June 8, 2023

One simple step to healthier eating – balance!

Healthy eating can be confusing.  We all have different requirements and food preferences, not to mention time, money and interest!  However, there is one step that […]
October 28, 2022

Do I need to supplement vitamin D this winter?

Vitamin D is one of the nutrients we get asked about the most. But how important is it for our health?  How do we know if […]
September 20, 2022

5 Ways With Cacao

 It is very important that raw cacao is not confused with cocoa, its roasted, processed and nutrient-poor distant relative.  Cacao is busting with nutrition and an […]
August 26, 2022

Lunchbox SOS

For many parents, back to school also means back to making the daily lunchboxes, not usually anyone’s favourite job!  But with kids eating up to 1/3 […]
August 9, 2022

Increase your vegetables and reduce your stress!

The impact of stress on our health cannot be underestimated. It is a known risk factor for chronic disease and can impact our sleep and general […]
June 10, 2022

Beat the bloat this summer and optimise your digestion

Many of us have plans to get away over the next couple of months, whether at home or away. But for those with sensitive digestion, being […]
April 22, 2022

Should I go gluten free?

The number of people avoiding gluten and wheat has hugely increased in recent years, with 1 in 5 of us now regularly buying gluten free products.  […]
April 1, 2022

Oestrogen metabolism

Oestrogens are a family of hormones which include Estrone (E1), Oestradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). There are also oestrogen metabolites which are primarily metabolized in the […]
February 16, 2022

Is it worth it to eat organic?

The market for organic food grew even more quickly during the Pandemic as more of us looked at ways to support our health. But given the […]
February 7, 2022

To salt or not to salt?

  In 2020 the BMJ and Swiss Re Institute collaborated to produce a second series of articles on nutritional science. Included in these was a discussion […]
January 21, 2022

Dietary supplements and SARS-CoV-2 infection

A recent study investigated whether there was a link between supplement usage and a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19.  Good news! Being proactive about your health […]
December 17, 2021

Shifting vaginal ecology

Vaginal ecology is extremely dynamic and is affected by numerous host (i.e. you!) factors including age, ethnicity,  hormonal changes and life stages,  infection and even use […]
December 14, 2021

Antioxidants for sperm health – updated research

A study published in Oct of this year (in the journal Advances in Nutrition) aimed to evaluate the benefits of antioxidants on sperm count and quality1.  […]
December 10, 2021

How to have a healthier Christmas

The festive season is in full swing and it’s tempting to throw dietary caution to the wind until the New Year, especially with all the bad […]
November 20, 2021

Chronic pain disorders and gut bacteria

The nervous system in our gut has been called the ‘second brain’.  It is connected to our brain via sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and has bi-directional […]
November 5, 2021

Dark chocolate helps our mood and our gut – hurrah!

Many of us may be able to relate to feeling better when we eat dark chocolate.  Several of it’s constituents have known positive effects on mood. […]
November 5, 2021

The Urobiome – the urinary tract microbiome

For many years, scientists and healthcare professionals believed the urine to be almost sterile.  Now we know much more about the bacteria that live in our […]
October 8, 2021

Protein myths & facts

Confused about how much protein you need?  We separate some myths from facts!  Read on, or watch Heather explain on Virgin Media Weekend AM.
September 30, 2021

Low FODMAP for SIBO on a vegan diet?

SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is a common underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  SIBO has been shown to be present in up to […]
August 26, 2021

Healthy lunchbox ideas

While parents might be looking forward to the return to school, many may be dreading the daily lunchbox preparation.  With kids eating up to 1/3 of […]
July 23, 2021

Good news about cacao

You know we just love our polyphenols.  Among other health benefits they act as a fertiliser for our microbes and support immune health.  Cacao is one […]
June 24, 2021

Polyphenols

Probiotics are not for every person all the time.  Depending on the level of dysbiosis or microbial imbalance someone may have, more gentle support may sometimes […]
June 10, 2021

Managing migraine

Headache disorders (of which migraine is one) are among the most common disorders of the nervous system and it has been estimated that almost half of […]
May 13, 2021

Need help with sleep?

Sleep is fundamental to our good health.  It’s crucial role in immune and stress support makes it even more of a priority at the moment.  Studies […]
April 5, 2021

Have a NEAT day and live longer

Are you feeling a bit bleurgh after overindulging this weekend? Don’t feel guilty about the chocolate you may have enjoyed , we all know in the […]
March 21, 2021

Healthy eating on a budget

Making healthy choices can be expensive, especially if you fill your trolley with the latest superfoods grown on the other side of the world. However, you […]
November 27, 2020

Are you getting enough fibre?

Despite its many benefits, The Irish Heart Foundation has confirmed that 80% of adults in Ireland are eating less than the 25 – 34g of fibre […]
November 16, 2020

3 steps to reduce your risk of diabetes

Almost ¼ million Irish people have diabetes, and a further ½ million of us are pre-diabetic.  This is particularly shocking when you consider that most cases […]
November 11, 2020

Iodine is essential for thyroid function

Iodine is essential for thyroid function.  It is taken up into the thyroid gland from the bloodstream where it joins to thyroglobulin within the thyroid tissue […]
November 6, 2020

All about acne

Acne is a condition whereby the pores of the hair follicles are blocked and fill up with sebaceous fluids. These may then become infected with bacteria […]
October 29, 2020

Healthier Halloween Brack

Just say the word ‘barmbrack’ and images of Halloween come to mind.  Traditionally  it  contained various objects baked into the bread and whatever you fished out […]
October 16, 2020

5 ways with oats

Oats, maybe not ranking quite as high as some on the superfood scale but a food that is super nonetheless. They are quick, filling, nutritious and […]
October 6, 2020

Simple Salad

Even though most of us are working from home these days, we can still fall down on the meal prep.  We wander into our own kitchens […]
September 10, 2020

Digital eye strain

Many of our clients are reporting increased side effects from spending too much time in front of their screen.  Digital eye strain can result in headaches, […]
August 30, 2020

Immune related infertility and mushroom therapy

Immune related infertility may be one of the underlying culprits behind ‘unexplained infertility’.  Having this non-diagnosis is a difficult pill to swallow when you are on […]
August 21, 2020

5 ways with eggs

We know we don’t need to tell you lovely people how to suck (or cook) eggs but it would have been an absolute sin to omit […]
August 5, 2020

Oral EcologiX – analysing the oral microbiome

You have most likely heard of the gastrointestinal microbiome and even the vaginal microbiome if you read our last blog.  This week’s topic may be new […]
July 21, 2020

Superfoods that won’t break the bank

Superfoods do not need to be exotic or expensive. Many everyday wholefoods grown here in Ireland can be considered superfoods.  At this time of year, we […]
July 16, 2020

Beat the bloat

We all want to look our best this summer, even if most of us will be hiding in wetsuits on Irish beaches.  Read on for some […]
July 13, 2020

Boost your health at home – take our polyphenols challenge

Poly-what?? Polyphenols are micronutrients that we get mainly from plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, chocolate, herbs and spices. They are the reason why red […]
July 2, 2020

5 ways with beetroot

You really can’t beat beets. In a study of 40 healthy people it was demonstrated that they were able to better perform on cognitive tests 90 […]
June 24, 2020

5 ways with avocado

Definitely one of our ‘eat often’ foods. They have an infuriatingly narrow window of ripeness but catch them at the right time and the perfect avocado […]
June 3, 2020

GI EcologiX – Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody playing a critical role in immunity. In its secretory form, sIgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions and […]
May 27, 2020

GI EcologiX – parasites and pathogens

You might consider parasites or pathogenic bacteria something quite unsavoury you don’t want to have in your gut, however we have definitely had more than one […]
May 15, 2020

Sleep – the ultimate performance booster

  Sleep is fundamental to our good health.  It’s crucial role in immune and stress support and in helping us to lose weight makes it even […]
August 29, 2019

September is the new January!

  For parents September is a month of new beginnings, with a sense of a fresh start.  The summer season can be loaded with ice-cream, extra […]
August 16, 2019

Boost your vitamin D in the last few days of summer!

  This might be a very wet August but you still have time to boost your natural vitamin D levels if you get out there!
June 27, 2019

Summer Salad Recipe

Heather grew these beautiful herbs in her garden and used them in this summer salad recipe!  Herbs are a fantastic source of polyphenols which have been […]
May 23, 2019

Where’s your bacteria hiding?

First mucus, now biofilm Last week we talked about intestinal mucus – an electric fence in our gut.  We hope you’re not still reeling from the […]
March 22, 2019

Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions – how to calm your immune system

You may have seen our recent blog and case study publication on nutrients for thyroid health.  But what if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition? The […]
September 18, 2018

Can nutrition and acupuncture help with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

What is it?    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman’s levels of sex hormones are out of balance. This leads to […]
August 31, 2018

September – the new January!

As if heavier traffic and back to school routines weren’t enough, the shorter days and cooler nights are making it clear that summer is over.  Why […]
May 3, 2018

The skinny on fad diets

  It can be tempting to go for a quick-fix diet, especially at this time of year with the weather finally warming up. But research shows again […]
March 29, 2018

Healthier treats this Easter

Many of us are likely to be looking forward to tucking into chocolate over Easter.  But are we having too much of a good thing? Read […]
March 12, 2018

Balancing your hormones naturally

Balancing your hormones naturally Nutrition plays an important role in balancing your hormones naturally.  When our hormones are out of balance, this can lead to problems […]
March 5, 2018

Store cupboard and freezer spring clean

Empty store cupboard? Your store cupboard and freezer may be looking a bit depleted after the storm, with only random tins and miscellaneous frozen parcels remaining. […]
February 15, 2018

Going vegan. It’s trendy but is it healthy?

Going vegan is having a moment, with celebs from Arianne Grande to Bill Clinton singing the praises of avoiding all things animal.  But is it really […]
January 24, 2018

Need some healthy lunch ideas?

Do you struggle to find time and inspiration for healthy lunches?  Most people are in a rush and have limited options available to them.  So even […]
January 12, 2018

How you eat is as important as what you eat!

Take time to eat and digest your food Digestion begins in the mouth, and actually we prepare for digestion when the cue of food is sensed […]
January 2, 2018

Don’t diet. Do something that works instead!

Many of us will have kick-started the year on a diet, determined to lose weight for good this time.  But how many of us will still […]
December 15, 2017

Our favourite gifts this Christmas

We asked our team around the country to share their favourite gift ideas this Christmas. You still have time to pick these up for friends or […]
December 6, 2017

Show your liver some love this festive season

  Our body’s second largest organ, the liver has more than 500 jobs to do, including helping the body get rid of unwanted toxins like alcohol […]
October 16, 2017

Don’t suffer through the menopause

The average age for the menopause is 51 but the peri-menopause can begin a long time before your last period.  While the most widely discussed symptoms […]
September 28, 2017

Ready to tackle your PMS?

Did you know that pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) affects approximately 70 to 90% of women? That’s almost all of us! PMS describes any symptoms that occur after ovulation […]
September 15, 2017

How much is too much?

If you are confused about correct portion sizes, don’t worry, you are not alone.  It is estimated that only one out of a hundred people could […]
August 26, 2017

Tips for healthier lunchboxes

Many parents dread the thought of getting back to lunch box preparation in September.  However up to 1/3 of our children’s food is eaten in school […]
July 31, 2017

MapMyGut – new test at Positive Nutrition

‘You are not what you eat, you are what you absorb’ Might not sound as catchy, but you can have a great diet and make good […]
July 12, 2017

Eat your way to healthy, glowing skin this summer

Our skin is our largest organ and a very good barometer of overall health.  When it comes to glowing, healthy skin it really is a case […]
May 8, 2017

Ten-a-day reduces risk for chronic illness

Recent research has recommended that we increase our fruit and vegetable intake to ten-a-day.  This study from the Imperial College London looked at all studies ever […]
May 8, 2017

Weight loss for IVF

Dr Ciara Wright was recently speaking at an international medical conference on safe and sensible weight loss for IVF.   When losing weight is the last […]
May 8, 2017

Stressed much?

The World Health Organisation estimates that upwards of 70% of doctors’ visits are for stress-related issues. Stress is considered to be directly or indirectly responsible for […]
September 1, 2015

Back to School!

It’s back to school time around the country. The uniforms are out, the school bags are heaving and the kids are getting up and out earlier. […]
July 31, 2015

National Fertility Week – Top Tips for Fertility

Eggs and sperm, like all of your cells, are made from the nutrients found in the foods you eat. There is ever-increasing evidence to support the […]
June 30, 2015

Quality Fruits and Vegetables for Sperm Health

Quality Fruits and Vegetables for Sperm Health Antioxidants are required to protect both the vulnerable outer layer of sperm and the precious package of DNA it […]
June 9, 2015

IHS Cookery Day – Vietnamese Spring Roll Recipe

We had a great day on Sunday cooking for the IHS students at Donnybrook Fair Cookery School. We love cooking at this great venue and 30 […]
May 21, 2015

Celebrate all things Veggie for Vegetarian Week

Time to celebrate all things veggie and get some inspiration! Do you get at least 5 portions of vegetables per day? Do you regularly eat pulses […]
May 15, 2015

Coeliac Awareness Week

In Ireland we have a high incidence of the gene that increases your risk for coeliac disease, rising to over 50% of the population in the […]
May 13, 2015

Wild Garlic

Those of you getting out and about in the country or near a wood or stream may have noticed the recent appearance of beautiful, white flowers […]
May 8, 2015

Magnesium – why do I need it?

Magnesium is an essential element which takes part in hundreds of important biochemical reactions in the body. It is found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, […]
April 30, 2015

Sperm DNA Fragmentation – what is it and what can I do about it?

  Sperm carry very precious cargo: DNA. Their job is to deliver this DNA to the egg to meet the maternal DNA where two becomes one. […]
April 22, 2015

Let’s talk about Infertility – by Fiona McPhillips, Pomegranate

We are very pleased to say that Positive Nutrition have teamed up with Pomegranate and are offering free nutritional consultations to some Pomegranate couples looking to […]
April 17, 2015

Donnybrook Fair Cookery Class – April 16th

We had a great night in Donnybrook Fair last night. We made a selection of delicious and simple recipes to introduce some healthy alternatives, great snacks […]
April 10, 2015

New study shows that weight loss can increase chances of successful fertility outcome

Obesity and overweight can reduce your chances of conceiving, either naturally or via assisted reproduction such as IVF. In addition, obese women and their children are […]
March 27, 2015

Take on the Take Out – Teriyaki!

Terikyaki is a Japanese soy-based marinade and sauce that tastes great with a variety of different foods. Most of the Terikyaki sauces available to buy in […]
March 26, 2015

Can you reduce hot flushes through your diet?

A new study has determined that phytoestrogens are effective at reducing the incidence of hot flushes in menopause. This comes from a ‘meta-analysis’ where researchers group […]
March 20, 2015

Take on the Take Out – Korma!

This is a mild delicious creamy curry popular from an Indian take-out but easy for you to make at home. This recipe gives a quick simple way […]
March 17, 2015

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Celebrate great Irish food

Here in Ireland we have a wonderful selection of artisan food producers with inspiring new products and delicious new ideas. Pick up something new and Irish […]
March 13, 2015

Taking on the Take Out – Satay!

Mmmm peanut-y satay sauce.. A popular favourite from either a Chinese or a Thai take away. This recipe couldn’t be easier and you can’t beat that […]
March 8, 2015

Free Information Talks this week!

This week we have a number of free talks around Dublin and Kildare. Based on the principles of Dr. Marilyn Glenville’s best selling book ‘Fat Around […]
March 6, 2015

Taking on the Take Out – Quick and Easy Pizza (Psst it’s gluten free too!)

Pizza might be the most popular take-out food in Ireland but the quantities of fat, sugar and salt in take-out pizza can be extremely high. Not […]
February 25, 2015

Dairy-free sources of calcium

Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, but what if you don’t eat dairy, or need to avoid it due to an intolerance? There are plenty […]
February 23, 2015

Do you need to do more for your bones?

  If you are over the age of 55 and a woman, you have a 50% risk of developing osteoporosis or osteopenia.  If you are younger, […]
February 20, 2015

Who Needs Take-Out?

Who Needs Take-Out?  (Note: We are nutritionists, so that’s a rhetorical question!)   The weekend brings with it temptation for a treat. But if you look […]
February 18, 2015

Delicious and Simple Salmon Burgers

This is one of my favourite recipes from our ‘Lose Fat Around the Middle’ healthy eating course. It’s my go-to on busy days, or days when […]
February 17, 2015

What makes Superfoods so Super?

What makes Superfoods so Super? Do we give too much credit to superfoods? The latest superfood alone cannot guarantee you good health or cure disease in […]
October 13, 2014

5 Key Questions Before Following A Weight Loss Plan

Choosing the right diet plan can be a daunting task. With numerous plans promising to be the best weight loss program ever and offering amazing results, […]
October 13, 2014

How Is Osteoporosis Related to Menopause?

For women entering menopause, there are a long list of symptoms often experienced both during the transition into menopause, and after it has concluded. Osteoporosis is […]
September 20, 2014

Champneys Health Retreat Weekend

Hormonal Health Retreat 10th – 12th October 2014 Balancing your hormones – naturally Come to this weekend retreat and find out how to increase your energy, […]
September 20, 2014

7 Common Mistakes People Make About Their Health