GBA Therapy

07/04/2026

Happy World Health Day!

Today is a reminder that our health isn’t something that “just happens” — it’s something we shape, one small choice at a time.

You don’t need a dramatic overhaul to protect yourself from chronic diseases.
You just need small, steady steps like:

Adding an extra glass of water

Taking a 10‑minute walk

Swapping one processed snack for something fresh

Prioritising sleep

Checking in with your mental wellbeing

These tiny habits compound into powerful long‑term change.
Your future self will thank you for the choices you make today.
Here’s to taking charge of your health, one simple step at a time.

www.gbatherapy.com

18/03/2026

I thought I would share an unexpected, positive result of GLP-1 use. If you are considering using weight loss medication, please consult a professional first. It is so important to get assessed for any deficiencies and ensue that your dietary requirements are met throughout the process.

GLP‑1 medications are unintentionally reshaping diets in ways that ripple far beyond personal health. As more people using drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide naturally reduce their intake of meat and ultra‑processed foods (UPFs), early evidence suggests meaningful environmental side‑effects — and they’re surprisingly positive. This shift isn’t driven by climate messaging or sustainability campaigns, but by changes in appetite and food preferences that alter what millions of people choose to eat.

🌍 How GLP‑1s are changing eating patterns
Research and industry reports show that GLP‑1 users consistently eat less meat, especially beef, and fewer high‑calorie, highly processed foods.
• A large consumer study found that 45% of people on GLP‑1 drugs now eat less beef, rising to 50% among those who have injected the medication.
• Analysts note that GLP‑1s reduce demand for snack foods, sugary drinks, and other indulgent UPFs, because appetite and cravings decline.
• Commentators observing long‑term trends suggest GLP‑1s may be nudging people toward more whole, plant‑based foods, simply because these foods feel better and are easier to digest while on the medication.
These shifts are happening at scale. Tens of millions of people worldwide are expected to be using GLP‑1 medications in the coming years, meaning even small dietary changes add up to major environmental effects.

🌱 Environmental benefits from reduced meat consumption
Beef and lamb are among the most resource‑intensive foods on the planet. When people eat less of them, several environmental gains follow:
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions — beef production is one of the largest agricultural sources of methane.
• Reduced land use — fewer cattle mean less land needed for grazing and feed crops.
• Less deforestation pressure — especially in regions where forests are cleared for cattle ranching or soy feed production.
• Lower water use — beef has one of the highest water footprints of any food.
Because GLP‑1 users are cutting back on beef more than any other food category, the environmental impact is disproportionately positive.

🥗 Benefits from reduced ultra‑processed food consumption
Ultra‑processed foods carry their own environmental footprint:
• Heavy reliance on industrial agriculture for cheap commodity crops.
• Energy‑intensive manufacturing and packaging.
• High levels of plastic waste from single‑use wrappers.
• Long, complex supply chains that increase transport emissions.
As GLP‑1 users shift away from UPFs toward simpler, whole foods, demand for these resource‑intensive products decreases. Food companies are already noticing this trend and beginning to reformulate or diversify their offerings.

🌎 System‑wide ripple effects
When millions of people change their eating habits — even slightly — the food system responds. Analysts are already seeing:
• Reduced beef demand, which pressures the meat industry to adapt.
• More interest in plant‑forward meals, even among people who never intended to change their diet.
• Shifts in grocery spending, with smaller portions and fewer impulse purchases.
• Opportunities for sustainable food innovation, as companies adjust to new consumer patterns.
These changes are not driven by environmental activism — they’re emerging organically from how GLP‑1s affect appetite, cravings, and satiety.

🌟 A positive, unexpected climate story
GLP‑1 medications were never designed to influence the environment, yet they may be doing exactly that. By reducing demand for the most resource‑intensive foods and encouraging simpler, less processed eating patterns, they’re creating a quiet but meaningful shift toward a more sustainable food system.
The scale of GLP‑1 adoption means these effects could grow significantly over the next decade. If current trends continue, GLP‑1s may become one of the most unexpected contributors to climate‑friendly eating — not through guilt or restriction, but through biology.

www.gbatherapy.com

16/03/2026

Blood sugar swings can amplify anxiety during perimenopause and menopause. Gentle nutrition support can make a real difference. If you’re thinking about supplements, it’s important to get assessed for deficiencies first. Personalised guidance helps you feel steadier and more supported.

16/03/2026

🌿 The Hidden Link Between Perimenopause/Menopause Anxiety & Blood Sugar Swings
If you’ve been feeling more anxious, wired-but-tired, or suddenly overwhelmed during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not imagining it. One of the most overlooked triggers is blood sugar instability — and it can make emotional symptoms feel so much bigger than they already are.
When oestrogen begins to fluctuate, your body becomes more sensitive to changes in blood sugar. That means:
• Bigger dips = more anxiety
• Bigger spikes = more irritability
• Rollercoasters = feeling out of control
And if you’ve been through trauma, your nervous system may already be primed to react quickly, making these swings feel even more intense.
You’re not “too emotional.”
Your body is asking for steadiness.

🌸 How to Support Blood Sugar Balance (Without Restriction or Perfection)
These gentle shifts can help calm the highs and lows:
• Eat protein with every meal — eggs, Greek yoghurt, tofu, chicken, beans, fish. Protein slows the release of glucose and keeps you steadier for longer.
• Add healthy fats — avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil. These help stabilise energy and mood.
• Choose slow‑release carbs — oats, quinoa, whole grains, lentils, sweet potatoes. They give you fuel without the crash.
• Include colourful veg — fibre supports gut health, which is closely linked to mood and hormone balance.
• Avoid long gaps between meals — going too long without eating can trigger adrenaline, which feels exactly like anxiety.
• Reduce caffeine if you’re feeling jittery — especially on an empty stomach.
• Prioritise gentle nervous system support — breathing exercises, walking, grounding, or anything that helps your body feel safe.
These aren’t rules — they’re invitations to help your body feel steadier and more supported.

🌼 A gentle note about supplements
Supplements can be helpful, but they’re not one‑size‑fits‑all. In perimenopause and menopause, deficiencies in things like magnesium, B vitamins, iron, or omega‑3s can play a role in anxiety and energy swings — but guessing can sometimes make symptoms worse.
If you’re considering supplements, it’s really important to get a proper assessment so you know what your body actually needs.
You’re welcome to book an assessment with me, or speak with another qualified professional you trust. What matters most is that you get guidance that’s tailored to you, not a generic plan.

🌻 You don’t have to navigate this alone
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This is me… this is exactly what I’ve been feeling,” please know there is nothing wrong with you. Your body is going through real, measurable changes — and with the right support, you can feel calmer, clearer, and more in control again.
If you’d like a personalised guide to help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and what would support you best, just send me a message. I’m here to help you feel steady again.

www.gbatherapy.com

04/03/2026

Oestrogen influences the gut in several ways, and when levels fall, it can affect mood, digestion, and metabolism. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms are persistent or disruptive, but understanding the connection can help you make supportive choices.

🌿 How low oestrogen affects the gut
Oestrogen helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome and supports the gut lining. When levels drop, the estrobolome (the group of gut bacteria involved in processing oestrogen) can shift. This imbalance may contribute to digestive changes and altered metabolism. Research highlights that gut dysbiosis can influence how efficiently calories are extracted from food, meaning some people may absorb more energy from the same meals during times of hormonal change.
Low oestrogen also affects serotonin pathways. Because a large portion of serotonin is produced in the gut, changes in the microbiome and hormone levels can contribute to low mood or emotional sensitivity.

🌱 Ways to support gut health during low‑oestrogen phases
Supporting the gut can help ease some of the knock‑on effects of hormonal shifts. Evidence‑based strategies include:
• Increase fibre‑rich foods — Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support regular digestion. A diverse, fibre‑rich diet is linked with a healthier estrobolome.
• Include fermented foods — Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods introduce helpful bacteria and support microbial diversity.
• Add prebiotic foods — Garlic, onions, asparagus, leeks, and bananas feed beneficial bacteria and help maintain balance.
• Stay hydrated — Adequate hydration supports digestion and helps the gut function smoothly.
• Reduce processed foods and excess sugar — These can disrupt the microbiome and contribute to inflammation. Focusing on whole foods supports both gut and hormone health.
• Manage stress — Chronic stress can negatively affect gut bacteria and digestion. Practices like gentle movement, breathing exercises, or mindfulness can help regulate the gut–brain axis.
• Consider probiotics or fibre supplements — Some people benefit from targeted supplements, though it’s best to discuss this with a healthcare professional to find an appropriate option.

www.gbatherapy.com

26/02/2026

Meditation isn’t about “emptying your mind.” It’s about training your nervous system to work with you instead of against you.

When stress keeps your body stuck in fight‑or‑flight, everything becomes harder — focus, cravings, sleep, mood, even long‑term health. Meditation helps switch you back into rest‑and‑digest, where your body can finally breathe again.

You’ll notice the ripple effects everywhere: calmer reactions, fewer stress‑driven cravings, more mindful choices, and better support for your overall wellbeing. It’s one of the simplest habits with the biggest impact.

Start small. Stay consistent. Let your body remember what calm feels like.

www.gbatherapy.com

23/02/2026

🚰 Viral Claim vs Reality: Is “Modern Water” Really Dehydrating You?
A wellness influencer recently claimed that tap and bottled water is “dead,” “dehydrating,” and stripping your electrolytes. Sounds dramatic — but the science doesn’t back it up.
💡 The truth:
There’s zero evidence that safe, treated drinking water harms hydration. Chlorination keeps water free from dangerous pathogens, and your body is perfectly equipped to maintain electrolyte balance when you drink plain water.
🥤 What actually matters:
Hydration needs vary from person to person, and fluids from food count too — but avoiding clean water or relying on pricey supplements isn’t necessary for most healthy people.
🌍 Why this matters:
Misleading hydration claims can push people away from safe water or into unnecessary spending. Clean drinking water remains one of the biggest public health wins in history.
Bottom line: Modern water isn’t “dead.” It’s safe, effective, and keeps you hydrated — no gimmicks required.
💧 Electrolytes, Hydration & “Dead Water” — What the Science Actually Says
There’s a lot of noise online about plain water “diluting your electrolytes” or leaving you dehydrated. The reality is far less dramatic.
🔬 What your body actually does:
Your kidneys, hormones and thirst response constantly regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. In healthy people, drinking plain water does not push electrolytes to dangerous levels — your body simply excretes what it doesn’t need.
🥗 Where electrolytes really come from:
Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium mostly come from food, not water. A normal diet easily replaces what you lose through everyday activity.
🏃 When electrolytes do matter:
They’re genuinely useful during:
• intense or prolonged exercise
• heavy sweating
• vomiting or diarrhoea
Outside of these situations, most people don’t need powders or sports drinks — and many are marketed far beyond their actual purpose.
🧪 Expert insight:
Doctors emphasise that your intestines absorb water efficiently on their own. Electrolytes help in specific scenarios, but for everyday life, plain water + a balanced diet keeps you perfectly hydrated.
🌿 What about “ancestral hydration”?
Our ancestors drank broths, fermented drinks and herbal infusions because clean water wasn’t always safe — not because these were superior hydration strategies. Modern treated water is one of the biggest public‑health achievements in history.
✨ The takeaway:
You haven’t been “lied to” about water. Hydration isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, but safe drinking water does not cause dehydration. Listen to your body, eat well, and drink what keeps you feeling good.

www.gbatherapy.com

16/02/2026

New research, including a large systematic review published in Obesity Reviews, shows that many people regain weight after stopping GLP‑1 medications. These treatments can be incredibly effective while you’re on them — but once they stop, appetite signals and metabolic patterns often return, making long‑term maintenance harder.

At GBA Therapy, I see this all the time: lasting change comes from understanding your body, supporting your biology, and building habits that continue beyond any prescription. Medication can be a powerful tool — but it works best alongside personalised nutrition and clear guidance.

If you’re looking for clarity on what your body needs, my £90 Nutritional Deficiency Assessment can help you understand the root causes behind your symptoms and support your long‑term progress.

www.gbatherapy.com

14/02/2026

❤️
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Eat your chocolate,
Then crush your goals too! 💪

With love from Ellie —
Wishing you love, laughs, and a little indulgence too! 💖

10/02/2026

C R A V I N G S

I just stumbled across a reel of woman, with an "enviable" physique, who was sharing "nutritional advice" on how to achieve her look.

Her advice was simple, she recommended that, if you are feeling hungry, but don't want to eat an egg or a piece of chicken, then you aren't really hungry. Just drink a glass of water and carry on with your day.

This seemingly harmless piece of misinformation made me feel sad. We are living in a time where "skinny" is becoming desirable again. We are being encouraged to deprive our bodies and compromise our mental, and physical, health in order to achieve a certain aesthetic.

What happens when "strong" or "thicc" become en vogue once more? Great for the younger women, meanwhile the women from this generation are facing osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, fertility issues, and a whole host of other chronic illnesses.

Our brains need glucose to function, Yes, absolutely chicken and eggs contain vital nutrients for brain health. However, if the craving is for sweet-grab some berries or a banana. Chicken will not satiate the craving and you will be more likely to to reach for a processed, sugary snack as the brain fog intensifies. Protein is so important in a diet, but balance is crucial. Incorporating slow release complex carbs into your diet will help to avoid these cravings.

Deficiencies cause us to crave certain foods. Sensors in the bowel track food intake and signal what is required to the brain.

Mindfulness is such an important factor in healing the mind/body connection. Breaking disordered eating patterns, understanding how to regain control of our bodies, learning to interpret cravings and simply falling in love with ourselves from within.

Approach cravings with curiosity. "Am I hungry? Am I tired? Am I thirsty? Is this hormonal?"

Allow twenty minutes or so to see if the craving passes. Completely ignoring or suppressing these signals could lead to nutritional deficiencies, risk chronic illness and lead to an unhealthy relationship with your body further down the line.

Inhabit your body, work with it rather than constantly battling it. It knows what to do, if you approach it with kindness.

Please note that intense cravings, or cravings accompanied with other symptoms, could indicate intolerance, hormonal imbalance or signs of disease and should be investigated.

www.gbatherapy.com

29/01/2026

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-daily-mail-gambling-with-your-health-demand-qualified-experts-not-youtube-gurus?recruiter=1400936872&recruited_by_id=0d9537e0-fc33-11f0-8bc1-c110154facd3&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490993409_en-GB%3A9

Stop the Daily Mail Gambling With Your Health: Demand Qualified Experts, Not YouTube Gurus

05/01/2026

M I S I N F O R M A T I O N

2026 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for GBA Therapy.

The Weight-loss Workshops recommence this week. They are pretty much fully booked, however if I have enough interest, I can look into adding an additional one. Trauma retreats begin in June and I will also be speaking at a menopause seminar in the New Forest. More details to follow. In addition to this, I am currently working on bringing out a brand new support program, which is hugely exciting.

Last December I attended a three day symposium which drew attention to misinformation in social media. I always knew it was a problem, but the statistics are pretty shocking.

-Only 9% of Tik Tok creators providing mental health advice hold a relevant, professional qualification.
-At least 60% of medical advice was non-factual.
-100% of analysed ADHD advice contained misleading information.
-67% of advice surrounding alternative medicine was found to be false or misleading.
-83.7% mental health advice was found to be misleading.
-82% of nutrition posts didn't disclose they were advertising, nor did they disclose financial conflicts.
-85% of medical posts did not mention potential harm or risk.

This industry is preying upon people when they are at their lowest and searching for help, in order to profit. For example, I see countless posts about magnesium supporting sleep, especially in menopausal women. I know through experience how desperate sleep deprivation can make a person. Yes, it could be due to magnesium deficiency. It could also be due to one, or many, other reasons. Not once have I seen an "influencer" warn of the severe health risks of taking too much magnesium.

If you wish to start supplementing, please always speak to your GP or get an assessment from a nutritionist first.

These statistics are just an example of what was discussed. Myself, and others who hold qualifications in this field, have decided to make 2026 the year we tackle the dangerous misinformation in social media. We are joining up with a researcher in disproving misleading information at UCL to raise awareness of this issue and to disprove false information with science-backed evidence.

So expect a lot of that! If there is anything you have seen which has rung alarm bells, or you have found to be confusing, please reach out and we can discuss it.

www.gbatherapy.com