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Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner

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🧠Hormonal changes in menopause - why nutrition matters
Menopause is defined by a decline in estrogen (particularly estradiol) and other sex steroids, which affects metabolism, body composition, cardiovascular health, bone density, and many systems throughout the body. Lower estrogen is linked with: Increased visceral fat and reduced muscle mass (changing metabolic rate). Higher risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Changes in lipid metabolism and inflammatory profiles. Because hormones influence many pathw
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 305 min read


Vegetables - raw or cooked?
🔬 What Happens When You Cook Vegetables? 1. Structural Breakdown Improves Digestibility One of the most consistent findings in peer-reviewed research is that heat breaks down tough plant cell walls , making nutrients easier for the human digestive system to access. Cooking causes gelatinization of starches and breakdown of pectic substances, which increases digestibility and alters nutrient bioaccessibility. Heat also softens fiber and can make energy and micronutrients more
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 283 min read


How Sugar and Refined Carbs Affect Insulin (and Why It’s Not a Problem for Everyone)
There's a lot of conflicting information out there on the internet and social media regarding cutting carbs and many fad diets with an approach that 'everyone' should follow. We are all different and understanding what's going on in our bodies is vital to enable us to pick out what's needed and what's not relevant to us. 1. What Happens After You Eat Sugar or Refined Carbs Sugars and refined carbohydrates (like bread, pastries, breakfast cereals) are digested quickly and br
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 263 min read


Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome
🧠 What Is Insulin Resistance? Insulin resistance is a physiological condition in which the body’s cells (especially in muscle, fat, and liver) respond less effectively to the hormone insulin . Insulin’s normal role is to help glucose (sugar) enter cells to be used for energy. When cells become resistant, they don’t take up glucose properly, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. The pancreas tries to compensate by secreting more insulin — resulting in hyperinsulinemia .
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 237 min read


Electrolytes, Salt, and Wellness - Do You Really Need Them Every Day?
Electrolytes and salt have become hot topics in the wellness world. From hydration powders to “clean” salt blends, we’re often told that adding electrolytes daily is essential for energy, hydration, and balance. But is that really true for most people? The science suggests a more grounded, balanced approach. What Are Electrolytes (and Why They Matter)? Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in the body. The most important ones include: Sodium Potassium Mag
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 223 min read


The Truth about cholesterol
1. Cholesterol Is Essential for the Brain 🧠 The brain needs a lot of cholesterol Even though the brain is only about 2% of body weight , it contains roughly 25% of the body’s cholesterol . This is because cholesterol is a key building block of brain cells. The brain mostly makes its own cholesterol , since cholesterol from the blood does not easily cross into the brain. What cholesterol does in the brain Cholesterol is not just a fat; it plays several critical roles: Builds
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 225 min read


Why many food Allergy and sensitivity tests aren’t reliable
Many food allergy and sensitivity tests marketed directly to the public—such as IgG blood panels and hair strand testing—are not supported by robust scientific evidence and are not recommended in UK clinical guidance for diagnosing food allergy or intolerance. It's important for those with food concerns to understand the potential issues with purchasing an expensive and unproven test. IgG blood tests IgG testing measures immunoglobulin G antibodies, which indicate exposure
Nicky Summers-Robinson
Jan 222 min read
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