Lawrey Calabro - Naturopath

10/04/2025

18/03/2025

So why is your iron status low? Reach out to investigate WHY! (especially if you are not responding well to oral iron supplements)

Our research into single nutrients for the Nutrient Prescriber's Program led to some truly fascinating discoveries.

One of the most exciting revelations was a little trick nature has in store for people who menstruate...

Creating this program has been a rewarding journey, both intellectually and personally. By the end, it felt like we had come full circle, returning to a more holistic understanding of health. ❤️✨

19/02/2025

Time to rethink B12 sufficiency? New research suggests that so-called “normal” B12 levels might not be enough to protect brain health, especially with age. ⚠️

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that older adults with lower (but still normal) B12 levels had slower processing speeds and more brain lesions. Researchers are calling for updated recommendations and earlier intervention to help prevent cognitive decline.

This adds to the growing evidence that functional B12 insufficiency can impact the nervous system long before it shows up as anemia. For older adults (especially those with neurological symptoms), B12 supplementation might be worth considering even if blood levels look “fine.”

Read the article: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/02/429491/healthy-vitamin-b12-levels-not-enough-ward-neuro-decline

18/01/2025

The best 3 words I read this week...

🌿"NO SUSPICIOUS NODULES"🌸

Over the past year, I’ve been working closely with a client who came to me with Graves' disease, suspicious thyroid nodules ranked TI-RADS 3 and TI-RADS 4 (nodules can sometimes progress to thyroid cancers - so are watched closely - this client had even done a fine needle biopsy), and a complex autoimmune picture. Together, we’ve embarked on a journey of healing through natural medicine, and the results need to be shouted from the mountaintop!

✅ Highlights of Her Progress:
✨ Reduced nodule size and improved thyroid health—her latest ultrasound now declares no suspicious nodules!
✨ She’s off carbimazole, maintaining thyroid function naturally.
✨ Autoimmune activity is calming, though we continue addressing lingering thyroiditis.

Herbal medicines, tailored to her unique and changing presentations - like the beautiful healing Motherwort, Self Heal and Bugleweed pictured here 🫖, targeted nutritional supplements 🥗, and personalized lifestyle interventions have played a pivotal role in her transformation. Now, in the later stages of therapy, we’re:
1️⃣ Tackling stealth viruses with refined herbal blends.
2️⃣ Supporting gut health for long-term balance.
3️⃣ Shifting out of “Cell Danger Response” freeze with vagus nerve stimulation therapy.

🌼 This is a testament to how powerful natural medicine can be—even in serious situations. If you’re dealing with thyroid autoimmune issues (including hyperthyroid tendencies), let’s explore your path to healing.

💻 Book your consultation today (link in bio)!

✨ Natural healing is possible. Let’s discover it together 🌿

🌿

13/12/2024

Mmmm...chocolate. Been working with quite a few endurance runners and adventure racers this year. We always talk about gut permeability and how intense exercise can change it. This is a great study on the benefits of cacao. Enjoy the read...with some dark chocolate of course 🍫

Still on the topic of chocolate, a recent clinical trial in elite athletes found that supplementation with a polyphenol-rich dark chocolate nullified the increase in gut permeability induced by intense exercise.

Gut barrier disruption can lead to enhanced intestinal permeability, which allows endotoxins, pathogens and other proinflammatory substances to move through the intestinal barrier and into local tissues and our circulation. This phenomenon is now linked to a substantial range of chronic diseases including autoimmunity and, via neuroinflammation, depression, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome and autism, to name a few. Not surprisingly, given our recent awareness of the clinical significance of gut barrier disruption, any discovery about agents that can improve gut barrier integrity is of substantial medical significance.

Intense exercise over a prolonged period increases intestinal permeability, which can be further worsened by the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence intense exercise provides a useful human model to assess effects on gut barrier integrity.

The aim of this study was to assess the degree of intestinal permeability in elite football (soccer) players and to examine the effect of cocoa polyphenols on intestinal permeability induced by intensive physical exercise. Biomarkers of intestinal permeability, such as circulating levels of zonulin, a modulator of tight junctions, occludin, a tight junction protein, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation, were evaluated in 24 elite football players and 23 amateur athletes. Moreover, the 24 elite football players were randomly assigned to either a dark chocolate (40 g per day, >85% cocoa) intake (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12) for 30 days in a randomised controlled trial design. Biochemical analyses were performed at baseline and after 30 days of chocolate intake.

Compared to the amateur athletes, elite football players showed increased intestinal permeability, as indicated by higher levels of zonulin, occludin and LPS. After 30 days of dark chocolate intake and intense exercise, substantially increased intestinal permeability was found in the elite athletes not consuming dark chocolate. In the active group, no changes were observed. In vitro, polyphenol extracts significantly improved intestinal damage in the human intestinal mucosa cell line Caco-2. These results suggest that chronic supplementation with dark chocolate as a rich source of polyphenols can positively modulate exercise-induced intestinal damage in elite football athletes.

The therapeutic effect was quite large. After 30 days of training, the control group showed increased levels of LPS compared to baseline (from 31.5 ± 4.8 pg/mL to 46.5 ± 5.15 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Similar large increases were seen for zonulin and occludin compared to baseline (from 2.63 ± 0.49 ng/mL to 4.65 ± 0.97 ng/mL, p < 0.001 and from 0.96 ± 1.88 ng/mL to 1.42 ± 0.37 ng/mL, p = 0.003), respectively. In contrast, the levels of LPS, zonulin and occludin did not change compared to baseline in the elite football players consuming dark chocolate for 30 days (from 29.2 ± 7.75 pg/mL to 31.7 ± 8.37 pg/mL, p = 0.561, from 3.06 ± 1.40 ng/mL to 3.50 ± 1.25 ng/mL, p = 0.150, and from 0.88 ± 0.32 ng/mL to 0.86 ± 0.37 ng/mL, p = 0.99), respectively.

For more information:
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/2024/issue-746/dark-chocolate-reduces-gut-permeability/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37836487/

23/10/2024

🌟 Clinic Highlights! 🌟

Wow, the last few weeks have been an energizing journey! ☀️✨ It's amazing to see so many people diving into their wellness plans and embracing their health from a holistic perspective.

💪 Met a driven woman in perimenopause struggling with fatigue, sleep issues, and nutrient deficiencies. She was so relieved to find a practitioner who listened to her and understood what she was going through.  We’re on a mission to uncover what her body needs and bring back her vitality with herbal medicine and tailored nutrients. 🌿💖

👶 Spoke with a beautiful mom-to-be in her third trimester! She’s focusing on a healthy birth and postpartum while managing her thyroid health. With a mix of conventional and naturopathic therapies, she’s set for this precious phase of motherhood! 💕🤰

🌼 I also checked in with a client battling chronic eczema since childhood. After just a few days off gluten and dairy, she shared: “Good news, after only a couple of days off gluten and dairy the dermatitis drastically improved on my forehead and scalp. I also received compliments saying my face looked less 'puffy.'” 🎉✨ Her compounded herbal cream is keeping her skin well hydrated whilst reducing inflammation and restoring skin barrier integrity.  We’re excited to continue her journey to better skin and overall well-being.

There were so many more clients I saw these last few weeks - each one so unique and inspiring.  I’m so grateful to work with such strong women facing challenges like perimenopause, thyroid issues, and more. Together, we’re harnessing the power of Natural Medicine to heal! 💖🌿

👉 Tag someone who inspires you!

24/09/2024

‘You’re f*cking losing your mind!’ She replied, when I asked my Naturopath friend Lawrey Calabro what we should we talk about on our online chat about peri/menopause…
She went on to describe how most of her clients (including myself) feel at times at the moment…

Thus Thursday 26th, 11.30am (Melbourne/Syd time)

Zoom link in comments to join

26/04/2024

Long term use of PPIs are problematic in more ways than one. The fact you can now buy Nexium over the counter is disturbing. See a Naturopath for some healing alternatives to acid suppression (you need stomach acid to breakdown your foods and absorb critical minerals - which is why long term use is also associated with osteoporosis). It's gut barrier dysfunction that is the problem here most of the time. We lose our protective layer in the stomach when under stress, in response to infection (hello H.pylori), in response to a highly processed diet, or when we lack of critical healing nutrients like zinc. Many of my clients have managed to move away from using PPIs after we've worked together to heal the gut lining and identify/resolve the triggers of gut dysfunction. With amongst some effective therapies, just to name a few!

A recent study has revealed that the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), common medications for heartburn, may increase the risk of dementia by 33%.

Analyzing over 5,700 individuals, researchers found the heightened risk applies to users beyond 4.4 years. With millions relying on PPIs like esomeprazole, omeprazole, and lansoprazole, this research prompts a reevaluation of long-term gastro-intestinal treatment strategies.

Learn more about the implications for cognitive health, read the full article here: https://mindd.org/research/10-1212-wnl-0000000000207747/

21/04/2024

Regulate your day/night rhythms for better energy during the day and a deeper, more restorative night’s sleep with these key actions:
🌞 Rise and shine, friends! Did you know that catching some early morning sunlight can kickstart your body's energy production? Those melanopsin receptors in your eyes love soaking in that natural light, signaling your body to rev up for the day ahead! ☀️
💤 Trouble catching Z's? Consider adding magnesium glycinate to your nightly routine. It's like a gentle nudge for your parasympathetic nervous system, prepping you for a restful night ahead. Check out my recommended supplement in the link! 💫
🚫 Blue light blues got you down? Say no more! Banish those screens or slap on some blue light blockers in the afternoon to help your body wind down naturally. Let's keep those circadian rhythms groovin'! 🌙
🍽️ Late-night snacks? Not on our watch! Avoid munching within three hours of bedtime to let your body focus on rest, not digestion. Sip on some soothing chamomile or lemon balm tea instead—it's like a lullaby for your belly! 🍵
⏰ Consistency is key! Set a bedtime routine and stick to it like glue. Whether it's a pre-sleep ritual or wearing your designated PJs, let your body know it's time to wind down. Sweet dreams await! 💤
📝 Clear your mind before you hit the hay. Journaling can be your sleep superhero! Jot down tomorrow's to-dos and sprinkle in some gratitude—it's like a mental massage before bedtime. 📓
🌌 Lights out for optimal rest! Keep your sleep sanctuary pitch black by banishing all sources of light, including sneaky electronics. Trust me, your body will thank you later. 🌠
❄️ Chill out for a better snooze! Lowering the temperature in your room mimics your body's natural nighttime drop in temperature, setting the stage for some serious shut-eye. Sweet dreams are made of cooler temps! ❄️

Book a free 20 min Hormone Health Reset call to discuss your unique needs. Link in bio.

11/04/2024

Great video about coffee and your blood glucose response. I'm a bit coffee obsessed and love James Hoffmann's nerdy coffee videos! Long story short, go to 4:18. This is why I probably won't tell you to stop your beloved coffee (those polyphenols are just too precious!), but I WILL tell you have PROTEIN at breakfast time. Best thing to do is to check for yourself. You can use a Vively CGM to look at what works for you and what does not. PM me for a https://www.vively.com.au discount link :)

28/03/2024

So inspiring!

You are looking at the first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons in the races 38-year-history. Moments ago Jasmin Paris became the first woman to cross the line after one of the most harrowing finishes in the history of the sport. The 40 year-old, mother of two, battled the most challenging conditions one can imagine for 59 hours, 58 mins and 12 seconds. After climbing the equivalent of Everest twice, for over three days, with no sleep she had only 100 seconds to spare when she crossed the finish line. Here’s to believing. Oh yes she did! photo credit the always amazing https://www.instagram.com/howiesternphoto/.

23/03/2024

A great explanation! Hormones are amazing, but also complex at times. Getting specific about the timing of your cycle issues is critical to get herbal or other naturopathic therapies right. There is no one size fits all solution - it must be truly customised to the individual.

If you suffer premenstrual mood symptoms, do you know WHEN they occur relative to ovulation and the luteal phase? Because that could help guide you to treatment.

For example, if your symptoms flare during the two estrogen peaks, that could be a histamine or mast cell issue.

Or if they flare during the two estrogen-falling phases (right at ovulation and then again at the end of the luteal phases), that could be estrogen withdrawal.

Or if they flare only at the end of the luteal phase, that could be estrogen withdrawal, progesterone withdrawal, or both.

Or if they're at the end of the bleed, that could be low iron.

Finally, if you have "premenstrual mood symptoms" on the pill or any type of hormonal birth control, those are medication side effects, not premenstrual mood symptoms.

Keep in mind that most women do NOT ovulate on day 14 or follow a 28-day cycle, so the best way to know what YOUR hormones are doing is to chart your cycle using basal body temperatures. Chime in with your favourite charting/body literacy resource, or put your hand up if you're a fertility awareness educator yourself.

For treatment ideas, see my blog post/YouTube video "Top 6 natural treatments for premenstrual mood symptoms": https://www.larabriden.com/top-6-natural-treatments-for-premenstrual-mood-symptoms/