From Hormones to Gut Health – Laura’s Here to Help You Thrive
Laura is an incredible practitioner and resource we now have at Pheno! She has been in this space for nearly 10 years and seen incredible transformations in her clients lives, as well as her own. We are very lucky to have her on board!
Why did you get into holistic nutrition?
“My interest in food and nutrition began in my teenage years. I intuitively understood the profound impact of diet on well-being from a young age. I pursued a degree in Sports Nutrition at the University of Otago, which provided a conventional understanding of physiology and biochemistry. However, some teachings, like the "low-fat, low-sugar" philosophy, felt outdated.While working as a personal trainer, running marathons, and maintaining a vegetarian diet (based on my degree's "healthiest diet" consensus), I found myself constantly exhausted and hungry. Everything clicked when I discovered Ben Warren's philosophy through BePure. Reintroducing meat into my diet almost immediately improved my energy. From there, I delved into the holistic philosophy, which focuses on treating the whole person, identifying the root cause of health issues, using herbs and high-dose nutrients, and prioritizing gut health.”
What’s an area in your own health journey that you’ve seen significant change or transformation in?
“While transitioning from a vegetarian to a high-protein omnivore diet significantly boosted my energy, it wasn't my most significant transformation. I suffered from severe allergies and eczema throughout my childhood, with my skin flaring up considerably during university. My cat and dog allergies were so severe that I would sneeze simply by being in the same room as someone who owned a cat. Now, thanks to targeted gut and adrenal work, I live with dogs and have no allergies, and my skin is in much better condition.”
What’s your favorite nutrient to use clinically? And why?
“That's a great, but tough, question! I consistently recommend magnesium for its role in relaxation, which is something many of my clients need in today's world. However, I've recently been surprised by the prevalence of significantly low iron levels in both my female and male clients. Adequate iron is crucial for energy, and correcting deficiencies can be a game-changer. This highlights the importance of blood testing; supplementing iron when levels are low is incredibly beneficial, but it can be unnecessary and even detrimental if levels are sufficient.”
Are there any health areas you are particularly passionate about?
“Another excellent question! I find the nervous system incredibly fascinating, and it's often the system that requires the most support. Regulating our nervous system, building resilience, and fostering deep relaxation are vital for our modern lives. A dysregulated nervous system and general anxiety have a massive ripple effect on the gut, which is another area of significant interest for me. These two areas are completely interconnected.”
Describe how you would fuel yourself in the day?
“I start every day with eggs, and I feel amazing for it. On days I skip them, I notice significant fluctuations in my energy, focus, and hunger. A quick breakfast for me is usually fried eggs on sourdough with a side of sauerkraut or kimchi. Recently, I've been slightly reducing my wheat consumption, so I'll opt for eggs with stir-fried broccoli and cabbage, and/or rice. I always have a mid-morning flat white, but only after breakfast, as coffee on an empty stomach tends to cause digestive upset.Lunch could be a sandwich, leftovers, or, when I'm home, more stir-fried vegetables with chicken. Salami and cured meats are my go-to easy protein additions to salads. If I know I'll be having a quick sandwich out for lunch, I make sure to avoid bread at breakfast that day, aiming for bread in no more than one meal per day. Dinner is usually cooked at home. We often have roast potatoes (my partner loves them) with steak, pork belly, or sausages. In winter, we enjoy bone broths, ramens, curries, and minces. I generally thrive on three fairly large meals with no snacks, but I keep hummus, crackers, and salami on hand for those times I don't manage a substantial lunch and need a quick snack.”
Is there any recent research you have come across that has fascinated you?
“The first thing that pops to mind is actually something you shared about the use of different types of folate in pregnancy - generally the active and more bioavailable forms have the best pregnancy outcomes. This reminds me that sometimes taking any old supplement can be detrimental. I’m all for using supplementation, we need to be very discerning when it comes to choosing the right product.”
Laura is now available for one-on-one consultations online. If you’ve been thinking about getting support with your health journey - this is your sign!
