Lisa Sampson (2026)

07/10/2020

How to choose a safe and quality CBD oil...
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Here are 5 key things to look for:⠀
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1. Is it full spectrum?⠀
As mentioned in my previous post, to experience the full benefits of CBD oil you want to use a full spectrum oil.⠀
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The reason you wouldn’t use full spectrum is if you undergo regular drug testing. Even then you would more than 3, typically 5+ servings per day to show on a drug test.⠀
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2. Who manufactures the product?⠀
Understand where the product is coming from. Look for a reputable company. Check their website for information on their manufacturing standards and compliance. You can also look up recent product reviews.⠀
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3. How is the product tested? ⠀
Review lab testing certifications to ensure the product is tested for safety and quality. Also look at who tested the product and if it has been third party tested. Testing should be recent and up-to-date.⠀
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4. How is the product made?⠀
Look for a high grade extraction method, like CO2 extraction. Some products, like CBD isolates, can be processed too harshly using solvents that destroy plant based compounds. ⠀
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It is well documented that CBD has a very low absorption rate of about 6%-11%. So it is important to understand how absorbable the product is. ⠀
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For example, a water soluble oil is easily absorbed by the body, providing for faster onset action and higher bioavailability.⠀
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5. What is the product formulation?
Check the product is made from a whole-plant formulation. The product label may list the cannabinoids and terpenes. ⠀
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Otherwise you can find these on the certificate of analysis (COA) which you can request before purchasing.⠀
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This will allow you to calculate the total milligram (mg) of cannabinoid per dose. If this is not clear, you can divide the weight by the volume of the product. ⠀
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Be careful when comparing products to also consider their bioavailability. ⠀
The recommended adult dosage for clinical benefit is ~25-50 mg of ingestible (~10 mg for children). But always start with a low dose and work up in increments. ⠀
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Low doses work well for anxiety and seizures. While chronic pain may need higher dosing. There is always a sweet spot that is individualised for each person.

05/10/2020

Lots of research is being done on the effects of CBD on diseases and optimising health. And the results are very positive.⠀
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Understanding CBD oil is complicated. And often discounted because it’s mistaken for ma*****na.⠀
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CBD stands for Cannabidiol - one of the most abundant cannabinoids. The other is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the psychoactive substance in ma*****na. With over 100 other cannabinoids identified (phytocannabinoids).⠀
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Ma*****na is a cannabis plant called Cannabis indica and contains THC as well as CBD. Whereas, the h**p plant called Cannabis sativa only has a small amount of THC. ⠀
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Full spectrum oils from this plant combine CBD, phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and

01/10/2020

You don’t have to live with histamine intolerance or allergies...⠀
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Or use antihistamines, which can result in histamine overload. ⠀
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What’s best is to identify and address the cause as opposed to masking the symptoms.⠀
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Gut health functional lab testing is the best place to start. You can also do DNA testing on variants that impact histamine regulation.⠀
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Whilst waiting for your results, focus on lowering histamine levels from food by following a low histamine diet. ⠀
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Eliminating high histamine foods - think is it aged, smoked, cured, fermented or cultured? ⠀
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Tomatoes, spinach, non fresh fish, processed meats, cheeses, legumes, dried fruits, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, soy, vinegar, alcohol, spices, sweets to name a few. ⠀
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And the foods that block DAO enzyme, including black and green tea, and other drinks with flavours and spices. ⠀
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How food is prepared makes a difference in the histamine levels. Studies concluded frying and grilling increases histamine levels in foods, whereas boiling had little influence.
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Also leftovers kept in the fridge (especially protein) can build up histamine. Instead, put your leftovers in the freezer.⠀
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Quality supplements will also help to restore your body, for example: ⠀
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• Quercetin ~ antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties⠀
• Vitamin B6 ~ increases DAO activity⠀
• Vitamin C ~ increases histamine metabolism and breakdown⠀
• Magnesium ~ inhibits the release of histamines⠀
• Omega 3 ~ anti-inflammatory properties ⠀
• Curcumin ~ acts as an antihistamine⠀
• Cannabinoids ~ may suppress mast cell release of histamine⠀
• Baical skullcap ~ inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells⠀
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There are also specific probiotic strains that have been shown to have positive effects by working as antihistamines.⠀
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And a bit harder to source is a histamine block with DAO enzyme that you can take before meals high in histamines.⠀
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Combined with moderate exercise, good nights sleep, and reduced exposure to toxins will support rebalancing your body. And eliminate allergies and histamine overload.

29/09/2020

Previously, it was thought to only affect people with specific genetic disorders. ⠀
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But histamine intolerances are becoming far more prevalent due to digestive or other health imbalances. ⠀
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Histamine intolerance is not a sensitivity to histamine but a sign you have developed too much.⠀
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Histamine is responsible for a few major functions:⠀
• communicate messages to your brain⠀
• triggers release of stomach acid ⠀
• release after injury or allergy as part of your immune response.⠀
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When histamine levels get too high or when it can’t break down, it can affect your normal bodily functions.⠀
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These are some of the common signs of histamine intolerance:⠀
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1. Hives ⠀
2. Flushing after exercise or alcohol
3. Sinus or nasal congestion⠀
4. Pruritus or itchiness ⠀
5. Headaches or migraines⠀
6. Fatigue ⠀
7. Irregular menstrual cycle ⠀
8. Nausea or vomiting ⠀
9. Tissue swelling and inflammation
10. Dizziness or fainting ⠀
11. Irregular heart rate⠀
12. Difficulty regulating body temperature ⠀
13. Anxiety or panic attacks ⠀
14. Insomnia ⠀
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Because of the array of symptoms it can be difficult to detect. And is often misdiagnosed for conditions, such as anxiety, IBS, sinusitis, candida. ⠀
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The two main causes of histamine intolerance are: ⠀
• too little of the enzymes needed to break down histamine, and/or ⠀
• too much histamine being produced (gut microbes, mast cells, allergies). ⠀
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Diamine oxidase (DAO) is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in your gut. And histamine methyltransferase (HMNT) enzyme works throughout the body to break down histamine.⠀
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The key is to find what is triggering your histamine overload and address at a root cause level, for example:⠀
• Medications use (antibiotics antidepressants, NSAIDs) ⠀
• Excessive consumption of histamine-rich foods
• Or foods that block DAO enzymes or trigger histamine release
• Nutrient deficiencies that impact DAO production (copper, vitamin C, B6, zinc) ⠀
• Genetic variants in enzyme production and methylation (MTHFR) ⠀
• Bacteria overgrowth or pathogens that cause overproduction of histamines⠀
• Physical and emotional stress that increase histamine levels.

25/09/2020

“The quieter you become the more you are able to hear.” Rumi ⠀
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This quote didn't mean as much to me until after my weekend of silence. ⠀
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Studies have shown that people who learn to find comfort in solitude tend to be happier, experience lower levels of stress, and are less likely to have depression. ⠀
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Solitude and silence go hand-in-hand. ⠀
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As mentioned in my previous post, there are so many benefits of silence. But two really stand out for me. ⠀
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First is its impact on our nervous system, having the ability to switch off our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). ⠀
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And secondly, in doing so we are better able to tap into our intuition and hear our inner voice. ⠀
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Listening to your body and learning to trust that inner voice is as critical to your health, as it is life and business. ⠀
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Your gut and nervous system health are the two most important areas to focus on when starting on your health journey. ⠀
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As it is these two that really set the pathway to healing and help to recover other imbalances in our bodies. ⠀
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So how can we bring more silence into our lives and better support our nervous system? ⠀
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I like to think about 3 anchors in my day where I can switch off my sympathetic nervous system:⠀
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1. Morning ~ yoga or walk, followed by breath work and meditation⠀
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2. Lunch ~ walk, yoga or pilates class ⠀
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3. Evening ~ meditation or walk ⠀
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Using this method means you never go more than few hours without reseting your nervous system. Which is key to reducing stress and optimising your health. ⠀
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I’m not one for rigid routines though. I like to let the day flow and see what I really feel like doing, in-between what I need to get done. ⠀
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Whilst routines are a good way to form healthy habits for some it can create more stress. ⠀
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So take time to get quiet, and in that silence, listen to what your body needs and what you feel to do. ⠀
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What do you hear?

22/09/2020

It is so much more than not speaking. ⠀
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It is the most profound rest and feeling of rejuvenation I've experienced.⠀
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Far deeper than your best nights sleep or relaxing holiday. ⠀
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I spent last weekend in silence. A guided practice by that combines advanced breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and silence.⠀
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The practice of silence - of consciously withdrawing our energy and attention from outer distractions - has been used in different cultures throughout time as a pathway to physical, mental and spiritual renewal. ⠀
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It’s like fasting for your mind. ⠀
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At first you can feel some anxiety about switching off your phone and from the world. Not speaking to family or friends. But this is normal. As it is how we are conditioned. ⠀
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Today we are inundated with information, media, messages, notifications. There is an expectation to be on 24/7. Producing more, accomplishing more. Which is zapping our energy and leading to chronic stress. ⠀
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In a way this year has pushed us towards silence. Made us slow down. But it has also bought with it a lot of stress and uncertainty. ⠀
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I’ve spoken about stress and the impact it has on your health. Wreaking havoc with your hormones, digestion, sleep, weakening your immune system. ⠀
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But this experience of silence dialled up my parasympathetic nervous system (rest and relax)... which is exactly what our bodies need to heal and rebalance. ⠀
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These are some of the many benefits of silence:⠀
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• You become calmer ⠀
• Boost your intuition ⠀
• Better understand yourself⠀
• Improve your awareness ⠀
• Tap into your creativity ⠀
• Lower your stress ⠀
• Remove negativity ⠀
• Improve your patience ⠀
• Decrease muscle tension ⠀
• Broaden your perspective ⠀
• Conserve your energy ⠀
• Process past trauma ⠀
• Improve your focus⠀
• Deepen your relationships ⠀
• Develop your willpower⠀
• Strengthen decision making ⠀
• Improve your emotional stability⠀
• Develop new brain cells ⠀
• Harmonise your mind, body and spirit⠀
• Live in the present moment ⠀
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It is one of the most effective way to reduce stress and tension - rejuvenating your mind and body. Leaving you feeling more centred, content, energised and fulfilled.

17/09/2020

Boost your collagen with these foods⠀
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There are a few ways to approach this but I like to start with nutrition. Because aside from aging, the top reason why people don’t have enough collagen is poor diet.⠀
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Your body can’t produce collagen if it doesn’t have the required nutrients. ⠀
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When your body makes collagen, it combines amino acids - glycine, proline, lysine - nutrients from protein-rich foods, like beef, chicken, fish, legumes, eggs and tofu. ⠀
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The process also requires vitamin C, zinc and copper. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers and more (check out my rose hip post).⠀
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Zinc is found in meat, shellfish, legumes (check out my pumpkin seed post). And copper is found in liver, cocoa powder, cashews, avocados (check out my mushroom post).⠀
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To make sure your body has enough nutrients to make collagen, you can check your levels using functional medicine lab testing. I often see deficiencies in zinc and vitamin C.⠀
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It’s hard to get all our required nutrients from diet alone due to soil degradation. Also as you age your body may not absorb or synthesise nutrients as well so you may need to supplement.⠀
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You can also add more collagen-rich foods. These include salmon and chicken skins, non muscle meats like oxtail, egg yolks, and bone broths. ⠀
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Bone broths draw collagen out of beef, chicken or fish bones, leaving a liquid you can drink or use in other dishes. Only buy or make organic to avoid residue of pesticides, antibiotics and other contaminants.⠀
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Bone broths contain a bioavailable form of collagen your body can readily use. Making it arguably superior to collagen supplements.⠀
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If you want to add a collagen supplement, you need to look for a high quality source - pasture-raised, hormone-free. Or marine collagen, which is made from fish skin. ⠀
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Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen peptide) powders usually have no flavour and dissolve easily in beverages, smoothies, soups and sauces.⠀
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You also need to ensure it doesn’t include any unnecessary fillers or additives. ⠀
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With the explosion of collagen powders on the market, which are largely unregulated, it is important to carefully check the ingredients.

15/09/2020

Are you low on collagen?⠀
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While the gradual breakdown of collagen in our body is inevitable, there is a lot you can do to reverse it and slow the signs of ageing. ⠀
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Collagen is a structural protein and building block for your bones, teeth, skin, muscles, joints and connective tissues. It is often referred to as the glue that holds your body together.⠀
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It is the most abundant protein in your body, making up more than one third of total protein. It is rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline - the amino acids that help your body make new collagen. ⠀
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There are at least 28 different types of collagen. The 4 main types are:⠀
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• Type I ~ provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth (~90% of total collagen)⠀
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• Type II ~ found in elastic cartilage, which cushions your joints⠀
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• Type III ~ supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries⠀
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• Type IV ~ helps with filtration and is found in the layers of your skin.⠀
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As you age, your body produces less and lower quality collagen - starting in your 20s. This is often more pronounced in ectomorph (vata) and mesomorphs (pitta) body types. ⠀
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Here are some of the early and later stage signs of low collagen:⠀
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1. Stiff joints⠀
2. Brittle nails ⠀
3. Flat or thinning hair ⠀
4. Aching muscles ⠀
5. Wrinkles⠀
6. Cellulite ⠀
7. Loss of muscle mass⠀
8. Poor wound healing ⠀
9. Weakened immunity⠀
10. Hollowing of the eyes⠀
11. Decreased bone density⠀
12. Arthritis⠀
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Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? ⠀
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If so, there is a lot you can do to increase your body’s collagen. Starting with eating more collagen rich and collagen producing foods. Watch out for my post on this.⠀
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But what is just as important is to avoid things that reduce collagen production, including:⠀
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• Smoking⠀
• Excessive sun exposure⠀
• Eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates⠀
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As well as, addressing any gut or digestive issues that can reduce your absorption of key nutrients required for collagen production.

10/09/2020

Seafood: should you avoid it because of mercury?⠀
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As mentioned in my previous post, mercury poisoning is primarily linked to eating seafood, mainly fish. ⠀
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Does that mean you should stop eating it? In short, no, as fish is a great source of protein, micronutrients, and healthy fats. ⠀
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But, some types of fish contain higher levels of mercury. So we need to be mindful of the types and amount we are eating, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding. ⠀
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Fish and seafood get mercury from the water. So the amount of mercury also depends on the levels of pollution in its environment.⠀
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All types contain some amount of mercury. But generally the larger and longer-lived fish contain higher levels.⠀
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This is because larger fish tend to eat many smaller fish, which contain small amounts of mercury. And as mercury is not easily excreted it accumulates over time. ⠀
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Some of the most common fish with higher levels of mercury are shark, swordfish and fresh tuna. ⠀
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The list above details the high, moderate and low level mercury fish and seafood. It also provides guidance on how much you should eat. ⠀
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Save this list and use it as a guide when you’re buying your seafood. @ Albert Park Beach

08/09/2020

Are you suffering with mercury toxicity? ⠀
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Mercury is one of the most toxic metals. It is found in our soil, water and food supply, as well as a wide variety of everyday products. ⠀
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There is no barrier that stops mercury from reaching our brain cells. And high amounts can lead to long-term and sometimes permanent neurological changes. ⠀
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The dangers are especially notable in pregnant women and children who are still developing.⠀
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Mercury can also bind to immune cells, distorting and interfering with normal immune responses. And is one factor behind autoimmune disorders. ⠀
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It can also cause permanent kidney, cardiac, and respiratory problems.⠀
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These are some symptoms of mercury toxicity:⠀
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1. Anxiety and depression ⠀
2. Irritability ⠀
3. Migraine or headaches ⠀
4. Memory loss⠀
5. Numbness and tingling in arms and legs⠀
6. Skin rashes or dermatitis ⠀
7. Hair loss ⠀
8. Fatigue or muscle weakness ⠀
9. Nervousness or shyness ⠀
10. Allergic reactions or asthma ⠀
11. Tremors ⠀
12. Metallic taste ⠀
13. Vision changes ⠀
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More often, mercury poisoning builds up over time. In particular in those with MTHFR gene variant. But a sudden onset of these symptoms can be a sign of acute toxicity. ⠀
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The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from consuming too much methyl mercury or organic mercury. This is primarily linked to eating seafood.⠀
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So what can you do?⠀
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If you suspect you have mercury toxicity, you can test using the at-home hair tissue mineral analysis (check out my post “Assess your heavy metals”).⠀
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But we can all take steps to reduce our exposure to products containing mercury:⠀
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• High mercury fish ⠀
• Unfiltered water⠀
• Treated grains and seed ⠀
• Dirty dozen produce ⠀
• Cosmetics and skin care⠀
• Contact lens solution⠀
• Fabric softeners⠀
• Dental amalgams ⠀
• Inks used in printers and tattoos⠀
• Latex and plastics ⠀
• Medications and shots ⠀
• Broken thermometers or CFL globes ⠀
• Paints, polishes, and solvents ⠀
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Seasonal detoxes also help to minimise the accumulation of toxins, including mercury and other heavy metals. ⠀

05/09/2020

“These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.” Rumi⠀
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I talk a lot about symptoms and signs. And the importance of finding their underlying root cause and addressing this. ⠀
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Recently though I have been working with clients with no obvious symptoms. And I thought it was equally important to also share this. ⠀

Their focus is on optimising their health and wellbeing, and prevention. Which is fantastic and something I’m so passionate about. ⠀
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But what I often find with these clients, using functional lab testing, is they do have some functional level deficiencies or imbalances. ⠀
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This often comes as a shock, especially for those that live a healthy lifestyle. But picking it up now is a lot easier and less painful than the alternative. ⠀
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Again it is so important to ask why and get to the root cause.⠀
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Yes, you may be asymptomatic, but there is always a reason for an imbalance in your body. ⠀
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Often we get so busy working or taking care of everyone else that we stop listening to our own body. And these silent signs become our new normal. ⠀
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It’s not until clients see their lab results do they realise that these signs have been there for a while. And they see how it is impacting their health. ⠀
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Chronic conditions don’t just happen they develop slowly over many years. It is the accumulation of toxins and stress over time that wears your body down. And makes it more susceptible to deficiencies, and ultimately disease.⠀
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Unfortunately today it’s often not until someone gets sick that their health becomes their number one priority. And this is something I would love to change. ⠀
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I would love to see functional lab testing become mainstream as it can do so much for preventative and optimised health. Helping us deal with the ever growing number of toxins and stressors in our lives. ⠀
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By optimising your health, you can expect:⠀
• improved energy and vitality ⠀
• more restful sleep⠀
• better weight control⠀
• improved heart health⠀
• increased bone and teeth strength⠀
• better brain health ⠀
• better mood ⠀
• reduced stress ⠀
• better quality of life.⠀
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Are you listening to your body and taking steps to optimise your health and wellbeing?

01/09/2020

Or urticaria, is a skin condition characterised by sudden outbreaks of red, itchy welts on the skin. ⠀
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If you have ever experienced them, you will know they can cause significant discomfort. They also can come as quite a shock.⠀
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Any area of the body maybe affected. And can vary in appearance from tiny, goosebump like spots to rashes that cover significant areas of your body. ⠀
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They usually go away within a few hours to 2 days, but can become chronic and last for 6 weeks or more. ⠀
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Hives are usually bought on by an allergic reaction and coincide with the release of histamine in your body. The release of histamine in the skin produces an inflammatory reaction, with itching, swelling, and redness. ⠀
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The skin, the largest organ in your body, acts in conjunction with other systems to remove toxins. So hives can be a natural reaction to the presence of foreign or pathogenic substances in or on your body. ⠀
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These are some common triggers of hives:⠀
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• Food sensitivities, preservatives, alcohol ⠀
• Allergens, such as dust, pollen, pet dander ⠀
• Chemicals in skin care and cleaning products⠀
• Mold exposure⠀
• Candida or bacteria overgrowth ⠀
• Medications, such as ibuprofen, antibiotics ⠀
• Viruses ⠀
• Stress ⠀
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The severity and frequency of hives outbreak can vary from person to person. Some people are more susceptible to them, but hives are usually a sign of an imbalance in the body. ⠀
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Conventional medicine will often prescribe an anti-inflammatory or steroid based cream. This may provide temporary relief, but can also wreck havoc on underlying conditions. ⠀
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So what should you do?⠀
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What is key is getting to the root cause of the hives, especially if they are recurring or chronic. Food sensitivity and gut health functional lab testing is a good place to start. ⠀
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You can apply aloe vera on the affected area and use a herbal based anti-histamine. ⠀
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Following a low histamine diet would also be beneficial. ⠀
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Plus, eliminating or avoiding any other suspected triggers until you know and can address the root cause.

Lisa Sampson

07/10/2020

05/10/2020

01/10/2020

29/09/2020

25/09/2020

22/09/2020

17/09/2020

15/09/2020

10/09/2020

08/09/2020

05/09/2020

01/09/2020

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