Naturopath Queanbeyan NSW

09/04/2026

Back to my original post about the carnivore diet, after doing some research do I think it's good or bad?
From what I have learnt, I think if you want to try a carnivore diet then have some pathology testing done so you can monitor risk factors like increasing LDL cholesterol. Keep a symptom diary from day 1 do you can see when/if symptoms improve. Make a note of negative changes eg constipation, reflux, tiredness.
Put a time limit on your trial - there's still not enough rigorous research to suggest that a carnivore diet is without risks in the long term.
Consult a health care professional who is trained in nutrition - someone like me who is qualified in functional nutrition (as well as naturopathy and herbal medicine)
A huge thank you to my friend who sent my on a learning journey. I like to have my thoughts and opinions challenged, it's what makes me a science nerd 😁

05/04/2026

Still interested in trying the carnivore diet but don’t want to gamble with your health?
Here’s a more cautious approach, based on current evidence:
• Set a clear trial period (e.g. 4–8 weeks) instead of going for an indeterminate period. Start with 4 weeks, if you see improvements go for longer. I would suggest 3 to 6 months so you can monitor your progress through pathology testing.
• Prioritise nutrient dense animal foods: eggs, seafood, dairy (if tolerated), and organ meats; avoid living on just steak and bacon. Eating a variety of animal protein is beneficial.
• Supplement likely gaps (vitamin C, magnesium, iodine, possibly calcium and vitamin D) and keep electrolytes up.
• Pathology testing before and after: lipids, kidney function, iron studies, B12, vitamin D, and other markers your clinician recommends.
If weight, energy and labs improve, you might then carefully re introduce some low reactive plant foods to expand nutrients and fibre.

31/03/2026

Despite large studies still link high red and processed meat intake with more heart disease and earlier death, many advocates of the carnivore diet downplay the risks of increased/high LDL (bad cholesterol). Research into the carnivore diet shows a mixed picture: while some metabolic makers improve eg blood glucose and insulin resistance markers, LDL and total cholesterol often climb, sometimes to very high levels.
There still isn't longitudinal studies into the outcome of strict carnivore diets, so claiming it’s “heart protective” is a bit of a stretch. Until there is more data available on the long term effects of the carnivore diet, it’s safer to assume that very high LDL still matters, especially if you already have cardiovascular disease risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Again, get baseline pathology tests before starting a carnivore diet eg blood lipids will what you r cholesterol is, then when ou retest at 3 and 6 months you can see if the changes are for the better or not.

30/03/2026

A common influencer comment supporting the carnivore diet is that meat has everything you need – the data disagree.
Analysing the carnivore diet shows frequent shortfalls in vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iodine without very careful food selection.
You can fill some gaps with organ meats - liver, kidneys, heart, etc. This takes planning, and still fails to fill all the gaps, so you're going to have to take supplements.
Removing grains, fruit and vegetables also removes almost all fibre, which feeds gut bacteria that make short chain fatty acids like butyrate for gut and immune health. Over time, that may affect bowel habits, microbiome diversity and inflammation.
If you choose to eat a carnivore diet , supplement with missing or low nutrients (as a naturopath and nutritionist I can help you with this). Think about what you can do about your gut health - research continues to highlight the importance of a healthy gut to ongoing health and wellbeing. Have baseline pathology testing done, then follow-up in 3 and 6 months. Track your weight loss, changes in gut symptoms, and other improvements. That way you will know if this diet works for you or not.

28/03/2026

Can't come in person to my clinic for a face to face appointment? Request a TeleHealth appointment (you add the request to the comments section when you book your appointment)
TeleHealth is a safe and secure platform that allows me to have a face to face consultation with you remotely. I've been using TeleHealth successfully since 2020.

27/03/2026

“All meat, no plants” sounds simple – and for some, it can bring quick wins. If you are obese or are insulin resistant you might see weight loss, better blood glucose management, and fewer cravings.
High protein can help you feel fuller for longer. It also helps to preserve muscle. Some people on the carnivore diet report an improvement in joint pain and/or gut symptoms like bloating. These are thought to be anecdotal with no rigourous research to support the findings at this stage.
I'll say it again, studies also show higher LDL cholesterol, missing vitamin C and key minerals, no fibre, and unknown long term effects on heart, kidneys and gut microbiome.
Still want to try the carnivore diet? Use it as a short term intervention under professional guidance. Don't think of it as a "cure all" Labs and symptoms matter more than influencers.

18/03/2026

I was talking to a friend last night who told me that she and her husband were on the carnivore diet - no grains, no fruit and veg. My friend has lost weight, and not bloated, and she feels great.She and her husband have been in the fitness industry for over 30 years, and I have a great deal of respect for their thoughts and ideas.
This diet goes against everything I've learnt about healthy eating, particularly when it comes to gut health (my area of expertise). So I'm off to do some research and see what I can learn about the benefits (and risks) of the carnivore diet.

10/03/2026

Nutritious, gluten free breakfast
People who have to eat gluten free often struggle to eat a nutritious, cereal ased breakfast. This is my go to - buckwheat bircher style breakfast. Soak 1/2 cup raw buckwheat kernals overnight. Next morning, drain and rinse. In a bowl mix around 150-200g Greek yoghurt (it has more protein than regular yoghurt) with some dried fruit (I like prunes or dates) into the buckwheat. You now have a nutritious, fibre filled breakfast. I like to add some more fruit before I eat it. This recipe provides 2-3 serves, depending on how hungry you are.

24/02/2026

What if the key to having a life with more energy, greater focus, and less stress was what you put on your plate.
Research continually shows that good nutrition us essential to having more energy, better productivity at work and at home, and improved mental wellbeing. People with healthier diets have higher energy, better cognitive performance, and lower rates of illness and absenteeism compared to those with poor diets.
So what's on your plate today? 🤓🫛🥦🍆🌽🥔
The photo is of a banana flower salad - packed with lots of veges, and protein.

15/01/2026

How are you New Year's resolutions going? If you're one of the many people who cannot sustain the changes you plan it does not make you a failure. Most New Year's resolutions fail. We don't magically reset on January 1. The way forward is to look at the goals you set, and review the steps you need to achieve those goals. If you plan to improve your fitness, how to you intend to achieve this? Any life changing goal needs planning. So go back to your resolution and write down how you intend to achieve it. Set out steps towards your goal. Start small - small successes encourage bigger successes. You can do this.
Need help with health related goals? Book an appointment to see me here https://www.moonhawk.com.au/bookings/ My appointments are face to face or via TeleHealth.

Moonhawk Healing Natural Therapies is a wellness practice that has been providing safe and effective healthcare to the Canberra Region since 1999. Have a look for yourself.

13/01/2026

Trying to get pregnant, or pregnant? DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. My final Thesis for my Degree was on alcohol related birth defects. It was scary to research and write. Alcohol is a teratogen – it causes foetal abnormalities. Alcohol crosses the placenta and effects the foetus the same way it effects the mother. Alcohol may affect foetal development before you know that you are pregnant. Risk to the foetus increases as alcohol consumption and frequency increases. I know there are women who may have consumed alcohol before they knew they were pregnant, had had healthy babies. But, is it worth the risk?
Concerned about how to stop alcohol before you get pregnant? Talk to your health care professional. Organisations such as Lifeline and Alcoholics Anonymous can help. There’s also apps that can help you track your alcohol consumption and help you set goals to reduce alcohol consumption.
Want tips on diet and lifestyle to help you pre- and post-conception? Book an appointment to see me here https://www.moonhawk.com.au/bookings/ My appointments are face to face or via TeleHealth.

12/01/2026

Some good reasons to reduce alcohol consumption.
Women metabolise alcohol differently to men, making the effects of alcohol happen faster and longer lasting. Women break down alcohol more slowly than men, leading to a higher blood alcohol concentration. It’s also worth noting that risks associated with alcohol consumption increase at a faster rate for women compared to men.
Concerned about how to stop alcohol Talk to your health care professional. Organisations such as Lifeline and Alcoholics Anonymous can help. There are also apps that can help you track your alcohol consumption and help you set goals to reduce alcohol consumption.
Book an appointment to see me here https://www.moonhawk.com.au/bookings/ My appointments are face to face or via TeleHealth.