The Nuanced Naturopaths

Julie and Karinda are back from the NHAA Herbal Medicine Summit to tackle one of the most controversial, misunderstood topics in functional health: sunlight. Inspired by the hot-off-the-press book,  In Defense of Sunlight by Rowan Jacobsen, they look past the rigid “slip, slop, slap” messaging to explore why sun avoidance might actually be driving our chronic disease epidemic. From the evolutionar...

A very nuanced deep dive into creatine, starting off with some technical difficulties and audio glitches! Thanks for bearing with us! In this episode of The Nuanced Naturopaths, we unpack creatine supplementation amid its growing popularity; we don’t commonly rely on it, but are frequently asked about it. We explain what creatine is, how it supports ATP energy production, and why it has been viewe...

Today we discuss the benefits and limits of functional testing, emphasizing patient-centred, tailored decisions rather than blanket protocols, especially given cost and the value of thorough history, case taking, and clinical exams. We explain that tests are snapshots in time, results can be delayed, and fundamentals like sleep, circadian rhythm, hydration, nutrition, and nervous system regulation...

Julie and Karinda explain how many GPs primarily flag only results outside reference ranges to identify frank disease states, while they also use functional/optimal ranges and compare multiple markers over time using historical results to spot trends and support prevention. They outline practical factors that can skew blood tests—fasting too long (aim ~10 hours; avoid >12), exercising (even up...

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often misunderstood topic of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We explore the nuances of menopause and perimenopause, the evolving conversations around it, and the physical and emotional challenges women face during this natural transition. We discuss the controversial history of HRT, including the flawed Women's Health Initiative a...

Welcome to a special outdoor AND holiday edition of the Nuanced Naturopaths. We provide practical tips and advice on how to stay grounded, mindful, and true to yourself through the chaos of the holiday season. We emphasize the importance of maintaining mental health hygiene, sticking to personal boundaries, and understanding the motivations behind family dynamics. They discuss the role of communic...

*We discuss birth trauma in the first portion of this episode. If this is a topic you may find uncomfortable, please skip to 17:20-25:00 of the episode* Today we dive deep into menstrual cycles and how Karinda uses her cycle as a spiritual practice, the impact of the pill (which teen Karinda was once on), and an unexpected chat about childbirth, frankly sharing how we feel about natural vs medical...

Reach out to the Nuanced Naturopaths ⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠⁠ ! Send us your feedback, questions & episode requests. ⁠⁠Check out our Nuanced & Nourished Membership here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠ ~ CONNECT WITH JULIE: ⁠⁠⁠ Email⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book in with Julie⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH KARINDA: ⁠⁠⁠ Email⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book in with Karinda⁠⁠ ~ DISCLAIMER FOR PUB...

In this episode, Julie and Karinda dive deep into the often misunderstood world of Vitamin D. From an in-depth discussion on its history, functions, and the difference between Vitamin D obtained via sunlight versus supplementation, this episode covers it all. They explore emerging research that reveals Vitamin D is more akin to a hormone than a vitamin and discuss the critical roles it plays in ou...

Today (recorded in the studio-van!), we explore the common issues faced when oversimplifying complex health problems, particularly in the context of naturopathy (using SIBO and PCOS as some examples!). We discuss how patients often seek simple answers to complex conditions, which can lead to inadequate treatment and persistent health issues. The heart of naturopathy and how WE practice, will alway...

*NOTE : Huge audio-visual sync issue for most of this episode. Karinda's brain couldn't handle fixing it. Sorry, video watchers! In this light-hearted (but always informative!) episode, acknowledging we're more 'edu-comedy' than strictly education, we dive into the implications of over-supplementation, focusing primarily on vitamin B6 and its side effects, such as peripheral ne...

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of discussing taboo health topics like vomit, poop, and body image, thanks to inspiration from a podcast episode of Mushroom Case Daily by ABC , covering the Erin Patterson mushroom case. We reflect on societal judgments around weight loss surgery and the nuances of body image, and bring into focus how avoiding these conversations can lead to untreate...

In this episode of the Nuanced Naturopaths, we explore the often misunderstood condition of lipedema. We discuss its symptoms, how it differs from lymphedema (which it's often confused with) and the importance of hormones, especially estrogen, in its development. We highlight the role of chronic inflammation, the unique characteristics of lipedema fat, and how it resists conventional weight lo...

MENTIONED IN THIS EP: Here's Karinda's episode of Oh My Menses that prompted this episode! Pretty much any research that Karinda vaguely references (lol) comes from this review paper ~ Reach out to the Nuanced Naturopaths ⁠here⁠ ! Send us your feedback, questions & episode requests. Check out our Nuanced & Nourished Membership here Connect with us on Instagram ~ CONNECT WITH JULIE:...

* CORRECTION : At 18:59, we start talking about nasal "turbicles". We say this word a lot. We get excited, and even question if "turbicles" is the right word, before agreeing that it's the right word, and carrying on. Future editing Karinda realises we in fact meant to say "nasal turbinates" - not turbicles. Turbicles aren't a thing. You're cordially invit...

We delve into what the skin biome actually is (a whole community living on/in/around our skin!), how a child's microbiome is influenced by birth and breastfeeding. Plus, fascinating insights on how genes influence ear wax and body odor. We also cover how deodorants and antiperspirants can impact skin microbes and finally, why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, linking i...

Join Karinda and Julie as they delve into the complexities and misconceptions surrounding the popular pain reliever paracetamol (acetaminophen). Responding to insights from Professor Kerry Bone, they discuss the potential side effects and risks associated with paracetamol, especially when used long-term. The conversation highlights the importance of questioning mainstream medical advice and consid...

An international guest! The amazing Carrie Bennett joins Julie to talk about all things Applied Quantum Biology - the intersection between light and water in the body. Learn the myriad ways in which getting a little sun can improve every aspect of health. Hear many fun facts about light frequencies, the importance of the structure of water in our body, vibrations and electron transfers. Carrie is...

One thing that drugs, supplements & herbal medicines have in common is that they can produce undesired outcomes, also known as side effects. But what are side effects, really? And why do they occur? We get knee-deep in nuance in this ep, also covering the recent Vitamin B6 toxicity controversy and a big (but often overlooked) problem with our nation’s beloved Panadol (paracetamol). Welcome bac...

~ Reach out to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nuanced Naturopaths ⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠! Send us your feedback, questions & episode requests. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our Nuanced & Nourished Membership here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the podcast AND your health by shopping at ⁠Block Blue Light here⁠ ~ CONNECT WITH JULIE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book in with Julie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CO...

In this episode we look at the nuance in the discussion around fat, and obesity and what it means in terms of health. You literally can’t judge a book by its chunky cover, nor can you decide that a skinny ‘book’ is healthy either. This episode reveals the tip of the iceberg in the discussion about body weight, fat gain, fat loss and what we, as a society, think about it. We uncover nuance in the t...

It was a pleasure chatting with Daniel Ebbett, founder of Block Blue Light. As well as telling us about his personal health journey and what led him to delve into the world of blue light blocking, we discuss the importance of circadian rhythms & the impact of natural versus artificial light on our health. We explore why limiting blue light exposure at night is crucial for better sleep AND over...

MENTIONED IN THIS EP: hCG Diet Nuanced & Nourished Hub - Join the waitlist! ~ Reach out to the ⁠Nuanced Naturopaths ⁠here⁠ ⁠! Send us your feedback, questions & episode requests. ⁠Check out our Nuanced & Nourished Membership here⁠ ⁠Connect with us on Instagram⁠ ~ CONNECT WITH JULIE: ⁠Email⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Book in with Julie⁠ CONNECT WITH KARINDA: ⁠Email⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠...

A HUGE welcome to our very first guest interviewee, the fabulous Rebecca Edwards! What an absolute treat to have Rebecca on the podcast and share her informative & powerful insights on all things probiotics, microbiome & your gut (and SO much more!) We talk oral microbiome (and how the microbes in your mouth can influence your risk of Alzheimer's & cardiovascular disease), vulvovag...

Today we were lucky enough to have a chat with Dr Michael Thomsen (PhD, Medical Herbalist and Naturopath). We talk about his study of naturopathy compared to our more recent experience of uni, his mentors in naturopathy, the union of biomedical healthcare with naturopathic healthcare and his journey for writing the very popular Phytotherapy Desk Reference.  He is an experienced naturopath and herb...