The Pharmacist Edit, Brisbane (2025)

24/11/2025

Protein is king when it comes to strength, healing, and longevity—but there’s a delicate dance with kidney health hence the confusion whether protein is beneficial or damaging to the kidneys.

Animal protein, especially red and processed meats, can increase the acid load our kidneys must buffer. Left unchecked, this can stress your kidneys and bone health.

The good news? Balance is everything.
A Spanish study supports eating approximately 660 grams of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce inflammatory markers like hsCRP and homocysteine with potent alkaline minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
These act as natural buffers protecting your kidney function long-term.

Instead of fearing protein, pair every meat or protein source with a generous rainbow of plants.
Your kidneys will thank you—and so will your muscles, bones, and energy levels.

This isn’t about restriction; it’s about precision nutrition for sustainable health.

What’s on your plate today? Make it colorful, vibrant, and kidney-smart.
Pair every palm-sized portion of protein with 2 cups of rainbow vegetables, mix it up raw and lightly cooked to diversify micronutrients.

🍃 Need a personalised plant-to-protein ratio? Let’s chat!

19/11/2025

In my journey as a consultant pharmacist and health coach, I’ve seen firsthand how much kidney health shapes outcomes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is notorious as a silent disease, often showing no symptoms until as much as 90% of kidney function is lost.

In Australia, approximately 1 in 10 adults show signs of CKD, and the prevalence is even higher among First Nations peoples, with some estimates suggesting 1 in 5 adults over 18 years display indicators of kidney damage.

Advanced CKD can present with signs and symptoms including hypertension, pruritis (itchiness), nocturia (frequent urination at night), lethargy, nausea and vomiting, malaise, anorexia, restless legs, haematuria (blood in urine), and dyspnoea (shortness of breath).

However, most people remain asymptomatic in early stages, which is why laboratory monitoring is crucial.

Two key tests provide early insights into kidney healt
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys filter blood;
uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) reveals early damage by detecting protein leaks.

Together, they’re your early warning system—especially since kidney disease often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced.
Why does this matter? Because early detection = better outcomes. People with early-stage CKD who know their numbers are empowered to adjust lifestyle, medications, and diet before irreversible damage.
Here’s the professional truth I share: ask your doctor —“What are my eGFR and uACR results?

What do they mean for me?” Don’t wait for symptoms. Your kidneys work silently every day for you. Let's be proactive in protecting these unsung heroes.

Pro Tip: Make a habit of knowing your kidney markers—knowledge is power.
You are the CEO of your health. Own your numbers and your future.

Want more info on how to protect your kidneys? Read https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/kidney/

Ref: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care (5th edition). Kidney Health Australia, Melbourne, 2024.

18/11/2025

We’ve just updated our Page.
Visit our Page to see the latest updates.

Exciting news—Pharmacist Edit has rebranded to The Enlightened Pharmacist, matching our cutting-edge podcast with the same namesake (The Enlightened Pharmacist Podcast)

Our new website is live, reflecting a bold vision to bridge the gap between allopathic and holistic medicine.

At The Enlightened Pharmacist, we translate cutting-edge, evidence-based science into actionable, bite-sized insights to help you optimize health and wellbeing. From unveiling drug-nutrient interactions and drug-induced adverse effects to personalizing supplements through DNA analysis, we provide pharmacist-led, customized strategies to fuel your peak performance.

We are proud to educate health professionals—GPs, pharmacists, nurses—and high-performing individuals seeking science-backed, personalized health approaches.
Join us on this journey to empower your health with clarity and enlightenment.

Explore the new site and discover how integrative, tailored health solutions can transform your practice and life: https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/

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29/10/2025

Halloween treats and traditions are meant for fun, not guilt! It’s a time to connect, celebrate, and yes—enjoy a little extra sweetness. But here’s how to relish the festivities while staying energized and healthy:

Know Your Tolerances
• Watch your intake if you’re sensitive to certain candies or additives (like dyes or high histamine snacks).
• Don’t push past your comfort zone—sometimes your body needs a “timeout.”
• Tune into how you feel; if something doesn’t agree with you, pause and reset.

Avoid Scary Mistakes:�Indulgence doesn’t mean a sugar crash or days of inflammation. Bingeing on sweets may leave your immune system spooked, bloated, or run down the next day. Minimize the fallout with these tricks:
Smart Halloween Strategies
• Prioritize Sleep—A well-rested witch (or wizard!) makes better choices and tames late-night cravings.
• Choose Nutrient-Dense Options—Enjoy grilled meats, deviled eggs, or veggie platters alongside treats to balance blood sugar.
• Pre-Treat Protein—A quick protein shake before parties can help curb overindulgence on sugary snacks.
• Post-Treat Walks—A 10-minute stroll after enjoying sweets helps your body process sugar and aids digestion.
• Squat Challenge—After “treating,” knock out 20 air squats for fun and metabolism.
• Support with B Vitamins—B vitamins help your body convert spooky treats to energy, keeping fatigue at bay.
• Green Tea Breaks—Sip green tea to take advantage of antioxidants that help fight sugar’s oxidative stress.
• Let Go of Regret—If you overdo it, remember: guilt is scarier than any ghost! One night won’t define your health—acknowledge it, reset, and start fresh tomorrow.

This Halloween, indulge with intention. Savor the magic (and the sweets!) while keeping your health and energy alive—no tricks, just treats!

27/10/2025

The anti-inflammatory diet is more than a trend—it's a holistic lifestyle that helps calm chronic inflammation, a factor driving heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune issues. Research shows that consistently choosing anti-inflammatory foods can lead to lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers, reduced pain, improved mood, and a stronger immune system.

Why This Approach Matters
Chronic inflammation often operates behind the scenes, contributing to fatigue, aches, and long-term disease risk. Shifting your focus to anti-inflammatory eating empowers your body to heal and thrive, not just manage symptoms.

What to Eat
Low-Histamine Foods: Fresh leafy greens, cucumbers, freshly cooked proteins to avoid hidden triggers.

Low-Oxalate Choices: Trial limiting nuts, spinach, sweet potatoes if these are staples and notice if joint pain or fatigue improves.

Classic Powerhouses: Turmeric, ginger, berries, fatty fish, olive oil—all linked to less inflammation and better overall wellness.

A Mediterranean-style approach, rich in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats, is consistently supported by clinical studies for reducing inflammation.

How to Start
Begin your day with a protein shake and antioxidant-rich berries.

Add turmeric and ginger to teas or soups.

Pair proteins with plenty of colorful roasted veggies at meals.

Stay active, hydrate, and manage stress to support your body’s anti-inflammatory response.

Long-Term Benefits
People embracing anti-inflammatory principles report clearer skin, more balanced energy, less pain, and better moods—confirming that consistent small choices add up to big results over time.

Ready to transform your health holistically? Discover the full Low Tox guide (curated list of anti-inflammatory foods with a 7 day meal plan) and subscribe for in-depth resources.

Get it here: https://pharmacistedit.com/subscribe/

22/10/2025

Micronutrients—vitamins, minerals, and trace elements—are the unheralded building blocks of health, powering countless bodily processes from energy production to immune defense.

When these essentials are missing, physical and mental well-being can falter, but when they’re present in abundance, health outcomes soar. A diet rich in whole foods is the best way to get your micronutrient fix; the more diverse, the better.
Groundbreaking research shows that eating up to 30 different plant varieties per week—root vegetables, leafy greens, crucifers, alliums, herbs, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes—cultivates a thriving microbiome, which may offer resilience and even lengthen lifespan.
Not only do micronutrients help build strong bones, brains, immunity, and metabolic balance, but deficiencies can lead to anemia, poor growth, cognitive issues, and increased disease risk. Most micronutrients must be sourced from food because the body can't produce them on its own. For robust well-being, focus on variety and color—aim for that "30 plants a week" goal, and consider supplementation only under clinical guidance.

Check out the American gut health study (ZOE) here:�https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00031-18�And explore the inflammation link:�https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-7-42

Want to go deeper on the science of micronutrients and practical tips for meeting your needs? Subscribe to my blog for evidence-based guidance and actionable wellness insight.
https://pharmacistedit.com/subscribe

20/10/2025

Recent evidence from The Lancet and WHO underscores the powerful link between overworking and serious health risks.

Working 55+ hours per week is associated with a 33–35% higher risk of stroke and a 17–13% higher risk of heart disease compared to a standard work week.

Researchers found these effects persist even after adjusting for age, socioeconomic factors, and habits like smoking or physical inactivity.

While ambition drives achievement, the cost of chronic overwork can be devastating — not just physically, but emotionally. As a Consultant Pharmacist, I often meet patients facing long-term complications like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac disease, many of whom reflect that the pursuit of “more” came at the expense of their health.

Here’s what’s worth considering today:

Are you delegating tasks effectively?

Do you unplug after work — truly?

Is your body getting enough rest, movement, and nourishment?

Health is not a luxury; it’s leverage. Without it, every professional success is harder to sustain. Life is not a sprint — it’s a marathon, and the goal is not just longevity, but quality of life.

It’s never too late to rebalance. Set boundaries. Log off. Go for that walk. Your work will wait — your health won’t.

👉 Share this reminder with someone you know is burning the candle at both ends. You might help them extend not just their career, but their life.

Read the full study in The Lancet: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666776221001897

15/10/2025

You can look fine… and still be injured.

Last month, I was in a car accident. No broken bones. No visible wounds.
But I wasn’t me.. Fatigue. Irritability. Inflammation. Classic signs of a silent injury.

As defined by the CDC, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can result from any bump, blow, or jolt to the head—even if you never lose consciousness. And it disrupts your brain’s normal function at a cellular level.

You might walk away from a fall, a collision, or a sports impact thinking, “I’m fine.”
But your brain could be in crisis.

Here’s what this experience reinforced from both research and lived reality:

• Sleep is non-negotiable – Deep, restorative sleep isn’t just rest. It’s active brain repair: clearing toxins, reducing inflammation, and resetting emotional balance.

• Creatine isn’t just for athletes – Supplementation supports ATP production, which fuels brain cells under stress and recovery.

• Omega-3s (DHA + EPA) calm inflammation – DHA rebuilds neural membranes; EPA keeps blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients efficiently.

• Reduce brain inflammation naturally – Wild blueberries, Boswellia serrata, and Enzogenol contribute bioactive compounds that support cognition.

• Magnesium supports recovery – Helps ease headaches, improve sleep, and steady nerve signaling.

• Be cautious with caffeine – In recovery, it can constrict blood flow and worsen mood or sleep.

Above all: Don’t ignore subtle symptoms.
Headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, mood shifts—these are not “just stress.”
They’re signals.

After any head impact—whether from pavement, sports, or a car crash—see your doctor.
Even if you “look fine.”

Because brain health isn’t about surviving the injury.
It’s about reclaiming your full self.
Build your resilience now—you’ll thank yourself later.

Read this article and share this post with someone who needs to read this. Now.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/15/2430

03/09/2025

Vitamins and minerals are the invisible backbone powering your immune function, energy, and recovery—but understanding their roles and relationships isn’t always straightforward.
Take vitamin A, vital for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes—the first physical barrier defending against infections. It supports cell development and vision. But beware: too much vitamin A supplements can be toxic, so aim for balanced intake primarily from food sources like chicken liver, eggs, and vibrant vegetables, or consider cod liver oil if dietary options are limited.
Vitamin D, our immune modulator sunshine hormone, requires magnesium for activation. Fatty fish and egg yolks provide sources, but sunlight and supplementation are often necessary to reach optimal serum levels over 75 nmol/L. This is crucial because deficiency is linked to poorer outcomes in infections like COVID-19.
Vitamin E stands as a key antioxidant shield, clearing free radicals alongside vitamin C and glutathione. Nuts and seeds are its natural sources, but quality supplements like Jarrow Formulas Toco-Sorb ensure a mix of vitamin E precursors for maximum benefit.
Vitamin K2 deserves attention, often missing from Western diets. Unlike K1 found in leafy greens, K2 (from liver, aged cheese, or natto) supports bone and vascular health, potentially beneficial in preventing deficiencies that might contribute to conditions seen in illnesses such as COVID-19.
Minerals like magnesium regulate energy production, immune cell balance, and vitamin D metabolism.
Zinc serves as an immune sentinel, reducing viral replication and supporting enzymatic pathways, best absorbed away from grains and legumes.
Vitamin C, the antioxidant powerhouse, protects cells and supports immune responses, while B vitamins fuel energy and DNA repair.
Their synergy is critical: each micronutrient depends on others, forming a network where imbalances compromise the whole system. Personalized supplementation means understanding your body’s specific needs, current status through lab tests, and health context.
If you want an accessible but comprehensive guide to these vital nutrients and how to tailor supplementation properly, my full article on Pharmacist Edit is a must-read.
https://pharmacistedit.com/step3-supplements/

I create fresh, science-backed content every week to help you cut through the noise and overwhelm in health, so you can make informed choices with confidence and ease. To get practical tips and insights delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter below:
https://pharmacistedit.com/subscribe/

01/09/2025

When it comes to supplements, timing and synergy aren’t just buzzwords—they are the secret ingredients that determine whether your efforts truly pay off or fall flat. Here's how I would advise my clients:

First, consider timing. Some nutrients require specific conditions for optimal absorption. Fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, E, and K—should always be taken with meals containing healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or olive oil. Without fat, your body can barely absorb these vital nutrients, meaning a morning supplement on an empty stomach might be wasted effort.

Magnesium glycinate is my go-to evening supplement recommendation because it enhances relaxation and supports sleep quality. Importantly, magnesium isn’t just for relaxation—it’s also essential for converting vitamin D into its active form. Taking magnesium alongside or before vitamin D helps your body reap its full benefits.
Now, synergy. Nutrients rarely work in isolation.

For example, vitamin C dramatically improves iron absorption, a vital consideration for those managing iron deficiency anemia or optimizing performance. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and glutathione to neutralize free radicals produced during metabolic processes.

The B-vitamins—folate, B6, and B12—work as a team in crucial methylation pathways, supporting DNA repair, neurotransmitter production, and energy metabolism. An imbalance or deficiency in one can impair the whole process.
Beware too much of one nutrient too. High zinc intake can deplete copper, and excessive B6 can result in nerve pain. Thoughtful spacing and balanced dosing based on your individual biochemistry are paramount.

Ignoring these details leads to wasted supplements and missed health goals. When you understand how, when, and why to take your supplements, you unlock their full potential, placing you ahead in your wellness journey.
If this message resonates with you, please share it to help others discover these insights.

27/08/2025

Choosing supplements can feel like navigating a maze. With thousands of options on the shelf, how do you know what’s safe and effective?

Quality matters enormously. Many supplements vary in purity, bioavailability, and contamination risk.
Third-party testing like HASTA, Informed Sport, USP, or NSF ensures products meet strict standards.
Avoid fillers and unnecessary additives that may trigger sensitivities or dilute potency.
Look for purity certifications that screen for heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics—especially in fish oils, which should be molecularly distilled to reduce contaminants.

Your health deserves supplements made with precision and care, not cheap shortcuts. When you choose quality, you maximize your chances of real benefit.

Here how to spot quality supplements:
1. Third-party tested (HASTA, Informed Sport, USP, NSF).
2. Minimal filler and free of unnecessary additives.
3. Purity-certified (heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics tested).
4. Molecularly distilled (for fish oils) to reduce contaminants.

👉 Ready to upgrade your supplement game? Join me for a health chat:
https://pharmacistedit.com/work-with-me/

25/08/2025

Many assume supplementation is optional—just a “nice-to-have” for better health. But for some, it’s non-negotiable. As a pharmacist and health coach, I simplify complex medical conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, helping you understand why tailored supplementation is essential.

Malabsorption disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or post-gastric bypass surgery severely limit your body’s ability to extract nutrients from food. Imagine eating a nutrient-rich meal, but your body can’t absorb the key vitamins and minerals you need to thrive.

Add in common medications—metformin depletes B12, proton pump inhibitors reduce calcium, magnesium, and iron absorption, and methotrexate antagonizes folate. These drugs can create or worsen deficiencies if unaddressed.
Personalized supplementation isn’t random—it’s a highly targeted strategy based on understanding your health history, medication profile, and lab work. Supplementing without this knowledge can lead to wasted money or even adverse effects.
Here’s my pharmacist tip: don’t guess. Get guidance on the right supplements at the right dose for your unique needs. Food is first, but supplements bridge gaps that diet alone cannot fill in these cases.

If you suspect malabsorption or medication-nutrient interactions affect your health, the path forward is clear: personalized advice from a health practitioner who gets the complexities.

👉 Take control now — read my full article to learn how to supplement smartly and safely
https://pharmacistedit.com/step3-supplements/

The Pharmacist Edit

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