Andie McCowan Naturopathy in Newport, Victoria, Australia | Nutritionist

Andie McCowan Naturopathy

Locality: Newport, Victoria, Australia

Address: 109 Blackshaws Road 3015 Newport, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au/

Likes: 130

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• Sport & recreation
• Sports & fitness instruction
• Fitness trainer
• Naturopath
• Nutritionist

25.01.2022 I’m delighted to call this place my new naturopath home, working alongside the great and wonderful @alphasportsmed at 109 Blackshaws Road, Newport. @dr.ashton_alphaosteo you’ve done an amazing job with your new place and I’m so happy to be here! I’m also sad to be leaving my space at @rwm.newport.altona - you guys have been nothing but awesome and I look forward to visiting in the future! Thanks to my clients and followers for your continued support. Contact me to make an appointment. Online bookings will be updated soon. And watch this space for an awesome introductory package. #naturopath #newportnaturopath #herbalmedicine #osteopathy #fitness #naturalhealthcare

24.01.2022 NEW BLOG: Do you feel like you are exercising and eating right, but are not seeing results such as weight loss, muscle gain or body fat reduction? This blog post took me a little bit too long to write, because it’s something I am passionate about and there are so many reasons for why you might not be getting the results you want, even if you have successfully embarked on a great healthy eating and exercise routine! It can be so frustrating. The blog post is a long read, bu...t here are the key headlines, and you can read the details when you have time: You have a starvation mindset Your hormones are out of whack You are sleep deprived You’re doing only one form of exercise Your liver and gut health need attention Your diet looks good on paper, but might be missing some key nutrients needed for optimal metabolism and body composition You are over- exercising, under- exercising or inconsistently exercising And the final reason you might not be seeing results?... You’re following someone else’s diet and exercise routine on social media and... well, you are not them! As usual, I am here for you if you have any questions, and available for personalised naturopathy, nutrition and exercise programs, at Alpha Sports Med or online. I am also launching a brand new program called ‘Health Control’, which includes loads of personalised support, weekly tips, an exercise program and detox program complete with all the information, recipes and supplements you need to start. All of this can be individualised- as a qualified health professional, I know there is never a one size fits all approach, so let’s get you all the help you’ll ever need for the rest of your life. Head to my website for a sneak peek of what’s on offer and to find out more. https://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au//why-you-are-exerc/

23.01.2022 A celebratory glass of kombucha to launch our new room! Tegan at Wellbody Naturopathy and I are now taking bookings in our clinic at Run With Me Fitness, Newport. We appreciate the support of our family and friends, and two of our loved ones even made it to today’s very impromptu launch... I’m available on Thursdays and Fridays from this week. Head to my website for more details or to book. www.andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au

22.01.2022 Repost @rwm.newport.altona Our amazing Naturopaths are offering our RWM members a special offer!!! They are running 3 'FREE' Nutrition talks at our Newport gym.... Wednesday 21st March @8pm. Sunday 25th March @10am. Monday 26th March @7:30pm. Nutrition is the most important element to reaching your health and fitness goals. Alot of people think they are doing the right thing when it comes to eating correctly but little do they know, they aren't!! Don't miss out on these very informative talks. You might learn a thing or two Only 8 spots available for each talk so get in quick. You will find the sign up sheets at Newport and Altona gyms. #rwm #newport #altona #gym #nutrition #eat #healthy #naturopath #free #talk #info #eatwell #livewell #live #fitness #goals #motivate #foodasmedicine

21.01.2022 STAY FIT! Lockdown is of course in full swing, Easter and school holidays are over and the gym is still closed. That doesn’t mean exercise has closed, and it has been great to see so many people out moving their bodies, training virtually with their favourite studios and DIY backyard workouts. Personally, I’ve been alternating between running, prenatal yoga from an app and HIIT/strength sessions in my backyard (usually with toddler). If you’re wanting to stay on track with yo...ur fitness but not quite sure where to start, I am offering the following services. These services are in addition to the naturopathy and exercise services I already have on offer, which you can find out more about on my website. Choose between a... Personalised home exercise program written and emailed to you: this is the best value and includes a follow up call every week for six weeks. Tailored to your individual goals, and will take into account any exercise equipment you may have to use. 1:1 personal training session- 40 minutes in Yarraville (limited spots, socially distanced). Just get your session over and done with, outdoors with me, a qualified personal trainer, telling you exactly what to do. Costs: Exercise program: $49 1:1 session: $49 Call, text or email for more info

18.01.2022 When I introduce myself as a naturopath, I occasionally get the question, what is a naturopath? Or, what do naturopaths do? Here is a rundown of some of the tools naturopaths use to restore or maintain optimal health. http://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au//therapies-naturopa/

17.01.2022 #Repost @rwm.newport.altona (@get_repost) So happy to be in a snap with the team at RWM ... there are PTs, a chiropractor, a myotherapist and of course.... us two naturopaths! All ready to help you take the next steps in your wellness journey ... The A Team The Personal Trainers, Chiropractor, Myotherapist and Naturopaths at @rwm.newport.altona thrive on giving you the best service in the west! We love what we do and love helping our members and patients achieve goals, recover from injuries and lead them to a healthier and better lifestyle.

16.01.2022 After taking a hiatus to focus 100% on my most favourite little human in the world, I am back taking appointments! I am currently available at Run With Me Fitness @rwm.newport.altona in Newport, every second Saturday. More times and days will be available in good time. If you’re looking to reset for summer, book a series of ‘check in’ appointments to keep you on track, or commit to your health by booking an initial consultation. Lots of love, and thanks to all of my clients, colleagues and followers for your ongoing support xx

16.01.2022 Finishing up a week of work at the clinic. The last couple of weeks I’ve been helping clients with the nutrition component of an eight week challenge they’re taking part in with @rwm.newport.altona ... blog post coming soon on how to stay on track with your health and fitness regime- even when life intervenes and you feel like you’ve fallen off the bandwagon. Have a great weekend!!

15.01.2022 GOOD NEWS STORY! Many of the items that have been flying off the supermarket shelves lately are packed with some amazing vitamins and minerals which help all the body systems to function!! I have seen a lot of information focusing on key nutrients we need, which we definitely do!! But as humans, we eat food not individual nutrients. So, here is a NOT EXTENSIVE list of SOME of the general nutrients found in the foods everyone seems to be stocked up on. Of course, please buy an...d use WHAT YOU NEED. Nobody needs a year’s worth of lentils when it means someone else misses out OATS: fibre, beta-glucans, B vitamins LENTILS AND BEANS: iron, magnesium, vitamin C, fibre, protein, complex carbohydrates, selenium. Chick peas contain great prebiotic fibres which help feed a healthy gut microbiome. PASTA: Low GI source of carbohydrates. Wholegrain/ spelt/ buckwheat pasta- fibre, other trace nutrients. Pulse pasta- extra protein. WHITE RICE: Great source of prebiotic resistant starch and post workout carbs BROWN RICE: Fibre, B vitamins, manganese, trace levels of important nutrients EGGS: Protein, good fats, zinc, selenium, iodine much more! Nuts and seeds: Zinc, selenium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, iron, protein, good fats FISH: Protein, selenium, iodine, zinc, good fats OTHER MEATS: All great for iron, protein, selenium, zinc and heaps of other nutrients try putting meats in the slow cooker, adding beans or lentils to make it last longer oh and veg, lots of veg. COCONUT MILK: Great for home made coconut rice and curries TINNED TOMATOES (or fresh): heaps of antioxidants, vitamin C FROZEN VEG AND BERRIES: antioxidants, vitamin C POTATOES and SWEET POTATOES: fibre, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C FRESH PRODUCE: if you can, get down to your local market and supplement your staples with fresh fruits and vegetables! These all have vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, fibre, carbohydrates and SO much more! And shopping local is a lot better and less stressful than going to the supermarket at the moment. TOILET PAPER: Not sure, but at the rate it’s going off the shelves, people must be eating it too #goodnewsstory #naturopath #nutrition #foodasmedicine #shoplocal

15.01.2022 Attention mums! As well as offering even more naturopathy appointment times upstairs, Run With Me Newport downstairs will now be the place for my NEW weekly Mums and Bubs fitness class. This class will be specifically aimed at Mums wanting to gain strength and fitness with an experienced personal trainer, in an environment where bubs are welcome and motherhood is embraced. Weather permitting, we will make good use of the beautiful outdoor courtyard area. All fitness levels ar...e welcome and catered for. If you don’t have a bub with you or he/she is still on the inside, you are also welcome. PM, text or call for more information or to book and tell your mother’s group . To book a Naturopathy appointment, PT session or to get a personalised exercise and nutrition program, visit my website or give me a call. PS: Did you know, I share the upstairs consult room with a Chiropractor, a Myotherapist, and there’s a diverse range of qualified PTs on the gym floor? We love that we can all work together to offer a range of quality services under the one roof.

15.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST! This post is hardly revolutionary, but I promise it’s the easiest, most foolproof routine to start following if you want to get on or back on track to prioritising your health! If you need help with or beyond the basics, my doors are open- via Zoom, Telehealth and at Alpha Sports Med. http://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au//the-most-basic-foo/

14.01.2022 Mexican spice mix ready to go for tacos tonight... takes two minutes and no packet mix needed! This one features dried chipotle chilli powder, which tastes soooo good in Mexican-inspired dishes. You can also get them whole, and dried whole. They have such an amazing smokey flavour. All prepared so I can cook up after my gym session. #dinner #foodprep #mexican #yum #diy

14.01.2022 What a fun Sunday morning delivering a nutrition seminar @fieldandfunctionpt - great crew! Nutrition seminar with @andiethenaturopath this morning

14.01.2022 Has anyone else’s January just flown?! Don’t miss out on this offer one initial PLUS one subsequent naturopathic consult for the price of one initial consult. This offer is valid if you book with me before the end of February 2018. Located at Run With Me Fitness, Newport (upstairs) on Thursdays and Fridays. To book or for a confidential discussion, go to www.andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au. I’d love to be a part of your 2018 health journey xx

13.01.2022 A lot of people have asked me about sugar lately. We are all just emerging out of lockdown here in Melbourne, but we still have the majority of office workers working from home, with good access to the fridge and pantry and just a leisurely lunchtime walk to the local shops to fetch snacks. Full disclaimer, I feel like the least qualified person to be lecturing people about sugar. I too, love something sweet on most days, and have no plans to give that up. That does not mean ...I eat cake and chocolate in abundance all day, and it also absolutely does not mean I’m eating loads of treats that contain rice syrup, stevia or coconut sugar and passing them off as sugar free, or even that much healthier than plain ol’ refined sugar. There is a myriad of reasons why you are craving more sweets. Purely having more access to food or snack breaks than you might in the office environment is probably the big one at the moment. This is something I haven’t wanted to write about until now though, because we were in lockdown! As my 93 year old Nana said recently, I never thought I would live through something like this! She has so far had 93 years on this earth, and this has thrown her a curveball. It’s the same for everyone. Eating high sugar foods all the time can can come with consequences to your gut health, overall health and overall capacity to take in and absorb nutrients. It’s also a double edged sword, because many underlying health issues related to gut health, blood sugar control, candida and liver function (to name a very small few) can actually cause you to seek and eat more sugar. Tie this in with the simpler reasons, like the availability of sugar and the fact that it’s in everything and it can be a nightmare to avoid. Link to blog for seven tips on how to curb the cravings, plus some simple recipe and snack ideas. https://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au//sugar-why-you-are/

13.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST: Ready to improve your health, enjoy the journey and make realistic changes? Some Sunday thoughts on the journey towards health are on my blog now, as well as a sneak peek on what my next blog will be about. Improving your health doesn’t have to be an uphill climb or a quest for perfection. Making small decisions every day to prioritise your health and incorporate it into your life will be key to lasting healthy habits. Of course, identifying and addressing underlying health issues is an essential piece to this journey. When was the last time you felt 100% healthy? https://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au//health-is-not-an-/

12.01.2022 Getting so excited to present my very first nutrition seminar at one of my most favourite places in the world, @fieldandfunctionpt #Repost @fieldandfunctionpt Body Composition + Nutrition Seminar this Sunday 4th March from 10am. The In Body 570 Scan will be onsite for comprehensive testing and seminar presented by @andiethenaturopath Buy one scan for $50 or two for $80 > link in bio... PS Follow up scan to be held in 8 weeks. See more

11.01.2022 Baby time!! It’s almost time for my husband and I to welcome our little human into the world, so I am taking a break from my Newport clinic for a short while. I love working with every single one of my clients and making a difference to their health. I am also so grateful they are able to see my colleague Tegan @wellbodynaturopathy while I’m away, in the same awesome location. I’m also so thankful for every single like, comment, referral and word of support I have received from my followers. I look forward to coming back as soon as I can, with even more to offer xx

11.01.2022 Naturopathic consultations available in Newport from 18th January. Have a look at my website for more details and to make a booking http://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au

10.01.2022 Mother’s Day gift vouchers available! Help Mum put her health first. Gift certificate emailed to you ready for Sunday. Choose from a dollar value towards a service, or a particular product or service listed on my website. Online and in clinic options available. Some ideas to help Mum kickstart her health include:... * 20 minute express appointment * 60 minute naturopathy appointment with personalised treatment plan * Personalised nutrition plan * Tailored exercise plan- only $49 with six weeks of follow up! More options on my website Call or email to arrange your voucher

09.01.2022 HAPPY EASTER Hi, how are you going this weekend? This weekend is especially tough if you are living alone, had plans for Easter that are no longer, can’t camp in the backyard because you don’t have one (or you just don’t wanna because you have a house and all the beds in there are made and the roof and walls are already there) but it is really especially tough for ALL HUMANS! Lucky for us, there is some fun to be had this Easter because there’s always chocolate. I don’t ...think there is any reason to hold back on the chocolate this year (or any year, but especially this one), especially when it comes in a lovely, shiny wrapper. Can’t wait to share some with my family. Oh, and while you are enjoying all the chocolate, and having the best fun you can under the circumstances check out my range of online naturopathy services available. You can also book in for an appointment to get an exercise program tailored to your goals. I am still open for consults at @alphasportsmed, but all appointments have the ability to be done online (reduced cost too! Link in bio). @ Alpha Sports Med & Osteo

09.01.2022 The quick consultation. This 20 minute consultation is a quick check in and mainly focused on simple nutrition and lifestyle tips to start you off on your health journey. For new clients, this appointment can help you decide whether you’re ready to commit to a more comprehensive treatment plan and support for your health concerns. During these consults you are armed with the info you need to make a start on or stay on track with your health journey. So it’s also great if you ...feel like you have a handle on your health and lifestyle, but just need some tips and motivation. Up until 30th of June, you can choose to come into my clinic at Alpha Sports Med for this consult, or you can book it as a phone, Zoom or Telehealth appointment if you’d rather stay at home. Taking control of your health is taking control of your life, and everyone has 20 minutes up their sleeve to do that. Only $35. Book now via the online bookings tab on the website, or use the contact page for more info. https://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au/bookings/ See more

09.01.2022 PLANS TO PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST? Hi everyone! How are you doing at the moment, with all those extra demands you’ve been facing during the lockdown period? Hopefully these demands have also come with some silver linings. It looks like there might be some light at the end of the tunnel soon, which means we will gradually be able to return to normal life. Things have been understandably quiet on my front, even though I have still been there for my clients both in person at Alpha ...Sports Med and Osteo and through Zoom or Telehealth for those who prefer that option. I have also been working on some blog posts which hopefully continue to inspire you to take control of and prioritise your health. All of this while looking after my toddler, with my main job being keeping him occupied while my husband works from home and we have no formal activities to do or friends to see! It has been a challenge, but I am very lucky to have my happy family. My other job as a personal trainer has also been put on hold due to the gym closing, but I have been redeployed into other work which is a relief. I hope you have been at least thinking about prioritising your health and wellbeing, even if it might be a bit difficult at the moment. At the moment, if you’re getting out of bed in the morning and getting some fresh air every day, keeping stocked up on healthy food options and checking in with your friends and family from afar, you’re doing a great job. If you have started to form some big plans on how you’re going to take control of your health and wellness in the (near future), I am here to help when you’re ready. All of my online appointment options are available via the link in comments, and of course I am always available in clinic at Alpha Sports Med & Osteo - as are Ashton (pictured) and the other brilliant osteos. NEW BLOG POSTS COMING SOON: Some musings on the (imperfect) journey towards good health (and what it might mean for you), and another post on why you might be training hard and eating really well, but still not getting the results you want.

09.01.2022 Your health is your investment, and just as investors are probably being told to ride out this storm as calmly as they can, I am here to tell you not to lose your head with your health portfolio, either. If you can keep going with eating a healthy, balanced diet including fresh food where possible, move your body in the best way you possibly can at this time and get enough sleep, you will be doing enough! Don’t punish yourself for taking extra days to rest mind and body, but... there’s also no need to stop moving just because you can’t get to the gym. It’s time to nourish as best we can to get the best vitamins we can from the foods available to us, and look after our mental health as many of us navigate changed circumstances that we might not be used to dealing with. If you do need personalised help with the basics or beyond, I am still taking naturopathy appointments at @alphasportsmed at this point in time (the amazing Alpha osteos are available too!), but I also have a 30 and 60 minute online or phone consult option available. Personalised exercise and nutrition plans are also available as always, with either a face to face or online consultation. Link in bio to book. When things go back to normal, here’s hoping we will get back into normal life with a new vigour, love and appreciate our gym or running group more than ever, and have a new appreciation and even more love for the vulnerable family members we’re leaving alone at this time. xx #naturopath #foodasmedicine #healthiswealth #movementisnatural #naturalmedicine #nutrition

09.01.2022 So Tegan from Wellbody Naturopathy by Tegan Barton and I chat all the time about the functional pathology testing options we can refer for from our clinics, so we decided to have a chat to camera about Hair Mineral Analysis testing and why testing for heavy metals can be a good idea...

08.01.2022 NUTRITION SEMINARS: @wellbodynaturopathy and I are running a series of FREE nutrition seminars for @rwm.newport.altona members throughout March. Find out how best to fuel your workouts and the food and nutrients you need for a healthy life. We hope members will take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about nutrition. Limited to eight participants per session so get in quick! Sign up sheets are at Newport and Altona reception desks, so put your name down now. If you can’t get in to sign up, give us a call or send an email. Dates & times: Wed 21st March 8pm, Sunday 25th March 10am & Monday 26th March 7:30pm #rwm #newport #altona #gym #naturopath #nutrition #seminar #free #food #eat #workout #live #life #healthy #hungry #strength #lifestyle #train #newport #williamstown #healthandfitness #healthandnutrition #melbourne

08.01.2022 JANUARY- FEBRUARY OFFER: Book an appointment in January or February 2018 and receive two appointments for the price of one initial consultation. That’s $120 for one initial consultation (60 minutes) and one return consultation (30 minutes). Terms and conditions apply and limited appointments are available.

06.01.2022 New nutrition- only service! Would you like to get your nutrition on track, complement your exercise routine or get the most out of the food you eat? Well, you might want to take a look at this nutrition package... Includes - One initial consultation (one hour) focusing on all things food and nutrition; - One follow up email containing a personalised nutrition plan- including appropriate nutrient targets and recipe ideas; ... - One follow up consultation (30 minutes) to review the plan within four weeks of the initial consultation; - Unlimited email support for four weeks from the initial consultation. - Total investment: $185. Great for those who want to get their nutrition on track, stay accountable, increase their energy, and get the most out of their daily lives with optimal nutrition. When it comes to nutrition, everyone's different- don't let a one-size-fits-all approach suck you in. To book head to http://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au/bookings/

05.01.2022 The initial consultation: Where it all starts. At this point, you’ve already taken the first brave step towards improving your health and optimising your wellbeing. The initial consultation delves deep into your current health concerns, past health history and goes on a fact finding mission to identify and treat the underlying cause of what might be standing in the way of you being the healthiest version of you. It’s a no judgement space with a structured approach. The treat...ment plan stemming from this consultation contains the short and long term goals for your health that we have agreed upon as realistic, recommendations for any referrals or testing necessary and any initial treatments such as lifestyle and diet interventions, herbal medicine or nutritional supplements to support those goals. After our initial consultation, a follow up appointment is made and I present you with a report of findings, which educate you on what’s going on and includes further recommendations, which I thoroughly study and research between your two appointments it might sound creepy, but yes! I do spend time thinking about you between our consults . Follow ups beyond this are usually to keep you on track with your goals and bring up any new concerns you might have. The truth is, we often sail through life just accepting that we feel mediocre, that we are not as optimally healthy as we want to be, for example with a chronic condition or food intolerances we have just learned to live with. It’s up to you to start the process, and I promise I will be invested in you and your health from that point forward. Blog post in pic: I wrote this one a few years ago, but it gives a good insight into what Naturopaths actually do and the therapies they have access to. The best part? Initial consultations are available at a reduced rate until 30th June 2020, and we can do them in clinic at Alpha Sports Med, via Zoom or Telehealth https://andiemccowannaturopathy.com.au/services/

03.01.2022 So great that exercise has been identified as a way to better withstand cancer treatment and improve survival rates. https://www.google.com.au/amp/amp.abc.net.au/article/9733882

03.01.2022 HOW TO GET THROUGH CHRISTMAS with your physical and mental health intact At Christmas, many of my clients are nervous about keeping their healthy eating and lifestyles on track. Here are my tips on staying happy and healthy this Christmas. 1. Only commit to the events you really feel you can fully show up for. There’s nothing worse than being so busy and thinly stretched over the festive season, that you forget to find joy and relaxation in the things you really want to do.... 2. Share the load and keep it simple. If you’re having people over at Christmas for meals, focus on a couple of food elements and let everyone else bring something to contribute. Likewise, if you’re attending a celebration elsewhere, ask what you can contribute. 3. Say ‘yes please!’ to the treats and foods you really want, and a polite ‘no thanks’ to the things you really don’t want. We always hear that a treat or few is perfectly acceptable at Christmas, AND it IS (actually it is at any time of year)! But sometimes we forget we also have the right to decline if we want to. Christmas is also a time where there are fresh, healthy foods available in abundance, so remember to get lots of nutrients in via fresh salads and beautifully roasted veggies, seafood and seasonal fruit. 4. Exercise. Instead of taking a nap after Christmas lunch, go for a walk! This exercise tip isn’t for the purpose of burning off the Christmas calories either, it’s for your health and happiness- we all feel tons better when we have moved our bodies and grabbed some fresh air. you shouldn’t have to sacrifice this feeling at Christmas! Going for a walk, a run, doing yoga or a holiday exercise sequence (there are heaps of no equipment holiday workouts and apps around- ask me if you need help finding one), could be just the thing to keep your healthy habits on track and mood elevated, until you can resume your normal routine again. And finally, whatever happens at Christmas, it’s only a few days out of a whole year! Remember to focus on what really matters- the people you get to spend it with. I hope that’s what brings you the most happiness! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my clients and followers!

02.01.2022 Yay for you if you got out and about on this cold and foggy Melbourne morning! How’s everyone feeling during Melbourne’s fresh restrictions? If you’re feeling disheartened or angry, this is normal.... If your lifestyle and diet feel a bit out of whack, this is normal too. When you’re ready, there are some simple steps you can take to help get your wellbeing on track: Stop whatever you’re doing and drink a whole glass of water Plan your next meal to include a vegetable, a source of protein, a source of healthy fat and maybe something whole grain. Take a 20 minute gentle exercise break. If possible, get outside! If not, some stretching or movement will do just fine. If you can, buy fruit and veg in abundance from your local grocer. These are the smallest of things you could do to maintain some sanity and a sense of wellness during the next five or so weeks. But if you’d like to take this time to really delve into your health and wellbeing long term, complete a health reset or get back on track with some nutrition tips, you can book a short or long consultation with me - I have plenty of times available for remote consultations, and some limited appointment times in clinic. Head to my website to book online or organise a free chat via phone or email to see how I can help you on your health journey. And remember, please be as nice to yourself as you would be to your bestie xx

02.01.2022 VITAMIN D: The sunshine vitamin... and much more! Recent research has shown a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and cases of COVID-19. There has been lots of growing evidence for a long time that Vitamin D plays a significant role in the immune system, allergy prevention and lowering inflammation, including that related to infection and respiratory illness, so it doesn’t come as a surprise. ... Vitamin D has always bugged me a bit, because it’s not always a nutrient that is routinely tested, yet deficiency can be prevalent in many people. Back in 2017 when I first became pregnant, the midwife was really impressed by my high-ish vitamin D levels. I replied to the midwife, yes a couple of years ago I was tested for a few nutrients including vitamin D on the advice of an integrative GP, and ever since then I have taken a proactive approach to supplementing and maximising absorption. Yet so many people miss out on this key preventative knowledge before their levels drop. Also worth noting, my excellent GP obviously did test for vitamin D at some point. What can you do about your own vitamin D? Testing is one of the only ways you can look at your levels, and a chat with your GP or health practitioner would be useful as a starting point. Maximising your absorption of this nutrient is your best bet. Vitamin D is best provided by sunlight through the skin, so getting at least 20 minutes of sunlight per day on as much skin as possible during the sunniest part of the day is really important. Vitamin D is a fat soluble steroid hormone produced by cholesterol, so consuming healthy fats is a must to ensure it is turned into its active form in the body. Other health factors can affect the absorption of vitamin D, so you may need to address concerns around liver, gut, kidney and general health before you bother supplementing. There can be a need to supplement vitamin D for some people, and in my opinion individuals do need to monitor this nutrient. Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash