Nutri Viva Claudia Oxford-Gonzalez Christchurch Nutritionist

05/09/2026

https://www.nutriviva.co.nz/blog-1/methylation-more-than-mthfr-and-methylfolate

Check out my latest quick blog on what to consider when it comes to B9 - in particular, methylfolate.

In clinic I prefer to use folinic acid first, but more importantly consider Nutrigenomic testing first to see where the bottle neck for methylation might be, if at all.

If you want to know more, make sure to reach out! 🤓👍

Discover what methylation is, why it matters for energy, detoxification and overall health, and how genetics and nutrient status can influence this important cellular process.

21/07/2026

Still struggling with your digestion despite “doing all the right things”?

If you're dealing with bloating, reflux, gas, food sensitivities, constipation, loose stools or unexplained digestive discomfort, it can be tempting to keep trying different foods, supplements, probiotics or fibre and hope something works.

But sometimes, guessing isn't enough, maybe it makes the symptoms worse.

Stool analysis can provide a clearer picture of what's happening inside — including your microbiome, beneficial and potentially problematic bacteria, digestion, inflammation and other markers that may be contributing to your symptoms.

The goal isn't simply to manage symptoms. It's to understand what your gut may be telling us and use that information to create a more personalised nutrition approach.

If your digestion has been an ongoing struggle, make sure to reach out to discuss whether testing could be helpful for you.
🤓👍

https://www.nutriviva.co.nz/functional-tests-

30/06/2026

True health starts from within. When you nourish your gut with the right foods, support your microbiome, and care for your body as a whole, you are creating the best environment for energy, stress resilience, and long-term wellness.

Every healthy choice is an investment in the future you. 👍😀

Want to learn more?
Make sure to reach out!

24/06/2026

Winter is finally here - in Christchurch at least!

Check out my latest blog on what to think about when it comes to winter support of your microbiome.

Grab a herbal tea and have a read 🧉🫖 🤓

And as always, reach out if you are ready to dig deeper into supporting your digestive symptoms.

https://www.nutriviva.co.nz/blog-1/winter-and-your-microbiome-why-gut-health-matters-during-the-colder-months

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Discover how winter affects microbiome diversity, gut health, immunity, & digestion. Learn practical tips from a nutritionist to support your microbiome during the colder months.

17/06/2026

I have recently updated my blog on Leaky Gut, what is it, and how to fix it. For those that are not sure, leaky gut can influence digestion, inflammation, immune function, skin health, and overall wellbeing.

The intestinal tract is about so much more than digestion, and identifying underlying imbalances can often provide valuable clues when it comes to ongoing health concerns. I also touch on how comprehensive microbiome testing, such as MMM stool analysis, can help uncover what's happening beneath the surface.

If you've ever wondered what "leaky gut" actually means, this is a great place to start! 😊

https://www.nutriviva.co.nz/blog-1/leaky-gut-what-is-it

And if you have any questions or are ready to book in your consult, please reach out!

Learn what leaky gut is, common symptoms, and how comprehensive microbiome stool analysis can help identify inflammation, dysbiosis and underlying intestinal imbalances.

02/06/2026

Just a reminder, that your meals dont need to be tikytoky or insta perfect, but nourishing as possible. 😁🥰

26/05/2026

Well… after avoiding it for far too long, I’ve finally updated my photo, a big deal as I really am not one to promote my ageing grey hair. 🫣😅

For those who are new here, I’m a Clinical Nutritionist, mum of two, and someone passionate about helping people better understand their health in a practical and realistic way.

I support babies, children, teenagers and adults with a focus on microbiome health, metabolic function, chronic fatigue, systemic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. My approach combines nutrition with functional and orthomolecular medicine to help explore possible root causes and support long-term wellbeing and healthy ageing (that includes grey hair).

Much of my passion for this work comes from my own health journey, and from supporting my children and loved ones through theirs. Seeing the impact that nutrition, lifestyle and targeted support can have on overall wellbeing is what continues to inspire me every day.

I aim to keep things practical, realistic and supportive — because health should feel achievable, not overwhelming.

This photo update is long overdue because honestly… I’d much rather talk about gut health than posing for the camera. 😂👍🙃

24/05/2026

I am pleased to finally see a name change for this condition, which I was personally diagnosed with in my 20s. The updated name makes WAY more sense to me!

From my own experience, the metabolic reference is key. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) helps shift the focus toward the metabolic and hormonal disruptions that are often driving symptoms, rather than focusing only on ovarian cysts.

When I was diagnosed about 25 years ago, the attention was almost entirely on the cystic appearance of the ovaries, along with irregular cycles, and not the metabolic consequences that came with it. At the time, I had already been identified as pre-diabetic, yet this was largely disregarded as unrelated to the condition. Over the years, through my own perseverance and deeper learning, (and ultimately training to become a clinical nutritionist!!) I came to understand just how significant metabolic dysfunction can be in the overall symptom picture of what was then called PCOS.

I am hopeful that the shift to PMOS will help support women in better understanding the broader aspects of the condition, including blood sugar irregularities, inflammation, body composition and muscle mass goals, skin concerns, hirsutism, and overall hormonal imbalance.

I also hope this change encourages more comprehensive annual lab testing, helping women gain greater clarity around why lifestyle factors such as nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management can play such an important role in supporting long-term health outcomes.

A name change alone will not change everything, but it may encourage earlier support, deeper investigation, and more personalised care for women navigating this condition.

Along with my own journey, I have helped many women on their own PMOS journey, to learn and understand their specific drivers. If you want to know more, make sure to reach out ! 👍🤓

Wow. PCOS finally has a new name. After years of debate, the consensus has landed on PMOS for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.

The name change was needed because the so-called "cysts" of "polycystic" are not actual cysts, but really just follicles or eggs, which are normal for the o***y.

What are your thoughts on the new name? As Dr Fiona McCulloch ND points out, it does sound a bit too similar to PMS.

Image by New Scientist.

Links:
- New Scientist (paywall) https://www.newscientist.com/article/2526084-pcos-has-been-officially-renamed-pmos-and-its-a-momentous-move/
- Australian news: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-05-12/polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos-new-name/106668902
- Lancet article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2826%2900717-8/fulltext

24/05/2026

I couldn’t agree more with the comment about the importance of understanding a patient’s markers for B12, for cognitive decline.

And the fact that this is no longer a funded blood test in NZ – unless you meet certain criteria – blows my mind.

B12 is such an important nutrient to consider for brain function in all population. And we just don’t consume enough from our diet. Let’s be honest, here in NZ the majority do not eat organ meat, shellfish or enough seafood, DAILY, to have optimal B12 intake.

Also, I love the statement “this does not mean everyone should start taking high dose supplement…..” this is certainly true! Understanding a person’s methylation is fundamental in knowing if B12 is even the issue, it could be another B vitamin or other nutrient altogether, that is needed. Even working out which type of B12 should be taken.

And the serum B12 test reference is so wide, it is important to understand if we are actually dealing with a true B12 deficiency, in the context of presenting symptoms.

So yes, I feel we need to bring back funded B12 testing, and to understand where on the reference range someone falls in the context of risk for dementia, but also for children and teenage brain health.

But we should also be considering methylation as part of this picture and this is where I tend to ask patients to consider Active B12 and methylmalonic Acid, plus nutrigenomic testing.

If you have any questions around this, please make sure to reach out! 🤓

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DyKNQNchR/

We may have misunderstood vitamin B12 — and the brain could be paying the price.

A new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco suggests that older adults with vitamin B12 levels considered “normal” may still show signs of subtle neurological decline.

The research focused on 231 healthy older adults with no dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Even though their average B12 levels were well above the current U.S. deficiency cutoff, those with lower levels of active B12 — the form the body can actually use — performed worse on tests of thinking speed and visual response.

The most concerning finding came from brain scans. MRI results showed that people with lower active B12 had more white matter lesions, a type of brain change linked to cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke risk. White matter acts like the brain’s communication network, helping different regions send signals to each other quickly and efficiently.

Researchers say this raises an important question: are current B12 deficiency cutoffs too low to protect brain health, especially in older adults?

Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells, supporting DNA production, and maintaining healthy nerves. But this study suggests that simply being “not deficient” on a lab report may not always mean the brain is getting enough.

The researchers believe future guidelines may need to look beyond total B12 levels and include functional biomarkers that better reflect how much B12 is actually available to the nervous system.

This does not mean everyone should start taking high-dose supplements without medical advice. But it does highlight the need for better testing, earlier detection, and more attention to B12 status in older adults with memory, nerve, or thinking-speed concerns.

Source: University of California, San Francisco / Annals of Neurology — “Vitamin B12 Levels Association with Functional and Structural Biomarkers of Central Nervous System Injury in Older Adults.”

21/05/2026

Celery: the crunchy green stick everyone forgets about… until your digestion says thank you!

As a kid, I hated when my mum would pop these “palos” in my lunch box (Spanish for sticks). On the days these were in my lunch box, I could sense she had reached her limit for lunch inspiration! 😅 😅

But now of course, I have a much deeper appreciation for the humble celery stick. !!

While celery probably does not give off glamourous Pinterest image vibes, it does quietly bring some impressive nutrition to the table. It contains vitamin K for bone and blood health, vitamin C for immune support, folate, potassium, and small amounts of antioxidants that help support overall health. And most importantly the fibre content can help keep digestion moving and support a healthy gut microbiome.

And let’s not forget hydration — celery has a great amount of water, making it a great snack for busy days when your coffee intake is suspiciously higher than your water intake 👀☕️

We are at the start of celery season, so here are some easy ways to use these “sticks”:

>Dip into hummus or nut butter
>Toss into soups, stir fries, or stews/casseroles
>Chop into salads for crunch
>Fill with cream cheese

Celery may not be glamorous, but neither is a healthy bowel motion… and both deserve more appreciation 😅👍🤓