Functional medicine insights from the team at Melbourne Functional Medicine

Struggling with persistent eczema? Vitamin D deficiency could be the missing piece. Learn how maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can reduce inflammation, strengthen your skin barrier, and improve your eczema symptoms.

Women are 5-10 times more likely to develop thyroid disorders than men, often experiencing symptoms like menstrual irregularities, weight fluctuations, and fatigue. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, making comprehensive thyroid testing crucial for proper diagnosis.

Have you ever found yourself worrying about how much you worry? It might seem like a paradox, but it's a common experience for many people. Learn how a worry log can help you manage stress, identify triggers, and reduce anxiety by turning your worries into actionable insights.

Discover essential tips and strategies to protect and repair your skin barrier, preventing dryness and enhancing skin health. Learn how to maintain moisture, choose gentle cleansers, and support your skin with targeted nutrients in this comprehensive guide.

In this essential guide to protein, you'll learn why protein is crucial for your body, how much you need at different life stages, and the best sources to ensure you're getting enough.

HPA axis dysfunction and chronic stress arise from the body's physiological response to modern stressors, which, although different from ancient threats, trigger the same hormonal reactions leading to health issues such as anxiety, depression, and metabolic disorders.

To thrive as a vegan, it’s crucial to monitor your intake of B12, iron, EFAs and protein. Discover some of Georgia's favourite, easy vegan recipes designed to address these common nutrient gaps in a delicious way.

SIBO often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in Western medical settings. In this article, you will learn about SIBO testing methods (including the gold standard), test interpretation and how to manage your condition, holistically

One of the best ways to nourish your body, whether you’re currently getting over a virus or are interested in strengthening your immune system to prevent sickness, is by including more nutrient-dense and medicinal meals in your diet. In this article, Teagan shares her go-to immune-boosting soup recipe as well as an overview of the unique medicinal actions of the key ingredients.

Insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease and obesity are all on the rise. Many people are looking for alternatives to statins and metformin. Berberine, an alkaloid derived from many plants is an effective option. Functional medicine practitioner, Rebecca discusses how berberine affects metabolism and considerations for long-term prescribing.

When a patient presents with gut issues, it takes some time to unpack what, where, which, how, and especially why. In this article, Lorraine takes you through a journey of the digestive tract, so you can get a better picture of where things can go awry.

In this article, health coach Jessica Cairns gets into the nitty-gritty of why small habits can have such a big impact. She explores the science (without the snooze factor), and gives you practical tips to build routines and healthy habits into your day.

This year, health coach Kelly is lacing up for the London Marathon. In this article, she shares her holistic approach to goal-setting that aligns mind, body, heart, and soul. She also shares strategies to help lay the groundwork for a successful and sustainable transformation.

Insulin resistance in PCOS is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and often exacerbating the symptoms of PCOS. Fortunately, there are evidence-based lifestyle strategies that can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.

The hallmark symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are hot flushes and night sweats. What’s less known and talked about are the mental and cognitive impacts of this time of life. Read on for some practical strategies you can implement to help you navigate this challenging transition.

Your breath, as a tool, is physiologically the fastest route to access a calmer, more healing and health-promoting state. Discover why the 4-7-8 breathing technique could be one of your greatest health 'prescriptions'.

Functional medicine practitioner Vicki shares her personal story of burnout and how she's reclaiming her health with self-care and going back to basics.

Hormones have a profound impact on our health, shaping our energy levels, sleep patterns, emotions, and reproductive system health. In this article, we'll explore the cutting-edge DUTCH test, a state-of-the-art laboratory analysis that offers comprehensive insights into hormone levels, adrenal function, and oestrogen metabolism. 

In this article, health coach Bee shares how health coaches bridge the gap between knowledge and action, providing tailored support for meaningful lifestyle changes. Discover the benefits of working with a health coach at MFM.

Functional testing is a critical part of the detective work functional medicine practitioners undertake for their patients. Practitioner Mark provides an overview of the most common functional tests and how they can be used to get a deeper understanding of the root cause of health issues.

The most important role a functional medicine practitioner plays is the role of a detective, and one of the many tools in their detective toolkit is the organic acids test. So what exactly is an OAT and how can it be used?

We’ve all heard the common recommendation to drink two litres of water every day. But is two litres really enough? Discover the factors that influence dehydration as well as strategies to assess your hydration, correct for dehydration and remain well-hydrated every day.

If you're a health-conscious foodie or, like some of our patients here at Melbourne Functional Medicine, are going through a period of prioritising healthy eating there is no shortage of nutritious and delicious options to choose from around Melbourne. Health coach Jess shares the team's top picks.

When hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to a number of health issues, including weight gain, depression, hormonal acne, and fertility problems. Rebecca shares how you can balance your hormones naturally by promoting quality sleep, focusing on nutrition, minimising alcohol intake and reducing your exposure to environmental toxins.

Perimenopause can be a bewildering stage of life for many women. Functional medicine practitioner, Rebecca, shares her tips for thriving through perimenopause, including managing some of the lesser publicised effects such as chronic lack of sleep and fatigue, poor cognitive processing, lousy memory, depression and anxiety.

Looking for a functional medicine practitioner, but aren't sure where to start? We discuss the steps you can take to find a functional medicine expert that's right for you.

Do you find it hard to say 'no'? Are you feeling exhausted by all the commitments you've made to others? Health coach Bee shares how you can reclaim the power of your time, energy, and mental well-being.

While the upfront costs of functional medicine may be higher than traditional care, the long-term benefits can save you money in the long run.

We’ve all been there. We’re ‘being good’...but can’t drop the thought about the chocolate sitting in the fridge. Learn health coach Bee's favourite strategies to support patients when overcoming cravings.

In this article, we discuss why there's a growing trend of people turning to alternative medicine and integrative healthcare in Australia and why the integrative approach is the future of medicine.

Fatigued? Health coach Bee can relate. In this article, she shares her 30+ year journey of fatigue, and some steps to help with managing this invisible illness.

Chronic disease in Australia is a major problem. We need to find a better way to support people with chronic illnesses, and the first step is to understand why the current system is failing them.

Functional medicine health coach, Bee Pennington, shares how you can use the bullseye approach any time you're sharing lifestyle changes or health updates with others.

You may be aware that oestrogen and progesterone are two of the main hormones involved in female reproductive health. But did you know that histamine can also play a role?

If you're a naturopath or a doctor, you may be wondering how to get functional medicine certification. Here, we'll discuss why you should get certified and how to become a certified functional medicine practitioner.

We believe that you are the master of your health. No test, no specialist and no doctor can possibly know your body the way you do. If your health isn’t as good as you want it to be, I’d love to introduce you to personal health literacy so that you can add this to your toolkit.

Spring would have to be up there with one of the best times of the year. Being the classic sun seeker, I always look forward to this change in season. However, the reality of enjoying outdoor activities comes to an astounding halt the minute my hay fever symptoms kick in.

As with most things, your attitude and use of alcohol sits on a spectrum. It's common to defend our alcohol use because we enjoy it. Is it actually a problem to have a few drinks every now and then?

We used to think that our genes were set in stone from birth, determining our health destiny. Yet emerging science on epigenetics reveals much more to the story.

Health is a long game that is all about recognising all the many pillars of health: eating well, moving well, slowing down, re-charging, connecting with people, finding meaning, sleeping better and having fun.

Histamine sensitivity may not be something you've heard of before, but it's a surprisingly common factor in a myriad of health issues we see people present with within our clinic.

Dysautonomia is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. Recent research has shown that it may be a significant factor in many health conditions.

Getting a good night’s sleep can seem elusive in our modern lives of frenzy and stress. Yet none of us can afford to compromise it if we want to stay healthy. In this article, we’ll talk about the science of sleep, and look at ways to establish a sound sleep routine for optimal sleep and health.

When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure, and resilience is your best protection against colds, viruses and flus this winter. In this article, we’ll show you how a few simple daily habits leading up to, and throughout winter, can help fuel your immune system and strengthen your resilience.

Mindfulness is more than just another buzzword, trend, or way to idle away your spare time. Using mindfulness and mindset practices can help us be more present and purposeful in our day to day life.

The Vagus Nerve is perhaps one of the most significant yet underappreciated contributors to health and well-being. In fact, there’s a chance you might not have even heard of it before.

You likely know that a high intake of refined sugar causes problems like weight gain, brain fog, and fatigue, and can lead to diabetes, depression, heart disease, and more. So it goes without saying that one of the best things you can do for your health is to quit sugar.

Got 2020 fatigue? You're not alone. Here are 5 ways to feel better at the end of a tough year, so you can feel more energised.

The FODMAP diet may offer relief from underlying digestive problems. IBS, SIBO and autoimmune patients may benefit from avoiding these foods.

Many of us are aware of the health effects of food and exercise. What you might not consider are the products you use in your home every day.

What do acne, fatigue, depression and IBS have in common? Most people think of these and other chronic health conditions as separate and unrelated illnesses. But they share one underlying factor, and that is - inflammation.

Pandemic-associated mental health issues are real. This article gives insights into how to maintain your mental health during a pandemic.

In this article, we'll share how you can protect your health during the Coronavirus pandemic and how you can best support your immune system.

Want to improve your relationship with tech? This article looks at how changing your behaviour will change your health for the better.

Energy credit is as essential, if not more so, than financial credit. This article explains how to get rid of your energy overdraft and feel better.

When we raise our young to believe that sadness or anger should not be expressed, we can end up with adults unable to express themselves.

When it comes to healthy digestion, what do your environment, mindset, and the way that you perceive and consume your food have to do with it? A lot, it turns out.

Have you ever thought about how you can use technology to support your health journey? Whilst we know that EMFs are problematic and there are social issues with the overuse of mobile phones, let's explore some ways to let this technology support us in our health.

When we experience pain or discomfort, over time, we create and attach emotions to those sensations. In this article, health coach Bee shares some ways to work through those emotions.

We are all familiar with the idea of doing a ‘detox’, and yet while it is often poo-pooed, there is legitimacy to it. Read on to find out more.

Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, no longer are we keeling over in droves from acute infectious diseases. Instead, the incidence of chronic conditions are increasing rapidly. Here's the way we solve it.

When we understand WHY getting a good night's sleep is important, now we need to understand HOW to get a good night's sleep. Find out more here.

Most people understand that we need it, but not so many understand the why of sleep. This article discusses the reasons.

Today let’s get a little controversial and talk about water. Are you aware that your water is medicated? Although there are many water treatment processes, fluoride is unusual in that it doesn’t treat the water itself, but rather the person consuming it.

Bee shares an experience of using sensory deprivation, or floatation tanks, to restore balance and teach your body how to rewind to a time when life wasn't so hectic.

Are you like me when it comes to eating out? If you're mindful of what you eat (but stuck for inspiration) you'll love this top ten list of healthy places to eat out in Melbourne.

When it comes to adrenal fatigue, have you simply earned your exhaustion (or is it something more)?

If you are into health, then you may have heard about MTHFR, and if you’ve dared to dig into it, you are probably thoroughly confused. Let’s break it down simplistically.

The choice to eat organic food has less to do with the improved nutrient density but rather on what is NOT in the food. But is it worth it?

Whenever you want a different outcome, you need to do something different. Fact - that means change. We know that change can be one of the most challenging and confronting elements of the healing process, but without it, everything will either stay the same or slowly degrade even further.

Want to set goals that will stick so that you can achieve optimal health and wellbeing? We show you how to make your goals achievable.

Modern food just ain’t what it used to be. This statement should be read quite literally. Many of the packaged products available, should more accurately be described as ‘food-like products’, than food in the true sense, you know, the kind that provides you with valuable nutrition; the stuff of life.

Leo Pruimboom writes on resoleomics in his article entitled: ‘The evolutionary origins of inflammation’, which I summarise here:

You, dear reader, really are an amazing organism; a work of art, say some; a beautiful machine prefer others. Either way, the problem is that your body is now outdated. We have simply not had enough evolutionary time for our DNA to adapt to the current modern lifestyle.