In this final episode of the year, I’m taking a moment to reflect, not just on the past twelve months, but on what I’ve observed again and again in my own life and in the women I work with.
This episode isn’t about doing more, fixing yourself, or setting rigid New Year’s resolutions.
It’s about capacity.
When your body isn’t consumed by symptoms…
When your energy isn’t spent just getting through the day…
Your world gets bigger. Your thinking expands. And your choices change.
In this conversation, I share:
Why I evolved my signature programme from Reclaim Your Radiance into The Radiance Method
What I’ve seen hold high-achieving women back this year, even when they’re doing “all the right things”
Why health isn’t a goal in itself, but the foundation that allows you to live intentionally
How stress, energy, digestion and hormones are deeply connected (and why food alone is rarely the full answer)
A walkthrough of the CORE framework - my signature method:
Clarify — understanding what your body is communicating through data and patterns
Optimise — supporting energy, digestion and stress chemistry in a way that fits real life
Repattern — changing the habits and nervous system responses that keep women in survival mode
Embody — integrating it all so health becomes something you live with, not manage
What happens when you give yourself proper recovery, space in your calendar, and room for joy, awe and play
Why living well isn’t about discipline, it’s about having the bandwidth to sustain change
I also share what’s coming next:
Applications are now open for The Radiance Method, and I explain what a discovery call is really for — a grounded, honest conversation to see if the work feels aligned.
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask a different question as we move into the new year:
Is the life you’re building designed around your capacity or are you asking your body to keep up at all costs?
If you’re curious about working together, you can apply for a discovery call via the link: https://the-root-cause.co.uk/naturopathic-nutrition-enquiries/
I’d also love to hear from you.
What topics would you like more of next year: more science, more nervous system work, more real-life conversations?
You can message me on Instagram @therootcause1
or drop me an email: nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk
Thank you for listening.
Nikki x
In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most common patterns I see in driven, high-achieving women: powering through lunch, then crashing mid-afternoon and feeling frustrated with themselves for it.
If you’ve ever skipped a proper meal because you were “too busy,” grabbed convenience snacks later in the day, and then felt guilty or out of control, this episode is for you.
We explore why this isn’t a discipline or motivation issue, but a physiological and nervous system response to stress. I explain what’s actually happening in your body when you miss meals, why afternoon cravings show up, and how guilt around food can make digestion and energy even worse.
If this episode resonated, and you’re ready for deeper support around energy, digestion and stress. apply to work with me here:
https://the-root-cause.co.uk/naturopathic-nutrition-enquiries/
Nikki x
Trying to be healthy and ending up bloated and uncomfortable?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
• Why fibre is essential for women’s energy + hormones
• Why it backfires when you add too much too fast
• How stress and rushing literally switch digestion “off”
• What your microbiome needs before fibre feels good
• Simple changes that make fibre work for you not against you
You’ll learn:
✓ Why bloating is a readiness issue, not a fibre issue
✓ The link between digestion + oestrogen clearance
✓ How to increase fibre without the fibre belly
✓ Practical steps you can start today (no tracking, no restriction)
If you would like to apply to work with me, please apply here:
https://the-root-cause.co.uk/naturopathic-nutrition-enquiries/
Or if you just want to let me know what you thought of today's episode, you can message me on instagram @therootcause1
If you listened and loved it - share it on your insta stories and tag me in...you never know who it could help :)
Nikki x
Grab a cuppa...
This episode is really just a behind-the-scenes chat about where I’m at, what I’ve been refining, and how my work is naturally evolving in the background. Just some honest thoughts on slowing the pace slightly, getting clearer by doing less, working with a coach, and tightening the parts of my method that I’ve been building for for some time. If you like the more real, conversational episodes, this is one of those.
If you would love to work with me and you are READY to up level your health, you can apply by visiting the following link and filling in the form:
https://the-root-cause.co.uk/naturopathic-nutrition-enquiries
What are you going to do to slow down in December? Tag me in your stories on Instagram (@therootcause1) so i can reshare...it might be just the thing that helps someone else who is caught in the rush to slow down.
If you sit down to rest and instantly reach for your phone, turn on a podcast, open your laptop, or start “doing something,” this episode is for you.
High-achieving women don’t rush because they want to, they rush because their nervous systems have been conditioned to stay in go-mode.
In this episode, I break down why slowing down feels so uncomfortable, what’s really happening in your body when you’re stuck in overdrive, and how this keeps you tired, bloated, wired and unable to switch off.
You’ll learn the real reason your body won’t let you relax, and simple shifts you can start today to break the rush cycle and feel calmer, clearer, and more regulated again.
DM me on Instagram @therootcause1 if this episode hits home - I would love to hear from you.
If you want to stop living in overdrive and start leading your life with actual energy, email me nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk to start your application to work with me.
Nikki x
I get it. You are a multi-tasker, a doer, a go-getter. You have deadlines to smash and emails to tackle. But that constant bloating and urge to undo your top button…that is your body begging you to slow down.
Bloating is up there with one of the most common complaints I see in clinic, but common doesn't = normal.
When you eat in a rush, between deadlines and notifications, your body enters stress mode. And in stress mode, digestion becomes a non-priority.
I see you (I’ve been there too back in my corporate days)….you are just being efficient, grabbing your lunch on the go, sneaking bites during a Teams call with the camera off, or inhaling dinner whilst quickly firing off those last couple of emails.
But the thing is, your body doesn’t know you’re “getting things done.” It only knows you’re under pressure, and that pressure is the reason your stomach feels tight, bloated, and heavy (even after a “healthy” smoothie).
Here is the secret I learned the hard way, the moment you slow-down to allow your body to do it’s job, you’ll show up even stronger in yours.
In today's episode I share 8 simple, implementable habits that will absolutely improve your digestion. Try them out and let me know how you feel @therootcause1
If you would like to work with me 1:1 please email me nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk to enquire.
Nikki x
What if your Sundays could set the tone for a week that actually feels calm, intentional, and aligned instead of rushed, stressy and reactive?
In this episode, I’m sharing the exact Sunday Reset process I use to bring structure, space, and flow into the week ahead. This isn’t about perfection or productivity for the sake of it, it’s about creating a rhythm that supports your energy, your health, and your peace of mind.
You’ll learn how to plan your week in a way that feels doable, not demanding, while leaving space for joy, creativity, and the things that truly light you up.
Key Takeaway:
Your Sunday Reset isn’t about doing more, it’s about creating space for what truly matters.
When you plan with intention, you stop negotiating with yourself, stay consistent, and make healthy living simple and sustainable.Ready to Go Deeper?
If you’d love support creating your own rhythm of health, structure, and flow, this is exactly what I help my clients with.
Together, we’ll build the systems, habits, and mindset that make consistency feel natural so you can show up as your healthiest, most aligned self.
Find out more or apply to work with me: https://the-root-cause.co.uk/naturopathic-nutrition-enquiries/
Nikki x
In this episode, we explore what really keeps us stuck in survival mode, it’s not just the food you eat or how you move your body. It’s who you’re being every day.
So many people are living as who they think they should be: in jobs that drain them, relationships that silence them, friendships full of drama, and environments that don’t feel peaceful. And the body feels it all.
Chronic stress from inauthentic living triggers cortisol overload, disrupts hormones, damages blood vessels, weakens the immune system, and even speeds up cellular aging. This isn’t just about mindset... it’s biology.
Your body can’t heal in a life that doesn’t feel safe.
It heals when you’re living as who you truly are.
💻 Website: nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @therootcause1
A short update while I recover, no full episode this week, but I wanted to check in.
Back in full force next week.
Nikki x
This week’s episode is a short, reflective one.
I share something that happened during a yoga class this morning, a simple reminder from the teacher that really landed with me: be compassionate with yourself.
It made me think about how easily the inner critic creeps in, especially when we’re busy, and how even with all the self-awareness tools we have, we still need to be conscious enough to use them.
I also talk about something from Roxie Nafousi’s book on confidence...her idea of the inner heckler and inner cheerleader and how that links so closely to our health. Because when that critical voice takes over, it doesn’t just affect our mindset; it impacts our habits, our motivation, and how we care for ourselves.
In this episode, I explore:
How to notice when the inner critic takes over
Simple ways to channel your inner coach instead
Why compassion, not criticism, supports real progress with health and wellbeing
It’s a gentle reminder that we don’t need to silence the critic ....just not let it run the show.
Hope you enjoy.
Nikki
Feeling anxious, bloated, emotional, or just not like yourself lately? Your progesterone levels might be out of balance.
In this episode, we unpack what happens when this calming, grounding hormone runs low, from mood swings and sleep issues to weight gain and hormone chaos.
You’ll learn why it happens, how to spot the signs, and simple, natural ways to support your hormones, so you can feel calm, confident, and back to yourself again.
Did this episode resonate with you? Let me know - you can find me @therootcause 1 on insta...or send me email nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk
If you would like to work with me, I am now taking bookings for November 2025.
Nikki x
We all start health routines with good intentions, to feel better, eat well, move more. But sometimes those same habits start running the show and become a source of stress.
In this episode, we explore what happens when healthy becomes harmful: when wellness turns into pressure, tracking becomes control, and joy disappears.
I’ll share real stories, my own experience with an unsustainable morning routine and practical steps to reset. If your health to-do list feels heavy, this episode will help you find balance, trust your body again, and build habits that feel good not just “look” good.
If you enjoyed this episode please take the time to rate and review - it helps get the podcast out to others that may find it helpful.
Big love, Nikki x
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns I hear from women in my practice and it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on inside the body. In this episode, I’m sharing the key reasons behind hair loss, from thyroid issues and nutrient deficiencies to stress, hormone changes, and even medications like Ozempic®.
You’ll learn what might be driving your hair loss and how to start supporting healthy regrowth from the inside out.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or leave a quick review as it helps others find the show.
Want to work with me? Email me nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk to enquire. Availability for October now being released.
Nikki x
Why is it so easy to brush your teeth every night… but so hard to stick to the habits you really want, like exercising, eating well, or following a health protocol?
In this episode, I dive into Gretchen Rubin’s book Better Than Before and her brilliant framework of the Four Tendencies — Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel. Understanding your Tendency can completely change how you approach habits, because it helps you work with your personality instead of against it.
I’ll share:
Why some habits feel effortless, while others feel like a battle
A breakdown of the Four Tendencies, with everyday examples
How knowing your Tendency can help with health habits like taking supplements, exercising, eating well, and following a practitioner’s protocol
My own experience as an Upholder with a Questioner streak and how that plays out in real life
By the end, you’ll see that building healthy habits isn’t about sheer willpower it’s about tailoring them to suit your personality.
📚 Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin
Want to take the quiz to see what tendency you are? https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz
✨ If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who’s struggling to make a new habit stick.
Let me know which one you are @therootcause1
Nikki
Perfectionism shows up in sneaky ways when it comes to health: waiting for the “perfect time” to start, quitting after a slip-up, or feeling like small steps don’t count. The truth is, perfection is the enemy of progress.
In this episode, I share a story from a fitness class in Spain that highlights how easily we can talk ourselves out of showing up and why it’s the small, imperfect actions that actually move the needle.
If you’ve ever felt stuck because you couldn’t do it “right,” this conversation will remind you that messy action is still action, and it’s how real change happens.
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, I would love for you to leave me a review/rating!
Want to discuss you health? Contact me at nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk to book your discovery call today.
Nikki x
We all know stress takes a toll but what’s actually happening inside your body when you’re stuck in “fight or flight” mode? In this episode, I break down the three phases of stress and explain how your adrenals keep you going… until they don’t.
We’ll explore what happens physiologically when stress is prolonged, why cortisol can wreak havoc on everything from your thyroid to your digestion, and how this chaos can show up in real life as fatigue, cravings, pain, IBS, migraines, or even autoimmune flares.
Most importantly, I’ll share some practical ways to support your adrenals through nutrition so you can support your body to move from wired and tired to balanced and resilient.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The three phases of stress and how they show up in daily life
How prolonged cortisol secretion drives inflammation, fatigue, and hormone imbalances
Why stress impacts your thyroid, digestion, immunity, and reproductive health
Signs of so-called “adrenal exhaustion” and what that really means for you
Practical strategies to support your adrenals through diet, blood sugar balance, and key nutrients
As always, I would love to hear what your thought of this episode or what you would love to hear more of in the future.
You can message me on Instagram @therootcause1 or email me at nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk
Share this with a friend who might find it helpful.
Nikki x
This week I’m taking you behind the scenes, both in my life here in Spain and inside my practice.
We’ve been here just over a month, the kids are about to start school, and after a month of settling into new routines, football clubs, and Spanish life, I’m finally feeling grounded and ready to dive deeper into client work.
In this episode, I’m sharing what’s on offer right now if you’ve been curious about working with me:
💛 The Radiance Method: my 3–4 month signature coaching programme for women who are done with surface-level fixes and want to finally understand why they’re stuck in exhaustion, mood swings, horrendous periods, brain fog, cravings, and stress-reactivity. We use functional testing like HTMA and a 2-week CGM, plus mindset work, Radiance Rituals, and personalised nutrition + lifestyle shifts to create lasting transformation.
🌸 The Radiance Reset: my 6-week HTMA mini programme. Perfect if you’re not ready for the full programme yet, but you want to uncover your mineral pattern and finally get clarity on why you’re tired, craving sugar, snappy under stress, or seeing changes in your hair, skin, and nails. And if you choose to continue into The Radiance Method, the full investment in Reset can be credited towards it.
🌿 MetaXplore Gut Testing: for anyone struggling with bloating, IBS-type symptoms, or wanting to understand their microbiome better.
This is a real behind-the-scenes chat — part personal update, part deep dive into why I’ve created these offers and who they’re designed to help.
If you resonate with what I describe , feeling like you’re on a treadmill of exhaustion, snapping at loved ones, doubting yourself at work, or having periods that stop you in your tracks this episode will show you the kinds of support available to help you finally get to the root cause.
Resources + Links:
DM me on Instagram: @therootcause1
Book a free discovery call: www.the-root-cause.co.uk
Email me: nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk
Also I would LOVE to know what you want to hear more of...feel free to drop me your thoughts :)
Big love,
Nikki x
Your skin is never just about your skin. If you’ve been dealing with acne, eczema, rosacea, or stubborn skin flares, the answer often lies deeper... in your gut.
In this episode, I unpack the powerful connection between the gut and the skin, and why true skin healing is multifaceted. We’ll explore:
The gut–skin axis and how dysbiosis drives inflammation
The role of hormones, blood sugar, and sebum in acne
Why liver health + toxic load matter for radiant skin
Key nutrients and practical food shifts for gut + skin repair
How your skin barrier and microbiome fit into the bigger picture
And if you’re ready to go deeper, I introduce my 1:1 3 month Gut Health Programme, including a comprehensive stool analysis that maps out what’s really happening in your gut, so you can finally stop guessing and start healing.
✨ Resources + Links:
DM me “GUT” on Instagram @therootcause1 or email me nikki.spencer@the-root-cause.co.uk to find out more
For Norwich locals: www.thenorwichfaceandbodyclinic.co.uk for external skin barrier support alongside internal healing
Because your skin deserves more than a quick fix. It deserves radiance... and so do you.
Nikki xx
Your environment has a bigger impact on your health, hormones and energy than most of us realise.
From the clutter in your home, to the plants and garden space you nurture, the pets you cuddle daily, or even the make-up and cleaning products you use. Small shifts in your surroundings can support digestion, hormones, mood and overall wellbeing.
I hope this episode inspires you shift your space for improved health, energy, focus and vitality!
Resources & mentions:
- Air purifying plants: Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera
- Clean makeup brands: Ilia, RMS Beauty, Merit, Jones Road
If you loved this episode, hit subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend who might need a little more radiance in their life.
I would love to see the shifts you are making in your environment to improve your health - tag me in your insta stories @therootcause1
To work with me: www.the-root-cause.co.uk
Nikki x
You don't need more willpower...you need health goals that are built around YOU and your values!
In this episode I talk about how true radiant, lasting health comes from your deepest why and your core values, not the latest trend or someone else's routine. I will discuss how you can find your own health compass - your personal values, plus how you can anchor your daily habits to those values. This is how you make lasting change.
Whether you want more energy, "balanced" hormones, better focus or simply to feel radiant again, this episode will help you really connect to your health goals to what actually matters to you - so you can create a lifestyle that is true to you and one that lasts.
Links and resources:
- follow me on Instagram @therootcause1
- work with me: www.the-root-cause.co.uk
Nikki x