Anneke Morel Naturopath

19/05/2025

23/04/2025

Synergy between foods

16/04/2025

Many women in menopause avoid dietary fats due to long-standing misconceptions linking fat intake directly to weight gain. This approach is counterintuitive, particularly during menopause, for several reasons.

Firstly, fats are essential for hormone production and regulation; as estrogen levels decrease during menopause, adequate fat intake can help stabilize hormonal fluctuations and alleviate related symptoms.

Fats also enhance satiety, keeping you full longer and preventing overeating, which is crucial for weight management. It's important to distinguish between unhealthy fats, like trans fats found in processed foods, and healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish. These beneficial fats are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), crucial for bone health and immune function.

Completely cutting out fats can slow down the metabolism, an undesirable effect as metabolic rates naturally decline with age.

Instead of eliminating fats, focus on including the right types of fats in your diet, consumed in moderation to support your overall health and assist in weight management

15/04/2025

Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. It plays several critical roles in the body, particularly in managing stress and maintaining various bodily functions.

During menopause, the fluctuating and overall decline in estrogen and progesterone levels can indirectly affect cortisol levels and how the body responds to it as fat distribution during menopause

Menopausal transitions can affect the body's fat storage patterns. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased fat accumulation around the abdomen, known as visceral fat. This type of fat, responsive to cortisol, is associated with higher health risks like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

During menopause, hormonal changes often cause a shift in fat storage towards the abdominal area. This change not only impacts physical appearance but also poses health risks. It is essential to be aware of these alterations and take a comprehensive approach to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and professional healthcare guidance are key in promoting well-being during this phase.

By understanding these changes and taking proactive measures, you can enhance your menopausal journey for better health and happiness.

14/04/2025

I have had a few requests for online consultations and have decided to adapt with the times and requests, to offer online consultations for those who would like to see me outside of my regular hours or are too far away from my physical consultation rooms.

These appointments will need to be booked via private message, for the time being. I will open my availability from 1 May 2025 for online appointments.

14/04/2025

Understanding the why of weight gain during menopause is an important part of traversing this period with our sanity intact - right ladies of a certain age??

We all want to feel good and look good, but sometimes the expectations of the world around us present us with a false picture of what is achievable, and most importantly what is healthy!

An extra little fat roll or two is actually a good thing as we enter menopause, science has shown us that ladies carrying a little more weight, actually have a more robust transitions and time in old age. We need the extra fat to help protect our bodies from trauma and illness (not to mention fill in a few wrinkles). We also produce estrogen from our fat cells (adipose tissue for the fancy pants term), which has so many functions, so whilst the ovaries have given up at working so hard, adipose tissue is taking over to fill the shortfall we need to age robustly. I am not saying we need to be obese, but high normal and low overweight is actually a good place to be, everyone is individual and what is good for me, is not necessarily good for you.

So be kind and embrace a healthy softer figure, unless you are an A-lister in the next action packed, Hollywood blockbuster - chillout and enjoy life - have some healthy fats in your diet.

I will share a few more pointers this week on a healthy diet during menopause, so keep on being fab ladies!!

19/03/2025

It boggles the mind to think that what we eat is actually actively trying to sabotage our efforts to remain healthy - big food and big $$$ - steer clear of ultra processed foods. If you are fortunate enough to be able to source home grown / small scale farming foods, do so. Big companies seemingly have abandoned the wellbeing of humans, for the wellbeing of their own back pockets $$$.

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19/03/2025

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Be aware of the hidden toxins in our foods, but foods your grand mother will recognise and steer clear of ultra processed food. Learn how to read food labels to protect you and your family.

21/02/2025

20/02/2025

Who has been sleeping badly lately? As we age our sleep is affected by the changes to our hormones, nothing like sleepless nights to darken my mood! Luckly nature provides us with many sleep-inducing herbs.

19/02/2025

Iron deficiency is widespread, and we can help our bodies absorb more iron from foods,
eating vitamin rich foods while eating your iron rich foods helps to boost the absorption of iron.