Brad Parkinson Naturopath

06/06/2025

It's great to see these programs receive the support they need and see how they are successfully contributing to improved community care.

🌿 Supporting Women’s Health Through Community-Based Care

The Leichhardt Women's Community Health Centre has been delivering holistic, woman-centred care for over 45 years, including a dedicated naturopathic program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families in Southwestern Sydney.

The Jacka Foundation is proud to support this work through funding for a community dispensary that provides access to herbal teas, supplements, and nutritional products as part of a culturally safe, integrative model of care.

Earlier this year, the Centre received national recognition with a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who announced $4.5 million in Federal Government funding and shared his personal connection to the Centre’s legacy of care and advocacy.

We’re honoured to have Dr Ses Salmond, Manager of the Centre and a long-time practitioner and researcher, presenting at this year’s Jacka Lectures on Naturopathy and an Aboriginal Outreach Service Delivery Model.

This post marks the start of a new series highlighting Dr Salmond’s work and the impact of community-led natural healthcare.

14/05/2025

✨ Discover the Secret to a Happier, Healthier You! ✨

Have you ever wondered how your gut could be influencing your mood and overall well-being? My latest blog post, “Nourish Your Gut, Nurture Your Mind: Exploring the Gut–Brain Axis in Naturopathic Medicine,” dives deep into the fascinating connection between a balanced gut microbiota and a vibrant mind.

Learn how:
- Natural therapies like probiotics and prebiotics can support your gut health
- Incorporating resistant starch from everyday foods boosts beneficial bacteria
- Simple lifestyle changes can pave the way for improved mental clarity and mood

Ready to unlock your body's hidden potential? Click the link to read more and join us on the journey to nurturing your gut—and your mind! 🌱💚



What’s your favourite gut-friendly food? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Emerging research reveals that the trillions of microbes living in our gut are not just passive passengers—they’re active communicators with our brain. Natural strategies rooted in naturopathic medicine can help optimize this vital connection of the Gut Brain Axis and, in turn, impact our mood a...

13/05/2025

🚀 **Prevent Disease, Don’t Just Cure It!** 🚀

Henry Lindlahr, a celebrated pioneer in naturopathy, his wisdom from the early 1900s resonates profoundly even today. 🌿

Lindlahr's teachings on Nature Cure emphasised the power of proactive health measures—pure water, clean air, nutritious food, regular exercise, proper rest, and abundant sunshine. These principles form the bedrock of holistic health.

In our fast-paced modern world, embracing these natural elements is crucial to ward off illness and maintain wellness. Instead of focusing solely on cures, we should prioritise preventing diseases through healthy living and mindful practices. 🌟

Remember, a proactive approach to health not only saves costs but also enhances our quality of life. Let's honour Lindlahr's legacy by prioritising prevention and embracing the healing power of nature! 🌸

08/05/2025

🌿 The Healing Power of Forest Walking 🌿
🚶‍♂️ Science Meets Intuition 🚶‍♀️
Did you know that spending time in nature isn’t just relaxing—it actively strengthens your immune system and reduces stress! A recent study has confirmed that forest walking boosts mucosal immunity, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and enhances mood compared to urban walking.

🌳 Key Health Benefits:
✅ Increased secretory IgA—your body's first line of defence against infections
✅ Reduced cortisol levels, helping to relieve stress naturally
✅ Enhanced immune markers (CD4 & CD8), supporting overall immunity
✅ Improved mood & psychological well-being

This research validates what holistic practitioners have long advocated—nature heals. Whether it's a weekend hike or a daily walk through green spaces, prioritising time in nature can have profound effects on your health.

📖 Read the full breakdown in my blog: Click below

Tag someone who needs a nature reset! 🍃✨

28/03/2025

🌿 Did you know that herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle intervention and nutritional supplementation have all been shown to improve mental health? 🌿
✨Understanding anxiety and its comorbidities is the first step towards healing. Click below to find out how Naturopathic Medicine can improve your mental health. 👇

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is the diagnosis given to people with excessive worry and anxiety, that is difficult to control. Women are twice more likely to experience GAD than men, and a diagnosis of GAD is uncommon in children and adolescents with the incidence of GAD greatly increasing late

24/03/2025

🍎✨ An Apple’s Secret Weapon for Your Gut Health! ✨🍎 Did you know that biting into an apple is like inviting millions of beneficial bacteria to your gut? But not all apples are equal—organic apples are the real superheroes when it comes to diversity and balance in their microbiomes! 🌟
My latest blog reveals how organic apples bring more than just juicy flavour to the table—they nurture your gut health with probiotics and contribute to a healthier planet. 🌱🌍
📖 Read the full story to learn how this humble fruit could be your microbiome’s best friend:
Let us know in the comments—are you team organic apples? 🍏🍎

Did you know that every bite of an apple delivers not just juicy flavour, but a rich bounty of microorganisms that could impact your health? Research reveals that apples, organic and conventional, are home to millions of bacterial cells, making them a delicious and fascinating gateway to gut health.

19/03/2025

🎉 Exciting findings in child health research! 🎉
Study reveals that higher-than-standard vitamin D3 supplementation in the first 2 years of life may significantly reduce the risk of internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depression, at ages 6 to 8 years. 🧒🧠
Key Highlights:
🔹 1,200-IU group showed lower internalizing problems than the 400-IU group.
🔹 No difference found in externalizing behaviour between the groups.
🔹 Study supports the link between childhood vitamin D levels and reduced depressive symptoms.

However, the research also emphasizes the need for cautious optimism, as high doses of vitamin D can have potential adverse effects like allergies and growth inhibition. 🌿

Health practitioners are encouraged to screen children at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. 🌞👩‍⚕️

Stay informed and stay healthy! 💪✨

CAN HIGH-DOSE VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF LIFE DECREASE THE RISK OF PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS AT AGES 6 TO 8 YEARS? The link between Vitamin D and neurodevelopment is still shrouded in mystery. We don't know the cause-and-effect relationship, and it's unclear whether there are oppor

07/03/2025

If you're like our family and stuck in doors for the next few days, due to Cyclone Alfred and flooding, you might find some challenges managing the children. Here are a few mindfulness based games that can help!

27/02/2025

Mindfulness for children can be challenging for us adults. When my son gets Daddy play time he certainly is not going to give up playing cars and trucks, dressing up as wizards, and building spaceships with Duplo for blissing out meditating with Dad. However, posing as a superhero he would definitely be in to!

24/02/2025

The evidence for the gut–brain connection continues to increase.

In a study by Dr Kirsten Tillisch et al., the researchers sought to identify brain and behavioural characteristics of healthy women grouped by gut microbiota profiles. The study resulted in the identification of gut microbiota that interacts with brain regions associated with mood and behaviour, supporting the concept of brain-gut-microbiota interactions in healthy humans.

These findings further support the idea of supplementation with probiotics for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Click the link below to learn about two commonly used strains of probiotics that are used in the treatment of mood disorders: https://www.bradparkinson.com.au/brads-blog/2017/8/10/human-study-links-gut-microbiota-with-mood-behaviour

The evidence for the gut–brain connection continues to increase. Plenty of rodent models demonstrate the effects of gut microbiota on emotional and social behaviours, such as anxiety and depression. However, human studies are needed.