FX Medicine Podcast Central

In part two of our Perspectives podcast series on sleep, host Dr Adrian Lopresti is joined by our fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander to delve deeper into integrative treatment strategies for sleep disorders. Shifting the focus from assessment to intervention, the team discusses pharmaceutical options such as benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and melatonin, while emphasising the value of holistic, personalised care. Through detailed case studies, they explore approaches to managing sleep challenges in shift workers, perimenopausal women, and individuals with anxiety or chronic pain. The episode highlights nutritional and herbal interventions—including saffron, L-theanine, lutein, magnesium, kava, Californian poppy, passionflower, and zizyphus—alongside strategies for enhancing circadian rhythm function, such as natural light exposure and effective decompression routines. Challenges such as long-term medication use and complex cases, including non-responders, are also addressed, reinforcing the need for practitioner collaboration and tailored treatment. Covered in this episode: (01:09) Welcome (01:52) Sleep medications (03:50) Melatonin (6:46) SSRIs and SSNIs (13:24) Regulations around sleep medications (20:24) Melatonin and children (23:57) Cannabis and CBD oil (27:13) Case studies – Emma (35:37) Case studies – Michelle (40:46) Case studies – Lisa (44:55) Case studies – Mick (50:07) Stubborn sleep issues (58:17) Referring to other practitioners (1:01:44) Hypnosis as treatment (1:04:22) Final thoughts Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-sleep-rx-expert-insights-for-better-rest-part-2-treatment 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.***

Dr Nicholas Kardaras, psychologist, international speaker and author describes the physical and psychological impact excessive screen time has on both adults and children. Together with our ambassador, Dr Adrian Lopresti, Nicholas describes the addictive nature of excessive screen and the impact this has on dopaminergic function, likening it to substance abuse. As a psychologist, Nicholas looks to the behavioural implications of screen use in children, describing the connection between screen time and impulsivity and the longer term consequences. While often associated with children, adults are not immune to screen time addiction, with research demonstrating many adults using screens as an escape from reality. Nicholas describes the implications of screen time addiction on the individual’s ability to connect with others and the correlation this has with increased numbers of depression. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:46) Welcoming Dr Nicholas Kardaras (05:15) The link between screen time and mental health (10:48) How COVID has affected screen time (12:58) How escapism is a major driver of addiction (19:30) How video games are designed for addiction (27:27) Technology and its effects on the HPA axis (34:15) Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (36:13) Video games and effect on neurology (39:23) Video games and aggression (45:20) Diet and lifestyle of gamers (51:12) Additional resources for practitioners (57:08) Thanking Nicholas and closing remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-dangers-of-excess-screen-time-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-nicholas-kardaras 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 one of our newly revamped Perspectives podcast, hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, our fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander explore the fascinating world of sleep. This episode dives into myths surrounding sleep, such as we can train ourselves to function on less sleep or that timing doesn’t matter as long as we get enough hours. The team uncovers the pathophysiology of insomnia, examining the roles of neurotransmitters, hormonal changes, and circadian rhythm disruption. They also discuss key assessment tools like wearables, sleep studies, and questionnaires to help identify sleep issues and their root causes. Additionally, the episode reviews common sleep disruptors, including screen time, shift work, and lifestyle factors, while offering actionable tips to improve sleep quality. Whether you're a practitioner or simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of sleep from four clinical specialists, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you promote better health through improved sleep. Covered in this episode: (01:03) Welcome our fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors (01:58) Introducing Mick Alexander (04:06) Sleep overview (07:23) Sleep myths - Timing and quantity (09:35) Sleep myths - Life stages (14:52) Sleep myths - Adolescent sleep (17:27) Sleep myths - Napping (22:27) Sleep physiology - Metabolic dysfunction (26:33) Sleep physiology - Inflammation, gut health and sleep (31:20) Sleep physiology - Neurotransmitters (34:46) Sleep physiology - Hormonal disruption (38:40) Sleep assessment - Wearables (43:49) Sleep assessment - Sleep studies (52:26) Sleep assessment - Sleep questionnaires (58:45) Sleep disruptors - Medications and supplements (1:04:24) Sleep disruptors - Screen time (1:11:04) Sleep disruptors - Shift work (1:13:18) Sleep disruptors - Hormones (1:15:35) Final thoughts Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-sleep-rx-expert-insights-for-better-rest-part-1-sleep-fundamentals 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.***

Dr Frank Cahill, clinical psychologist and insomnia specialist, joins fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador and psychologist Dr Adrian Lopresti to explore the understanding and treatment of insomnia. Nearly half of Australian adults report sleep issues, with a rise in cases observed at Frank’s practice during the pandemic. Drawing on his extensive experience, Frank explains homeostatic sleep drive (sleep pressure) and how identifying and adjusting sleep habits can help realign sleep patterns. Frank and Adrian discuss common causes of acute and chronic insomnia and outline tailored treatment approaches. In a live assessment, Frank analyses Adrian's sleep patterns, illustrating the role of sleep drive in overall rest quality. Gain insights into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, including sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and restriction therapy, along with tools like sleep diaries, distractions, and medication. The discussion also covers melatonin testing and treatment, with Frank sharing his approach to timing and dosing for circadian rhythm disorders. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:56) Welcoming Dr Frank Cahill (01:31) The prevalence of insomnia in Australia (03:26) Stress as a major contributor (05:13) Long-term vs acute insomnia (10:18) Three types of insomnia (12:08) The different effects of anxiety versus frustration on sleep (14:38) Treating early morning waking (18:13) Calming the busy mind (20:02) Sleep hygiene is not effective for insomnia (21:33) Sleep restriction therapy and increasing sleep drive (25:38) Reduce sleep effort by focusing on rest (28:08) Utilising sleep diaries and the DAAS questionnaire (32:58) Is there value in functional testing for melatonin and cortisol? (37:41) Recommendations around food, caffeine, and sleep (40:12) Exercise and sleep (40:57) Can natural health practitioners treat sleep? (43:09) Melatonin: less is more (45:10) Herbal remedies and supplements (46:54) Thanking Frank and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/insomnia-beyond-sleep-hygiene-with-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-frank-cahill Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au

Dr. Nenad Naumovski, a leading food science researcher at the University of Canberra, shares groundbreaking insights into L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. He discusses its ability to enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function by increasing alpha waves in the brain. The conversation also highlights the challenges of developing palatable functional foods that retain health benefits and the potential of L-theanine for various populations, including those with ADHD. Tune in for a deep dive into the science of relaxation!

Professor Peter Drummond, Murdoch University's Director of the Centre for Research on Chronic Pain, and our Ambassador Dr Adrian Lopresti explore the relationship pain has with thoughts, emotions, mental health and sleep. The discussion begins with Prof Drummond exploring the influence of thoughts and emotions on one’s perception of pain with a detailed discussion on various pathways that pain travels through the brain which results in the experience of feeling pain. Pyschological state seems to play a huge role in colouring pain perception where fear, anxiety, depression leads to an increased pain signalling. Prof Drummond explains how psycholeducation techniques have been proven to alter one’s experience of pain through reprocessing therapy and relaxation that affects one’s ability to control and manage their pain better. Covered in this episode [00:52] Welcoming Professor Peter Drummond [01:37] Can emotions affect pain? [06:18] Fear can switch pain off [08:27] Perceptions of pain can affect pain sensation chronic pain and recovery [12:57] The bidirectional relationship between emotions and pain [16:37] Connections between stress and migraine [23:34] Affects of sleep on pain [26:40] The importance of psychoeducation in managing pain [31:16] Pain reprocessing therapy: changing beliefs about pain [34:08] Pain-related questionnaires and assessment tools [36:41] Using relaxation techniques to manage chronic pain [38:45] Biofeedback [40:13] Thanking Peter and closing remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-psychology-of-pain 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 Christine Pope, a naturopath, nutritionist and homeopath, to explore strategies for healthy ageing. With Australia’s ageing population on the rise, Christine highlights the role of diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation in extending healthspan, not just lifespan. Christine delves into the key biomarkers for ageing, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and thyroid function. She discusses the nutrient deficiencies most common in older adults - particularly vitamin D, zinc, iron, magnesium, and iodine - and their impact on cognitive function, metabolism, and immunity. The conversation also covers the importance of protein intake, exercise for muscle preservation, and reducing the body’s toxic burden. Christine shares insights from her training in the Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s and discusses how balancing blood sugar and optimising hormones can help prevent cognitive decline. This episode is packed with clinical pearls to help practitioners support healthy ageing and enhance patient outcomes. Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/healthy-ageing-more-than-just-extending-lifespan Covered in this episode: (00:55) Welcome Christine Pope (02:30) Practitioner’s role in ageing (05:54) Lifespan vs healthspan (07:54) Ageing process (08:47) Biomarkers for ageing (12:41) Age related trends (16:54) Nutrient depletion (23:14) Iodine (26:14) Supplements for ageing (28:20) Insulin resistance (31:23) Toxicity (36:38) Exercise for longevity (38:24) Sarcopenia (41:00) Diet and multiple sclerosis (45:06) Mediterranean lifestyle (49:18) The Bredesen protocol (51:28) Final remarks Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://bit.ly/signup Find today's transcript and notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/healthy-ageing-more-than-just-extending-lifespan 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.***

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.***