#294 Alyssa Tait is a naturopath and physiotherapist with a Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Her private practice focuses on persistent abdominal and pelvic pain and gut and bowel dysfunction. 

Alyssa has a special interest in the gut and urogenital microbiomes and disorders of gut-brain interaction. She has spent 20 years in private practice solving complex clinical puzzles through a combined naturopathy and physiotherapy lens. She enjoys helping her naturopathic colleagues’ clients using physiotherapy, and her physiotherapy colleagues’ clients using naturopathy! 

The application of evidence-based medicine is a long-held interest, which has led to her helping develop clinical practice guidelines on incontinence management and research-based recommendations for the gut microbiome. Alyssa is committed to bridging the gap between orthodox medicine and naturopathic medicine, having spent her career with one foot in each camp.

In this episode we cover

• What is the difference between prebiotics and fibre 
• We discuss the potential benefits of prebiotics in the body. What the research reveals.
• How the prebiotic supplements differ from each other
• We discuss prebiotics in the diet versus supplements. Can we achieve the same benefits with diet alone?
• What Personalised Prebiotic Prescription (PPP) Factors do we consider
• Why it's important to know the research when considering a dose
• The common issues in clinical practice regarding prebiotic prescribing
• And so much more 

I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, toilet training and the list goes on so if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, bedding, and just being an overall bad vibe? Say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!"

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 "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!"

"Ready to make a splash with Splash Blanket? Dive into the world of mess-proof living by visiting their website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"

#293 Dr. Leah Hechtman, PhD, is a renowned naturopathic clinician specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and comprehensive reproductive health. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is an engaged researcher, a published author, and a dedicated educator.

Her extensive qualifications include advanced training in multiple disciplines. She is a revered university lecturer, a sought-after keynote speaker, and a regular voice in the media.

Committed to a collaborative approach, Dr. Hechtman works closely with each patient’s healthcare team, often involving general practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. She aims to inter-professionally bridge the gaps between different disciplines and theories, fostering a holistic and collaborative outcome in both clinical practice and research.

Fuelled by her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and her passion for the intersection of science and spirituality, Dr. Hechtman continuously seeks to deepen her understanding of medicine. 

This quest for knowledge informs her lectures, making them not only relevant but also immediately applicable and supportive. Widely recognized for her expertise, Dr. Hechtman receives numerous referrals from fertility specialists and IVF clinics globally.

Instagram @leahhechtman

Facebook: @LeahHechtman

In this episode, we cover:

• The brain changes that occur in women throughout their lives, especially during pregnancy
• Why starting solids before 6 months may be beneficial for some babies
• The neuro and brain changes specific to the postpartum period and how we can identify them in ourselves and others
• Matrescence and the differences between women in their 20s vs 30s vs 40s and beyond 
• What happens to the woman and her brain as she ‘loses’ her sense of self and transforms
• The role of prolactin and oxytocin during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. What if she chooses or is unable to breastfeed - how does that affect her brain?
• Microchimerism in the postpartum period - what impact does it have on her brain, sense of self, and immunology
• Sleep, weight, and hormones - what sleep deprivation is actually doing to the mother’s brain and hallmark periods to watch out for
• Leah discusses her online Practitioner Only Workshops - The Clinic Room - Unlock Advanced Clinical Strategies And Techniques. Practitioners who are interested in doing this course can receive a discount if you use the code LOVE10. This offer is valid until November 27, 2023.

#292 Dr. Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath, and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and Ph.D. degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters.

He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is the Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.

In this episode we cover

• The GUT FEELINGS Randomised controlled trial where Jason’s team assessed the impact of a probiotic, and a prebiotic-rich diet on mood.

• Gut microbiota alterations that may be observed in those experiencing depression

• The link between the microbiota and Autism spectrum disorder

• The inconsistencies in the data about a specific “ASD dysbiotic pattern

• The main tools Jason is using to modify these different imbalances

• We discuss Jason’s Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course.  Head on over to the show notes where I will provide a link and a special coupon code to receive 20% off until the course begins.

Show notes

• For Australian residents visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course

• For the ‘rest of the world’ visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course

#291 Dr. Goldenberg is passionate about how we evaluate and utilize evidence. He is an active researcher with numerous publications in high-impact scientific journals such as JAMA and the BMJ and is an Associate Research Investigator at the Helfgott Research Institute. He is faculty for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and the Helfgott Research Institute where he teaches critical evaluation of the medical literature and advanced evidence synthesis. His love for teaching integrative evidence-based medicine led him to found the DrJourncalClub website and Podcast. He received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and his Bachelor's in Molecular Biology with honors from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is a past  President of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. His clinical focus is on integrative approaches to gastroenterology conditions with a special focus on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. He sees patients virtually at the Goldenberg GI Center. His interest in evidence has taken him from clinic to courtroom, recently co-founding three businesses focusing on brain injury litigation and forensic epidemiology.

In this episode we cover

• What is hydrogen sulfide and what is its function in the body
• When does hydrogen sulfide  become a problem and what may one experience if they have H2S overgrowth
• Joshua's insight from his current research on Hydrogen Sulphide SIBO
• How is Joshua currently testing for it? He sheds light on the new at-home handheld devices for SIBO testing
• Treatment strategies for Hydrogen sulphide SIBO
• And so much more

#281 Emrys is the director and principal clinician at Athletica Physical Health and has owned and operated clinics for over 15 years. In addition to practicing as a Musculoskeletal Therapist. He is the writer and presenter of the Vagal Complex and the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Certification programs. He also presents for Astir Australia in Shockwave Therapy. Previously, he was the Senior Lecturer for the Department of Musculoskeletal Therapy at the Endeavour College of Natural Health, a position he held for over 9 years. 

Emrys originally trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in Melbourne. He went on to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company as a company artist where he danced ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, A Million Kisses to My Skin, and many more. After having his own health troubles, he decided to retire from ballet and moved back to Australia. The following year he enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy).

Emrys works on the cause of patients' conditions with a particular focus on nerve pain and the role of the brain to gut axis (including the vagus nerve).

In this episode, we cover:

• What the vagus nerve is
• What is the role of vagus nerve stimulation in regulating inflammation 
• It's potential in microbiome dysregulation
• Emry’s thoughts on using a TENS machine for at-home stimulation of the VN
• Other at-home applications that may be useful
• Ways that vagus tone may be assessed
• Emrys shares information on the practitioner training he has available
• and so much more

#271 Dr. Gurevich is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. She is currently co-owner of two large integrative medical clinics, one in northwest Portland and one in northeast Portland. She runs a very busy private practice specializing in treating inflammatory bowel disease as well as IBS/SIBO and functional GI disorders.

She lectures extensively and teaches about both conventional and natural treatments for inflammatory bowel disease as well as SIBO and IBS. She is one of the foremost experts on the intersection of IBD and IBS and how treating one resolves the other. 

Dr. Gurevich also acts as a mentor in the naturopathic community educating about GI disorders. She supervises residents and consults with physicians about their most difficult GI cases. Dr. Gurevich was nominated as one of Portland's Top Docs by the Portland Monthly in both 2014 and 2016.

• What biofilms are - normal biofilms vs pathological biofilms
• Where they typically form
• The bacterial species that are commonly associated with biofilms
• How Ilana is testing for it
• Biofilm removal strategies
• Turd Nerds - the podcast
• And so much more

#270 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath and Western herbalist with more than 18 years’ clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters.

He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.

In this episode we cover

• The GUT FEELINGS Randomised controlled trial where Jason’s team assessed the impact of a probiotic, and a prebiotic-rich diet on mood.

• Gut microbiota alterations that may be observed in those experiencing depression

• The link between the microbiota and Autism spectrum disorder

• The inconsistencies in the data about a specific “ASD dysbiotic pattern

• The main tools Jason is using to modify these different imbalances

• We discuss Jason’s Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course.  Head on over to the show notes where I will provide a link and a special coupon code to receive 20% off until the course begins. 

Show notes

• For Australian residents visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course
• For the ‘rest of the world’ visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course

#269 From a path of illness to discovery and eventually recovery, Dan Sipple has ridden the wave firsthand and knows the system inside and out.

As a result of his personal experience and clinical expertise, he has a unique ability to recognise where, to begin with every individual he works with. Dan’s method does not feature cookie-cutter protocols and recipes for wellness, but rather offers fully customised treatment plans for his patients which he considers the backbone of his approach and successful clinical outcomes.

Dan is a fully qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, and herbalist with a Bachelor of Health Science. He is a registered member of the Australian National Therapists Association (ANTA).

His multimodality approach features elements of both Allopathic and complementary & alternative medicine (CAM) and he regularly employs Western diagnostics in accompaniment with functional & integrative testing to help him reach the best possible patient outcomes.

Dan is passionate about the areas of gut & microbiome modulation, hormone optimisation, autoimmune disease, stealth infections, immunity, and anti-aging medicines.

Dan is an avid researcher, and enjoys playing guitar, gardening, hunting, the ocean, and the outdoors. He is a proud Father of two boys and resides in the Mollymook area of the South Coast, NSW.

In this episode we cover

• What autoimmunity is
• The role of the thymus in autoimmunity
• The role of peptides in autoimmune disease and how they have been used in treatment
• Where Dan has seen their use as particularly beneficial
• Strategies for addressing autoimmunity both pharmacological and naturopathic approaches
• And so much more

#268 With over 15 years of industry experience, Jules has made it her mission to help people recover from fatigue, anxiety, burnout and complex health issues. She has guided thousands back to health through her eCourses, eBooks and podcast. She also sees clients 1:1 via Zoom.

As a mentor, she is passionate about inspiring and guiding the next generation of new and emerging practitioners to show up online and become confident in speaking out. Her dream is for ALL practitioners to be able to create a wildly successful and rewarding business they love… without burning out — and for our industry to be one that embraces collaboration and connection rather than competition.

When she’s not helping her clients, Jules can be found hanging out with her husband and their rescue dogs, lifting heavy things at the gym, surfing, doing yoga, or having a cheeky coffee or wine. Because fun, adventure and balance are just as important for a successful and long-lasting career.

You can find Jules at julesgalloway.com, on Facebook and Instagram at @julesgallowayhealth, her mentoring account is at @the.thriving.praccy, and check out her podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – just search for Straight Talking Natural Health.

In this episode we cover

• What anxiety is

• Why the incidence of anxiety has increased over the last 2-3 years

• What the underlying drivers of anxiety are

• We discuss the Gut-Brain axis and how this bidirectional relationship influences each other

• How anxiety impacts the gut and how the gut contributes to anxiety

• Assessments used

• And so much more

#267 Chloe is a Sydney-based Naturopath specialising in autoimmune health, fertility, gut & thyroid support. 

Chloe’s personal experience with autoimmunity set her on a path to better understand how the immune, gut, and nervous systems come together to create a perfect storm for autoimmune disease development. 

Over the past 10 years working in the health & wellness industry, Chloe has worked as a clinician, health writer & educator, facilitating programs and researching immune dysregulation. 

As a qualified Naturopath and yoga instructor, Chloe is also completing a Master’s of Biomedical Science in her endeavour to marry the mainstream medicine understanding of health with holistic naturopathic care. 

In this episode we cover

• What Inflammatory bowel disease is and how it differs from IBS
• The difference between Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
• Drivers of these diseases and why are they so difficult to treat
• Go to herbs for supporting IBD patients
• Other conditions that may occur alongside IBD
• How gut microbiome testing can be useful to support treatment
• Other investigations that may be carried out to diagnose IBD if suspected
• And so much more

#266 Dr. Brad Leech is an internationally recognised Integrative Medicine Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience. He has taught and developed subjects at leading academic institutions in Integrative Gastroenterology, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, and Public Health Research. Dr. Brad Leech is the Clinical Science Lead at Microba, where his expertise in integrative gastrointestinal healthcare enables him to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical applications. In addition to his research and working with patients, Brad offers practitioner support through his mentoring program Brad’s Brainiacs. 

In this episode we cover

• A summary of different testing methods used to identify the microbiome and pathogens
• The latest research on antimicrobials and the microbiome
• How we can use this research in clinical practice
• How clinicians can safely and effectively use antimicrobials in clinical practice
• Herbs that Brad would potentially avoid using altogether as the Risk is not worth the benefit
• Herbs that nourish the microbiome
• And so much more