Episode 43: Parkinson's Disease, the Gut-Brain Connection & Nutritional Support

If mealtimes feel like a battle, this conversation is for you. Nutritional therapist Catherine Jeans, the Family Nutrition Expert, joins me to talk about feeding children well without pressure, shame or perfection. Catherine supports families, early years teams, and autistic children and children with complex needs. Summary Families are tired. Between the cost of living, long working hours, school pressures and a food environment full of misleading marketing, it is no wonder so many parents and carers feel lost. We discuss why there is no perfect diet, and what helps: calm, low-pressure approaches that respect the child in front of you, plus practical ideas for adding nourishment without an overhaul. Key discussion points Why family nutrition feels so overwhelming Misleading food marketing aimed at children\ Bitter flavours, green vegetable-led weaning and chewing Flavoured yoghurts, sugar and early years guidance School food and the "disgust response" Fussy eating versus more entrenched selective eating Taking the emotion out of eating Using all the senses, and why "you don't have to taste it" works Calming the nervous system at mealtimes Protein at breakfast Looking after yourself: oxygen mask on first   Sponsor: Thank you to Revive Active, the original super supplement, for sponsoring this episode. Available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods, and independent pharmacists and health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com.   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Kirstie Lawton PhD, a registered nutritional therapy practitioner and registered nutritionist with 25 years of experience, who now specialises in Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease. We explore what's really happening in the brain and body with Parkinson's, the early non-motor symptoms that can appear decades before diagnosis, and the emerging research into misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins that suggests Parkinson's may begin in the gut long before it reaches the brain. Kirstie also shares her own personal health journey, and how nutrition — from levodopa timing to the Mediterranean diet — can support people living with this condition. Key discussion points: What Parkinson's disease is and how it affects the brain Motor and non-motor symptoms, and why early signs are so easily missed The gut-brain axis and the role of the vagus nerve Genetic and environmental risk factors, including pesticide exposure How nutrition can support conventional Parkinson's medication Dietary approaches: Mediterranean, MIND and keto-flex diets Kirstie's own health story and why she moved into this field This episode is sponsored by Revive Active — 26 active ingredients for energy, immunity and heart health, available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods and independent health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com To work with Nicola one-to-one, explore her Hormone Insights & Support Service, the Liberate Food Freedom course, or practitioner mentoring, visit www.nicola-moore.com One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

Perimenopause is a stage of life, not a condition — but most of us reach it with almost no understanding of what our hormones are doing. In this episode, nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Gemma McGuigan joins Nicola to explain why progesterone (not just oestrogen) deserves our attention first, why the nervous system is so often "the big revealer" of underlying health issues, and why so much mainstream biohacking advice doesn't serve women well. Key discussion points: What perimenopause actually is, and why it's often misunderstood Progesterone vs progestin, and what that means for the Mirena coil Why nervous system health shows up first in perimenopause The truth about cortisol and adrenal health Eating for metabolic flexibility  Fuelling before exercise, and why it matters more in this life stage Natural ways to support ovulation and progesterone This episode is sponsored by Revive Active — 26 active ingredients for energy, immunity and heart health, available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods and independent health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com To work with Nicola one-to-one, explore her Hormone Insights & Support Service, the Liberate Food Freedom course, or practitioner mentoring, visit www.nicola-moore.com   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

What if everything we thought we knew about pain was incomplete? In this episode of Healthily, I'm joined by GP, pain specialist and educator, Dr Barbara Phipps, to explore the fascinating and hopeful science behind chronic pain. Barbara specialises in helping people living with long-term pain, including conditions such as fibromyalgia, using an evidence-based approach that combines pain neuroscience, lifestyle medicine and nervous system regulation. We discuss why pain is always generated by the brain, how our brains can become overprotective, and why factors such as stress, poor sleep, social isolation and past experiences can all influence our pain experience. Most importantly, we explore why chronic pain is real, why it's not your fault, and why improvement is absolutely possible. This is a compassionate and empowering conversation that offers a very different way of thinking about pain. In this episode, we discuss: Why pain is always created by the brain The difference between acute and chronic pain Fibromyalgia, neuroplastic pain and chronic primary pain explained Why chronic pain is not "all in your head" How stress, sleep and lifestyle factors influence pain The role of fight, flight and freeze in persistent pain Somatic tracking and calming the central nervous system How changing your relationship with pain can be transformative Why movement, nature and social connection are so important Pain, fatigue, brain fog and other seemingly unrelated symptoms Practical tools that can help people begin to feel better A final message from this episode: 💛 Your pain is real. 💛 It's not your fault. 💛 And it can improve. Visit Dr Phipps's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bphipps576   This episode of Healthily is kindly sponsored by Revive Active, the original super supplement: 26 active ingredients to support your energy, immunity and heart health in one convenient sachet. Simple. Effective. Delicious. Their range is available at Boots, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, and independent pharmacies and health stores nationwide, as well as online at: https://reviveactive.com/   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

If you've ever dabbled in Dry January or found yourself wondering what life might look like with less (or no) alcohol, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. In this episode, Nicola speaks to Nutritional Therapist Katie Addison-Smith, who shares her deeply personal story of navigating critical illness and making the life-changing decision to give up alcohol — permanently. Now, seven years on, Katie reflects on how removing alcohol hasn't taken anything away — it's added more joy, connection, health, and freedom than she ever thought possible. This is a non-judgemental, hopeful conversation about identity, socialising, self-care and how we can reimagine what it means to truly enjoy life. Whether you're sober-curious or simply reflecting on your own relationship with alcohol, this conversation is packed with warmth, honesty and inspiration. One-to-One Nutritional Therapy - https://p.bttr.to/3gs8X3M  Hormone Insights & Support Service - https://www.nicola-moore.com/hormone-insights-support-service  Liberate Food Freedom Course - https://www.nicola-moore.com/liberate-1  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups - https://www.nicola-moore.com/nmpractitionersupport  Website | Facebook | Instagram https://www.nicola-moore.com/   https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMooreNutrition https://www.instagram.com/nicolamoorenutrition/ 

What if autoimmunity wasn't the body turning against you, but a call for deeper care and understanding? In this episode of Healthily, I'm joined by Nutritional Therapist Elisa Ferguson, who specialises in supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We explore the wider story behind autoimmune conditions – including how stress, gut health, trauma, and diet all interact in powerful ways. We take a look at the cell danger response – a protective mechanism where the body essentially "hits pause" on certain functions to deal with threat. When this response becomes chronic, it can contribute to many chronic conditions, including MS. Together, we reflect on why people often fall down rabbit holes in search of solutions, and how to find a gentler, more effective way forward. This is an episode full of insight, calm, and connection – not just for those living with MS, but for anyone curious about how to support whole-body health through the lens of autoimmunity.  For more resources, support, and information on how I work, visit www.nicola-moore.com You'll find details about my clinic, courses, and services designed to support real-life health — with compassion, clarity and practicality.  Are you a qualified nutritional therapist or student practitioner looking for support in clinic? My Clinical Support Groups are a warm, practical space where you can build confidence, ask questions, and learn how to simplify and personalise your client work — without overwhelm. Whether you're newly qualified or more experienced and looking for fresh perspective, you'll find honest discussion, real-world strategy, and encouragement that makes a difference.  Learn more and sign up at www.nicola-moore.com    One-to-One Nutritional Therapy - https://p.bttr.to/3gs8X3M  Hormone Insights & Support Service - https://www.nicola-moore.com/hormone-insights-support-service  Liberate Food Freedom Course - https://www.nicola-moore.com/liberate-1  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups - https://www.nicola-moore.com/nmpractitionersupport  Website | Facebook | Instagram https://www.nicola-moore.com/   https://www.facebook.com/NicolaMooreNutrition https://www.instagram.com/nicolamoorenutrition/   

In this episode of Healthily, Nicola speaks with medical herbalist Rhian Jones to explore the world of herbal medicine. From teas to tinctures, capsules to creams, they unpack what herbs are, the forms they come in, and how to use them effectively. Rhian shares common mistakes people make when using herbs, how to avoid them, and which remedies are most helpful for common complaints. Whether you're herbal-curious or looking to deepen your knowledge of natural medicine, this conversation is full of practical advice and grounded insight. Rhian also shares the story behind her company Botanical Boutique, which offers beautifully curated herbal products and is the sponsor of this episode. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in using nature as a gentle but powerful ally in their health journey. One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service  Liberate Food Freedom Course  Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups  Website | Facebook | Instagram  

In this episode of Healthily, Nicola speaks with fertility-focused nutritional therapist Alison Hall to explore the sensitive and emotional topic of fertility after miscarriage. With empathy and expertise, Alison shares a wealth of practical, empowering insights—ranging from nutrition and lifestyle guidance to the often-overlooked role of thyroid health. Whether you've experienced loss, are supporting someone who has, or want to better understand fertility, this episode offers tools, tests to consider, and—most importantly—a message of hope and ownership.   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service Liberate Food Freedom Course Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode of Healthily, Nicola is joined by Jo Majithia, Head of Education at Regenerus Laboratories, to explore the DUTCH test—a cutting-edge tool for gaining insight into hormone health and its symptoms. Together, they unpack what makes this test different, how it relates to issues like fatigue, weight gain, low mood, and cycle changes, and how it can guide personalised diet and lifestyle strategies. They also discuss hormone health in perimenopause, the role of cortisol and stress, and whether testing is the right move for you. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about hormones, functional testing, and evidence-based wellness support.   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service Liberate Food Freedom Course Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram

Parenting a teenager isn't easy—but neither is being a teenager. Between school stress, self-doubt, mood changes, and increasing independence, it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. In this episode of Healthily, I'm joined by teen coach Maria Evans, who has spent years working with teenagers and their families. Together, we unpack:  Why teens experience self-doubt & school stress (especially during exam season)  How changes in teen behavior are part of their development (not just 'being difficult')  Effective communication strategies to strengthen your relationship with your teen  How to help teenagers build confidence & independence—without overwhelm If you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who wants to better understand the teen mind, this episode is for you.   One-to-One Nutritional Therapy  Hormone Insights & Support Service Liberate Food Freedom Course Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram