The MediHerb Podcast

In this episode of the MediHerb Podcast, Laurence Katsaras is joined by naturopath Amina Eastham-Hillier to explore the clinical applications of nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics and herb genomics in personalised healthcare. Discover how genetic variations and epigenetic influences can shape individual responses to nutrients, herbal medicines and lifestyle factors, and how genomic profiling may provide additional insight into complex presentations involving inflammation, cardiovascular health, metabolic dysfunction, chemical sensitivities and nutrient metabolism.

Drawing on clinical case examples, Amina discusses how practitioners can use genomic insights to inform individualised herbal prescriptions, nutritional strategies and lifestyle recommendations, while supporting patient understanding and engagement. From interpreting inflammatory markers and methylation pathways to considering caffeine metabolism, food sensitivities and exercise tolerance, the conversation explores how genomic testing can help identify areas for further investigation and guide clinical decision-making. Importantly, Amina highlights that genes are not destiny, emphasising the role of environment, nutrition, stress management and lifestyle in influencing gene expression and supporting long-term health.

 

Bio: With over 30 years of naturopathic experience, Amina successfully treats complex chronic illnesses in her clinic in the Noosa hinterland. Amina is a keynote speaker, presenting to medical doctors and naturopaths at international conferences, and on medical documentaries, webinars, and podcasts.

In addition to clinical practise, Amina has been awarded the title of Australian Practitioner of the Year with her passion extending into teaching bush survival medicine and wild crafting medicinal herbs and food.

Amina is the author of Lyme Natural, encompassing naturopathic treatment for Lyme disease, co-infections, mould illness and stealth infections, and hosts regular online clinical master classes and workshops for practitioners. For more details, please visit https://amina.com.au/

As GLP-1 medications become increasingly integrated into weight management, understanding their implications for muscle and bone health is essential for practitioners supporting patients through significant weight loss. In this episode, Laurence Katsaras is joined by Professor David Scott, exercise scientist and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at Deakin University, to explore the latest research on GLP-1 therapies and body composition. They discuss the relationship between weight loss and lean mass reduction, the distinction between muscle loss and changes in muscle composition, and the potential implications for long-term physical function, bone health and fracture risk.

David shares practical, evidence-informed strategies to help practitioners support healthy body composition throughout the weight loss journey. From protein requirements and nutritional considerations to the importance of progressive resistance training, he outlines how specialised exercise prescription can help minimise muscle and bone loss. The conversation also explores accessible clinical tools for monitoring body composition and physical function, strategies for supporting sustainable behaviour change, and the opportunities for practitioners to provide individualised lifestyle support. Discover how integrating targeted nutrition, exercise and ongoing monitoring can help patients achieve healthier, more sustainable outcomes while using GLP-1 therapies.

Head over to David's 2025 article - Exercise and dietary recommendations to preserve musculoskeletal health during weight loss in adults with obesity: A practical guide: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11154-025-09968-3

Learn more about David’s research via his institutional profile page: https://experts.deakin.edu.au/53841-david-scott

Globe artichoke has a long history in Western herbal medicine, yet its broad applications can be easy to overlook in an era of increasingly targeted therapeutic approaches. In this episode, we welcome David Casteleijn back to the MediHerb Podcast to explore why this classic herb deserves renewed attention. David shares his clinical experience using globe artichoke as a general digestive tonic, supporting digestive function, while considering its bitter principles, choleretic and cholagogue actions, and prebiotic fructans.

The conversation takes a deeper look at where globe artichoke may fit in contemporary naturopathic practice, including digestive dysfunction associated with nervous system dysregulation and the complex relationship between the gut, microbiome and nervous system. David also discusses the apparent contradiction of using a fructan-containing herb in people with IBS, challenging an overly symptom-focused approach to FODMAPs and highlighting the importance of considering the whole person. With insights from his observational research into herbal medicine use in anxiety and depression, this episode offers a fresh clinical perspective on a versatile herb that deserves a place in your dispensary.

How can practitioners help patients achieve lasting success with GLP-1 medications beyond weight loss alone? Glenn Mackintosh shares his expertise on psychology, behaviour change strategies and interdisciplinary care that turn short-term results into sustainable outcomes.

 

Bio: Glenn is a psychologist who is extremely passionate about eating, physical activity, weight, and body image. He is the Clinical Director of the Weight Management Psychology Clinic, the Creator of the Transformation Support Community Online Program, and the Author of the bestselling 'Thinsanity: 7 Steps to Transform Your Mindset & Say Goodbye to Dieting Forever'. He enjoys supporting the health-conscious public and training the wonderful health professionals who support them.

 

Links:

The Missing Piece Free eBook:

https://www.weightmanagementpsychology.com.au/the-missing-piece-ebook/   

Weight Management Psychology Clinic:

https://www.weightmanagementpsychology.com.au/ 

Transformation Support Community Online Program:

https://programs.glennmackintosh.com/transformation-support-community

'Who Do You Want to Be?' Blog:

https://www.weightmanagementpsychology.com.au/who-do-you-want-to-be-in-2023-personal-reflection-free-resource/

GLP-1 medications are reshaping the management of obesity and metabolic health, but where do integrative practitioners fit into this rapidly evolving landscape? In this episode, Laurence Katsaras speaks with internationally recognised obesity and metabolic health expert Dr Jacqueline Jacques about GLP-1 therapies, why obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, and the opportunities for naturopathic and functional medicine practitioners to support patients throughout their treatment journey.
The discussion explores the often-overlooked challenges of GLP-1 therapy, including nutrient deficiencies, lean muscle and bone loss, side effect management, and the sobering reality of post-treatment weight regain - what it means clinically, highlighting the post-cessation window as a genuine opportunity for integrative practitioners. Jacqueline introduces the concept of the "life cycle of care," encouraging practitioners to move beyond seeing integrative medicine as an alternative and instead position themselves as collaborative partners alongside pharmacotherapy.