Expert Clinical Nutrition Services

Nutrition for digestion:

Did you know that about 70% of our immune system is located within the digestive tract? Supporting your immune cells and also the microbiome collectively may possibly help to reduce some of your digestive symptoms.

Your diet directly impacts the digestive system, so the foods you choose can either promote a happy digestive system and health or contribute to unhappy digestion and poor health.

Discover how the right nutrition can support your digestive wellness.

There are several ways you and I can work to support your goals such as:

• Food intolerance testing (blood testing)

• Comprehensive stool analysis (stool testing)

• Gut barrier panel test (blood testing)

• Microbiome support (food and supplements)

• Liver (detox) support (food and supplements)

• Lymphatic system support (supplements and referral for other health modality)

These types of protocols are not just for adults! I often will work on microbiome for young children also. If you or your child have experienced any of the following then working on digestion can be a great starting point in the health journey:

• Bloating, reflux, heartburn, nausea

• Constipation or loose bowel motions or both

• Abdominal pain

• Skin issues such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea or psoriasis

• Pelvic inflammatory conditions

• History of antibiotic use or anti-inflammatories

• History of candida, athletes foot or fungal issues

Whether you are dealing with digestive issues or simply looking to enhance your health through improved microbiome diversity, if you want to feel more energised and have less sick days then make sure to reach out to make an appointment.

info@nutriviva.co.nz

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and a range of health issues. It’s essential to comprehend the fundamentals of autoimmunity before diving into the role how nutrition can support you.

My goal is to not only support you in navigating the food as medicine approach, but to coach on the importance nourishment plays for your long term health journey.

Having mostly worked with Hashimoto’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, I have also helped patients navigate Coeliac disease and Crohn’s.

Autoimmune conditions can only be diagnosed by specific and qualified health professionals. If this is you, you may have been told that medication is the only prescription available to you.

However lifestyle factors including how you nourish yourself can be one of the many tools in your toolbox to support your health. What we eat has a profound impact on our immune system. Proper nutrition can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life for individuals with autoimmune conditions.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial, but even this is very unique from person to person. When it comes to autoimmune conditions, I very much take the view of it is not a one size fits all approach.

Understanding the role that food intolerances may play for you as well as the diversity of your microbiome may be very helpful for your long-term health journey.

Tools that I see of value in clinic depending on the type of autoimmune condition you present with include:

• Food intolerance testing (blood test)

• Full thyroid panel testing (blood test)

• Comprehensive Stool Analysis (stool sample)

• Microbiome protocol (food and supplements)

• Anti-inflammatory support (food and supplements)

• Stress management (supplements, exercise and referral for other health modalities)

If you want to find out how you can better manage your autoimmune condition by using food and supplements then click on the link to make an appointment.

Using the most up to date evidence-based science around the food as medicine approach to thyroid health my mission is to not only support you so you can get on top of your symptoms, but give you the knowledge around what this means for you specifically so you can begin to take control of your thyroid health.

You may suspect that you have sub-optimal thyroid function, or you have may have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, or perhaps you have a strong family history of thyroid issues, regardless of where you are at in your journey, understanding how nourishment plays a vital role is the foundation to your long-term health.

Unfortunately I still see many patients with classic symptoms of thyroid dysfunction but who have been told their blood marker is “normal”.

In my clinic I feel it is important to get a thorough and comprehensive look at your thyroid markers, as well as look at your overall nourishment intake, stress triggers as well as possible food intolerances. Once I have the parts to the puzzle I can then put together a personalised plan to support you.

Common thyroid symptoms I see in clinic include :

• Weight gain

• Weight loss that slow and stubborn

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Low libido

• Constipation

• Sensitive to the cold

• Aches and pains

• Low mood

• Brain fog

• Sudden and quick weight loss

• Sudden attacks of anxiety/feeling overwhelmed

• Sweating and intolerance to heat

• Insomnia

If you have experience with any of these symptoms and want to learn how you can use nutrition to support your thyroid health, for optimal energy & vitality, then make sure to reach out!

Do you know the powerful connection between nutrition, stress management and mood enhancement?

Nutrition is not just about supporting physical well-being, but mental and emotional well-being. Nourishing your body with the right nutrients can have a massive positive impact upon your stress resilience and mood.

Here are some different ways in which nourishment and nutritional strategies can help you navigate life’s challenges:

Macro Nutrients: A balance of carbs, protein and fat is essential, often I see protein as being deficient for many. The amino acids from protein, are needed for the structure and function of the central nervous system as well as your brain and stress mechanism.

Micro Nutrients: Of course all vitamins and minerals are essential for the body, but for mood consider B vitamins, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Omega 3 as well as choline and zinc.

Again, I cannot stress enough, that there are MANY more micro-nutrients that are still essential to support optimal mood!

Adaptogenic Foods: Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Ginseng, or Rhodiola are popular herbs to consider for supporting mood and stress. However also don’t discount the power of single amino acids such as Taurine and Glycine.

Gut-Brain connection (microbiome): This is number 1! If you don’t have optimal digestion, it is quite likely your mood and your ability to handle stress will diminish over time. The Microbiome has a powerful role to play in both mood but also general brain function.

Other factors: Stress and mood is often blamed on hormones – and this is somewhat correct. Stress hormones can be impacted upon but also impact upon sex hormones. But also metabolic hormones. By looking at your current food diary, I can work out key areas to focus on, so your ENTIRE hormone network is supported.

Also consider how food sensitivities may be contributing to your brain function. The link between digestive inflammation and brain inflammation is well documented. Pro-inflammatory proteins which are released by the immune system, do play a role in certain brain conditions.

For those who want to improve brain fog, improve brain clarity, support stress as well as improve mood overall, consider your nutrition and areas that may be lacking. Your diet is a powerful indicator on mood and overall emotional balance.

Using up to date and an evidence-based approach, I understand that every person is unique, and that lifestyle choices as well as current health conditions need to be factored in, to come up with a nutritional plan that works to support health goals.

If you are ready to embark on a nourishment health journey to support your stress and mood, contact me today to schedule your initial consult.

Fatigue is rarely caused by one factor alone. It often reflects impaired cellular energy production, chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, toxic burden, or genetic susceptibilities.

Clinical nutrition that integrates DNA and microbiome analysis can offer a more personalised approach to chronic fatigue.

At the cellular level, fatigue is closely linked to reduced ATP (energy) production within the mitochondria. Nutrigenomic insights can highlight variations in genes involved in methylation, detoxification, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. Although it is not one size fits all approach, I have seen common gene variants crop up for chronic fatigue clients involving detoxification, inflammation and tendencies towards nutrient deficiencies.

The microbiome also plays a central role. Gut imbalances can drive inflammation, impair nutrient absorption, such as B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium, and CoQ10, and disrupt immune signalling — all of which influence energy levels. Stool analysis can identify dysbiosis, infections, or other intestinal inflammatory markers contributing to fatigue.

Environmental factors, including possible mould exposure, may further burden detoxification pathways and mitochondrial function. Individuals with certain genetic variants may be more sensitive to biotoxins, making a personalised detoxification and gut-support strategy especially important.

By combining DNA insights, microbiome testing, and functional assessment, clinical nutrition can address root causes rather than simply managing symptoms, supporting sustainable improvements in energy and resilience.

As a mum to 2 busy children, I fully appreciate the stress that can be involved in thinking about how to nourish little humans! I know how important it is for your child to get the best nourishment possible. But sometimes it is not so straight forward.

My personal experience was that one child had “big emotions” with very little sleep (baby to 4 years) and the other had digestive issues from the age of 6 weeks that turned out to be food sensitivities. Navigating these times was stressful and tiring, and actually still is all too consuming!

As parents we know that children’s health and development is closely linked to nutrition. Optimal nourishment is needed for cognitive health, optimal immune function as well as for ensuring long term metabolic health.

Having worked with not only my two kids but many kids within my clinic, my goal is to support and empower you with the knowledge on how to nourish your little ones.

Common children’s complaints I see in clinic include:

• Eczema

• Hard to recover from common colds

• Bronchial support (asthma, croup)

• Constipation & loose bowel motions

• Sore tummy complaints

• Ongoing urinary tract infections

I also have worked with many teenagers to support the tricky hormone years. Nutritional support during this phase of growth and development affects not only the teenagers themselves but mood wise can often affect everyone around them…usually family members!

It is really important to know how nourishment can positively impact this time of physical, hormonal, and mental growth.

If you would like support for any of the following make sure to get in contact:

• Acne in teenagers

• Low mood/stress support in teenagers

• Nutritional support for active teenagers

• Post infection mood changes for all ages

• Post medication mood changes for all ages

The way you nourish your child and teenager has a lasting impact on their overall health, if you would like to learn more get in contact today!

This type of testing is different to standard pathology testing, as these tests offer a different lens and as such different approach to supporting a person on their specific health journey.

Often functional testing involves a blood, urine or stool sample, and can provide precise information on different metabolic pathways or specific immune function information.

These tests are also different to pathology testing as they are NOT diagnostic tests, but do help to offer a deeper understanding of ongoing health concerns.

In clinic I have access to many different types of functional tests, with the following examples being the most popular. It is important to note, that in my clinic, it would not be uncommon for me to hold off on suggesting any functional tests, until I can see that a patient has made a decent attempt to carry out basic nutritional changes. However, there are also no firm rules in place. There are patients who are data driven, and want to know the information from a functional test, to help give them the confidence to keep moving forward in their health journey.

Organic Acid Test (OAT's): A urine test which measures the levels of organic acid, which are normal by-products of the body’s different metabolic pathways.

This report shows different levels of these acids which are involved in macro nutrient breakdown and so may offer a snapshot on micro nutrient status. The report is able to provide insights into gut health, mitochondrial health, neurotransmitter status and detoxification process.

Current price $415.00

KBMO Fit 132: This blood test measures delayed sensitivities to 132 different foods, including some colourings and preservatives.

This test is specific to delayed food sensitivities, measuring antibody IgG 1-4 and C3d but also can offer information on gut barrier panel markers including candida, zonulin and lipopolysaccharides.

A relatively easy at home test, where the blood sample is sent to the USA for analysis, this is one of the most popular tests in my clinic.

Current Price $624.00 (Fit 22 or 176 also available, please message for prices)

KBMO Gut Barrier Panel: If you think that finding out about food intolerances might be too overwhelming, or you simply just want to know your gut barrier status, then you can opt for this information on its own.

IgG+C3d and IgA antibodies are measured for zonulin, lipopolysaccharide, candida and occludin and if any of these are elevated it would indicate the need to focus on intestinal healing.

This is an at home blood test where the sample is sent to the USA for analysis.

Current Price $189 inc gst.

Precision Point Analytical P88: If you suffer from upper respiratory symptoms such as post nasal drip, ongoing cough, rhinitis, eczema, itchy skin, asthma etc, then the P88 food report is more specific to your needs.

As well as checking for delayed intolerances, the P88 also checks IgE immediate antibody reactions against 88 different foods.

You have the option of going to any local blood draw lab where the sample is then sent to the USA for analysis, or you can use the easy at home micro sampling kit which also is sent to the USA for analysis.

Current Pricing $648 (plus blood draw cost)

Current Pricing $678 (for at home micro sampling test kit)

Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping : This stool test utilises metagenomic sequencing a powerful technique for analysing the genetic material of entire microbial communities present in a given stool sample. Also known as "shotgun" technology, which refers to the random and unbiased sequencing of all the genetic material in the sample, including DNA from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.

A simple one day stool sample is then sent away for analysis where the reporting panel will provide detailed information on the microbiome diversity, unique to the individual patient, as well as biochemical markers relating to digestion, inflammation, intestinal permeability and more.

Current Pricing $745

Smart DNA Genomic Wellness: Nutrigenomics testing helps personalise your nutrition plan by identifying how your genes influence nutrient metabolism, detoxification, inflammation, methylation, and blood sugar balance.

‍Continuously taking a “stab in the dark” approach for many is frustrating, as it will often feel like you are doing all the right things, but still, the health dial may not much be shifting.

‍Using DNA/nutrigenomic testing, can specifically target energy, digestion, metabolic function, and long-term disease prevention specific to your gene requirements. When combined with clinical assessment and other functional testing, nutrigenomics supports a truly individualised, root-cause focused health journey designed around your unique biology.

‍Smart DNA Genomic Wellness Plus covers over 160 DNA changes. For the number of variants being checked, it is one of the most affordable, scientifically up to date with comprehensive analysis. 

‍ https://www.smartdna.com.au/genomic-wellness-plus-test/

‍ An initial consult is required before testing is offered or suggested. Please see service prices for more options.

Prices correct as of 15/05/2025. From time to time there can be discounted prices available direct from the NZ distributor of these tests, so please reach out for the most up to date and current pricing available.

A reminder that Functional Tests are not designed to diagnose or treat any specific health condition(s).

Other microbiome functional tests available include oral, vaginal, urinary tract, nasal.