I tend to get asked the same questions again and again so I have listed them all here for you on this page.
Table Of Contents
How to stop IBS flare ups
IBS flare ups are rarely caused by one thing. Stress, blood sugar swings, hormonal shifts and certain foods can all overwhelm the gut. Digestion only works properly when the nervous system feels safe. Seasonal eating helps, lighter hydrating foods in summer, bitter greens in spring, and slower-cooked fibres in autumn/winter. Every gut is different, so tracking patterns is more effective than strict protocols.
How to regulate cortisol levels naturally
Cortisol responds to light exposure, food rhythm, stress and sleep. Morning daylight, balanced meals with protein, caffeine timing, boundaries, movement and proper rest all help steady cortisol. Seasonal habits matter too, spring/summer light supports cortisol rhythm, while autumn/winter benefit from earlier wind-down routines and warming meals.
Help with menopause symptoms UK
Midlife symptoms are influenced by hormones, blood sugar, stress, gut health and sleep. Many women benefit from HRT, but food, nervous system regulation, phytoestrogens, minerals and protein make a noticeable difference. Seasonal shifts matter winter often needs more protein and warming foods, while summer benefits from hydration and cooling foods.
I need help with my hormones
Hormones respond to stress, blood sugar, food, sleep, age and gut health. When the body feels under threat, hormones become harder to regulate. Supporting nervous system safety, consistent meals and the right nutrients brings better balance. Hormones also move through “seasons” across life from menstruation to perimenopause to post menopause.
How to reset my gut naturally
A gut reset doesn’t require extreme plans. It’s about helping the digestive system feel safe, removing irritants, lowering inflammation and nourishing the microbiome. Seasonal eating naturally supports this: spring greens and herbs for diversity, summer plants for polyphenols, autumn roots and brassicas for fibre, and winter broths and stews for digestion.
How do I look after my gut health naturally?
Gut health thrives on plant diversity, herbs, spices, polyphenols and fermented foods. But digestion starts with safety: chewing, slower eating, regular meals and reducing stress signals. Seasonal eating boosts diversity, berries and herbs in summer, citrus and greens in spring, squashes in autumn, and roots and ferments in winter.
How do hormones affect gut health?
Oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol affect bowel motility, microbial balance, stomach acid and inflammation. In perimenopause, fluctuating hormones can drive bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and reflux. Temperature and light exposure across seasons also shift cortisol and gut motility. The gut and hormones communicate constantly.
Why am I so tired during perimenopause?
Fatigue in perimenopause is often linked to fluctuating hormones, blood sugar swings, thyroid changes, low iron, poor sleep and nervous system load. Winter tiredness is common due to low light and vitamin D, while spring/summer often bring better energy. When the body feels safer and more supported, energy improves.
What foods help with hot flushes?
Foods rich in phytoestrogens (flaxseed, soy, legumes), omega-3s, berries and minerals can help. Alcohol, sugar and caffeine can worsen flushes for some women. Cooling foods matter more in summer, while winter support focuses on inflammation and sleep. Tracking your own patterns is key — each body behaves differently.
What’s the connection between hormones and weight gain?
Midlife weight changes are biochemical, not a lack of willpower. Changes in oestrogen, insulin and cortisol affect fat storage, appetite, metabolism and muscle mass. In winter the body seeks insulation and comfort foods, while spring/summer often improve metabolism and movement. Supporting muscle, blood sugar, stress and gut health is central.
What should women eat to support hormones?
Protein, healthy fats, fibre, fermented foods and colourful plants support hormone production, detox pathways and gut health. Seasonal eating gives structure: greens and herbs in spring, berries and tomatoes in summer, brassicas and mushrooms in autumn, and stews, broths and roots in winter. The body prefers rhythm over restriction.
Is coffee bad for hormones and gut health?
Coffee isn’t inherently bad, but caffeine can spike cortisol and irritate digestion if taken on an empty stomach or during high stress. Most women do better to have coffee after food. Seasonal habits matter too, iced coffee in summer is often drunk faster and increases jitters, while winter coffee on an empty stomach can worsen stress responses.
Why is collagen not working for me?
Collagen relies on vitamin C, minerals, protein and sufficient stomach acid to be absorbed. If iron or thyroid function is low, or the gut is inflamed, collagen may not show visible benefits. Winter often reduces stomach acid due to lower light and higher stress. Collagen supports repair, but it isn’t a standalone fix.
What supplements help hormones?
Supplement needs vary by age and symptoms, but magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D, B vitamins and adaptogenic herbs are commonly helpful. Vitamin D is especially important during UK autumn/winter. Supplements work better when digestion and absorption are supported.
How do I reduce inflammation naturally?
You reduce inflammation by supporting blood sugar, sleep, stress, gut health, nutrient status and omega-3 intake. Seasonal behaviour matters — winter tends to be more inflammatory due to low light, higher stress and comfort foods, while spring/summer bring more movement and polyphenol-rich foods. When the nervous system feels safe, the immune system settles.
