Melissa McDonald Naturopath

Melissa McDonald Naturopath Private 1:1 consultations are available:
- Face-to-face in Sydney & Central Coast NSW.
- Online via Zoom platforms. Get in touch today!

Mel McDonald Naturopath (BHSc)

Mel is a clinical naturopath and nutritionist with a deep passion for mental health; mood and neurological disorders, chronic skin issues, hormonal & digestive health.

Here's a few love notes from my clients over the past few years. I am so grateful to be a Naturopath, and to help others...
17/07/2025

Here's a few love notes from my clients over the past few years. I am so grateful to be a Naturopath, and to help others on their health journey.

As you might already know - healing is not linear and takes time. I am indebted to get you on the right path.

I absolutely love being a naturopath but there is a catch…
15/07/2025

I absolutely love being a naturopath but there is a catch…

Patiently waiting for our little papadam. Entering the realm of pregnancy constitutes a profound and transformative expe...
10/07/2025

Patiently waiting for our little papadam.

Entering the realm of pregnancy constitutes a profound and transformative experience that extends beyond the evident physical changes in your body.

But, it's the constant thoughts that run pass through your mind: Am I ready, are WE ready? What will happen to my body, what will it look like after? Is my baby kicking enough? Is my baby receiving enough nutrients when i'm vomiting all day? Why do people wear such awfully strong perfume? And not to mention the nausea, which might I mention, took a toll on me, I remember getting to 20 weeks and thinking when will this end?

One aspect I’ve struggled with the most is how over-medicalised pregnancy has become. The conventional model tends to focus on treating disease rather than preventing it. Coming from an integrative and holistic background, I’ve always aimed to prevent illness before it arises. But working within conventional systems has often left me with unanswered questions. It feels like they wait until pathology appears before taking action. Unfortunately, there’s little emphasis on true preventative care - no guidance or recommendations to help you avoid the conditions or complications that could arise from certain lifestyle or health choices.

But nonetheless, I am in constant awe of the female body. Pregnancy is a profound reminder of the way a woman’s body adapts, stretches, and transforms to create and sustain life. From expanding organs to shifting bones, all in service of growing an entirely new human being, the female body carries out a biological marvel. This process speaks not only to physical strength but also to deep emotional resilience and enduring love. A woman’s body is far more than a vessel - it’s a living testament to one of nature’s most extraordinary designs.

Today, Australia banned PFAS — the “forever chemicals” hiding in your cookware, makeup, and even food packaging.While th...
01/07/2025

Today, Australia banned PFAS — the “forever chemicals” hiding in your cookware, makeup, and even food packaging.

While this is a HUGE win for public health, the truth is... PFAS are still in our bodies and our homes. they don’t break down easily — and can quietly contribute to skin flares, gut issues, fatigue, hormone disruption, and more.

Here’s the good news: with the right food, herbs, and habits, your body can detox gently and naturally.

Start with small swaps. Filter your water. Support your liver. Work with a practitioner who understands the whole picture.

This is a moment to celebrate — and an opportunity to take action.
if you’re not sure where to start, I'm here to help 💛

📍 Book a naturopath consult
💬 DM me with your questions

Get to know me! 💌 What inspired you to start working in your field? After high school, I did a small modelling stint, an...
08/05/2025

Get to know me!

💌 What inspired you to start working in your field?
 
After high school, I did a small modelling stint, and through this I was discovering healthy eating, nutrition and plant-based diets - this is what led me to start studying nutrition. The pressures of modelling, some life stressors and eating plant-based significantly depleted me and that’s where I found Naturopathy. I was living in New Zealand at the time, and suffered from adult acne, and met a Naturopath who prescribed me this awful tonic which cured my acne and helped manage my stress.
 
💌 What’s one thing most people don’t know about your job?

The copious amount of hours spent behind the scenes, researching your conditions and appropriate herbs or nutraceuticals, making compounding products or herbal tonics/creams, or the 30+ hours per year of continued professional development. I am lucky to leave the clinic by 8pm sometimes! Luckily my partner is a good cook!
 
💌 How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?
 
There’s a few things - If it’s daylight savings, I love to go surfing. I have a little surfing community who surf in the afternoon and it’s a great way to relax. Unfortunately, that surfing ship sailed for me, as I’ve recently hit my third trimester in pregnancy. Showers are also a great way for me to relax - I am a cancer and I find water very calming for my nervous system.
 
💌 What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
 
I love a soy cap - I am a little bit of a coffee snob so I only go to certain cafe’s, especially if they sell the yummy milk Bonsoy, or if they are busy. Coffee can easily grow mold on the beans, so it’s important that they rotate their beans and use fresh.
 
💌 What’s one piece of advice you give clients all the time?
 
Remember this: You don’t have to do everything, just something. Small changes = big impacts. Don’t fall into the perfection trap… Health isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making choices that work for YOU.

Are you struggling with gut issues? Here are three habits you should break to help alleviate your symptoms:1. Snacking i...
15/04/2025

Are you struggling with gut issues? Here are three habits you should break to help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Snacking in between meals - Did you know that snacking can disrupt the MMC (migrating motor complex)? This can lead to incomplete digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can exacerbate gut issues.

2. Having coffee on an empty stomach - While coffee can be a great pick-me-up, having it on an empty stomach can increase gastric emptying and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Try having your coffee after breakfast instead.

3. Not sitting down to eat food - Eating on the go or while standing up can reduce the digestive effects of your food and hinder proper chewing in the mouth. This can lead to undigested food and dysbiosis.

By breaking these habits, you can help support your gut health and alleviate your symptoms.

Have you ever wondered why you feel sick in the stomach when you are anxious? It's all connected. In general, antidepres...
03/04/2025

Have you ever wondered why you feel sick in the stomach when you are anxious? It's all connected.

In general, antidepressants change the way your brain uses certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) to better regulate your mood and behavior... but are we supporting the wrong organ?

A little life update…(TW - pregnancy) It’s very hard to hide this beautiful and expanding bump in my belly, and both my ...
20/03/2025

A little life update…

(TW - pregnancy)

It’s very hard to hide this beautiful and expanding bump in my belly, and both my partner Jim and I will be patiently waiting until July ♋️

I am incredibly grateful to be having this experience, but also humbled by being forced to slow down. It hasn’t been easy at all the past 23 weeks, but also reminding myself that I am growing a human being.

I’ve been reluctant to announce this because of many reasons, but one in particular is because of the sensitivity of it all - I work with clients, and have friends who are on their own fertility journey, and I understand that posts like this can be extremely triggering, and I just want those who resonate to know that I see you, and I’m here to support you at any stage in your journey.

If you are my client, I will be here to support you until my departure and when I return. I will be in contact with you via email soon 💌

Hit SAVE on these gut health snack ideas high in protein to fuel your day ✨Apple + Almond ButterChia Seed Pudding + Berr...
20/03/2025

Hit SAVE on these gut health snack ideas high in protein to fuel your day ✨

Apple + Almond Butter
Chia Seed Pudding + Berries
Peanut Butter Bar + Kiwifruit
Organic Yoghurt + Amazonia Protein + Berries

What’s your favourite gut-loving snack? Let me know in the comments below ✨

🌠BUTTER VS NUTTELEXI love butter because it has a load of benefits compared to plant-based butters. 🎉Butter contains cal...
18/03/2025

🌠BUTTER VS NUTTELEX

I love butter because it has a load of benefits compared to plant-based butters. 🎉

Butter contains calcium & vitamin D, but also contains Branched-chain fatty acids (MCT’s too)that feed your gut bacteria and promote a healthier bacterial microbiome. It is VERY low in lactose too!

Always choose organic butter because normal butter is highly saturated with pesticides and herbicides.

On the otherhand...Nuttelex contains nasty vegetable oils that are coated in pesticides and nasty colours & flavours that can really mess with your digestive integrity.

Dairy gets a bad wrap nowadays, but how bad is it actually?

When your gut is inflamed, your skin is often the first to show it....Hey i'm Melissa, a gut-health and skin guru. I hel...
13/03/2025

When your gut is inflamed, your skin is often the first to show it....

Hey i'm Melissa, a gut-health and skin guru. I help hundreds of women who have chronic gut issues, always get acne right before their period and are tired all the time. Follow me for more tips

My beautiful client came to me with chronic acne - the past 15 years and has suffered, going on and off the pill with no clear answers into why.

When I started questioning her about her gut health, she said everything works perfect! Her poos were type 4 on the poo chart, regular and daily. She did however experience bloating! Ding ding...

We did a stool test as you can see SWIPE >>

Look at this bacterial overgrowth! So much inflammation.

We finally got to the bottom of her skin after a few months of gut-specific supplements as per the protocol - now she hardly gets breakouts.

Ready to improve both your gut and skin? Let’s chat!

DM me for to book your consultation now! Let’s get your gut and skin glowing.

Women with Endo have been left in the dark for too long...Approximately 1 in 7 Australian women are diagnosed with endo,...
10/03/2025

Women with Endo have been left in the dark for too long...

Approximately 1 in 7 Australian women are diagnosed with endo, and on average, there is a delay of 6 to 8 years between the onset of symptoms and a formal diagnosis. Were you one of the girls who were told by your GP that you were "too young" for endometriosis, or that you were faking your period pain to get out of school?

Approximately in 20% of women have their adhesions grow back after surgery. Are you still wondering why your IBS symptoms have come back with vengeance after 2 years?

Are you having painful s*x? I.e do you feel something being hit when you are penetrated? This is a common symptom!

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Long Jetty, NSW

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