The Pharmacist Edit, Brisbane (2026)

29/12/2025

Ever stood in the supermarket wondering how many hidden additives and hormone‑disrupting chemicals are hiding in your trolley? You’re not alone—and you don’t need a biochemistry degree to do better. Small, strategic swaps can lower your toxic load, support hormone balance, and protect your kidneys and gut over time.

In my Low‑Tox Shopping List, I’ve curated budget‑friendly, nutrient‑dense options, including:
• linseeds,Deep sea NZ hoki, and mussels for clean protein and omega‑3s.
• Frozen wild berries and leafy greens to help you hit that 30‑plants‑per‑week microbiome target without food waste.
• Clean whey proteins (no artificial sweeteners or fillers) and lower‑histamine, lower‑oxalate staples for sensitive systems.
We also walk through:
• When to prioritise organic (hello Dirty Dozen) and when conventional is perfectly fine.
• How emulsifiers like polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose can disrupt the gut barrier in some people, and how to sidestep them without panic.
• Your health journey is unique; the goal isn’t zero toxins—it’s less unnecessary load and more energy left for living.

👉 Want the full Low‑Tox Shopping List plus ongoing practical tips? Subscribe via my website:
https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/subscribe/

23/12/2025

Chronic inflammation is the quiet thread connecting fatigue, stubborn belly fat, joint pain, brain fog, and long‑term risks like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Research consistently links anti‑inflammatory dietary patterns—rich in plants, quality fats, and omega‑3s—to lower inflammatory markers such as CRP and homocysteine, better mood, and improved metabolic health.

The good news: you don’t need perfection or a nine‑step gourmet routine. You need a clear, personalised framework. In my upcoming Set Up for Success: Anti‑Inflammatory Reset 2026, we focus on:

• Low‑histamine and low‑oxalate options for those whose joints, skin, or gut flare with “healthy” foods like spinach, nuts, or aged cheese.
• Classic powerhouses: berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, extra‑virgin olive oil, and fatty fish—all backed by robust data for lowering inflammation and supporting heart and brain health.
• Mediterranean‑style plates that are family‑friendly, realistic, and kind to your kidneys.
You’ll learn how to begin your day with protein + antioxidants, build rainbow‑veg plates, and layer in movement, hydration, and sleep in a doable way—not a rigid set of rules.

👉 If you’re ready for a guided 5‑week online program that shows you exactly how to implement an anti‑inflammatory diet, prioritise protein while protecting your kidneys, and apply practical fasting and timing strategies drawn from current research, register your interest with the link below so you’re first in line when doors open

https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/antiinflammatory2026/

Ref
Yu, X., Pu, H., & Voss, M. (2024). Overview of anti-inflammatory diets and their promising effects on non-communicable diseases. The British journal of nutrition, 132(7), 898–918. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524001405

22/12/2025

Autoimmune diagnoses are rising globally, and yet many people spend years in limbo—told their labs are “normal” while symptoms escalate.

Autoimmunity is rarely just genes; it’s the interaction between predisposition and what researchers now call the exposome: diet, stress, sleep, infections, toxins, and more.

The encouraging news from current research is that inflammation, micronutrient gaps, gut imbalance, and toxic load are modifiable.
Anti‑inflammatory, plant‑rich diets; optimised vitamin D, omega‑3s, and key minerals; targeted stress and sleep strategies; and low‑tox environments have all been shown to reduce symptoms and flare frequency for many people.

In my in‑depth article “What Really Causes Autoimmune Disease—And Can You Reverse It?” I walk through:

How triggers like infections, chemicals, and poor sleep “pull the trigger” on susceptible genes.

Stepwise actions to lower your inflammation bucket without turning life into a full‑time job.

There are no miracle cures—but there are powerful levers under your control.

👉 If you’re ready for clarity instead of doom‑scrolling, read the guide at my site:
https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/autoimmune1/

17/12/2025

Stepping into the spotlight hasn’t always been easy for me, but chronic disease rates—and the confusion around what actually works—leave no room for staying silent.

My mission is to empower 10,000 individuals with bitesize, science‑backed, personalised health strategies that actually fit real life. so they can fulfil their God-given purpose.

After 25 years reviewing medicines, supplements, diet and lifestyles across New Zealand, the UK, and Australia, one truth stands out: generic “eat less, move more” advice isn’t just unhelpful—it can be harmful. Health isn’t a single protocol; it is an interplay of kidneys, hormones, gut, brain, and environment.

That’s why my clients don’t receive cookie‑cutter plans. Instead, we co‑create:

Protein‑forward, kidney‑aware meal frameworks that stabilise cravings and protect long‑term organ function.

Bespoke tweaks like low‑histamine or low‑oxalate approaches when symptoms and genetics point that way.

Accountability using tools such as Cronometer and structured check‑ins so change actually sticks.

If you’re tired of conflicting advice and want a thinking partner—not another app—let’s talk.

👉 Comment HEALTH STRATEGY or send a DM to book a 20‑minute Health Chat and explore whether personalised coaching or my group Reset is the best fit. Find out more:

https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/

16/12/2025

Chronic inflammation is the quiet thread connecting fatigue, stubborn belly fat, joint pain, brain fog, and long‑term risks like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Research consistently links anti‑inflammatory dietary patterns—rich in plants, quality fats, and omega‑3s—to lower inflammatory markers such as CRP and homocysteine, better mood, and improved metabolic health.

The good news: you don’t need perfection or a nine‑step gourmet routine. You need a clear, personalised framework. In my upcoming Set Up for Success: Anti‑Inflammatory Reset 2026, we focus on:

• Low‑histamine and low‑oxalate options for those whose joints, skin, or gut flare with “healthy” foods like spinach, nuts, or aged cheese.
• Classic powerhouses: berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, extra‑virgin olive oil, and fatty fish—all backed by robust data for lowering inflammation and supporting heart and brain health.
• Mediterranean‑style plates that are family‑friendly, realistic, and kind to your kidneys.
You’ll learn how to begin your day with protein + antioxidants, build rainbow‑veg plates, and layer in movement, hydration, and sleep in a doable way—not a rigid set of rules.
👉 If you’re ready for a guided 5‑week online program that shows you exactly how to implement an anti‑inflammatory diet, prioritise protein while protecting your kidneys, and apply practical fasting and timing strategies drawn from current research, register your interest with the link below so you’re first in line when doors open

https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/antiinflammatory2026/

Ref
Yu, X., Pu, H., & Voss, M. (2024). Overview of anti-inflammatory diets and their promising effects on non-communicable diseases. The British journal of nutrition, 132(7), 898–918. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524001405

15/12/2025

GLP‑1 analogues like semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide or dual GIP/GLP-1RA tirzepatide have taken the world by storm—and for some people, they can be a powerful tool. They slow stomach emptying and enhance insulin’s effects, which helps you feel fuller for longer and makes it easier to reduce overall intake. In clinical studies, people without diabetes lost around 10–15% of their body weight on semaglutide, and those with type 2 diabetes lost less—compared to placebo.
But there is fine print that rarely makes it into headlines:
• Weight loss tends to plateau after about 60–68 weeks.
• When the injections stop, weight often creeps back—sometimes significantly—because appetite hormones and old eating patterns return.
• Side effects are common: nausea, vomiting, constipation, reflux, and in rare cases, pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.
• Serious but uncommon: gallbladder disorders, inflammation of the pancreas
• Controversy whether GLP-1 agonists increase suicidal behaviour and ideation
As a pharmacist, my job is to help people weigh these trade‑offs—benefits, risks, cost. For some, GLP‑1s are a useful bridge; for others, they’re not the right fit.
If you’re wondering, “What are my alternatives if I want to address the root cause with diet, lifestyle, and inflammation control?”—that’s where my work comes in.
👉 I’ve created a science‑backed newsletter that translates complex science into plain English, with practical actions you can start immediately.�
Comment ROOT CAUSE or subscribe via my website if you’d like the next issue delivered straight to your inbox
https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/subscribe/
References
1. Ghusn, W., & Hurtado, M. D. (2024). Glucagon-like Receptor-1 agonists for obesity: Weight loss outcomes, tolerability, side effects, and risks. Obesity pillars, 12, 100127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100127
2. Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., Hesse, D., Greenway, F. L., Jensen, C., Lingvay, I., Mosenzon, O., Rosenstock, J., Rubio, M. A., Rudofsky, G., Tadayon, S., Wadden, T. A., Dicker, D., & STEP 4 Investigators (2021). Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414–1425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.3224
3. Berg, S., Stickle, H., Rose, S. J., & Nemec, E. C. (2025). Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 26(8), e13929. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13929
4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). GLP-1 RAs: warnings aligned over potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Updated 1 December 2025. https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-updates/glp-1-ras-warnings-aligned-over-potential-risk-suicidal-thoughts-or-behaviours . Accessed 13 December 2025

13/12/2025

Chronic inflammation is the quiet thread connecting fatigue, stubborn belly fat, joint pain, brain fog, and long‑term risks like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Research consistently links anti‑inflammatory dietary patterns—rich in plants, quality fats, and omega‑3s—to lower inflammatory markers such as CRP and homocysteine, better mood, and improved metabolic health.

The good news: you don’t need perfection or a nine‑step gourmet routine. You need a clear, personalised framework. In my upcoming Set Up for Success: Anti‑Inflammatory Reset 2026, we focus on:

• Low‑histamine and low‑oxalate options for those whose joints, skin, or gut flare with “healthy” foods like spinach, nuts, or aged cheese.
• Classic powerhouses: berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, extra‑virgin olive oil, and fatty fish—all backed by robust data for lowering inflammation and supporting heart and brain health.
• Mediterranean‑style plates that are family‑friendly, realistic, and kind to your kidneys.
You’ll learn how to begin your day with protein + antioxidants, build rainbow‑veg plates, and layer in movement, hydration, and sleep in a doable way—not a rigid set of rules.

👉 If you’re ready for a guided 5‑weeks online program that shows you exactly how to implement an anti‑inflammatory diet, prioritise protein while protecting your kidneys, and apply practical fasting and timing strategies drawn from current research, register your interest with the link below so you’re first in line when doors open.

https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/antiinflammatory2026/

Ref
Yu, X., Pu, H., & Voss, M. (2024). Overview of anti-inflammatory diets and their promising effects on non-communicable diseases. The British journal of nutrition, 132(7), 898–918. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524001405

24/11/2025

Protein is king when it comes to strength, healing, and longevity—but there’s a delicate dance with kidney health hence the confusion whether protein is beneficial or damaging to the kidneys.

Animal protein, especially red and processed meats, can increase the acid load our kidneys must buffer. Left unchecked, this can stress your kidneys and bone health.

The good news? Balance is everything.
A Spanish study supports eating approximately 660 grams of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce inflammatory markers like hsCRP and homocysteine with potent alkaline minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
These act as natural buffers protecting your kidney function long-term.

Instead of fearing protein, pair every meat or protein source with a generous rainbow of plants.
Your kidneys will thank you—and so will your muscles, bones, and energy levels.

This isn’t about restriction; it’s about precision nutrition for sustainable health.

What’s on your plate today? Make it colorful, vibrant, and kidney-smart.
Pair every palm-sized portion of protein with 2 cups of rainbow vegetables, mix it up raw and lightly cooked to diversify micronutrients.

🍃 Need a personalised plant-to-protein ratio? Let’s chat!

19/11/2025

In my journey as a consultant pharmacist and health coach, I’ve seen firsthand how much kidney health shapes outcomes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is notorious as a silent disease, often showing no symptoms until as much as 90% of kidney function is lost.

In Australia, approximately 1 in 10 adults show signs of CKD, and the prevalence is even higher among First Nations peoples, with some estimates suggesting 1 in 5 adults over 18 years display indicators of kidney damage.

Advanced CKD can present with signs and symptoms including hypertension, pruritis (itchiness), nocturia (frequent urination at night), lethargy, nausea and vomiting, malaise, anorexia, restless legs, haematuria (blood in urine), and dyspnoea (shortness of breath).

However, most people remain asymptomatic in early stages, which is why laboratory monitoring is crucial.

Two key tests provide early insights into kidney healt
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys filter blood;
uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) reveals early damage by detecting protein leaks.

Together, they’re your early warning system—especially since kidney disease often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced.
Why does this matter? Because early detection = better outcomes. People with early-stage CKD who know their numbers are empowered to adjust lifestyle, medications, and diet before irreversible damage.
Here’s the professional truth I share: ask your doctor —“What are my eGFR and uACR results?

What do they mean for me?” Don’t wait for symptoms. Your kidneys work silently every day for you. Let's be proactive in protecting these unsung heroes.

Pro Tip: Make a habit of knowing your kidney markers—knowledge is power.
You are the CEO of your health. Own your numbers and your future.

Want more info on how to protect your kidneys? Read https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/kidney/

Ref: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care (5th edition). Kidney Health Australia, Melbourne, 2024.

18/11/2025

We’ve just updated our Page.
Visit our Page to see the latest updates.

Exciting news—Pharmacist Edit has rebranded to The Enlightened Pharmacist, matching our cutting-edge podcast with the same namesake (The Enlightened Pharmacist Podcast)

Our new website is live, reflecting a bold vision to bridge the gap between allopathic and holistic medicine.

At The Enlightened Pharmacist, we translate cutting-edge, evidence-based science into actionable, bite-sized insights to help you optimize health and wellbeing. From unveiling drug-nutrient interactions and drug-induced adverse effects to personalizing supplements through DNA analysis, we provide pharmacist-led, customized strategies to fuel your peak performance.

We are proud to educate health professionals—GPs, pharmacists, nurses—and high-performing individuals seeking science-backed, personalized health approaches.
Join us on this journey to empower your health with clarity and enlightenment.

Explore the new site and discover how integrative, tailored health solutions can transform your practice and life: https://theenlightenedpharmacist.com/

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03/09/2025

Vitamins and minerals are the invisible backbone powering your immune function, energy, and recovery—but understanding their roles and relationships isn’t always straightforward.
Take vitamin A, vital for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes—the first physical barrier defending against infections. It supports cell development and vision. But beware: too much vitamin A supplements can be toxic, so aim for balanced intake primarily from food sources like chicken liver, eggs, and vibrant vegetables, or consider cod liver oil if dietary options are limited.
Vitamin D, our immune modulator sunshine hormone, requires magnesium for activation. Fatty fish and egg yolks provide sources, but sunlight and supplementation are often necessary to reach optimal serum levels over 75 nmol/L. This is crucial because deficiency is linked to poorer outcomes in infections like COVID-19.
Vitamin E stands as a key antioxidant shield, clearing free radicals alongside vitamin C and glutathione. Nuts and seeds are its natural sources, but quality supplements like Jarrow Formulas Toco-Sorb ensure a mix of vitamin E precursors for maximum benefit.
Vitamin K2 deserves attention, often missing from Western diets. Unlike K1 found in leafy greens, K2 (from liver, aged cheese, or natto) supports bone and vascular health, potentially beneficial in preventing deficiencies that might contribute to conditions seen in illnesses such as COVID-19.
Minerals like magnesium regulate energy production, immune cell balance, and vitamin D metabolism.
Zinc serves as an immune sentinel, reducing viral replication and supporting enzymatic pathways, best absorbed away from grains and legumes.
Vitamin C, the antioxidant powerhouse, protects cells and supports immune responses, while B vitamins fuel energy and DNA repair.
Their synergy is critical: each micronutrient depends on others, forming a network where imbalances compromise the whole system. Personalized supplementation means understanding your body’s specific needs, current status through lab tests, and health context.
If you want an accessible but comprehensive guide to these vital nutrients and how to tailor supplementation properly, my full article on Pharmacist Edit is a must-read.
https://pharmacistedit.com/step3-supplements/

I create fresh, science-backed content every week to help you cut through the noise and overwhelm in health, so you can make informed choices with confidence and ease. To get practical tips and insights delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter below:
https://pharmacistedit.com/subscribe/

01/09/2025

When it comes to supplements, timing and synergy aren’t just buzzwords—they are the secret ingredients that determine whether your efforts truly pay off or fall flat. Here's how I would advise my clients:

First, consider timing. Some nutrients require specific conditions for optimal absorption. Fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, E, and K—should always be taken with meals containing healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or olive oil. Without fat, your body can barely absorb these vital nutrients, meaning a morning supplement on an empty stomach might be wasted effort.

Magnesium glycinate is my go-to evening supplement recommendation because it enhances relaxation and supports sleep quality. Importantly, magnesium isn’t just for relaxation—it’s also essential for converting vitamin D into its active form. Taking magnesium alongside or before vitamin D helps your body reap its full benefits.
Now, synergy. Nutrients rarely work in isolation.

For example, vitamin C dramatically improves iron absorption, a vital consideration for those managing iron deficiency anemia or optimizing performance. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and glutathione to neutralize free radicals produced during metabolic processes.

The B-vitamins—folate, B6, and B12—work as a team in crucial methylation pathways, supporting DNA repair, neurotransmitter production, and energy metabolism. An imbalance or deficiency in one can impair the whole process.
Beware too much of one nutrient too. High zinc intake can deplete copper, and excessive B6 can result in nerve pain. Thoughtful spacing and balanced dosing based on your individual biochemistry are paramount.

Ignoring these details leads to wasted supplements and missed health goals. When you understand how, when, and why to take your supplements, you unlock their full potential, placing you ahead in your wellness journey.
If this message resonates with you, please share it to help others discover these insights.

The Pharmacist Edit

29/12/2025

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