HHHK 515: Optimising Pathology Testing - Fasted, Rested, Hydrated & More with Steph Lowe

In today’s episode we turn the tables and Elly interviews me on optimizing pathology testing. We cover fasting, hydration, the impact of strenuous exercise, the role of inflammation, supplements, alcohol, hormones, sexual activity, circadian rhythm and so much more. This is a jam packed episode that will change the way you, and/or your clients, prepare for their bloods tests and seriously increase accuracy, interpretation and compliance. Let’s dive in. Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/455 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode Steph Pearson and I discuss the importance of metabolic health, defining it as the body's efficiency in converting food into energy, maintaining stable blood sugars, and balanced hormones. We discuss why poor metabolic health is so prevalent, and the associated concerns and comorbidities including fatigue, cravings and insulin resistance. We explore the roles of regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, blood sugar monitoring, age related changes and so much more. We hope this inspires you to make changes now, to improve your metabolic health for the festive season and beyond. Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/514 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we are joined by Charles Mayfield, founder of Farrow Skincare, an animal fat-based skincare company. Charles shares his journey from health and fitness to regenerative farming, emphasizing the importance of soil health and animal welfare. He discusses the scalability of regenerative farming, highlighting its potential to feed the world sustainably, discusses the skincare industry's reliance on chemicals, advocates for natural, nutrient-dense products, emphasizes consumer power in driving change and the need for transparency in skincare labelling and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/513 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we are joined by Dr Damian Kristof to hear all about his recent travels to Ikaria and Sardinia, highlighting the rich cultural and longevity aspects of these Blue Zones. Damian emphasizes the importance of whole food, noting that traditional diets in these regions are not strictly plant-based and often include saturated fats. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining these diets in the face of modern influences, the importance of community and social engagement in longevity and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/512 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we are joined by Natasha Mason, mother, passionate meditator, educator, healer and creator. Natasha shares with us her journey in the wellness industry, starting with Nourish Melbourne in 2012, then, the impact of COVID-19 and personal losses that led her to deepen her practice in Vedic meditation and Ayurveda, focusing on postpartum care. Natasha emphasizes the importance of meditation and mindfulness practices, self-care and community, highlighting the need for community support during life transitions and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/511 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode Steph Pearson and I discuss the evolving landscape of menstrual health education, starting with our personal experiences to how we are approaching this with our daughters. We discuss the importance of early education, factors to consider for cases of early puberty and periods, cycle tracking, the importance of addressing early signs and symptoms, natural remedies for menstrual symptoms, the need for open conversations about periods and pregnancy instead of only defaulting to synthetic birth control and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/510 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we are joined by Anna Rahe, biomechanist and fascia expert who has been pioneering mind-body wellness for more than 25 years. Anna shares with us her journey of overcoming severe physical symptoms at 18, leading her to explore fascia and its role in the body. Anna developed Grid Flow Somatic Technology (GST) to integrates science with a holistic understanding of the body, help people heal by focusing on fluid dynamics and movement, emphasize the importance of regular, small movements throughout the day to maintain fascia health, provide sustainable solutions for pain and overall well-being and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/509 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode Elly McLean and I discuss the evolving conversation around perimenopause, menopause and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). We emphasise the need for a personalised approach considering factors like family history, lifestyle, and metabolic health. We cover the importance of early preparation, including diet, stress management, and quality sleep, to mitigate perimenopausal symptoms and long-term health risks. We also discuss the roles of testing to understand hormone levels, the significance of the first hormonal change, which is almost always low progesterone and not estrogen, the shift in awareness and the importance of addressing misconceptions, particularly regarding the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/508 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we are joined by Mia Basic, co-founder and director of EQ, an integrated wellbeing program that supports businesses and their people. Mia shares her journey from a demanding career in commercial litigation and the intense stress and long hours which led to burnout and a realization of the need for better work-life balance. We then discuss EQ and their well-being practices, including breathwork, meditation and light and sound therapy, aimed at helping individuals manage stress and improve their overall well-being. Mia emphasizes the importance of preventative health and education, the role of corporate wellness programs, how essential it is to provide ongoing support and education and so much more.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/507 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.

In today’s episode we turn the tables and Elly interviews me on one of my favourite topics – low iron, heavy periods and why the Mirena (or Kyleena, for that matter) isn’t the answer. Our hope is that you learn many of the natural strategies that we use to both resolve heavy menstrual bleeding and the associated low iron levels, and that you leave feeling empowered, knowing that there is a holistic way to manage your symptoms, regain your quality of life, and avoid Maltofer, Ferro-grad C, iron infusions and birth control, none of which address the root cause.   Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/506 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.