Integrative GP Dr. Lily Tomas dives into the many complexities involved in fibromyalgia, a condition underpinned by chronic, systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Our Ambassador Dr. Michelle Woolhouse opens the conversation discussing the many aetiologies of fibromyalgia which include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, mast cell activation, microglia activation, peripheral and central sensitisation. They discuss common risk factors such as Vitamin D deficiency, gut health, and abnormal peripheral and central pain pathways, as well as others that can play a part in the development of fibromyalgia - which mainly impacts women aged 20 to 60 years of age. The gut is a major first focus for Dr. Tomas, who details connections between those with fibromyalgia and IBS, as well as how to investigate and treat through the gut. There’s also a deep discussion surrounding mitochondrial health and the development of fibromyalgia, due to the high concentration of mitochondria in skeletal muscle tissue as well as their impacts on damaging the nervous system and their ability to produce melatonin. Further to this, there is a fascinating technical discussion around gendered mast cells and microglia, and how they are shown to act differently depending on their sex, exposure to environmental toxins, dietary triggers, and sex hormones, all of which may be impacting patients with fibromyalgia. The brain and nervous system aspect can’t be forgotten as various areas of the brain known as the pain matrix contribute to both peripheral and central sensitisation with the focus on trigger points on reducing peripheral sensitisation having an upstream effect. This podcast is not to be missed for those who love technical details surrounding fibromyalgia and the multi-faceted aspects to treatment. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE [01:01] Welcoming Dr. Lily Tomas [02:33] The multiple aetiologies of fibromyalgia [03:53] Potential triggers of fibromyalgia [07:22] Start with the gut [08:44] Connections between IBS and fibromyalgia [12:42] Microbiome testing [14:12] The role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function [19:24] Treatment options: how CoQ10 can improve symptoms [21:30] Treatment options: Melatonin is more than a sleep hormone [24:19] How mast cells affect nerve and neuroinflammation [30:27] Hormonal influences on mast cells [34:39] The pain matrix [40:00] The endocannabinoid system [42:17] Topical preparations to reduce peripheral sensitisation [45:55] Thanking Lily and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/fibromyalgia-central-sensitisation-brain-architecture-the-pain-matrix-with-dr-michelle-woolhouse-dr-lily-tomas Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

Join Alyssa Tait in an insightful conversation with Lisa Costa-Bir, where they dive deep into pelvic floor health and women's health. Alyssa, a pelvic physiotherapist, naturopath, and nutritionist, covers a wide range of topics, including pelvic pain, anorectal continence, urinary incontinence, and prolapse. Discover the "inverse circus tent" analogy and learn how to ask the right questions to encourage sharing without inducing shame or embarrassment. Alyssa highlights key risk factors for pelvic floor issues and the crucial role of nutrients like vitamin C & D, zinc, amino acids, and omega-3s. She also discusses assessing pelvic floor risk in women approaching perimenopause and the value of topical oestrogen in menopause. This podcast is a must-listen for healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting patients with pelvic floor disorders. Don't miss out! COVERED IN THIS EPISODE [00:59] Introducing Alyssa Tait [02:25] What is the pelvic floor? [07:33] Questions clinicians should be asking [12:49] Bowel issues [18:09] Urinary incontinence [28:51] Nutrients [40:15] Internal pelvic massage [46:45] Menopause [53:00] Pelvic weight training [56:27] Final thoughts Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/all-things-pelvic-floor-and-more Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://bit.ly/signupFX ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

Join Naturopath Sandra Villela and our Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir as they discuss and dispel some of the myths around Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that affects and estimated three to eight percent of women. PMDD, both a gynaecological and mental health disorder is an under-recognised disorder that is riddled with misconceptions around the role of excess oestrogen. Together, Sandra and Lisa discuss the latest research including PMDD sufferers' sensitivity to normal hormone fluctuations and the important role of progesterone the relationship with neuroactive steroids like pregnenolone, oestradiol, progesterone, and corticosteroids. The roles of allopregnanolone and serotonin in PMDD are discussed, as well as prescribing solutions including saffron, vitamin B6 (including dosages to prevent peripheral neuropathy) and vitex, and protocols to boost clinicians prescribing confidence. The conversation is rounded off by nutritional strategies and light therapy's serotonin-boosting potential shown to be beneficial for PMDD symptom management. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE [01:02] Welcoming Sandra Villella [01:54] Prevalence and diagnosis criteria of PMDD [05:24] Changing the naturopathic approaches to PMDD [09:02] Hormones as neuroactive steroids [13:37] Allopregnanolone [16:26] Serotonin and saffron [21:00] Calcium [24:51] Vitex [30:14] Surgical option: bilateral oophorectomy [32:48] Mental health concerns for women with PMDD [36:46] Considering a patient’s history of trauma [38:53] Dietary recommendations and strategies [41:51] Light therapy [44:03] Summarising today’s key takeaways and thanking Sandra Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/pmdd-debunked-demystified-with-lisa-costa-bir-sandra-villella Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In this episode, Emma Sutherland hosts Dr Miranda Myles, an integrative naturopath, clinical nutritionist, and acupuncturist, to discuss the complex topic of iodine in clinical practice. Miranda, a thought leader in women's health and fertility, shares her insights on iodine's role in thyroid function and its broader health implications. This discussion explores iodine and its components, examining its biochemical transformation and role in thyroid hormone production, while highlighting the influence of environmental factors and dietary sources on iodine levels. Miranda highlights patient demographics at risk for iodine deficiency and excess, offering practical guidelines for testing and prescribing iodine safely, while also addressing common myths, the nuanced relationship between iodine levels and thyroid health, and the importance of finding a balanced approach to iodine supplementation. This episode provides valuable clinical pearls for healthcare practitioners aiming to optimise the prescribing and management of iodine. Covered in this episode (1:02) Welcome Dr Miranda Myles (4:25) What is iodine and its role? (8:34) Factors causing low iodine (11:37) Who is at risk of low iodine? (13:43) Iodine in medications (19:21) Symptoms of iodine deficiency (22:57) Testing (26:34) Urine testing (29:13) RDI for iodine (32:26) Risk of excess iodine (34:15) Iodine, men and testosterone (39:23) Case studies (42:25) Contraindications (46:46) Prescription guidelines (50:56) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/demystifying-iodine-insights-for-thyroid-and-hormonal-health Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://bit.ly/signupFX ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

Paul Clayton is joined by fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador Dr Adrian Lopresti, who together deep dive into the role of PEA in all conditions (beyond pain), and where PEA can relieve symptoms and support resolution. Paul is an advocate of lifestyle and nutrition in the prevention and management of disease. As a pharmaconutritionist, Paul understands the vital importance of how nutrition impacts chronic disease, and the role that chronic inflammation plays in driving ageing, as well as the onset and development neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. Together Adrian and Paul examine the role of PEA in the treatment of inflammatory disease states, dosage and supplementing, and its use in the effective management of both acute and chronic conditions. Covered in this episode (00:57) Welcoming Dr Paul Clayton (01:58) What is a Pharmaconutritionist? (09:12) Drivers of ageing (11:15) Introduction to PEA (13:45) Endogenous production of PEA (14:30) Therapeutic benefits of PEA (18:40) PEA supplementation (21:04) PEA and the brain (21:55) Supplemental dosing (22:42) Bioavailability of PEA (25:15) PEA and neuroinflammatory stress (27:06) Drivers of chronic inflammatory stress (30:37) PEA in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (31:34) PEA as an alternative to CBD (33:52) Sources and dosage guidelines (42:29) Thanking Paul and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/pea-perspectives-from-a-pharmaconutritionist-with-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-paul-clayton Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://bit.ly/signupFX ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti interviews Dr Simon Rosenbaum, an academic exercise physiologist, about the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Simon shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting how exercise can be used as therapy to serve as both a preventative measure and a treatment for mental health conditions, particularly depression, anxiety and minimising the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its associated comorbidities and its associated comorbidities, depression, and anxiety. Simon further discusses the Addi Moves program, a trauma-informed physical activity initiative targeting disadvantaged and trauma-affected communities, emphasising the importance of creating supportive, culturally appropriate environments for exercise.   Simon underscores the critical role of physical activity in improving mental and physical health outcomes, advocating for its integration into mental health services. He also touches on challenges, such as overcoming stigma and barriers to participation, and the need for collaborative efforts among health professionals to promote and support exercise as a vital component of holistic mental health care.  Find today's transcript and show notes here: www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/exercise-as-medicine-for-mental-health Sign up for out monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics. https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

Leah Hechtman, well respected naturopathic practitioner, and reproductive health expert, explores the pain associated with endometriosis and the emerging understanding of adjusted neurological pathways through a woman’s life experiences that can shapes her perception of pain. She is joined by FX Medicine ambassador, Emma Sutherland, who delves into the concepts of the neurocircuitry that occurs in women with endometrial pain, and explores why some women may or may not feel pain depending on the physical severity of tissue proliferation. There’s a deep connection between lived experiences, emotions and trauma which impacts a woman’s feeling of safety, self-worth and empowerment which requires ongoing work to untangle in order to recover from experiencing ongoing pain - even when the clinical signs of endo have ceased. The importance of support and providing a safe space for women to discuss all the underlying factors to their pain is emphasised. Importantly, knowing when to refer is explained, particularly if there are aspects of psychological, physical or sexual health that requires another experts skills to facilitate the road to recovery. Emma and Leah discuss various tests that prove to be valuable for measuring inflammatory and coagulation makers, both hallmarks of endometriosis, the use of medications and how they assist with management. Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/endometriosis-neurocircuitry-and-the-emerging-role-trauma Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

With our ambassador, Emma Sutherland, Andrew describes the challenges in obtaining an endometriosis diagnosis for patients, and provides us with the clinical signs he attributes to endometriosis. Andrew describes the challenges endometriosis patients may experience in finding appropriate pain relief, and of the many causes of pelvic pain often attributed to endometriosis. We hear Andrew’s preferred holistic strategies to support an endometriosis patient, and of the importance of a collaborative care model to support the complexity and individualistic nature of endometriosis. Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-endometriosis-series-the-specialist Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In part two of our series on endometriosis, Professor Jon Wardle provides us with an update on endometriosis research including his work on the Endo at Work project, designed to identify the challenges faced by endometriosis patients in the workplace. Jon shares his motivations for transitioning into endometriosis research and how it aligns with his naturopathic approach to healthcare. Our ambassador Emma Sutherland and Jon discuss the opportunities complementary health practitioners have in supporting patients with endometriosis and the challenges faced by these patients in both the workplace and the healthcare system. Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-endometriosis-series-the-researcher Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In this week's podcast replay Ambassador Emma Sutherland speaks with Natarsha Terreiro, an endometriosis patient, endo warrior and New South Wales coordinator of Endometriosis Australia, about her personal experience with endometriosis. Natarsha shares her symptoms, the process to diagnosis and how she manages her flare up. Importantly, Natarsha shares her experience with the mental and emotional load of living with a chronic disease and how others can provide support to patients with endometriosis. This is part of a podcast series on endometriosis where we hear from the patient, the researcher and the specialist on the impact of endometriosis. Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-endometriosis-series-the-patient Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***