Feel like high cortisol is taking its toll on your health and overall wellbeing? Cortisol is often called the "stress hormone" because it plays a key role in the body’s response to stress. While some cortisol is necessary for normal functioning, consistently high levels can lead to negative effects, such as anxiety, weight gain, and sleep disturbances. Studies show that eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties can help to calm your body and slow down the production of cortisol. Stock up on these staples the next time you head to the shops. 1. Fatty Fish Fatty fish such as mackerel,...

Bloating is a common discomfort with roots deeper than diet alone. Food intolerances, high-sodium meals, and even certain medical conditions play a part, but gut health is often the hidden culprit. When our gut microbiome falls out of balance, digestion and nutrient absorption can suffer, leading to inflammation and bloating. With trillions of microbes helping us digest and protect against inflammation, gut health is a key player in keeping bloat at bay. How Gut Health and Bloating Connect A balanced gut microbiome helps to regulate digestion, nutrient absorption, and inflammation by maintaining a healthy gut barrier. This barrier prevents undigested...

Maintaining a healthy weight can get increasingly challenging with age. Starting in the late 30s, the body undergoes changes such as slower basal metabolic rate and hormonal shifts, which can make losing weight more difficult. Weight loss drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have made the news for their game-changing results. They work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. Interestingly, scientists in Hong Kong have recently discovered that the secret to weight loss may lie in the gut. Synbiotics—a combination of prebiotics and probiotics—could be a quicker, healthier...

Life expectancy in Australia has increased by more than 40% in the last century. However, the rise in longevity has also seen a rise in the length of time individuals spend in ill health. 60% of Australians live with at least one long-term health condition like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, and 40% have two or more long-term health conditions. While there might not be a magic pill for healthy aging, research is increasingly pointing towards our gut microbiome as a key player in helping us live healthier for longer. Central to repair and defence Home to 70% of the body’s immune...