Alere Clinical Nutrition

07/10/2026

I have been thinking on posting this for a while now. This is why I am so invested in supporting people to improve their own mental health.

I was diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition at 22.

Throughout my 20's I struggled.
And life got pretty dark.
Even under the care of the western medical system

Eventually, when I was able, I knew I wanted to support people who were facing similar challenges that I had experienced.

So I became a qualified lived experience worker.

But I felt there was still something missing in the approach to mental health care. I could see it in the clients I was supporting, and in myself.

And that led me to begin a degree in Clinical Nutrition.

During my studies I applied the principles I had learnt on myself.

And I noticed a profound difference in my mood and in how I managed my own mental health condition. I saw how personalised nutrition had the potential to support so many people.

I still engage with, and work alongside traditional
mental health care.

I believe every discipline has something valuable to offer.

My goal?
To help people understand
the connection between nutrition, physiology and mental health.

And provide evidence-based educational care from a
different perspective.

Mental health is complex.

There is rarely one answer.

But nutrition should be part of the conversation.

Share this with someone who is still looking for their missing piece.

If you are curious to see how I can support you, get in touch below or visit the Alere Clinical Nutrition page on facebook.

16/08/2026

Travelling to higher altitudes requires acclimatisation for the body to handle lower oxygen availability in the air.

You may notice at higher altitude, symptoms of shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

As a nutritionist I always look for natural ways to support my body when travelling.

Cordyceps mushroom is native to the Himalayas and has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for centuries to combat the effects of high altitude. It is also a popular supplement amongst athletes to boost endurance.

So what is the science behind Cordyceps mushroom for high altitude?

1. Decreases the inflammatory response caused by hypoxic environments ( reduces oxidative stress, DNA damage, decreases protein fragmentation and lipid perioxidation).

2. Increases the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells.

3. Stimulates capillary growth for increased oxygenation to body tissues.

4. Increases transportation of glucose into cells ( combats fatigue).

So if you are travelling to high altitude any time soon, try adding some cordyceps to your routine.

Any questions let me know in the comments!

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

This is Yerba Mate, also known as Paraguyan Holly.

Native to South America and consumed reguarly in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Southern Brazil.

Rich in polyphenols( chlorogenic acid, rutin, quecertin), saponins, minerals ( potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese) and vitamin C, B1, B2 and B6.

Yerba Mate produces a range of beneficial effects in the body.

1. Increases alterness, memory, concentration and reaction time without overstimulating the nervous system ( no coffee jitters here).

2. Antioxidant protection. Regular consumption can increase antioxidant capacity in the body.

3. Positive effects on lipid biomarkers.
May reduce oxidation of LDL particles, and increase HDL.
Can help to block cholesterol absoption within the gut.
Promotes vascular relaxation and reduces altherosclerosis risk.

4. Supports weight management and appetite control.
Caffeine and threobromine have a thermogenic which increasea metabolism.
Yerba mate also helps to regulate leptin signalling and inhibit lipid production/ storage..

5. Antidiabetic effects.
Has strong antiglycation effects which can help reduce blood glucose levels

This video shows a snippet of the traditional preparation of Mate. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of yerba mate in teabags or loose lead tea.

health

29/07/2026

I nearly fell over when I saw the size of these avocados!

Compared to Hass avocados, these tropical brazillian varieties have a lower fat content and higher water content.

Avocados are commonly used in sweet dishes in Brazil, such as Mouse de Abacate.

24/07/2026

If there is one thing you must do when in Buenos Aires, it is to witness a tango show.
The dancers expressed the history and evolution of the tango so beautifully.

22/07/2026

Constipation absolutely sucks, especially when you are travelling. But there are definately things that will support your digestion. Here are my top 6 tips.

1. Hydration. We all know flying is dehydrating to the body. Drink plenty of water. avoid/ limit alcohol while in the air ( your body will thank you later).

2. Probiotics. I definately reccomend probiotics while travelling, as it gives your gut and immune systrm some extra support during the stress, dietary changes and disruption to circadian rhythm( which also affects our 'gut clock' ).
Look for shelf stable products that contain B. Lactis and/ or B.longum. Start 5 to 7 days before your flight.

3. Fibre intake. Travelling alters your regular fibre intake. At hotels try having oats with added seeds or raisins. If you are in a country that has kiwi fruit available, get yourself 2 per day( eat the skins too!). Think about including a packet of psyllium husk in your suitcase.

4. Massage and movement.
Nutrition works, but we need movement as well to encourage intestinal movement.
Try walking for 10 to 25 minutes after meals, do some stretches/ yoga poses that are accessible to you( I like childs pose and happy baby for gentle intestinal stimulation). Massage your abdomen a few times a day in a clockwise direction starting lower right ..up...accross and down the right side.

5. Hot water first thing in the morning helps to stimulate digestion. If you are a coffee person this will help too.

6. Magnesium citrate. This works a osmotic laxative, drawing water into the bowel and softening stools making them easier to pass. I like to use this at night.

Try these out the next time you travel.