Phillip Chua - Naturopath & Herbalist

24/11/2025

Processed food and my gut broke up...
It just wasn’t a 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 relationship.

23/11/2025

The foods that we are most attached to are often the ones that hurt us the most.

Gluten, which is present in grains and casein that is in dairy products, may not properly digest in those with impaired gut function.

When improper digestion of these proteins occurs, the structure is very similar to the chemical structure of opiates. These structures are then called gluteomorphins and casomorphins, and are detectable within the urine of patients.

These proteins are thought to be able to pass through the blood brain barrier and then interact with the brain which can worsen symptom pictures.

21/11/2025

Children’s guts are still developing — and things like C-sections, antibiotics and poor diet can affect microbial diversity early on.

A healthy microbiome supports learning, immunity, and emotional regulation. Building resilience starts with nutrient-dense foods, meat stock, fermented veggies, and outdoor play.

Many parents underestimate the importance a STRONG nutritional foundation plays especially through growth spurts and hormonal surges.

If your child struggles with eczema, tummy pain or food reactions — we can gently rebuild their gut health naturally. https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1

20/11/2025

We all want our kids to be strong, to thrive and to be able to be more robust to deal with life’s challenges. Get in touch when you are ready to help your kids feel better. https://www.phillipchua.com/

19/11/2025

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙂𝘼𝙋𝙎 (𝙂𝙪𝙩 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙚)?
Over the years that I have been in practice, it has been a constant refinement of working out what works. In a world where we are weighed down with information overload, finding practical, implementable solutions for my clients is what I have looked for in food therapy.

In many ways, the GAPS diet is about returning to the way our ancestors prepared and consumed foods, and that traditional use is really powerful. Focusing on nutrient density and supporting gut function is the foundation that allows the rest of our health to flow.

17/11/2025

Common medications like NSAIDs, PPIs and antibiotics can harm the intestinal lining.
- NSAIDs (painkillers) can damage enterocytes in up to 80% of users.
- PPIs reduce stomach acid, impairing digestion and encouraging bacterial overgrowth.
- Antibiotics disrupt microbiota diversity.

If these are part of your health picture, gut repair becomes even more important.
Nutrient-dense foods, probiotic-rich ferments and a slow reintroduction of soothing broths can help restore balance.

𝘔𝘺 𝘨𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 — 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 “𝘨𝘶𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩”!

If long-term medications have left your digestion off track, let’s focus on rebuilding your barrier and microbiome together.

https://www.phillipchua.com/

16/11/2025

Yogurt is a living food, full of active, beneficial bacteria that have a vital job to do.

Read this blog to learn about fermentation, why lactose free is important and why homemade is a must when it comes to yoghurt,

https://www.phillipchua.com/post/yoghurt-all-you-need-to-know

FERMENTATION TIME IS PARAMOUNT TO BOUNTIFUL BACTERIAYogurt fermentation time and temperature impact the bacterial quality of homemade yogurt. At the right temperature, milk turns to yogurt in 6 - 8 hours. But yogurt is not a food to rush along or be impatient with. Yogurt is a living food, full of a...

14/11/2025

Bread might be comforting, but sometimes your gut just kneads a break!

14/11/2025

𝐆𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤
Gluten can trigger a protein called zonulin, which loosens the tight junctions between intestinal cells. This mechanism increases gut permeability in sensitive individuals.
Even non-coeliac gluten sensitivity can lead to elevated zonulin and inflammation. Removing gluten allows tight junctions to reseal, reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

Unsure whether gluten is contributing to your symptoms? A short elimination can reveal a lot. Book a review to explore a personalised plan. https://www.phillipchua.com/

13/11/2025

Zonulin is like the gatekeeper protein for your gut — it opens and closes the tight junctions.
When zonulin is overproduced (triggered by gluten, bacteria, or stress), those junctions loosen, increasing permeability.
Chronic elevation is linked to autoimmune disease, insulin resistance, and neurological issues.
Dietary changes, probiotics, and gut-healing nutrients can help regulate zonulin and restore barrier strength.

12/11/2025

Christmas time is coming fast!!

Are you ready? Here are some ideas plus gift vouchers!

12/11/2025

𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 – 𝐆𝐮𝐭’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝
Fermented foods have been healing guts for centuries. Sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt introduce live beneficial bacteria that reinforce the gut barrier and reduce inflammation. They also help maintain mucin production — your gut’s protective mucus layer.

Start slow — just a teaspoon of kraut juice or a few sips of kefir can gently reintroduce microbes.

My gut bacteria love fermented foods — they’re totally 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥! 😂

Curious how to safely add ferments to your diet? Let’s design a gut-friendly introduction plan that suits your system. https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1