If you're listening to this between Christmas and New Year, thank you for taking time for reflection and self-care. This might be the most valuable way to spend 30 minutes as we close out 2025—understanding that your memory lapses, brain fog, and cognitive struggles aren't early Alzheimer's. They're hormonal. And heading into 2026 with this knowledge changes everything.
"I think maybe I have early-stage Alzheimer's starting." This is what I hear from perimenopausal women in clinic almost weekly—and I understand the fear because I've experienced it myself.
But here's what you need to know: your memory lapses aren't early dementia. They're hormonal. And understanding the difference changes everything.
What's Really Happening: Oestrogen is a neurohormone affecting oxygen levels, memory, serotonin, and oxytocin in your brain. When it drops during perimenopause and menopause, your brain has to actively rewire itself. You're not losing your memory—memory retrieval becomes slower because of lower oestrogen levels affecting the enzymes that help you access stored information.
Dr Lisa Mosconi's groundbreaking neuroimaging research shows that as women move through menopause, brain glucose use decreases and white matter volume reduces—BUT the brain compensates by increasing cerebral blood flow and ATP production. Your hippocampus can even produce oestrogen locally to buffer declining levels.
It's Not Just Oestrogen:
Progesterone declines cause sleep disruption, irritability, mood swings (it has a calming effect on GABA receptors)
Testosterone drops affect motivation, energy, confidence, and mood
Elevated cortisol from chronic stress contributes to anxiety and irritability
The combination makes memory retrieval slower and mood lower
The Research That Changes Everything: Women in perimenopause are 1.4 times more likely to experience depression (it's called a "window of vulnerability"). But the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) found that the biggest factors in cognitive decline during menopause are financial hardship and hypertension—not just hormones. Your whole life context matters.
What I Cover:
Why you're not losing your mind (it's memory retrieval, not memory formation)
How the menopausal brain actively adapts and rewires
Magnesium: the most helpful nutrient for mood, sleep, and memory (my exact protocol)
Ginkgo biloba: why I take 120mg daily and what the research shows
The Doctrine of Signatures and why ginkgo's leaf structure is so fascinating
Practical strategies to support your brain through this transition
My Personal Experience: I started reversing letters in words when writing—"cabaple" instead of "capable." As someone who's written books and loves the written word, this was terrifying. Understanding it was hormonal, not neurological decline, changed everything.
This isn't about accepting cognitive decline. It's about understanding your brain's remarkable ability to adapt and supporting it through this profound hormonal transition as you head into 2026.
Research links:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032724006438
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34108509/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38902275/
https://www.swanstudy.org/womens-health-info/cognition/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27472940/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352364621000079
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38213402/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38817505/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558392/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36994422/
🤗Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider about your individual health needs.
Could the foods your child eats be affecting their autism symptoms? This conversation changes everything parents think they know about diet and autism.
In Part 2 of our autism series, naturopath Lynn Joels reveals the truth about dietary interventions—from gluten-free and casein-free diets to gut-healing protocols and toxin reduction strategies.
What We Uncover:
The opioid-peptide hypothesis: why some children can't break down gluten and casein
Which autistic children are most likely to benefit from GF/CF diets
Low-FODMAP diets for managing gut and behavioural symptoms
Probiotics, prebiotics, and cutting-edge microbiome interventions
Methylation support and why it matters in autism
Vitamin D's role in brain function and development
Simple household swaps to reduce toxin exposure (BPA, phthalates)
How functional lab testing guides personalised protocols
Clinical decision-making for individualised treatment
The Truth: Not every child with autism needs a gluten-free diet—but for those who do, improvements in focus, mood, and behaviour can be remarkable. The key is understanding your individual child's biochemistry.
Lynn explains how healing gut inflammation can flow through to better cognitive and behavioural outcomes, and shares practical low-tox resources for reducing chemical exposure at home.
This isn't about restriction—it's about targeted, evidence-based interventions that support your child's unique needs.
Series Overview:
Part 1: Root causes & biological drivers (prenatal nutrition, gut-brain axis, environmental toxins)
Part 2: Dietary interventions & treatments (you're here!)
About Lynn Joels: Lynn has a passion for the health and wellbeing of children with it being at the heart of her professional life for over 20 years. A fully qualified naturopath and healthcare professional, she has always worked with the goal of improving the lives of the people whom she has the privilege of working with.
Relevant Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-joels-572879b/
https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalfairy/
Low Tox resources:
Research Links:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40531376/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40481354/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1815332
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13668-025-00655-y.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234602/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893818/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00535-025-02269-1
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/7/1135
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.05198
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12289859/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12519-025-00924-4
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1815332#abstract
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8394938/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51325-3
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060862/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571640/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590097825000199
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8746934/
Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always work with qualified healthcare practitioners for your child's individual needs.
#Autism #ASD #AutismDiet #GlutenFree #CaseinFree #GutHealth #AutismNutrition #AutismParents #GFCF #LowFODMAP #Probiotics #ChildrensHealth #Naturopath #FunctionalMedicine #AutismSupport #ToxinFree #GutBrainAxis #AutismTreatment
Your child isn't being difficult. Their brain is literally inflamed—and it starts in the gut.
Children with autism are 4x more likely to have gut issues. That's not a coincidence. The gut sends messages to the brain via a "superhighway" (the vagus nerve), and when there's inflammation in the gut, there's inflammation in the brain. This changes behaviour, sleep, mood, sensory processing—everything.
In Part 1 of our autism series, I'm joined by naturopath Lynn Joels, who specialises in treating children with ASD. Lynn reveals what most doctors don't tell you: constipation isn't just a bathroom issue—it's affecting your child's brain, their sleep, their behaviour.
What We Uncover:
Lynn's Clinical Approach: Always start with gut health. If a child is constipated, that becomes priority number one—it affects sleep, behaviour, nutrient absorption, and detoxification. From there, address inflammation, support nutrient absorption, then work on neurotransmitter production and detox pathways.
The Most Important Message: This isn't about parent guilt or blame. These are biochemical issues, which means there ARE things you can do. Genes can be turned on and off. Brain inflammation can be reduced. Progress is possible with proper support.
As Lynn beautifully says: "Every child with ASD is unique—their brains are just wired with more sparkles."
Series Overview:
Part 1: Root causes & biological drivers (you're here!)
Part 2: Dietary interventions & treatment strategies (coming soon)
Relevant Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-joels-572879b/
https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalfairy/
Research Links
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13668-025-00655-y.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/7/1135 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00535-025-02269-1
https://www.lynnjoels.com/blog-1-1/httpswwwlynnjoelscom/reducing-the-chemical-load
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002432052300992X
https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.05198
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13668-025-00655-y.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234602/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893818/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00535-025-02269-1
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/7/1135
https://arxiv.org/pdf/1909.05198
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12289859/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12519-025-00924-4
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1815332#abstract
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8394938/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51325-3
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060862/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571640/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590097825000199
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8746934/
🤗Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always work with qualified healthcare practitioners for your child's individual needs.
You've lost the weight on GLP-1 medications—now what?
This is the conversation no one is having, and it's the most critical part of your journey.
In the final episode of our GLP-1 series, I'm joined by clinical nutritionist Melissa Laity, who specialises in helping people transition off medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro whilst maintaining their weight loss.
The Reality: When you stop GLP-1s, the medication stops doing the heavy lifting. Appetite, hunger, cravings, and food noise return—often with a vengeance. Without proper planning, the weight comes back quickly.
We discuss Melissa's proven 4-pillar framework (nutrition, movement, lifestyle, and habit change), managing returning appetite and cravings, rebuilding muscle and metabolism, gut health recovery, and special considerations for midlife women.
Critical Insight: The planning must start NOW—not after you've already stopped the medication. Success is in the preparation.
Whether you're currently on GLP-1s, planning to start, or ready to transition off, this episode gives you the roadmap for maintaining your results without rebound weight gain.
GLP-1 Series:
Part 4: Life after GLP-1s (you're here!)
About Melissa Laity: Melissa is a degree-qualified clinical nutritionist with over 20 years in wellness, specialising in midlife women and GLP-1 transitions.
🌐 www.melissalaity.com.au | 📱 @melissalaitynutrition
🤗Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always consult your GP before stopping or changing medications.
If you're a woman taking or considering GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, this episode contains essential information you need to hear.
What You'll Discover:
Series Overview:
Part 1: Preparing before you start
Part 2: Protecting muscle, energy & gut health
Part 3: Women's hormones (you're here!)
Part 4: Transitioning off successfully with Melissa Laity (coming soon)
🤗Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Subscribe to Emma’s Practitioner Podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fx-medicine-podcast-central/id897414147
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6t6AlIjHCj1SLH3ZVCDaNU?si=ef11c2dc37404d49
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnhtZWRpY2luZS5jb20uYXUvcG9kY2FzdC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA
The research is clear: female hormones dramatically change how GLP-1 medications work. Understanding this connection helps you use these drugs more safely and effectively, whether you're premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal.
Relevant links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11733500/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2819128
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2909416/
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always consult your GP before starting, stopping, or changing medications. Report side effects or mood changes to your doctor immediately.
If you’re using a GLP-1 and your strength or energy is dipping, there’s a good chance you’re losing muscle — not just fat. It’s one of the most common and least-talked-about issues I see in clinic.
In this Part 2 of my 4-part GLP-1 series, I’ll show you exactly what to do instead so you stay strong, protect your metabolism, and avoid the mistakes that lead to plateaus, fatigue and unwanted side effects.
These simple shifts make GLP-1s safer, smoother and far more effective.
Thinking about starting a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy? This episode is your essential preparation guide.
I reveal what most people get wrong when starting GLP-1 medications—and how to avoid common pitfalls like severe nausea, muscle loss, and inability to maintain results.
In this episode, you'll discover:
GI Side Effects: Why up to 65% experience them and how to prevent them.
Pre-Start Health Assessments: Critical checks needed for digestion, thyroid, liver, kidney, and pancreas.
Essential Blood Tests: Request these at least one month in advance.
Protein Target: Aim for 30g at breakfast to protect muscle mass.
Medication Interactions: Key interactions to be aware of, especially with the contraceptive pill.
Foundational Nutrition/Lifestyle: Focus on fibre, hydration, and resistance training.
Mindset: The crucial shift for long-term success and preventing weight regain.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite, blood sugar, and gastric emptying. When properly prepared, they can be powerful tools for sustainable change. Without preparation, you're setting yourself up for frustration.
This is Part 1 of a 4-part series covering everything you need to know about using GLP-1 medications safely and effectively.
Coming up:
Part 2: Protecting muscle and energy
Part 3: GLP-1s and women's hormones
Part 4: Transitioning off successfully with nutritionist Melissa Laity.
For years, I avoided money — bills, budgets, conversations… all of it.
And then I discovered something that changed everything: my Money Archetype 💛
In this episode, I take you through the exact framework that helped me move from money avoidance to feeling calm, confident, and in control.
We’ll explore all six archetypes, the hidden beliefs behind them, and how these unconscious patterns shape the way you spend, save, give, invest, or retreat from money altogether 🌱
You’ll also complete a gentle quiz to find your dominant archetype — and finally understand why you handle money the way you do.
This insight is often the first step in shifting long-held habits and creating a healthier, more empowered relationship with money ✨
If you’d like the companion worksheet, email me at emma@studio-you.com.au and I’ll send it to you.
Warmly,Emma 💛
So many families are living with the stress of allergies, eczema, or asthma — and it can feel like there’s no clear solution beyond constant management.
But what if the real key to healing lies inside the gut?
In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Selby, allergy health coach and founder of Deliciously Allergy Free, to talk about her simple, science-backed H.E.A.L. Method — a four-step approach that’s helping families reduce inflammation, restore balance, and finally see progress.
✨ You’ll discover:
How gut health shapes your child’s immune system
The 4 steps of Sharon’s H.E.A.L. approach
The “Weed, Seed, Feed” method for restoring gut balance
Real, practical ways families can support healing at home
This episode is filled with warmth, hope, and empowering tools to help you support your child’s health naturally.
🚨 Australia’s FIRST Gut Health & Allergy Summit
📍 Sydney CBD
📅 23 October 2025 | 5:30 – 8:00pm
🎟 Use code 𝗘𝗠𝗠𝗔𝟭𝟱 at checkout for 𝟭𝟱% off your ticket - limited to just 10 spots!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-allergy-gut-health-summit-tickets-1635798099149
📌 Connect with Sharon Selby:
Website: https://sharonmselby.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OPNNm7ETkKuiRxTKFmLIx?si=97e4fdfeb37c45d3
🤗Say hi on social:
Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emmasutherland
Emma’s Clinic, Studio You https://www.instagram.com/girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscribe-newsletter/
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/bookings#service
Subscribe to Emma’s Practitioner Podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fx-medicine-podcast-central/id897414147
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6t6AlIjHCj1SLH3ZVCDaNU?si=ef11c2dc37404d49
Food allergies affect so many families in Australia — 1 in 10 babies, 1 in 20 teens, and 1 in 50 adults. For years, the advice has been to avoid the trigger food completely. But what if that’s not the only way forward?
In this inspiring interview, I speak with Dr Nina Markovic, allergy mum and founder of Immunity Group Australia, about the rise of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) — a treatment that helps retrain the immune system and bring hope to families living with allergies.
✨ In this episode, we explore:
Why strict avoidance isn’t the only answer
How Oral Immunotherapy works
Real-life stories of children reaching food freedom
The vital role of gut health and community support
This conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, informed, and empowered to take the next step.
Is It Time to Start Your Side Hustle?
A side hustle isn’t just about extra income — it can be a pathway to purpose, confidence, and freedom, especially in midlife.
In this episode, I chat with Shandra Moran, founder of The Transit Lounge, about how women can take that “one day” idea and turn it into something real and sustainable.
✨ What we cover:
The most common mindset blocks that hold people back
How to juggle a side hustle with work and family commitments
Practical financial habits that make side hustles thrive
Signs it might be time to transition from side hustle to full-time business
When you picture a millionaire, do you see luxury cars, designer clothes, and big houses?
I used to think that too — until I read The Millionaire Next Door. The truth is, most millionaires live quietly and build wealth in ways that are far more achievable than you might expect.
In this episode, I share what I learned from this research, including the habits, mindsets, and money patterns that separate those who quietly build wealth from those who struggle despite high incomes.
✨ Here’s what you’ll discover:
The two types of wealth accumulators: PAWs vs UAWs
A simple formula to calculate your expected net worth
Why spending 15–30 minutes a month on money matters can change your future
Everyday habits that build financial freedom over time
This isn’t about chasing flashy lifestyles — it’s about building confidence, freedom, and security for you and your family.
In this episode, I share the six money rules that have shaped my financial journey. From shifting my mindset to building simple, sustainable habits, these rules are the foundation that helps me feel confident, reduce stress, and stay aligned with my values.
In this episode, I break down the basics of asset classes — cash, shares, property, metals, crypto and more. I’ll explain their pros and cons in simple, practical terms, so you can start building your financial confidence without the overwhelm.
Our relationship with money shifts with every stage of life.
In this reflective episode, I explore how finances evolve from our teens to retirement and beyond. It’s a big-picture look at money that helps you align your financial journey with your values at any age.
In this episode, I talk with Terry Condon, host of the Money Minded Podcast, about how hidden money stories shape the way we spend, save, and earn. Together, we explore simple mindset shifts and practical strategies to build wealth with confidence. This is your invitation to turn money from a source of stress into a tool for clarity and calm.
In this episode, I delve into the widespread issue of iron deficiency, affecting billions globally. Discover who's at risk, the key symptoms, and the most effective forms of iron supplements.
Learn why dietary changes should come before supplementation, and get insider tips on maximising iron absorption.
With insights from groundbreaking studies, you'll feel empowered to make informed health decisions. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on real-life wellness solutions! #irondeficiency #womenshealth #healthandwellness #educationalcontent 00:39
00:39 Understanding Iron Deficiency01:33 Symptoms and Dietary Sources of Iron02:33 Iron Supplementation: Forms and Absorption03:14 Research Insights on Iron Supplements05:40 Tips for Optimal Iron Absorption
Relevant Links
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11377... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413088
Say hi on social:
My Instagram: / _emmasutherland
My Clinic, Studio You: / girlsfromstudioyou
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscri...
New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/booking...
Struggling with weight gain, sugar cravings, or poor sleep during menopause? You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.
In this episode, Emma Sutherland (naturopath, author, and women’s health expert) explains why metabolism shifts after menopause and shares her 4 simple, evidence-based tips to stabilise blood sugar, calm inflammation, and support gut health.
Tune in for real-life, actionable advice to help you feel energised, confident, and in control of your health again.
00:41 Understanding Menopause and Its Effects01:34 Research Insights on Menopause03:23 Impact of Diet and Lifestyle04:29 Practical Tips for Managing Menopause
Case Study Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36270...
Say hi on social:My Instagram: / _emmasutherland My Clinic, Studio You: / girlsfromstudioyou Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://www.studio-you.com.au/subscri... New patient inquiries: https://studioyou.cliniko.com/booking...