracellular mineral (99% in cell therefore HTMA best way to test), it is also a ‘heart’ mineral (keeps it healthy), and helps regulate cell permeability (how things move in and out of cells). Imbalances can cause twitches, spasms, you may find it hard to relax, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, depression, PMS, cardiovascular disease, noise sensitivity, hypothyroidism, anxiety, hyperactivity, tremors, excessive sweating, confusion, diarrhea, fatigue/lethargy, low/high blood pressure, and muscle weakness.

Sodium is the body’s great solvent (helps other minerals dissolve) so is vital for health, but too much can increase blood pressure (why table salt is bad) and increase heart rate. Sodium maintains fluid balance and pH levels, and it influences cell permeability. Imbalances may be linked with allergies, apathy (lack of interest), anorexia, abdominal bloating, depression, dizziness, fatigue, low/high blood pressure, low stomach acid levels, poor protein digestion, weakness, headaches, inflammation, irritability, nervousness, and oedema/water retention.

Potassium is the body’s primary solvent, and is also an intracellular mineral (99% in cell), that regulates blood pressure with sodium, maintains fluid balance and the pH level of body, lowers heart rate and dilates arteries (can get heart palpitations if low). Imbalances may be linked to allergies, constipation, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, skin problems, oedema/water retention, depression, high blood sugar, muscle spasms, and muscle weakness.

Mercury is very toxic and causes hundreds of symptoms. Common sources include metal fillings, fish (especially tuna, salmon, cod, shellfish, and halibut), vaccines, contact lens solution, Chinese herbs, tattoos (red ink), Ajax, Lysol, Comet, DermaScrub, Dove soap, Ivory Liquid. It tends to accumulate in the brain making it difficult to remove, often causing neurological issues (mad hatter, Alice in Wonderland – chemicals in hat making industry). Also accumulates in the kidneys and liver. Impacts the nerves, kidneys, immune system, endocrine system and muscles. Causes weakness, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, gastrointestinal disorders, tremors, depression, anger, anxiety, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Aluminium is a big contributor to Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, and Parkinson’s. It is also linked with blood disorders, autism, colitis, cavities, fatigue, breast cancer, peptic ulcers. Early symptoms of toxicity include flatulence, headaches, colic, dryness of skin and mucus membranes, tendency for colds, burning pain in the head relieved by food, heartburn, and aversion to meat. Later symptoms may involve paralytic muscular conditions, loss of memory and confusion. Common sources are aluminium foil, cookware (often in restaurants), utensils, ceramics, baking powders, cosmetics, dental amalgams, deodorant, nasal sprays, vaccines, processed cheese, and cigarette filters, antacids, aspirin, fireworks, flour (anticaking agent).


HOW DO I DO A HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS (HTMA)?

If you have hair you can do this test! Even if you don’t have hair on your head we can use ‘other’ hair on the body if absolutely necessary. Head hair is what’s best, however, as it grows slower and gives us the bigger picture, plus it has the most science behind it.

All you need is a 0.5gm (about tablespoon) of hair that’s 4cm long from the nape of your neck cut as close to the scalp as possible. You get a special envelope with a scale so it’s easy to know if you have enough hair, plus if you do the test with me, I send you a video so there’s no uncertainty for you! Ideally this will be undyed hair, so you want to get your sample right before your next hair appointment (6-8 weeks fresh growth).


IS HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS (HTMA) ACCURATE?

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis can offer valuable insight into long-term mineral patterns, but accuracy depends on several key factors – including how the sample is collected, how the lab processes the hair, and how the results are interpreted.

This is why experiences with HTMA can vary.

In Australia, I work with Interclinical Laboratories, who run the Trace Elements Research Labs HTMA. This is the lab I trust and use in my practice, as their testing includes comprehensive mineral profiles and key ratios that are essential for meaningful interpretation. Their collection and processing methods are consistent with best practice.

Not all HTMA laboratories test or report minerals in the same way. Differences such as whether hair is washed prior to analysis, which portion of the hair is used, and which ratios are included can significantly influence results. Choosing the right lab matters.

Equally important, however, is how results are interpreted.

HTMA isn’t about looking at single minerals as simply “high” or “low.” Minerals need to be understood in relationship to one another and considered alongside the body as a whole. This requires training, experience, and context — not just a computer-generated report.

This is how I approach HTMA in my work: carefully, contextually, and with the aim of translating data into practical, supportive guidance.

[If you’d like to learn more about working with me through my programs CLICK HERE.]

 

If you would like to look at a sample test result then please click here.

HTMA Resources

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis – Interclinical Laboratories

List of Evidence-based HTMA References

If you’re interested in reviewing both supportive research and critiques of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, I’m happy to share a resource that outlines these perspectives in more detail. You’re welcome to email me and I’ll send it through.

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Revitalize Your Energy: The Essential Guide to Hydration, Tap Water Truths, and Mineral Balance for Beating Fatigue

At the heart of enhancing cellular energy and health with my clients, lies the symbiosis of mineral balance and hydration.

Through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) we gain deep insights into your body’s unique mineral blueprint and how it influences your cellular function, energy levels, and hydration.

Water, a key player in your mineral balancing journey, is essential for every bodily function from regulating temperature to aiding digestion and circulation.

When your body is truly hydrated, it flows and functions optimally, yet so many of us overlook hydration, especially when we fell fatigue, foggy headed, or sluggish.

In this blog I’ll delve into some often overlooked aspects of adequate hydration and the connection between our drinking water and energy levels.

I’ll explore how the quality of water can unexpectedly impact your health and share practical strategies to ensure the water you consume nourishes your body in all the right ways.

If you’ve ever struggled with hydration–whether it’s not feeling thirsty at all, or feeling unable to quench your thirst–and you’re intrigued about how this relates to your energy levels, keep reading!

 

Signs of Dehydration

Recognising the signs of dehydration is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lethargic.
  • Anxiety: Experiencing heightened feelings of nervousness or unease.
  • Irritability: Feeling easily agitated or short-tempered.
  • Depression: Experiencing feelings of sadness or low mood.
  • Cravings: Having strong urges for specific foods, often salty or sugary ones.
  • Cramps: Experiencing muscle cramps or spasms.
  • Headaches: Feeling persistent or throbbing head pain.
  • Heartburn: Experiencing a burning sensation in your chest or throat.
  • Joint pain: Feeling discomfort or stiffness in your joints.
  • Back pain: Experiencing discomfort or stiffness in your back muscles.
  • Migraines: Suffering from intense headaches often accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Fibromyalgia: Experiencing widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.
  • Constipation: Having difficulty passing stools or experiencing infrequent bowel movements (i.e. less than one complete void per day).
  • Colitis (inflammation of the colon): Experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools.

Many of these symptoms are common and may be attributed to various factors. However, dehydration can exacerbate these issues or even be the underlying cause. That’s why it’s essential to prioritise hydration as a foundational step when it comes to maintaining your overall well-being.

 

The Importance of Hydration

The importance of hydration cannot be overstated, as water serves as the foundation for life itself. Our bodies are comprised of over 60% water, and every cell, tissue, and organ relies on water to function optimally.

Consider these stats:

  • 80% of the mass of your lungs is water.
  • 85% of blood is made up of water.
  • 80% of your skin is water.
  • 75% of your brain is water.
  • 75% of muscles are water.
  • 24% of human bones consist of water.

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi sums it up pretty well, saying “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”  

So, hydration is kind of a big deal!

Adequate hydration is vital for various bodily functions. It supports proper digestion, helps regulate body temperature, and ensures the smooth functioning of our cardiovascular system. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, joints, and muscles.

One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of dehydration is fatigue.

When we lack sufficient water, our hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients struggle to circulate effectively, resulting in decreased energy levels. Even mild dehydration can lead to feelings of lethargy, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, chronic dehydration can contribute to more severe health issues, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney failure.

When I learnt that for digestion alone, our body requires daily water consumption to make the 1-2 litres of gastric juice and 2.5 litres of pancreatic juices needed to adequately breakdown food and assimilate nutrients, the importance of proper hydration really hit home.

But before you go turning the tap on to grab for that much-need glass of water, there are some essential considerations to keep in mind.

 

The Downside of Tap Water

You may consider we live in a country that has a clean water supply and not think twice about downing a glass straight from the kitchen faucet, but sadly that’s not quite true.

Whilst our tap water is considered safe by the authorities it’s not the best for your body if you are truly invested in your health and energy levels.

If you’re drinking unfiltered tap water there’s a good chance that you’re consuming many of the 300+ chemicals and pollutants the Environmental Working Group has found in our water supply.

This includes numerous toxins including fluoride, chlorine, chloramine (a secondary disinfectant in municipal water), pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, hormones, pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff, heavy metals, VOCs (the result of chlorine reacting with organic matter) and THMs (by-product predominantly when chlorine is used to disinfect water for drinking).

These contaminants not only affect the taste and odour of tap water, but all add to our body’s toxic load, making us more at risk of diseases, hormonal imbalances, and gut issues to name a few.

Of particular note are halides like the chlorine, fluoride, and chloramine in tap water, added to water for dental and disinfection purposes. These attach to iodine receptors in our body and therefore block iodine from doing it’s thing.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, so any disruption in its uptake can impact thyroid function.

When halides like fluoride and chlorine bind to iodine receptors, they can interfere with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormones properly, leading to imbalances and potential thyroid dysfunction. This interference can contribute to issues such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), which can manifest as fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.

There’s an ongoing debate around fluoride with respect to dental health, which is beyond the scope of this blog, however, I believe Dr. Axe’s blog HERE is a great start and good overview for each side of the debate in more layman terms, if you’d like more information on this topic.

So, whilst tap water is a readily available resource, its contamination with various pollutants underscores the importance of investing in a water filtration system or seeking alternative sources of clean drinking water.

In a world where toxic exposure is ever more unavoidable and overwhelming, don’t underestimate the difference drinking clean water can make to your short- and long-term health.

 

Choosing the Right Water

We’ve determined the importance of optimal hydration and minimising our exposure to contaminants when it comes to the water we drink, so, now water straight out the tap is off the menu, here’s some alternative options:

  1. High-quality spring water: Spring water sourced from natural springs is often considered one of the best options for clean drinking water. Look for reputable brands that provide high-quality spring water, free from contaminants and pollutants (for Asia/Pacific regions these are Fiji, Hawaiian Springs, Waikea, Ka-Vita, Eternal (from New Zealand))

    If you are buying spring or bottled water, check the calcium and magnesium content – you want more magnesium. If calcium is higher, I recommend you seek another.

    You may also like to research Find A Spring.
  1. Proper filtration: if spring water is difficult to source, you may like to invest in a water filtration system. I recommend looking for filtration systems that effectively remove contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, drug residues, and chlorine, while preserving essential minerals for optimal hydration and health.

    I don’t use reverse osmosis (RO) systems, as they strip water of minerals and result in overly acidic water that often dehydrates rather than hydrates. Even if the RO water is remineralised, the mineral profile is often still far too low to be hydrating for your body.

    Tank water can contain heavy metals so also needs adequate filtration.

    I personally have invested in a Berkey here in Australia, and if I were in the US I would be investing in a Pristine Hydro but I invite you to do your own research.
  1. Avoid plastic bottles: Whenever possible, choose water packaged in glass or other non-plastic containers to minimise exposure to harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can leach into water, especially when bottles are exposed to heat or sunlight.

    These chemicals are also obesogens that can cause your stem cells to form into fat cells, whilst also increasing the size of already present fat cells! How does this stuff get to market hey!?

If you are in the US, you can access the EWGs Tap Water Database to see what’s in your tap water.

Radiant Life also has a free water assessment to give you some suggestions relative to your budget and situation, which you may find useful.

Enhance Hydration with Salt

Sodium and potassium, essential electrolytes found in salt, play crucial roles in maintaining fluid balance, supporting cellular function, and regulating blood pressure.

While sodium was historically vilified as a major contributor to high blood pressure, recent research has shed new light on its role in our health. Contrary to popular belief, only a minority of individuals are negatively affected by sodium intake in the form of natural salt, and for the majority, moderate sodium consumption is not only safe but also crucial for maintaining optimal health.

In fact, studies show that diets overly restrictive in sodium can have detrimental effects on various aspects of health and can raise LDL cholesterol levels, decrease libido or sex drive, and heighten insulin resistance.

However, not all salts are created equal, and choosing the right type of salt is essential for maximizing hydration and overall health.

  1. Improving Water Absorption: Sodium and potassium are the body’s primary solvents, which essentially means they allow other minerals to be dissolved and used by the body. The sodium potassium pump across our cell membranes is also what allows nutrients and water into our cells (hydration) and wastes out of our cells.

    The water we drink nowadays is recycled through the system which strips the water of natural minerals, making it more acidic. This in turn can impact the ability of our cells to hydrate effectively.

    By adding a high-quality mineral salt to our water, we can improve it’s mineral profile greatly and help our cellular permeability.
  1. High-quality mineral salt: Opt for unrefined, high-quality white mineral salts, which contain a spectrum of trace minerals essential for health. These minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, contribute to proper hydration by enhancing fluid absorption and promoting cellular hydration. Additionally, the balanced mineral profile of these salts supports overall electrolyte balance and helps prevent dehydration.

    I only recommend white sea salts to my clients as rock salt sourcing can be hard to determine and they can be high in heavy metals like iron and lead, which give them their colour.

    Even with sea salts we run the risk of microplastics, so I tend to opt for dessert lake salts, and Icelandic salts. I love Crucial Four Icelandic Sea Salt, Mizzi, or Baja Gold).
  1. Not table salt: Table salt is usually a mix of chemically extracted pure sodium and toxic aluminium anti-caking agents. Pure sodium can cause excessive thirst, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, and gall stones.

Water and salt form the basis of our gastric juices, our enzymes, stomach acid, and bicarbonate from our pancreas so by improving your water and salt intake, you not only improve your hydration, but also your digestion!
 

Start the Day Hydrated

When we wake, our body is acidic and struggles to push our potassium levels down and our sodium levels up causing strain on our adrenals.

By drinking a quarter of a teaspoon of mineral salt in a litre of room temperature or slightly warmed water in the first hour of waking, your energy in the morning can be greatly improved.

You should not feel thirsty after drinking such balanced salts.

Make sure you go slow with both the salt and water increase, starting with just half to one cup of water with a tiny pinch of salt.

If you experience bloating or loose stools as you increase, then back off the amount of salt until you don’t experience these symptoms, then gradually increase the salt amount over several days. It likely means you’re dehydrated and need to rehydrate slowly.

I love to use a dry sponge analogy here. Put a dry sponge under the tap and the water will run off the surface, however, slightly dampen the sponge and it gradually starts to absorb more water. Think of your body in a similar way…introducing the water and salt bit by bit, increasing slowly allowing you body to absorb effectively and not have you on the loo every 5 minutes!

If you notice fluid retention, then you likely need to back off with the salt and first work on increasing your potassium level. This can be done with things like cream of tar tar or coconut water.

Practical Tips for Optimal Hydration and Improved Energy

By now, you’ll see the importance of optimal hydration for overall health and well-being, so to help you get hydrated, here are some of my top tips summarised for you:

  1. Drink an adequate amount of water: It’s generally advised to drink half your body weight as pounds, in ounces of quality water daily e.g. If you weigh 132lbs (60kg), drink 66oz of water (132 ÷ 2), which is 1.8L daily.

    However, we are of course all individuals with different metabolic rates, activity levels, external temperatures and humidity, eating different amounts of fruits and veg and other water-filled foods.

    If you sweat a lot and workout, then you will need more water and minerals.

    If you are breastfeeding, it is generally advised to drink 128oz of water (around 3.6L) daily.

  2. Limit dehydrating beverages: Reduce your intake of dehydrating beverages such as caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and sugary sodas, as these can increase fluid loss and hinder hydration. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages to support hydration.

  3. Start your day with hydration: Kickstart your morning by drinking 500ml to 1 litre of water with a little pinch of sea salt or a few drops if minerals like Aussie Trace Minerals.

    I like to set this up at my sink the night before, so I don’t forget, and drink after scraping my tongue and washing out my mouth to remove the toxins excreted overnight.

    This simple ritual can help rehydrate your body after sleep and support digestion and metabolism throughout the day.

  4. Stay hydrated throughout the day: Make a conscious effort to sip water regularly throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Fill a pretty pitcher, jar or water bottle (ideally not plastic) to encourage you to do this, especially during periods of physical activity or exposure to hot temperatures.

  5. Drink between meals: to avoid diluting your stomach acid at meals times, hindering digestion.

  6. Eat hydrating foods: Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as fruits and vegetables with high water content, including watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries. These foods not only contribute to your overall fluid intake but also provide essential nutrients for hydration and health.

Remember! Please don’t go from 0 to 100!

Titrate your way up if you haven’t been drinking much and observe how your body responds, to avoid water retention, and continuous peeing.

Signs of Overhydration

Whilst much of the population doesn’t drink enough water, drinking gallons of water each day isn’t the answer either. Don’t you just love how biology can appear so contradictory?!

Drinking heaps of water can place an increased strain on your adrenals and actually leave you dehydrated as the water just passes through (remember my dry sponge analogy above).

Here’s some things to watch out for:

  • Increased Urination: Typically we should pee 4-5 times a day. More than 5 times a day could be a sign of overhydration.
  • Clear or Pale Urine: Ideally, urine should have a light yellow color.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Experiencing sleep disturbances, such as waking frequently to urinate or feeling the urge to urinate disruptively during sleep.
  • Feeling Cold: Overhydration can lead to a decrease in body temperature, resulting in feelings of coldness, particularly in the hands and feet. If you notice persistent coldness despite being in a warm environment, it could be a sign of excessive fluid intake.
  • Persistent Thirst: Paradoxically, feeling excessively thirsty all the time may indicate overhydration rather than dehydration. This sensation of thirst could be a signal that your body needs more electrolytes, such as salt and sugar, to maintain proper balance.

It’s essential to listen to your body’s cues and adjust your fluid intake accordingly to maintain a healthy balance of hydration. If you experience any of these signs of overhydration, consider reducing your fluid intake and consulting with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

My Challenge to You

My challenge, should you accept, is to just focus on introducing then increasing your morning glass of water with salt for 14 days, then for a further 14 days add in the sips throughout the day.
Just commit to 28 days then let me know what happens to your energy levels and brain function and if I’ve got you hooked on hydration!

Blog

Binders to protect yourself from toxins

How do you protect yourself daily from toxins? Do you include a binder? You should!

Just to be clear here…I don’t mean something that makes you constipated! Lol!

A binder is something that will bind with things like toxins in your body and help them be excreted from the body. They can be used to bind to toxins as they enter your body, excreting them before they become stored in your body’s tissues. Or they can be used as part of a detox program where you do things to draw out toxins from where they have been stored in the body and then bind and excrete them. A must for intermittent fasters!! (toxins are often stored in the fat and when we reduce caloric intake and break down fat, toxins are released)

Even the most diligent and ‘cleanest’ of us all; if you only eat organic foods, only use natural beauty and cleaning products, live in the bush etc you still come into contact with toxins to some degree.  

Our body has natural binders and detox mechanisms, but we have such and increased toxic load nowadays (all the pesticides, chemicals in food and health care products, vaccines, medications etc) that our liver and cells are often overburdened leading to a myriad of health issues, hormone imbalances, and inflammation.

Ever done a detox and got headaches, nausea, fatigue? That’s the toxins being pulled out of your body tissues too quickly for your body to handle and dumped into the blood where they are circulated round the body.

This is where a binder can really help, we bind them and remove them, before they deposit elsewhere, cause further damage, and make us feel more unwell. If you take a binder daily you can bind up toxins before they even get into your tissues. Bonus!

I recommend daily binders for my clients but it’s important to know which are safe for regular use and which should not be used daily. This is because many binders also bind to your body’s minerals (think things like calcium, magnesium, zinc etc), and so if taken too regularly can leave the body depleted. Things like bentonite clay and activated charcoal for example are excellent binders of heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins, but they also bind to minerals so should be taken rarely and well away from foods and medications.

I therefore wanted to share my two favourite daily binders to help you bind up the nasties safely.

These are:

Modified Citrus Pectin (in particular Econugenics Pectasol-C) – this is my binder of choice for daily use. There have been many studies done showing how useful Pectasol-C is to detoxification and cellular health AND it doesn’t bind to your minerals so won’t deplete you.

Digestive bitters (I like Urban Moonshine Original) – this stimulates bile flow, which is one of the body’s natural detox binders. It also has the added bonus of helping digestion, particularly of those oh so important healthy fats!

The body may use heavy metals in place of minerals that you may be deficient in e.g. lead in the place of calcium in your bones, as their structures are similar. It is incredibly important, therefore, that you know you have sufficient mineral levels and those minerals are bioavailable in the body (not just being circulated in the blood) before embarking on a detox program, or you can imagine the issues you can cause.

We also want to make sure our body is strong enough, able, and ready to detox. Our body doesn’t detox well when our metabolism is too slow as it doesn’t have the resources to do so. With hair and tissue mineral testing (HTMA) we can assess all these things as well as your heavy metal toxicity status to determine when the body is ready for detox support. Blood is a transport medium not a cellular tissue so blood tests don’t give us the answers we need here.

To find out more about how you can get help please see here or contact me, I would love to ensure you detoxify safely so you can radiate from within!

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Top 5 Supplements for the Silly Season

We all know it’s bad…but it’s also lots of fun! If you can’t indulge a little at this time of year then when can you!?

It’s always good to support the body in general, but even more so when we are hitting it a little harder with toxins than normal. Your body can process about one alcoholic beverage per hour, so sip and mix in a water between drinks and that will benefit you plenty, but what more can you do?

If you have watched my detox video you will know that it’s important to consume antioxidants, protein and cruciferous veggies (don’t forget the Brussel sprouts this Christmas dinner!!!) to help our body to detox efficiently. There are lists of important foods to support detoxification at the end of my video, so be sure to take note and include plenty of these during the festive season!

However, I have been asked for my main supplement recommendations so here you go!

 

  1. Sea salt – alcohol is a diuretic and so depletes us of many vitamins and minerals. We often even crave salty foods the morning after a drinking session so it may not come as a surprise that sea salt makes my list. If you follow me or have worked with me to balance your minerals, you will know of my love of sea salt and recommendations to include it, particularly in your morning water when your potassium and sodium levels need balancing. Sea salt is a balanced mineral supplement. I am not talking about table salt here, which is pure sodium. Table salt is what causes issues with kidneys and blood pressure…we don’t want that! Sea salt on the other hand has a balanced mineral profile that greatly benefits our body. Minerals are the spark plugs of the body and without them our body will struggle to get well from any disorder. A good litre of water with a ¼ teaspoon of good quality sea salt in the first hour of waking will help on the way to balancing you out (this is actually what I recommend anyone do every morning, never mind after a drinking session). It shouldn’t taste salty, just really nice and hydrating! If you have a pure good quality Himalayan salt this is also good, however, unfortunately most are sourced from Pakistan and other places high in toxic metals, which are bound in the salt molecules.
  2. Bone broth – alcohol is a diuretic so we need hydration and minerals. What better supplement than a good quality grass-fed organic bone broth!? Not only this, but bone broth contains gelatin, a wonderful supplement for the gut, which is also damaged from the alcohol. If you can’t stomach the litre of water, why not try a few cups of salty broth instead to kick off the morning after!?
  3. Vitamin C – many people love a Berocca after a night drinking. Me not so much as it contains aspartame. Vitamin C however, helps to block the conversion of alcohol to aldehyde, which is the hangover inducing stuff. Plus, vitamin C is a great antioxidant, which, if you have followed my detox video, you will know is needed in the detox process to neutralize free radicals formed in phase 1 of detoxification. Consuming vitamin C whilst drinking helps, or I generally just ensure to up my daily vitamin C dose to twice a day during the silly season for continuous support for my cells and immune system.
  4. Pectasol-C – this is a great supplement all year round but especially during the silly season! Why? Well, over 50 studies have been published about how this particular modified citrus pectin provides support for total-body health and aging, promoting healthy tissues and cells and supports healthy immune function. With all the free radicals and increased carbohydrate load on our bodies during the silly season, this is just what’s in order! However, Pectasol-C is not only good for our cell’s health in general, it also helps our body to eliminate heavy metals due to it’s binding properties. Heavy metals are everywhere in this modern age and removing them from the body is beneficial for anyone! What’s special about Pectasol-C is that it is a selective binder, only binding to those bad toxins, rather than to our minerals. This is incredibly important as it helps to ensure we aren’t depleting our body of those essential nutrients. I take 1 scoop of the powder in warm water before bed and again in the morning.
  5. Activated Charcoal – as with Pectasol-C, charcoal is a binder of toxins, however, it also binds to our minerals so needs to be taken away from food and not taken too regularly to avoid becoming mineral deficient. It’s also important to keep hydrated to ensure things keep moving through your gut. Charcoal is wonderful if you happen to overindulge in the beverage department! They even often use it in the Emergency department when something poisonous has been consumed. I have tried different charcoals with mixed success, but now take two of the Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal before I start drinking and again before I go to bed after a night of one too many. Many of my friends are now on the charcoal bandwagon and will attest to its success.

 

So! All that is left it to wish you all a wonderful festive period and a happy new year, hangover free! Please drink responsibly!

Blog, Health

Want to avoid dry skin, brittle nails and hair, achy joints, and the flu this winter!? You need these 2 things in your life!

Well, winter is finally here…and along with it…the seasonal cold and man flu epidemics, ouchy chapped lips, dry skin, flaky nails, and brittle hair! What’s a girl to do!?

There are many things I do regularly to maintain good health year round, and I could probably write a book about them all…however…I am sure you don’t have time to read a whole book right now, so I have picked my top 2 things, to help your immunity and skin, hair, and nails…and stay feeling good from your core, this winter!

I asked the Core Health Squad what they wanted to hear about this month, and amongst the great ideas, a couple came up more than once! These were dry skin, and seasonal health regimes.

So, being clever as I am (and modest!)…I linked the two topics together and came up with two hot things to include in your winter (but really everyday) life!

What are they already!?…

…wait for it!…

…drum roll please!…

…bone broth and a shower filter!

…OK, so I thought that might sound slightly grander…but nevertheless, hear me out…here’s why I chose these two things as the things you need in your life…

Winter calls for extra vitamins and minerals to help our bodies function and maintain temperature, and to support our immune system. We want to get the most out of our nutrition with wholesome slow-cooked warming foods, reserving the cooking juices where possible to avoid any nutrient loss, cooking for long durations to breakdown foods into more easily absorbable molecules, often upping the protein and fat content to maintain tissue and energy reserves (these foods are harder to digest than carbs so we also need to support digestion).

Our bodies and joints start to seize up and ache more, so we tend to pump up the heat in the bathroom with long hot showers or soaks in the bath…and we notice our skin get dry, our nails and hair go brittle, and our luscious lips turn into a chapped, scaly, sore, not so kissable version of themselves…

Enter top inclusion #1…..bone broth!…

…a vitamin and mineral packed, delectable drink, containing…well, lots of vitamins and minerals to support the bodily functions and immune system…but also collagen and elastin…which of course are great for all our connective tissues, skin, hair and nails.

I used to think bone broth was just glamorised stock…which it is essentially…but more an elixir than a stock! Each are made in pretty much the same way, but bone broth is cooked for a much longer period of time to extract the minerals and gelatin that make broth such a nutritious food.

Collagen and gelatin (what collagen breaks down into) found in bone broth, are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins…and proteins are the building blocks of life. They are what make your muscles fibres, organs, hair, nails, skin, and connective tissues, as well as your enzymes, which help your body function.

It should go without saying, therefore, that bone broth is an amazing immune boosting food that can help your gut integrity and digestion…as well as support healthy connective tissues, hair, skin etc.

How specifically? Because the amino acids in broth…

…restore and maintain a healthy gut lining, so impact your immune system, as 80% of your immune system is in your gut

…help your mood, thereby also help to protect against the ‘winter blues’, as about 90% of your feel good hormone, serotonin, is made in the gut

…aid that sweet, rejuvenating, amazing activity that I now crave so much as a new mum, sleep, as around 80% of your sleep hormone, melatonin, is made in the gut…plus broth contains the amino acid, glycine, which also aids sleep

…help avoid achy stiff joints, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and help your body functions in general, especially over the colder months as they are essentially what make these tissues and the enzymes needed for the body to function.

Volia! Bone broth = seasonal and dry skin help!

Have your bone broth like a cup-a-soup, or add to your soups, stews or sauces. I like mine in a mug first thing in the morning, with half a lemon!

You can pay a pretty penny for store bought versions of collagen and gelatin…and bone broth for that matter…but it’s really cheap and easy to you make your own bone broth…plus you can play around with what you add to it to mix up the flavour, and homemade is always better for you ‘cos it’s made with love! The power of intention people!

I stock NES Proteins 100% Grass-fed and Finished Collagen (450g for $42), Gelatin (450g for $29), Chicken Bone Broth (100g for $26), and Beef Bone Broth (100g for $23) if you are interested in these, however, I really urge you to make your own! Here’s the recipe…

1-2 kg of organic bones from 100% pasture raised animals or wild caught fish (beef knuckles bones, marrow bones, or about 3 chicken carcasses for chicken broth)
5 chicken necks (give or take, it really doesn’t matter)
Couple of chicken feet if possible (extra jelly like broth with these but not essential)
4 litres of filtered water
Plenty of Himalayan, Celtic or Redmond Real Salt (can always add more later)
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Veggie scraps (collect your carrots ends, cauliflower leaves, celery hearts, potato skins etc in the freezer)
Bunch of parsley

You really want to make sure to get organic/wild bones to avoid extracting and concentrating too many toxins. Some people like to roast the bones first for 30 mins at 200 degrees Celsius, but I honestly have never been bothered! I am sure it would develop a nice flavour though! I cover the bones with water and apple cider vinegar for an hour (the acid starts to break down the bones), then add the veggies etc and bring to the boil before simmering on low for 8-48 hours depending on what the bones are (8 for fish, 24 for chicken, 48 for beef). Could also try adding ginger, turmeric, chilli…I dunno, get creative and share your wins with us at the Core Health Squad!

OK, so #1 down…so why #2, a shower filter you ask!? Well the key was in the long hot baths or showers we mentioned before.

Yes, the hotter temperature will impact your skin, hair and nails so do be sure to keep it sensible, that’s just science people! However! Tap water contains numerous toxins including fluoride, chlorine, chloramine (a secondary disinfectant in municipal water), VOCs (the result of chlorine reacting with organic matter) and THMs (by-product predominantly when chlorine is used to disinfect water for drinking), that burden our body and increase its toxic load, making us more at risk of diseases and gut issues. These especially get volatile and we breathe them in, in the hot water vapour of our bath or shower thereby impacting us even more.

Installing a filter to your shower water (or one for all water in the house) that removes at least the chlorine, not only smells a lot better (I feel so much better when I run the boys bath and can’t smell the chlorine in the water!), it can reduce those volatile nasties drastically, and result in improved respiratory health (particularly for asthma and bronchitis sufferers), increased energy, and overall greater health…and…it helps that dry winter skin, as the chlorine strips proteins from your skin and hair causing dry bodies, split ends, and aggravating irritated skin and scalp conditions…

Voila! Shower filter = immune and skin support too!

For more information about the nasties in our water see https://chriskresser.com/is-your-daily-shower-making-you-sick

We are selling our house soon, so I didn’t want to invest in a whole house filter, but I still felt strongly about not running a chemically smelly bath for the twins, plus I have two asthmatics in the house! I was therefore super excited to be able to source the ENVIRO PRODUCTS by NEW WAVE, DESIGNER SHOWER FILTER (CHROME). If you are interested in purchasing this from me, then hit me up! It also comes with an essential oil diffuser ring, so you can get an even bigger immune boost by adding some OnGuard and Frankincense doTERRA essential oil…and it’s patented NDF-55 media, unlike activated carbon, is effective in hot water and retains it’s power for up to a year! It also reduces algae, fungus, and hydrogen sulphide, as well as inhibits the growth of bacteria in the filter and shower-head, reducing the mildew. We have noticed that pink scrum we used to get in the shower totally disappear! The filters cost $69.95 and replacement cartridges are $49.95 (plus p&p),, which I considered a really cheap investment for a year of better health!

So! Get some bone broth and a shower filter this winter to support your immune system, avoid that crusty skin…and help you…feel good from your core!

On top of these great inclusions, it is, of course, incredibly important to maintain good gut health…in more ways than just drinking bone broth!…eat a clean balanced diet right for your metabolism, live a detox way of life, rest enough both physically and mentally, de-stress mentally, emotionally, physically and chemically, take the right supplements for your body, and move a little daily, to help your general core health and amazing feels…be sure to book in for a free 20 minute consultation if you would like any advice here.

Blog, Health, Matrescence

What’s causing your lack of sleep and 15 ways to improve it

So we use the term “I slept like a baby” to mean we had a good nights sleep…ok so not my babies at the moment that’s for sure! We have gone through about three weeks of disturbed nights, I think due to the 4-month sleep regression and the onset of teething…yay!…but I really started to struggle with the lack of sleep I was getting…so what better time than to do an article all about sleep!?

Sleep is incredibly important as it is a time for your body, particularly your brain, to cleanse and repair. I am sure you notice how much better you feel, not to mention, how much nicer a person you are, after a good kip! I know nearly everything and everyone irritates me and I find myself crying in the shower if I don’t get my sleep…can you relate!?

At least 6-8 hours a night is recommended, as losing sleep ages you and decreases brain plasticity (the ability of your brain to adapt and change by making new neural connections), thereby causing cognitive impairment (difficultly remembering, learning, making decisions, concentrating etc).

Studies have shown that going 17-19 hours without sleep (5-7-hour sleep cycle in 24 hours) is equivalent to an alcohol breathalyser reading of 0.05, which is the legal limit to drive here in Australia!

So many of us, however, struggle to get enough quality sleep each night with the day-to-day stresses, commitments and obligations we must fulfil.

I appreciate, being a new mother of twins, that frequent waking’s in the night may also be unavoidable. As I mentioned, I have certainly experienced a decrease in cognition and heightened emotions these past few months with the birth of my boys.

As hard as it may be to think of yourself in these times, or when work deadlines and commitments are calling you, I truly believe this is THE most important time to take note and give yourself a break. I always say…”you can’t pour from an empty cup”…so make sure to keep topping yours up!

I know I am a better mother and wife, if I give myself 15 minutes for a bath before bed, with some candles and soft music…and my body feels so much better doing the odd few minutes of stretching and twisting of my spine throughout the day, after all the breastfeeding and baby carrying. Heck I even like myself more too!

If you don’t take the odd few minutes where you can, whether you are a busy mother, or a busy person for other reasons, then things just mount up to a point where your body won’t be able to sustain proper function. This could mean you get sick, or you may even experience a mental breakdown or burn yourself out. Should it get to this state, the choice will be taken away from you and you will be forced to rest…plus it will take you even longer to get your health back on track.

Keep pushing your limits and you put yourself at higher risk of Alzheimer’s, some cancers, heart problems, blood pressure issues, blood sugar issues, and stroke.

OK, so I have you convinced you need sleep, but how do you get that sleep and increase its quality!?

Well, most importantly…you cannot go from a stressful day, to being on social media or watching TV, then go to bed and expect your brain to be able to turn off and go to sleep.

If you have kids you know the importance of a bedtime routine, so why should it be any different for you?

I advise my clients to give themselves at least 30 mins to wind down before bed (ideally 60-90 minutes) and to develop a routine that they do each night in this time, so their body “gets programmed” into knowing its bedtime.

For example, my bedtime routine starts with putting on some calming tunes like Reiki Healing or similar, brushing my teeth, dry body brushing, having a shower or Epsom salt bath, self-massage applying my body lotion or doing my galvanic spa, and 5-10 minutes of stretching. Then I am all set to get into bed and do some mindful breathing exercises as I drift off to sleep.

What’s your routine going to be?

Here are my top 15 tips to a better nights sleep that may help you. You will also notice that what happens in your day and your environment, can impact your sleep too…

  1. Ensure you get bright sunlight in your mornings – this helps to set your circadian rhythm in place right from the start of the day (if you are a shift worker make sure you have all the lights on!)
  2. Limit caffeine intake during the day (particularly after about 2pm as it may affect your circadian rhythm by spiking cortisol) – I don’t recommend anymore than 2 coffees a day max – if you are a big coffee drinker and it no longer affects you, then maybe you need to consider weaning yourself off it. Caffeine blocks your adenosine receptors, which help slow neural activity and increase blood vessel dilation, thereby affecting oxygenation of the brain and sleep quality.
  3. Get some exercise – preferably outdoors in nature. Doesn’t have to be much, a 20-30 minute walk is fine, dance around the house whilst vacuuming or brushing your teeth, stretching in front of the TV…whatever floats your boat!…just get moving!
  4. Get a massage – this not only releases physical tensions and stresses but will help support your mental health, immunity and circulation
  5. Avoid bright lights in the evening – I like to use salt lamps for a low, warm light (and decreased fire hazard!)
  6. Avoid stimulating screen time (nothing that makes you want “just one more” episode!)
  7. Set your ipad/phone’s brightness to change automatically in the evening – just a flash of blue light from your phone reduces melatonin by 60%! Better still…make after 8pm a phone/device-free time!
  8. Consider investing in a pair of “blue blocker glasses” that block blue and green wavelengths of light (those from TrueDark or SafetyBlue block both these wavelengths – the “less-stylish” wrap around styles are the best, as these avoid light entering from the sides of the lens)
  9. Drink a calming bedtime tea (valerian, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower) – if really struggling talk to your Herbologist about trying Kava.
  10. Consider a bed time snack of protein and fat, or carbohydrate and fat (experiment to see what works for you as different metabolisms benefit from different food sources – this could work if blood sugar is your issue – e.g. half green apple and peanut butter, hummus and celery with hemp seeds, chicken leg and avocado, raw cacao avocado mousse and Brazil nuts
  11. Diffuse some lavender and frankincense in your bedroom – I also love doTerra’s Lavender Peace, which helps to reduce anxiety …and Easy Air, which helps respiration and makes you feel calm and clear
  12. Play some 432Hz miracle frequency music whilst you are getting ready for bed
  13. Turn off your Wi-Fi router before bed, and remove all electronics from your room to reduce EMFs
  14. Turn your phone to aeroplane mode before you close your eyes for sleep
  15. Get blackout curtains and ensure there are no lights from clock radios etc in your bedroom – an eye mask can be used if on a budget or travelling

Done all the above and still struggling!? Then don’t waste any more time!

You more than likely know of the mental stress and active mind that may be keeping you up at night, but there are many other reasons why you aren’t getting enough ‘Z’s.

You may be struggling with any number of things, including:

  • Poor gut health leading to low melatonin (sleep hormone) production
  • Physical stress from aches and pains
  • Chemical stress from your environment or from imbalances in the body
  • Inflammation
  • Blood sugar imbalances
  • Parasites – these often get active in the early hours and release their waste products and toxins causing early waking
  • Mold toxicity
  • Poor neurotransmitter function e.g. low GABA
  • Copper toxicity (more info on this to come in an alternative blog, but if you have been on hormonal birth control at all it is incredibly likely you are copper toxic)
  • Low or bio-unavailable magnesium
  • Slow oxidation state

…all which impact your quality of shut eye.

So! Book in for an obligation free chat with me where I can go through your options and recommend some lab testing for you based on your personal struggles. Let’s investigate what’s happening on a deeper level with you!

We all neeeeeed sleep! …and I want you to get some great restorative sleep so that you can always …feel good from your core!

Blog, Health, Matrescence

Stiff and sore?

Are you getting stiffer by the day…decreased range of motion and flexibility?

You likely need some fascial release, or more specifically myofascial release.

Fascia is fibrous connective tissue that forms between muscles and internal organs. Myofascia being that related specifically to muscles.

It’s quite similar to when you peel an orange…there is an outer skin, a fibrous white pith, and the juicy segments each separated by more fibrous tissue. It is this fibrous tissue that is like the fascia between our muscle fibres and the muscles themselves.

Each night when we sleep and the body repairs, new fibres are laid down between our muscles. If too many fibres build up over time this can prevent the glide between the muscles. It may also build up more in some areas than others and so have a distorting pull effect on the muscles.

This also happens if we remain in our poor postural positions, and/or do lots of repetitive movement; our fascia adapts and this becomes the new norm. The same is true if we become injured, hence why you can lose range of motion if you don’t keep working and stretching the site. If left this is when we develop trigger points…those sore spots that when active, refer pain to various regions of your body.

All this decreases our flexibility and range of motion, as well as increases pain and inflammation.

Morning stretch routines can help prevent this, as can frequent foam rolling sessions…if done right! Think slow and steady, stop and hold on any particular tight, sore bits, and take some deep breaths to help release. Better still, book a Remedial Massage with myofascial release.

Start and end your day with some stretches and mobilisations:

Circles with your shoulders,
Bring your shoulders all the way forward then retract them all the way back and repeat,
Turn your head from side to side, lower one ear at a time to the shoulder, look down to the floor and up at the sky,
Do circles with your hips and drop one hip down and then the other and repeat,
Bend forward and touch your toes, stretch out the hamstrings,
Rotate your torso keeping your hips straight,
Sit in a chair and put your foot on the opposite knee and push the elevated knee down then rotate your body to the same side,
Stretch out your pectorals in a doorway,
Do circular motions with your spine clockwise and counter-clockwise,
Some down dogs, and some cat cows.

AND book a regular massage!!! You should be having a massage at least every month! Especially in this modern world where we spend a lot of our time sitting in a similar position day and night.

This will not only help your fascia but will help boost your circulation, immune system, reduce stress and inflammation, and prevent pain and injury.

Book yours today!

 

Image source: http://www.remedybarre.com

Blog, Health, Matrescence

Hormones and the Contraceptive Pill

When we have hormone imbalances, often we will get prescribed synthetic hormones to “level us out”

The problem is that by doing this the body thinks there is enough of that hormone and so it stops producing it, thereby causing an increased malfunction, which can lead to long-term negative effects and imbalances.

If we have difficulty metabolising or clearing our hormones effectively, then this effect can be even worse.

Often hormones are prescribed as creams. The doses of which are hard to monitor and much of the hormone actually gets stored in our fat deposits making us more toxic.

Synthetic hormones like those in the contraceptive pill also cause copper toxicity and affect the body’s levels of vitamin and minerals; namely zinc, B vitamins and magnesium. Ironically these nutrients are required to metabolise hormones properly…and so the problem escalates.

Unfortunately, what we are now seeing far too often, and what many of my clients present with, is a whole heap of hormone imbalance symptoms such as fertility issues, heavy, irregular, or painful menstrual cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, acne (and not always when we are just a teenager), indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, vaginal dryness, sore boobies, osteoporosis (brittle bones), hot flashes, night sweats, unexplained weight gain, anxiety, irritability, we might lose our sex drive, suffer from unexplained or excessive sweating, develop excess hair in areas we didn’t expect until our 90’s! Seriously! It’s not fun!

Many of us have been on contraceptive pills since we developed acne in our early teens, even before we were sexually active! They were prescribed as a medication to help clear the skin. We then stayed on them for over 15 years until our early 30’s when we finally found a decent guy, had our careers in place, and were ready to start a family. Then month after month goes by…still not pregnant…

Our bodies are totally out of balance, yet the medical professions answer is often to supply even more synthetic hormones.

When does it stop?

Why aren’t we trying to fix the lack of hormone production in the first place?

Our bodies are designed to keep us functioning at our very best. We have various mechanisms in place to help it do so, and keep it in a state of ease, or balance known as homeostasis. But the body can only work with what it has. If we don’t give it the right ingredients, have a congested liver, dysfunctional gut, and high toxic burden, then it is going to have to compensate somehow.

Some ideas are included below:

  1. Good nutrition:
    • First need a well functioning gut to be able to digest and assimilate the nutrients we eat
    • Eat wholefoods i.e. foods that are in their natural state
    • Eat good fats like cold-pressed organic avocado and extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed organic coconut oil (or expeller-pressed if you dislike the flavour), activated nuts and seeds, and oily wild-caught fish like sardines and red salmon – dietary fats, and cholesterol are in-fact cofactors for making your hormones, so these are incredibly important!
    • Eat quality grass-fed, pasture-raised animal protein
    • Avoid inflammatory foods like processed food, soy, regular dairy, gluten, refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, caffeine
    • Eat lots of veggies – think the rainbow. Best eaten blanched or steamed and with some good fats to better absorb the nutrients.
  1. Adequate rest:
    • 8 hours of undisturbed sleep
    • Bed before 10:30
    • Don’t over exert yourself i.e. listen to your body
  1. The right amount of exercise
    • At least 20-30 minutes daily where you are working hard enough you can’t maintain a conversation
    • Stretching to maintain flexibility and aid circulation
  1. Reducing toxins:
    • Eat organic where possible or wash fruits and veg in apple cider vinegar and water
    • Choose natural personal and cleaning products
    • Eat foods rich in antioxidants (blueberries, raspberries, spinach, kale, eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, oranges, butternut squash)
  1. Reducing stress:
    • Mental – mindfulness and mediation
    • Physical – regular massage, chiro, physio, get those aches and pains sorted
    • Chemical – (see reducing toxins)

This is a brief overview.

If you need further guidance a great place to start is with my online Feel Good from Your Core Program, which is launching soon. To find out more email bookings@corehealthclinic.com with “Tell me about your program!” in the subject line.

If you want to know for sure what’s going on with your hormones then functional lab testing is a far more advanced method than the regular blood test you may get at your doctor.

Dried urine testing (DUTCH) can show us how you are using and metabolising your hormones, so we can actually see why you are suffering the way you are and develop more targeted treatments.

For more info book your free consultation here.