Phillip Chua - Naturopath & Herbalist

10/11/2025

Are you new to naturopathy or curious about how a GAPS approach could help you? My website is packed with helpful info on the conditions I treat and how food and natural therapies can support healing, as well as blogs and recipes to help you eat well and thrive. Start exploring today!

https://www.phillipchua.com/

09/11/2025

A healthy gut lining is like a fine mesh sieve — nutrients flow through, but toxins stay out.

When the barrier weakens, those ‘tight junctions’ between cells loosen, letting larger molecules slip through. This is known as increased intestinal permeability, or ‘leaky gut’.

Leaky gut is now linked to over 40 chronic conditions, from IBS and eczema to autoimmune disorders.

Triggers include:
– processed foods and excess sugar
– chronic stress
– certain medications (like NSAIDs)
– gluten exposure in sensitive individuals.

Healing starts by removing irritants, restoring nutrients (especially zinc, glutamine, and healthy fats), and repopulating the microbiome with fermented foods.

If your digestion feels off or bloating and/or fatigue are daily struggles, your gut lining might need support. Let’s rebuild it naturally. https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1

07/11/2025

Why don’t bacteria ever get lonely?
Because they’re always in good company!

06/11/2025

Food is powerful! As a naturopath and GAPS practitioner, I help individuals and families use food as medicine to restore gut health and support healing. Let’s nourish your body with the right foods so it can thrive!

Make a booking today! https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1

05/11/2025

Did you know your gut has four lines of defence?
1️⃣ Microbiological (your beneficial bacteria)
2️⃣ Physical (mucus & intestinal cells)
3️⃣ Chemical (enzymes, acids, antimicrobial peptides)
4️⃣ Immunological (your gut’s immune army)

Each layer has a job — digesting, protecting, neutralising and regulating. If one breaks down, the rest have to work overtime.

The GAPS approach emphasises nourishing all four layers through whole, unprocessed foods, healthy fats and traditional stocks that feed the mucosal lining and microbiome.

When the gut barrier thrives, your brain, skin, mood and immune system follow.

03/11/2025

This shake is a nutritious, easy-to-digest alternative to smoothies and is best consumed on an empty stomach. Let me know your favourite way to make it!

https://www.phillipchua.com/post/gaps-shake

As warmer weather come around the conversations of a smoothies comes back into the conversation on a regular basis in clinic. Keep in mind that even on warm days the stomach is not really designed to digest really cold foods, so this is better to consume at room temperature when made. Adjust the bal...

02/11/2025

You're never too old to improve your gut health!

31/10/2025

Your intestinal barrier is like a high-tech security gate for your body. It decides what gets in (nutrients) and what stays out (toxins, pathogens, and waste).
When functioning well, this barrier keeps inflammation low and energy high. But when it becomes “leaky,” unwanted substances can pass through — triggering immune reactions, fatigue, skin issues, and more.

This barrier isn’t just one wall — it’s a multi-layered defense system made up of microbes, mucus, cells, and immune tissues all working in harmony.
When one layer falters, the whole system feels it. The good news? With the right foods, rest, and support, the gut can rebuild beautifully.

Curious if your gut barrier might be compromised? Book a gut health review — we can help you rebuild from the inside out. https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1

31/10/2025

Next month is all about your intestinal barrier — the incredible multi-layered lining in your gut that protects you by letting in nutrients while keeping out harmful substances like toxins and pathogens. It’s one of the most important parts of your digestive and immune health, and we’ll be exploring how to strengthen and support it naturally.

30/10/2025

We’ve explored the stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, liver and pancreas. If there’s one big takeaway from this series, it’s that your digestion isn’t just about food – it’s about your whole health. Each organ plays a part in turning your meals into the building blocks of energy, hormones, neurotransmitters and immune cells.

When your digestion is sluggish or inflamed, symptoms can pop up anywhere: fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, hormone imbalances or even low mood. The good news? Your gut has an incredible capacity to heal when given the right support.

Start small: sip meat stock daily, chew your food thoroughly, space out meals to let your gut rest and swap processed foods for nutrient-dense, real food options. Add one new GAPS-friendly recipe each week to build confidence and variety. Healing is a process, not an overnight fix – but every step you take brings you closer to better energy, clearer skin and improved mood.

Your gut is at the center of your health story. By nourishing it, you’re investing in every other system in your body. Here’s to a stronger, happier, and healthier you – from the inside out!

29/10/2025

Hi, I'm Phil Chua, and I'm a naturopath based here in Shepparton.
My areas of passion are digestive health which is linked to so many other aspects of our health and working with children to help them be more robust to deal with life’s challenges.
When you’re ready to feel better, book a consult or send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
https://www.phillipchua.com/book-online-1

27/10/2025

Your pancreas quietly works behind the scenes, releasing enzymes that break down carbs, proteins, and fats into absorbable pieces. If this enzyme production is low, you might experience bloating, smelly stools, floating stool, or malabsorption symptoms like weight loss or nutrient deficiencies.

Support your pancreas by chewing food thoroughly, eating in a relaxed state, and including bitter foods that stimulate enzyme release. In some cases, temporary enzyme supplementation can help take the load off while the gut heals.

GAPS meals, rich in natural fats and gentle cooked vegetables, help stimulate proper enzyme production.