Vital Aspects in Tanunda, South Australia | Alternative & holistic health service

Vital Aspects

Locality: Tanunda, South Australia

Phone: +61 8 8166 7561

Address: 1/56 Murray Street 5352 Tanunda, SA, Australia

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

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• Medical and health
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Health/beauty
• Nutritionist

25.01.2022 Lesson #1 in business and in life... Set boundaries. This one took me a while to learn and having your own business as the sole operator, can make it hard to not merge to two together. Couple this with being a people pleaser and you have a recipe for "zero boundary disaster". (Its a thing, I promise) and the perfect way to set yourself up for burnout. I struggled to set boundaries because I was so desperate to be liked, accepted and fit ...in. I answered calls, texts and emails at all hours, let patients come in on my only day off and gave free advice when asked questions in the street. I so often said yes, when I should have and really wanted to say no. Do you say yes when you want to say no? And how does it feel when you do? If you break your boundaries for someone (personal or business), people often have less respect for you. They can undervalue your time and service and will continue to expect "special" treatment. But the real lesson is when you start to stand your ground. Do they respect you and your boundaries or do they get angry, say nasty things, not support you etc? Focus your efforts on those that respect you standing your ground when it comes your boundaries. Remember that how people behave says more about them than it does you, but you also set the tone for how they can treat you from the start. If you dont respect your own boundaries, then why should anyone else? It is ok to say no. Those that love and respect you will still be by your side. Try it. It can actually be quite liberating. Megan x See more

25.01.2022 "Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual" It is a thorough and detailed investigation of each individual patient on so many different levels. Just as pharmaceuticals work in certain ways by understanding (naturally occurring biochemical pathways), through understanding the bodies underlying biochemistry and the nutrients and co-factors that are required for these processes to oc...cur; conditions can be managed via a natural approach to facilitate the body to heal and repair on its own. Those that are already my patients know that I spend a great deal of time on your case behind closed doors. I draw on evidence based research and science (I love the detail), to piece the puzzle together; analysing your medical and family history, genetics, diet, lifestyle and environment and then link all of these with blood test results, any additional functional testing and your presenting symptoms. I may spend hours researching your case to find the answers for you and to help you get your health back on track this typically occurs curled up on the couch or sprawled all over the floor! It may not always be a quick fix, it may take time and commitment and sometimes significant changes (beyond just supplementation), but I am committed to helping you find the answers you have been looking for and to help you feel your best. Remember that nothing is ever black or white and there is no one size fits all approach. We dont all look the same, so why should we ever be treated the same (even if we have the same condition)? There are answers for everything, we just need to find them. Megan x @hellourbansafari

23.01.2022 Sometimes we just need a warm cup of tea, a blanket and something (or someone) to lean on. I love when my patients tell me that for the first time in their lives they feel heard, understood and that someone is on their side and has their best interest at heart. Tears are often shed as we peel back the layers, stirring up subconscious (or conscious) self limiting beliefs that have stopped us from beginning our healing journeys prior and preventing us from being our best selve...s. When things are analysed and interpreted through a different lense, we can finally get some answers, feel a sense of relief and see a light at the end of the tunnel. If you feel like something isnt right, dont let anyone tell you otherwise. You know your body better than anyone. Functional medicine looks at the person as a whole, and my interpretation of blood results is significantly different from main stream medicine. You dont have to have markers outside of the reference ranges to need answers. If youve been looking for answers and wondering if I can help you, I offer a complementary 15 minute discovery call to discuss your concerns and see if we are a good fit to work together. There are always answers and explanations. Megan x @hellourbansafari

23.01.2022 So today was a bit special as we finally got some signage up! It’s been a whirlwind (almost 2 months) and to say I’m humbled by everyone’s support would be an understatement. I love being in the clinic and being able to support people in understanding and regaining their health, but to be able to reach so many more people through the store and educating and providing you with natural, organic and low toxin Australian alternatives brings me so much joy and fulfilment also. ... I set a goal when I was setting up my practice nearly 3 years ago of changing only one person’s life through what I do. There has been so many more and I look forward to this continuing. Thank you to all that have seen me as patients, trusted me and committed to the process, those that have purchased from the store and those that I am yet to meet. In health and wellness, Megan xx And a big shout out to @missphilippagrace for all that you do too and a big and special happy birthday

23.01.2022 Those that know me well know how much I love Magnesium It is a mineral that plays a role in over 3000 enzymatic processes in the body and unfortunately, the majority of the population is deficient. Why is it important? Mental health Depleted with high stress, magnesium helps to keep us calm and to produce neurotransmitters that make us feel calm and happy. (Coincidence that as a population we are becoming more deficient and mental health conditions are on the rise? pr...obably not). Energy For any of you that did year 12 bio and remember the Krebs cycle and ATP production, you know that none of these processes can occur without sufficient magnesium. ATP is made in the mitochondria (our little energy houses) and is not biologically active without being bound to magnesium. Feeling tired? Sleep Magnesium helps to calm and relax us by the stimulating effects it has on our GABA receptors. (GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays an inhibitory role on the nervous system). When we don’t have enough, our sleep can be affected which has a plethora of negative health consequences on our overall health. Bone Health Our bones need a delicate balance of not only calcium, but magnesium and other vitamins such as vitamin D. So, taking just calcium if you are magnesium deficient can be working against your bones, think about the bigger picture here and consider whether you may need to add some magnesium to the mix! Cardiovascular Health The number of patients I see that are on blood pressure medications that are magnesium deficient is 100%. Through targeting this deficiency (and others), we are able to dramatically reduce blood pressure and dependence on medications. Where do we get it? Leafy greens Nuts and seeds Good quality dark chocolate Legumes There are a lot of different forms of magnesium available, some are better than others due to their absorbability in the body. Over the counter forms are often cheap and not highly absorbable, so despite supplementing, you may still be deficient. Megan xx

23.01.2022 Ive posted this numerous times before and is something that I speak to patients about to help them to reduce their toxin exposure which in turn helps to improve gut, liver, immune and hormonal health. We often think that eating organically is not affordable (not true if you shop at The Vegie Basket at the Barossa Farmers Market ) so if we can do our best to stick to the Dirty 12 list organically and then the Clean 15 commercially, we can drastically improve our health within as little as 1 week! *Remember it is still important to wash our fruit and veggies before we eat them to further minimise toxin exposure.

22.01.2022 Day 7 - Half Way So today has been the toughest day so far, not physically, but emotionally. I have cried. A lot. Its depression without the brain fog, the fatigue, the hopelessness and insomnia - WEIRD and something Im not used to. More than likely a bit of bacterial die off - when this happens, toxins are secreted that can make us feel a bit shit, but definitely also food related. I didnt think that food was something I used to make me feel good, but did you know that wh...en we eat, our cortisol levels drop which is why "stress eating" makes us feel so much better at the time. I didnt think it was happening to me, but maybe I had been using food a little more than I thought. I typically eat well, when Im hungry and dont get caught up in depriving myself of what I want, but I guess its like a lot of things in life - we dont know what weve got til its gone and we take the most basic of things for granted. Already my perspective on food has changed in these 7 days and Im excited that this experience has potentially changed our relationship too. Im sure a lot of us dont see food as a distraction, but when its not there to give us that pick me up or warm and fuzzy feeling, we can often be left bare and forced to look inwards and sit with some pretty real and raw emotions. This has been me today and I am grateful for this. Healing goes beyond the physical. Again, I am learning more about myself and the process that my patients go through and am able to empathise on an even deeper level. I was proud before, but become prouder each day. Megan x . . . . . #wellness #nutrition #guthealth #functionalmedicine #clinicalnutritionist #clinicalnutrition #healing #foodasmedicine #wellnessjourney #barossanutritionist #vitalaspects #sibo #elementaldiet

22.01.2022 When taking a case, I will go through the various body systems and in particular when asking about immune function, I will ask how often you get sick. One of the most common responses I get is "I never get sick until I am on holidays". Whats interesting about this? ... Well... When we run at a million miles an hour and are constantly in "fight or flight mode", our sympathetic nervous system is activated and we are producing higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which sit on top of our kidneys and it plays many important functions within the body such as giving us a bit of "get up and go" in the morning, helping to control blood sugar (hello 3 OClock crash), helping us to remember things and to reduce inflammation. In addition to all of these important functions, higher levels of cortisol will suppress our immune system. What does this mean? Well... We are constantly being exposed to various pathogens and when we are running on overdrive, our immune systems are told by cortisol to suppress inflammation, which means that we do not present with any symptoms. It is not until we go on holidays that we get nice and relaxed, our cortisol levels drop and the immune symptoms present as the inflammatory response is no longer suppressed. Cortisol isnt always the bad guy, but when we are exposed to high levels over long periods of time, it can lead to various long term health consequences, deplete significant levels of vitamins and minerals, mess with our hormones, impair our digestive function and negatively impact our sleep. So if this sounds like you, it may be worth looking into some stress reducing techniques - yoga, meditation, saying no to things when you need to, reducing or removing things that stress you out and supporting your body with the extra nutrients and digestive support it needs throughout these times. Megan x

21.01.2022 "Ive been diagnosed with IBS" is easily one of the most common presenting complaints I see in my clinic. Those that have seen me as patients or heard me talk about the gut, know that I think the term is absolute BS! It is not a diagnosis. There is a reason you have it. It is the diagnosis that is used as there are no visible markers that specialists can identify and therefore you go into the too hard basket. ... The number one treatment for "IBS" is to follow a low FODMAP diet. - Why does this work? Because it removes fermentable fibres. What do fermentable fibres feed? Bacteria. The bad guys BUT also the good guys. So... if we are starving the bad ones, we are also starving the good ones which pay a pretty significant role in keeping us healthy. A low FODMAP diet should not be followed for longer than 6 months for this exact reason. Some leading causes of "IBS" are: -SIBO -Antibiotic use -Stress -Hormonal Imbalances -Chronic infections -Low stomach acid and poor digestive function The most common symptoms are: -Bloating -Constipation and/or diarrhea -Food intolerances -Excessive gas (often smelly) -Bowel urgency -Nausea -Fatigue -Brain fog Taking the time to take and analyse a patients medical history thoroughly can often give us some pretty big clues as to what the cause (or causes) may be, which can give us a target and more often than not, a resolution of symptoms. Various functional testing such as a GI-Map can also be utilised to give us a map of the gastrointestinal tract and a detailed and accurate blueprint of whats going on inside. So if youve been "diagnosed" with "IBS" and havent found relief, feel free to reach out for a chat. Megan x See more

20.01.2022 Theres a lot of uncertainty out there at the moment and Im getting lots of questions regarding tips and tricks we can use to optimise our immune function throughout this time. I caught up with Kate from @barossaroaming to put together some simple info for you all to incorporate into your days to keep your immune systems firing on all cylinders! Check it out! ... https://barossaroaming.com//20/how-to-stay-healthy-in-2020/

20.01.2022 This question comes up with most of my patients, but today it came up and evoked some pretty strong emotional responses - like tears from the base of the stomach and deep, heavy sobbing responses. Sometimes particular questions can trigger us either because it can be forcing us to confront some deep emotional shit we are yet to tap into or avoiding, or because we are tired of being held back, know we are doing it, but dont know how to stop. Is it fear of failure? Fear of suc...cess? Fear of the unknown? Lack of self-worth? Mum guilt? And where does this subconscious programming stem from? Figuring this out is often the first step towards moving forward. It can take time and be incredibly confronting, but it is worth it, I promise. I have often asked myself these questions numerous times throughout my life and continue to do so when I feel as though something is blocking me. Why am I letting myself be treated like that? Why am I saying yes when I want to say no? Why do I not prioritise myself and seek to do things that make me happy and well? The list goes on When our self-esteem is that low, we continue to attract the level of love and experiences we feel we deserve, which can often mean we keep reliving old patterns and further reinforcing our feelings of low self-worth and our fears continue to be reality. Self-sabotage becomes our sidekick and we somehow manage to continuously fuck our lives up over and over again until we sit with our shit and look at it deeply inside ourselves and decide no more. Yes, we can have genetic predispositions and/or past and present trauma (childhood, relationships, stressful events etc) that continue to keep us in a particular mindset and things that have happened to us are not always our choice, but we do have a choice now. We have the choice to give ourselves the love, support, health and stability we need to re-wire our brains and re-write our pasts. You are worthy, you are seen, you are heard and you deserve all the health and happiness life has to offer. Megan x

19.01.2022 Spring is here and what a magical morning it is! The sun was up extra early and the warmth is such a treat after some very chilly mornings and days of late. With spring comes new life, new beginnings and a chance to clean out the old and make way for the new (aka spring clean!) ... Its the eve of my business birthday and I have some very exciting new beginnings in the pipeline that I CANNOT WAIT to share with you all and an exciting little giveaway, so make sure to check in tomorrow... Are you getting your spring clean on? Any exciting new beginnings youd like to share with me? Have the best day! Megan x

18.01.2022 There’s still plenty of time to enter our Christmas giveaway and for this HUGE prize to be under your tree Christmas morning! Products to pamper both your insides and outsides and put a smile on someone special’s face. Good luck!... Megan xx

18.01.2022 I will be having a little break from clinic over the Christmas/New Year period to enable me to finalise some exciting new things and have a little down time. My last day of consulting for 2020 will be Thursday 24th (Christmas Eve) and I will be returning on Wednesday 20th of January. At this stage I do not have any more available appointments, however if you feel the need to see me prior to the new year, please contact me directly. ... Throughout this period the store will continue to be open its normal hours: Tuesday - Friday - 10-4:30 Saturday & Sunday - 10-2 With the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. The sauna will operate as normal. I'd like to take this chance to thank all of my patients and everyone who has visited the store over the past few months for sharing this journey with me. I can't wait for 2021! Megan xx See more

18.01.2022 A gentle reminder to never assume you know someone or what someone is going through behind closed doors. Always be kind. "Breakdown: 26.3% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced an anxiety disorder. ** This is equivalent to 4.96 million people today." - Beyond Blue 2020... Alarming statistics that are constantly on the rise. There are plenty of things that functional and nutritional medicine can address to help and provide relief by addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances that lead to anxiety. Reach out if you need some help or someone to talk to

17.01.2022 Whats happening with your hormones and adrenals...? Due to our modern day diet and lifestyle, we are exposed to many chemical components known as endocrine disruptors (EDCs) which wreak havoc on our bodies and the receptor sites involved in regulating our hormones and also impact the overall health of our gut (which also has a role to play in the health of our hormones) Some common symptoms that can tell us things are a little out of whack include (but are definitely not l...imited to): PMS, Perimenopause, Menopause, Exhaustion, Skin Conditions, Mood Swings, Fertility Issues, Heavy and/or Irregular Periods, Weight Issues or Hair Loss. Those that know me, know I love to incorporate functional testing into my practice to give us targeted and personalised information, typically resulting in reduced treatment times. This is one of my favourite tests and is the most accurate and detailed test you can get of its kind offering the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites all from urine! (Despite common belief, bloods are not the most accurate tests for hormones!)

16.01.2022 Im not claiming I get it right first up every time, because I dont. The body is complex as are your unique environments and lifestyles. But one thing I do know that if given the chance, I will not stop digging until I get you some answers. ... My pathology (blood) reference ranges are very different to mainstream medicine which alone can give us some great insights; and our first and second appointments go for an hour. We spend time together, I ask a lot of questions and you have the chance to tell me your story and your health journey. Dont let anyone tell you that nothing is wrong if you feel that there is. Its your body and you know it better than anyone else does. Megan x

15.01.2022 5 days back on solid food and its fair to say that I have never been so grateful for some savoury texture in my day. Ive become obsessed with putting together recipes, making everything from scratch and being planned and organised so my food choices are on track with where they need to be. Ive been pretty lucky that I have been able to add in a number of foods at a faster rate than I expected as I am not experiencing any symptoms. I am so grateful for the experience over t...he past few weeks, I have learnt a hell of a lot about myself and my body and have found a greater level of respect and empathy for my amazing patients, the human body and my profession. Ive gone all Marie Kondo on myself and my things feeling like not only my insides needed a clean out, but so did the rest of my life! There is something to be said about having less clutter around you and letting go of materialistic things. We need to energetically make way for new things (experiences, opportunities, relationships) to continue to evolve and grow and experience all that life has to offer. By creating space, I feel as though I have more time. In the past I thought I didnt have enough time, but I now know I didnt make the time. The process has taught me to prioritise myself and my health. And funnily enough, if it is the priority then you will always have the time to make yourself nourishing food, move your body and switch off your mind. Sundays have always been for meal prep and to plan my food for the week, but I am now planning the week ahead to give me greater structure and efficiency (plus if I write things down, I find they dont go around in my head all night!) Being organised reduces my stress levels and gives me a greater sense of achievement (and lots more spare time!) Are you prioritising yourself and your health and giving yourself time? I think we often get so used to a hectic lifestyle, that suboptimal health and wellness becomes our norm and we think that it has to be that way when in actual fact, we actually have no idea how good we can really feel. Megan x

15.01.2022 Day 14 In approximately 4 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds I will technically be finished my 14 days. (I am seriously contemplating setting the alarm for midnight to get up and enjoy some sort of textural snack ). My warm creamy (decaf) coffee tomorrow is going to be amazing. Ive really missed the social aspect, but no more caffeine for me! Today was a good day, the sun was shining and a little bit of extra warmth definitely helped. I think knowing it is nearly over gave m...e a strong surge of endorphins. It was comparative to when you finally quit a shitty job and all of a sudden it becomes much better because you know you are out of there... I had my first day back in clinic after a few weeks and it felt amazing and another reminder why I do what I do. I felt sharp and clear despite the last 14 days! I also know a lot of the down days were because I had no structure or routine and we need a sense of purpose to truly make our soul sing. Im so excited about eating I spent $200 on groceries and bought about 20kgs of wholesale nuts to make my own organic vegan cheese. I really hope it works. I may have also accidentally bought yoghurt maker, a seed sprouter and kefir maker too! My gut bugs are going to love me once I can add all this stuff in. (Lucky fermentation takes a bit of time) *note to self and patients - block all means of purchasing anything until of sound mind to do so* What an experience this has been. Highs and lows, tears and constipation.... SO. MUCH. FUN. I know my gut is better, Im definitely less inflamed and very curious to see the effects on my hormones with this cycle I think Ill have more to say after a few days of returning to some sense of normality and after a good poo. Megan x

12.01.2022 Over half of the patients I saw last week were seeing me for hormonal issues, with 30% of them having come off of the pill and experiencing post-pill acne. Firstly, despite having a bleed while you are on the pill, it is not a period. You are not ovulating which is critical to our overall health as women and secondly, it can mask issues such as acne, hiding the real reason it was there in the first place. One of the reasons the pill works in reducing or eliminating acne is th...at it suppresses sebum (oil) production and our bodies being the amazing things that they are, work by up regulating (speeding up) sebum production to compensate. This means that when we stop taking the pill, we have excess oil production which is one of the causes of post-pill acne. In addition, when the ovaries begin to "wake up, they can produce excess androgens such as testosterone which further contribute to acne development. Synthetic birth control will also increase serum copper levels. Copper is antagonistic to zinc (which means when it is high, zinc is often low). Zinc is critical for skin health and breaking down excess androgens. The pill is also notorious for negatively impacting our microbiome. Our gut health is directly linked to our skin health and is also responsible for breaking down estrogen (another sex hormone) which can drive breakouts before our period. B vitamins and magnesium are also depleted which we need to detoxify, repair and regenerate our skin, balance our hormones and assist us to cope with stress. Stopping the pill does not guarantee that you will get post-pill acne, but those that were on the pill for acne in the first place have an increased risk. It may not happen straight away as our bodies need time to regulate and one important thing to remember is that it may take up to 6 months to be at its worst before it gets better, so patience and perseverance is key. We can support the body prior to pill cessation which can assist in reducing the severity and duration of post-pill acne. 2 simple things you can do now are:- 1 - drink enough water and 2 - remove all dairy from your diet. Any questions, or DM me. Megan x

11.01.2022 Have you entered my birthday giveaway yet? Theres still time! Up for grabs is: 1 x Initial Consult with me... 1 x Weleda Sensitive Beauty Basics Pack 1 x Little Gems Organic Buttons 1 x Anitpodes Mini Mud Mask 1 x Kona Cacao Protein Pancake Mix + Ive decided to throw a few extra bits and pieces in bringing the value from $299, to $399!!! Remember all you need to do to enter is: 1 - Sign up to the mailing list https://bit.ly/2QHg6iK 2 - Follow me on + Insta and facey @vitalaspects 3 - tag a friend (each tag is an extra entry) We have a winner - @jesssignore congratulations Jess Megan x T+Cs: Giveaway is open to Australian residents aged 18 yrs and over, and closes at 9pm on 9/9/2020. The winner will be randomly chosen by me and notified via social media on 10/9/2020. This giveaway is not associated or endorsed by Facebook/Instagram.

11.01.2022 Looking forward to being a part of this amazing event with all of the wonderful Barossa health professionals on Sunday! Ill be doing free mini physical examinations, so be prepared to poke out your tongues, swirl some stuff in your mouths and let me poke and prod you a little bit Ill also be showcasing all of the AMAZING functional testing that I have available in my clinic for gut health, hormones, toxins and lots of other incredible things! ... I hope to see you there!

11.01.2022 Sorry for any inconvenience caused, but we will be closed today to take a much needed little mini vaycay and to celebrate a month (yes a whole month) of being open and the birthday of @eperosawine I’m not sure where a whole month has gone or what day it is at the moment sometimes, but it’s been an incredible journey so far and one that is constantly changing and evolving. To have changed and created what I feel is such a beautiful space and to add a whole other level of ...being able to help people live healthier lives makes me beyond happy, excited and incredibly humbled. I hope those of you who have visited have enjoyed the space, your products and have learnt a thing or two also, and I hope to see you again soon. Your messages of thanks and happiness with the products also means a lot to me, so thank you As all small business owners would know, you never really stop and taking time off can be hard, but it is essential to self-care and not burning out. So on that note, I’m off to the beach for a few days to over indulge, sleep, read something other than research papers and catalogues and spend time with the birthday boy. Happy birthday @eperosawine what a year it has been for us both. Here’s to an even bigger 2021. Megan x

11.01.2022 We’re feeling festive and generous here at Vital Aspects and after a challenging 2020, what better way to end it than with a HUGE Christmas hamper giveaway for you to win a deserving friend (or for yourself if you think you’re more deserving ) Not only is an initial consult and infrared sauna session up for grabs, but we have put together a hamper of lots of our favourite Australian, natural and organic bits and pieces valued at over $600! To enter:... - Sign up to the mailing list - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f4ce6cd01a6b70026d2dddf - Follow me on insta + facey @vitalaspects - Share this post - Tag a friend and briefly tell us why they deserve to win (I'll give you an extra entry for each tag!) - (or tell me why you should win) Keep an eye on our stories and posts over the next week for some extra entry tasks and updates. Have a special week, Megan x T&Cs: Giveaway is open to Australian residents aged 18 years and over, and closes at 5pm on 23/12/2020. The winner will be chosen by me and notified via social media on 24/12/2020. This giveaway is not associated with or endorsed by Facebook/Instagram.

08.01.2022 This has to be one of my favourite quotes so far this year, thanks the amazing @suzchadwick who spends her days empowering women to step up and take charge of their businesses and own their shit! As I step into a new chapter for myself and my business, these words are something I have to constantly remind myself of to assist in reducing my anxiety and preventing myself from going back to hide in the shadows to avoid peoples judgement. This doesnt however only apply to busin...ess. So many of my patients struggle with gaining the support of those around them when they are implementing changes; receiving various forms of judgement and discouragement or even more so, encouragement to not stick to their goals and fit in. People shouldnt judge, because in reality they have no f*cking idea what someone is going through or had gone through to get them to a certain point. They shouldnt discourage people just because they havent stepped up to their own plate. Dont let judgement stop you from chasing your dreams, be it business or health or life in general. Those that are where they want to be will encourage and support you, and those that arent possibly wont. Spend time with the supporters and keep believing in yourself and the choices you have made to move your life and your health in the direction you want to go. Im here to support you all. In health and in life and want nothing more to see everyone succeed, smash their goals and reach their full potential. Stay strong and keep dreaming. Megan x

08.01.2022 This is one of the most common presentations that I see in clinic at the moment and it is on the rise. Im seeing breast feeding mothers whose bubbas are reacting to foods they are eating, not knowing what the triggers are (and some that have even cut out so many foods that they have lost a lot of weight and become very unwell themselves). We need to look closely at gut health here as intolerances are a result of a compromised gut. Our children inherit their gut health from ...both parents, hence why preconception gut health is so important. If parents have allergies, there is a very high chance their children will have them also, but not necessarily the same allergy. Did you know that.... ....Australia has the highest rate of confirmed food allergy...." But why do we have the highest rates....? Lots of factors may come into play as this article suggests and personally I think we all need to look closely at our environment and exposures and the contributing roles they may be playing. Shouldnt the fact that children cant take what are deemed "healthy" foods to schools now due to these allergies initiate a deeper investigation and level of understanding? Megan x https://www.bbc.com/news/health-46302780

07.01.2022 I love getting feedback like this! The majority of cases I see have been struggling for long periods of time, so we do require drastic change and lots of investigation. Unfortunately as humans we need to get to a point when we are completely over the suffering and the impact our health has on our quality of life. ... Dont leave it so long. Functional medicine can address chronic conditions, but more so can identify things before they become chronic and prevent a life of trying to find toilets and not enjoying the things we love. Megan

07.01.2022 For many of us, COVID has been a time for stillness, reflection and personal growth. It has been a chance to stop for long enough to figure out what is serving us and what isnt and what direction we need to go for inner peace and happiness. Ive been pretty quiet on the social media front over the past few months, but not behind the scenes.... Im really excited to share some new and exciting aspects and additions to my business with you over the coming months (and even a little bit more about me). First up is a brand new look that is much more reflective of myself and my business. I hope you like it! Megan x

07.01.2022 We study some psychology in our degree to teach us to look at what thought processes or "barriers" to change may be a persons hurdle (or hurdles) to healing. # 1 barrier "I dont have enough time" I get it. Youve got the kids to worry about, food to prepare, house work to do and a business to run or help run. There are always things to do. Couple all of these things with exhaustion, and the thought of taking even 10 minutes for yoursel...f seems unachievable. Sorry, but its not. If you could give yourself just 10 minutes, what would you do? What fills your cup? Because remember; when youre running on empty, you may feel like youve got lots to give, but you cant truly give unless you are looking after yourself first. I challenge you to give yourself 10 minutes this weekend and I want to know what you get up to and how it makes you feel. Megan x . . . . #vitalaspects #functionalmedicine #clinicalnutritionist #clinicalnutrition #barossanutritionist #nutritionistbarossa #nutritionist #selfcare #selflove #personalgrowth #selflimitingbeliefs #growth #healthjourney #fun #lookafteryourself See more

06.01.2022 We’ve had lots of people contact us saying they’re sad that they missed the Tanunda Xmas Shopping night on Thursday, and in light of restrictions being lifted, we have decided to open tomorrow! Yay! We’ll be there 10-2, ready to help you with your Xmas needs with free gift wrapping available. The hand sanitiser is ready and remember, due to restrictions we will need to limit the number of people in store, so please be patient if it’s needed. ... We hope to see you tomorrow. Megan xx

06.01.2022 Yes, it has "officially" been 2 years since I opened the doors and my business Vital Aspects Nutrition and Wellness was born! What an incredible journey it has been. Those that own small businesses know that there is nothing small about them; nothing small at all! And those that know me well and have seen me as patients know that even when youre not with me, I am thinking about you and working on your case to find ways that we can get you back to feeling your best. Ive lear...nt a hell of a lot about myself, and continue to do so. Learning to appreciate the beauty of human nature and the bodys incredible innate ability to heal itself when given the love and building blocks it needs. I am so fortunate to be blown away on a daily basis and to never finish a day wondering whether or not I am in the right place and Im so grateful for your likes and comments at the end of long days and affirmations to keep me going. But for now... I am giving away some free stuff to celebrate not only the business, but me; as a woman in small business and as a healer, and you all, my loyal followers and supporters. Whats up for grabs? 1 x Initial Consultation 1 x Weleda Sensitive Beauty Basics Pack 1 x Little Gems Organic Buttons 1 x Antipodes Mini Mud Mask 1 x Koja Cacao Protein Pancake Mix Total Value - $299 To enter: - Sign up to the mailing list https://bit.ly/2QHg6iK (or dm me your details and I can add you) - Follow me on insta + facey @vitalaspects - Tag a friend (Ill give you an extra entry for each tag!) And the winner is @jesssignore congratulations Jess! Megan x T&Cs: Giveaway is open to Australian residents aged 18 years and over, and closes at 9pm on 9/9/2020. The winner will be chosen by me and notified via social media on 10/9/2020. This giveaway is not associated with or endorsed by Facebook/Instagram

05.01.2022 Day 12 Lots of time for reflection, reading and tea, but Im ready to go back to normal now. I feel as though I have achieved the desired outcome, but will know more when I start to add foods in again. ... I am so excited for some texture... Im craving something really crunchy, salty and crispy! Ive learnt so much about my body and the factors that were affecting my sleep, making me bloated, giving me brain fog and hives. I have not slept this well since I can remember (good old histamine!) My dinners will definitely be earlier and smaller as histamine isnt just something found in certain foods, it is also released as we digest and follows a circadian rhythm so is naturally higher at night. (This is why a lot of people with asthma and allergies find their symptoms are worse at night time, especially when they are trying to sleep). As with everything I do with my patients, there is no one size fits all and the same treatments may be used for different presentations and result in different outcomes, but through this process I feel confident in understanding the amazing body on an even deeper level and excited to share this with you all. Megan x . . . . #wellnessjourney #wellness #sibo #histamine #reflection #guthealth #functionalmedicine #nutritionist #growth #empathy #barossanutritionist #vitalaspects

05.01.2022 What do you do to move....? The benefits of exercise are many and it is often one of the first things to go when we get busy and feel too tired to do much more than the essential day to day tasks to keep us afloat. Now there are screens, social media, extra demands on us which can often make it even harder to make the time to be active.... It is however a choice. As a kid I was very active. Netball, running, classical ballet for over 12 years (despite being a massive tomboy!) however throughout my careers and study, exercise was one of the first things to go. Not surprisingly, i was more tired than I was when I got up an extra hour earlier to get a quick run or gym session in. I cant run at the moment, because I am scared shitless of magpies (this is some deep-seated childhood trauma that even really expensive psychologists cant even come close to fixing....), but around 12 months ago, I was introduced to @groundupfitness_ and it has seriously been one of the best things that has happened to me. One of the hardcore regulars @hayleyroth99 asked me the other day - "now that you come all the time, do you ever wonder why you didnt?". My answer was simple, "yes"! As a sufferer of social anxiety, walking into a space that has a tight community and worrying about not fitting in played a part and being a type A personality that likes to be the best, also played a part. It has however taught me that it is not about how much we can do, or how good we are at something, or what others think, but it is about making that conscious choice for ourselves and our bodies and showing up is where the real benefits lie. 10 minutes a day is a good start. Can you give yourself that? Megan x @hellourbansafari

04.01.2022 So its day 4 and despite feeling physically really quite good, Im missing chewing some tasty savoury food.... skin looks clearer already, sleeping better, energy is still good (although I am using this time to rest), no bloating, less anxiety and my bowels are still behaving themselves Day 1 felt as though I was embracing my inner child and allowing it to drink sweet, delicious chocolate milk all day with no one telling me off. Day 2 and 3 (already) the novelty starts w...earing off and I start wishing they had a savoury option and wondering how I could somehow formulate this and turn it into a business opportunity.... the carbohydrate content in the formula comes from dextrose and it is soooo sweet. Really sweet. A plus from yesterday was that I learnt I could go out and be the only one not drinking and it wasnt that bad. new social situations dont need to be scary without wine. Maybe I can make some money and become a short term Uber driver (anyone needing a lift anywhere, let me know! ) Ive also learned how much I truly love food. I. LOVE. IT. It has always been a big part of my life and such a massive part of our culture. I promise after this I will never take it for granted, ever again! Day 4 - admittedly I am struggling to get the required amount of scoops in, but enjoying some warm herbal tea and my dressing gown. Definitely may have been a better idea tackling this in summer, but that is one of the many reasons I am doing this - to understand the process and make it easier for my patients. Im not hungry, but definitely already planning my first meal for 10 days time... (and yes, I dont think I will have a chocolate paddle pop ever again) x . . . . . . #selfcare #wellness #clinicalnutritionist #functionalmedicine #sibo #elementaldiet #barossanutritionist #guthealth #vitalaspects

04.01.2022 Im incredibly humbled to do what I do daily and to meet so many incredible people whom share their health journeys with me. This patient was given some big truths and changes that needed to be made to get her better and in truth, and as she says, didnt really have a choice. Im lucky enough to not have known her unwell for long as she committed to the process and trusted me whole heartedly and her quality of life improved quickly. She came to me with an extensive list of... already completed tests and efforts that had been made with no relief which helped piece the puzzle together. One big lesson from this - dont leave doing something about your health until you dont have a choice to do anything. Functional medicine works to prevent disease from occurring. A large part of what I do is assessing blood work and genetics which when addressed early on can be life changing. If youre not feeling right or unsure of whether I can help you, please reach out for a chat.

04.01.2022 Sometimes we get so busy looking after everyone else that we forget to look after ourselves (hands up all of my patients and probably most of you reading this!) and unfortunately it can take us until we really need to make some changes to take a step back and realise its time to do something. A realisation that although we feel pretty good, we could feel a whole lot better and perform at a higher level. In saying that, for the next 2 weeks I will be following the Ele...mental Diet which means that I will be only consuming a liquid formula for this period of time along with water and some herbal tea Why the f*ck would you choose to do that you say? Well, I have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and Ill tell you more about this over the next few days, but this is one way that the bacteria can be starved and the gut can be facilitated to heal. Its a pretty hard and fast approach but I have had great success with this in my clinic to date and it means I can get maximum results in a shorter time frame. Remember that our health comes back to our gut, so ensuring our gut is running at means our overall health will be in a better state. No food and no wine for 14 days - Im already not sure what I was thinking - I know there will be melt downs, not enough energy to go to the gym and extreme food envy.... but Im committed and hoping to learn a thing or two about myself along the way! So for those that dont know me Im Megan - currently still smiling and excited to share this journey with you (good, bad and potentially very ugly ) xx

03.01.2022 After a nice (and very over indulgent) weekend away, the last thing I really felt like doing this evening was preparing food for the week, washing and cleaning the house... but I know if I dont have food prepared, I wont eat well and if everything isnt done, my week starts off on the wrong foot. When I dont have good, healthy, blood sugar balancing food on hand, my energy and brain power is massively reduced, which means so is my productivity. (Then whe...n Im not at 100% productivity, I criticise myself, which then leads to me thinking less of myself and the cycle of negativity can begin!) Eating the right food at regular intervals not only helps to stabilise our blood sugar and keep our energy constant, it can reduce binge eating and helps take the pressure off of our adrenal glands. I know in the past when I have been running on overdrive and anxious, the last thing I felt like doing was eating, but when I added in smaller meals at more regular intervals, my anxiety was reduced and I felt A LOT better. Being organised can also help us achieve our required 2 serves of fruit and 5 of veg (which the majority of Aussies dont even come close to eating!) and extra prebiotic fibres to feed our hungry little gut bugs and keep our stools nice a regular ;) What are your secrets to being organised and eating well throughout the week? Id love to know. Megan x See more

03.01.2022 Its definitely a blanket, tea and reading on the couch night tonight. I love listening to rain on a tin roof and thinking of the reprieve it gives to the land and those dependent on it (although we need much more). When doing the Elemental Diet, I became obsessed with reading foodie magazines and coming up with recipes and ideas to try and mix things up for us a bit and make things that are more on the restrictive side extra tasty.... Ive nailed a vegan "bechamel" sauce. I could seriously just eat it by the spoonful out of the saucepan and there is no sick, full and bloated feeling after its dairy laden counterpart. A few of you have asked for me to come up with and share some recipes already which I promise are not far away, but what else would you like from me? - Recipes? - Tips? - Info? - Workshops? Any particular topics or things that you are struggling with? Let me know. Here or DM. Megan x

03.01.2022 Stress is one of the number one drivers of the conditions I see in clinic. It burns through key nutrients, disrupts our digestive function and can mess with our sleep, all which alter our bodys biochemistry from functioning at its best. (Remember the body will respond to physical and mental stress the same way ) What nutrient deficiencies are most common? B vitamins... Bs are some of the first nutrients to go when we are under stress which can leave us feeling fatigued due to the roles they play in energy production within the body. A deficiency in B vitamins can also leave us feeling flat and/or anxious as they are critical for neurotransmitter production such as our feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Sleep can also be disturbed due to this as serotonin converts to our sleepy hormone, melatonin. Magnesium My patients know how much I love this stuff due to the hundreds of biochemical reactions it is involved in and I would go as far as to say that most of us could use a little more of it in our lives It is a cofactor for GABA production (which is calming), helps to relax muscles, reduces stress hormones and can even improve cognitive function. Zinc Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body, zinc is up there with magnesium as one of my faves! It can help to keep our immune system stronger and to regulate mood due to the role it plays in serotonin production and GABA stimulation within the brain. It is a cofactor for stomach acid production which helps us break down our food and free up nutrients to be absorbed (key as digestive function is heavily compromised when we are stressed). Vitamin C Our adrenal glands which are responsible for pumping out cortisol when we are stressed have the highest concentration of vitamin C in the body. Upping the C when we are stressed can help us to avoid getting sick and replenish the adrenal glands to keep them functioning properly. Foods to increase in times of stress include: Fresh fruits and veggies (especially leafy greens) Dark chocolate (aim for at least 70% cacao and minimal sugar) Nuts and seeds Organic red meat Gluten free wholegrains It is important to listen to our bodies and aim to address stress as early on as possible to avoid any long-term effects. Is the stress worth it and can it be dealt with? Are you looking after you body?

03.01.2022 Working with fertility patients is one of my favourite (and most rewarding) areas within my clinical practice. I feel extremely blessed and honoured to be a part of such a special journey and am often one of the first people to receive a phone call when results are positive (and yes, tears of joy are shed) and that a much wanted bubba is going to enter the world. It can often be disheartening when I see patients that have been told that their infertility is unexplained and ...they havent even had basic blood nutrient levels tested. Sufficient nutrient levels are required for reproductive health and DNA replication so when levels are below normal this can play a massive part in the infertility picture, and the unexplainable can often be explained Those that know how I practice know that blood work interpretation makes up a large part of my approach and therefore the outcomes we achieve as a team. We may not always find the answers straight away, but we will continue to dig until we do. To optimise pregnancy outcomes preconception care is recommended for a minimum of 3 months (ideally longer). This is because it takes 72 days for a sperm to mature and approximately 100 days for an egg. Its a 50/50 split between both parties (the same rates apply to infertility causes for both men and women). Despite these statistics, as women, we often place the onus solely on ourselves, when often we are not the cause or the only contributing cause. Therefore preconception care should never rely solely on the female. *side note* - first born children often look like their fathers so the fathers have a greater chance of bonding - so if this isnt big enough evidence that both parties play a role in the conception picture (other than reverting back to high school biology and sexual reproduction aka meiosis) I dont know what does So, if you are thinking of having a baby, have been trying for a while or are wanting some support throughout your fertility treatment, please get in touch. Id love to be part of your puzzle too. Megan x

02.01.2022 Day 10 - 5 more sleeps Ill be honest, things havent got any easier on the emotional front really. And just for fun, there has been some constipation. I thought Id had it before. I was wrong and I get it now. It does however still amaze me how much solid matter is being produced when there is nothing solid going in.... After the first tough day on day 7, I told myself I was going to make more of an effort to get out and about and be more social as I knew the isolation was ...a contributing factor to how I was feeling. I just didnt want to be that person sitting and staring at peoples food crying (or drooling), but I got through it - thanks to some beautiful people (and my trusty and delicious shake). Food is such a social thing and we are social beings. We only need to look at the determinants of health and how social isolation can dramatically reduce life expectancy. We also need to feel supported and support others, regardless of whether or not we agree with their approaches, opinions or views. These do not entirely define a person. This is a great lesson I have learnt in life and one that has been reinforced throughout this experience. My mind continues to get clearer which excites me. I think I have planned each and every meal for the next 20,000 days. Meal planning is hard when there are so many restrictions as I will take it easy on the histamine and FODMAP containing foods - but I am looking forward to sharing my recipe creations with you. I appreciate how daunting this can be now for people used to a "typical" Aussie diet. 5 more sleeps, 16 more shakes and at least 4 more melt downs to go. Yay! x . . . . #wellnessjourney #guthealth #sibo #elementaldiet #functionalmedicine #clinicalnutritionist #holistichealth #holistichealthpractitioner #fodmap #histamineintolerance #barossanutritionist #vitalaspects

02.01.2022 We are very excited to introduce the newest member of our little wellness hub - our Sunlighten mPulse Infrared Sauna. Sunlighten’s mPulse 3-in-1 Sauna is the only sauna to deliver near, mid and far infrared to reach specific parts of the body for an intense detoxification, energy boosting and skin renewing therapy. The mPulse has six preset programs: Detoxification, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss, Relaxation, Cardiovascular, Pain Relief and a Custom setting programmed, by you an...d your practitioner for your specific therapy. Each preset program is designed to emit the optimal blend of infrared wavelengths based on 56 research studies to achieve the desired result. Near Infrared benefits include: -Boosting the body’s metabolism -Recharging the cell’s mitochondria -Stimulating white blood cell production -Reduction in body fat -Promoting cell regeneration -Reducing inflammation within the body -Improving circulation -Increased wound healing -Providing pain relief -Rejuvenates the skin -Eases muscle and joint pain -Improving flexibility -Provides anti-aging benefits For all pricing, packages and membership info, check out our insta stories or head the the website. Sweat with you soon, Megan + Pip xx

01.01.2022 Mondays can be tough. Back to work, back to school, back to the rat race and daily grind; however it is also a chance for a fresh start, a new beginning and the opportunity to do whats right for you and to just get sh*t done! What are your plans and intentions for the week? What have you got planned for you to fill your cup? and what goals have you set for yourself?... Goals can give us a greater sense of purpose which can help us to be more productive and making sure we are filling our cup also helps us to be more productive and more content within ourselves. I have a really busy week ahead, so I have cooked up a storm today to make sure that I am fuelled throughout the day and that my brain and my body can help me achieve all of the things that I have planned. When we are busy, we can often forget to eat, which doesnt work for our adrenals or our mental capacity (and if I dont eat well throughout the day, I want to binge eat EVERYTHING I shouldnt at night time when I get home....!) Im much better with routine and structure so my diary is organised and I have task lists set, so I can tick things off and feel a greater sense of achievement throughout each day. So write a list, pack your lunch and get an early night. Out of the way Monday, you got this!!! Megan x

01.01.2022 With lots of new followers and the opening of the new store, I thought it may be worth introducing myself to those that don't know a lot about me, what I do, or my motivations to open the store. My first and greatest love is Functional and Nutritional Medicine which enables me to assist people to understand and regain their health through evidence based principles via a natural approach. I studied (long and hard) for 4 years to achieve my... degree in Nutrition and Dietetic Medicine and I still can't believe how fast the last 3 years in clinical practice has gone. My approach uses detailed blood interpretation (my reference ranges are much different to the norm), which enables me to understand which biochemical processes may not be functioning optimally due to certain deficiencies. The number of people I see that have been told that their blood work is fine and that nothing is wrong is almost 100% (and probably why they eventually end up in my clinic). When we use functional ranges instead of "normal" ranges in conjunction with presenting symptoms, my patients begin to find answers to the reasons they are feeling the way they do and are able to reclaim their health. I love what I do and being able to help people achieve optimal health and live the lives they want to live. And the store.... Well it is something that just happened (quite quickly!) and is very much still a work in progress. But I love it and I love being able to offer everyone natural and organic Australian products to reduce their toxin exposure (which plays a massive part in our overall health) without having to research and be overwhelmed by so many options out there (that aren't always what they say on the labels!). There are lots more exciting things to come and stay tuned for a pretty big announcement for new things starting next week. Megan xx See more

01.01.2022 So, I was just about to finally send an update email when the new announcements just came through regarding our (South Aussie's) unexpected shortening of the six day lockdown. Slightly surreal and clearly unexpected to say the least! I hope that these two days have been kind to you and that despite restrictions being lifted tomorrow that we as a society don't become complacent and continue to respect and follow guidelines to reduce the chances of ending up in a similar situa...tion again. With regards to the practice, consultations booked will remain as normal moving forward, however if you have a preference to move to Zoom or phone, please get in touch and let me know. I will be in touch if things change again. Those in need of supplements will be sent a script through online patient ordering which means your supplements can be delivered directly to you. This is the quickest and most efficient way for you to fulfil your scripts and is more reliable on the off chance things may change again. We are very much looking forward to sharing some new and exciting additions to our space with you, but will hold off until things are a little more certain over the coming days, so stay tuned. We are crossing our fingers we can open the shop doors as normal heading into Xmas to help with your gift needs and continue to enjoy our new little space. Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to seeing you all soon. Megan xx