Back to Health

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

Fascinating research round up of some gut research which is constantly evolving and challenging what we thought we knew. 💪

I'm a conference addict - always on the lookout for learning more & challenging what I thought I knew, or had nailed! Because that's the beauty of science, it changes… we have to keep an open mind & drive to learn 🤓

I obsessively follow the work of the European Society of Neurogastroenterology & Motility (ESNM) - who provide a dedicated arm called Gut Microbiota for Health (GMFH), focusing on the microbiome's role in health & disease. Their 2025 year in review of published research in this area is brilliant.

Some of the biggest gut microbiome science themes emerging:
❤️ microbiome & cardiovascular risk: A metabolite called imidazole propionate (produced by specific gut bacteria) has been identified as a driver of arterial plaque & a potential early biomarker of cardiometabolic disease. We may soon be able to detect cardiovascular vulnerability before standard markers even flag it. Meanwhile, new mechanistic research is showing how gut microbes directly regulate bile acid production & cholesterol balance

🧠 The gut-brain axis: research is showing that intestinal dendritic cells can physically migrate to the brain & influence behaviour, meaning early-life microbial colonisation may have long-term neurological consequences. New findings are showing the microbiome helps regulate cortisol rhythms & circadian-HPA axis balance…. Literally mind blowing!

🔥 IBD, IBS & precision medicine: Microbiome shifts appear to precede clinical flares in Crohn's disease, opening the door to predictive biomarkers & more personalised treatment. As for IBS? A trial found that many people who believe they react to gluten may actually be responding to FODMAP load / expectation - huge clinical implications!

🧓 Prebiotics for cognitive ageing: A trial for adults over 60 found that an inulin + FOS blend improved cognitive performance versus placebo. The microbiome-brain connection is getting very practical, very fast.

The microbiome is no longer just a digestive story, it's cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, & metabolic - all combined!

This week I'll share practical tools for feeding your microbiome well: fibre, phytochemicals & a challenge you can actually do. Stay tuned.

See the full research finding here: https://f.mtr.cool/qnzczayzxi

05/02/2026

Verb Biotics has published its human clinical trial in Nature Scientific Reports with 138 participants, demonstrating its proprietary probiotic strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, GABA Probiotic LP815®, significantly improves sleep quality, reduces stress, and naturally boosts production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key neurotransmitter for calm and relaxation.

Read the full article in our February issue - subscribe today and claim a free issue - link in our bio or on our pinned post on Facebook.

05/02/2026

02/02/2026

Appointments available this weekend. The perfect place to warm up 🔥😆

02/02/2026

22/01/2026

*LIMITED SLOTS NOW OPEN FOR FEB*
This is your chance to book a discounted, 1 hr slot with me, a Registered Nutritional Therapist to ask me anything you like for yourself, or one of your family, and come away with a written mini action plan.
Common questions I get asked:
How can I tell if I am in peri-menopause?
Why can't I lose weight? Should I be taking collagen? Are there alternatives to HRT? How can I protect my bones or heart in later life? Should I be taking supplements?
Ask away! All appointments available in my Strathaven clinic.
You can book a slot at: https://l.bttr.to/32Vq3

Lucy
DipION nBANT CNHC

22/01/2026

Still a few tickets left for grabs! Grab a gal pal and get booking 😍

16/01/2026

A great Galentine's event. Connection and laughing is great for your health and wellbeing so why not try something new.

Schedule your appointment online Lochar Mill Riverside Retreat & Back to Health

13/12/2025

With a potential surge in "super flu" cases making headline news this week, here's my guide to help you power up your immune system, ready for the winter flu season.

Step 1: Optimise Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D has numerous effects on cells within the immune system. Hopefully, in the Autumn, your body laid down stores of vitamin D for the months to come, from being outside as much as you can, and exposing your arms and face to the sun. You want to get your vitamin D level above 75nmol/l for maximum immune protection. But you will still probably need to supplement.

Step 2: Optimise Levels of Vitamin C and Zinc and combine with Black Elderberry

Vitamin C boosts immunity by acting as a powerful antioxidant protecting immune cells, supporting the growth and function of white blood cells (like T-cells and B-cells), enhancing phagocyte (e.g., neutrophils) movement to infection sites, strengthening skin barriers, and helping regulate inflammation, making immune responses more effective and reducing oxidative stress from fighting pathogens.

Zinc supports healthy immune function and enhances immune T-cell activity, which is what fights infections.

Viruses get into body cells by puncturing their walls with tiny spikes made of a substance called hemagglutinin. Black elderberry disarms these spikes by binding to them and preventing them from penetrating the cell membrane.

Step 3: Reboot your immune system

By going ketogenic for 5 to 7 days you can reboot your immune system. It's also an excellent way to start the 2026 - giving your body and brain a total reboot! If you start planning it now, you'll be ready to go, come the New Year. Read more about ketogenic dieting and its benefits.

Read my full blog for more detail on actions to take to power up your immunity - https://bit.ly/3V2uaox

And to dig deep, get my book 'Flu Fighters' - https://bit.ly/3MDxK7i