Wildflower Naturopathics

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Wildflower Naturopathics

Carissa Zanella - Naturopath

❁ BHSc Naturopathy
❁ naturopathic advice. nutritional tips. lifestyle guidance. Virtual Clinic - Appointments Closed

28/10/2025

Iron needs rise significantly during pregnancy to support both maternal blood volume expansion and your baby’s developing brain and oxygen supply. By the third trimester, your body requires nearly double the amount of iron compared to pre pregnancy.

Low iron can contribute to fatigue, shortness of breath, poor concentration, and reduced stress tolerance; all common yet often overlooked signs in pregnancy.

Focusing on iron rich foods such as grassfed red meat, lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and eggs, alongside vitamin C rich foods to enhance absorption, can make a meaningful difference.

For some, diet alone may not be enough, and targeted supplementation (assessed through blood testing and guided by a practitioner) can be a safe and effective way to restore balance.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible demand (nutritionally, physically, and emotionally) and supporting iron status plays an essential role in sustaining energy and wellbeing for both mum and Bub.

27/10/2025

Always feeling bloated?

It’s more common than you think, and it’s not just “in your head.” Bloating can happen for lots of reasons! Sometimes it’s one thing, sometimes it’s a combination, but here are some common causes we see in practice:

- Gut imbalance: Too much bad bacteria or yeast in your gut can create gas and inflammation, leaving you feeling uncomfortable and heavy.

- Low digestive enzymes or stomach acid: If your body isn’t breaking down food properly, it can ferment in your gut, causing bloating and even nausea.

- Food intolerances: Dairy, gluten, or high FODMAP foods can trigger bloating in sensitive guts. It’s not always obvious which foods are the culprit (this is why it’s good to investigate with your practitioner)

- Slow digestion or constipation: When food moves slowly through the digestive tract, gas and bloating can build up. Regular bowel movements are key 👌🏻

- Stress and nervous system imbalance: Your gut and brain are closely connected. High stress can slow digestion, increase inflammation, and make bloating worse.

- Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in oestrogen and progesterone, especially around your period, can cause fluid retention and a sensitive gut, making bloating more noticeable.

Bloating isn’t due to the same thing for each person. For some people it’s diet, sometimes it’s stress, sometimes it’s hormones or even a mix of all three. Paying attention to your body, your routine, and your triggers is the first step to feeling lighter and more comfortable.

If bloating is frequent or persistent, it’s a good idea to seek support from a naturopath who can help identify your triggers and create a plan that’s tailored just for you.

04/06/2025

Iron and B12 are both essential for energy, but their deficiencies show up in different ways.

Low iron often leads to fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, and brittle nails—especially common with heavy periods, pregnancy or poor absorption.

B12 deficiency, on the other hand, tends to affect the nervous system, causing brain fog, tingling in the hands or feet, low mood, memory issues, and even balance problems.

While the symptoms can overlap, they stem from different root causes—so proper testing helps us know exactly what your body needs to restore balance and vitality, naturally.

23/05/2025

Some beautiful Echinacea at Mt Tomah botanical gardens on Mother’s Day weekend 🌿

22/05/2025

Do you get itchy, flushed, puffy, or break out around your cycle? Histamine could be behind it.⁠

It’s not just a hayfever thing — histamine affects your gut, hormones, and yes, your skin. When it builds up (often due to high oestrogen, gut issues, or poor detox), it can trigger:⁠
- Red, inflamed breakouts⁠
- Flushing or hives⁠
- Puffiness, especially around the eyes⁠
- Skin that reacts to everything⁠

Balancing hormones, healing the gut, and supporting histamine breakdown can make a huge difference. ⁠

Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside — and histamine might just be the missing piece.

08/05/2025

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that plays several key roles in supporting women with endometriosis. As a precursor to glutathione—our body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidant—NAC has therapeutic potential in reducing inflammation, supporting hormonal balance, and promoting detoxification.

Here’s how NAC may benefit those with endometriosis:

🌿 Endometriosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. NAC enhances glutathione production, helping to reduce oxidative damage and modulate the inflammatory response in pelvic tissues.

🌿 Healthy estrogen metabolism is essential in managing endometriosis, particularly in estrogen-dominant cases. NAC supports phase II liver detoxification pathways, promoting the efficient breakdown and elimination of excess estrogen.

🌿 Preliminary studies suggest that NAC may reduce the size of ovarian endometriomas.

30/04/2025

Inositol is a naturally occurring compound — technically a type of sugar alcohol — that plays a key role in cell signalling, especially around insulin and reproductive hormones. Let’s break down how this compound can help:⁠
⁠
1. Ovulation
Many women with PCOS experience anovulatory cycles (where no egg is released). Myo-inositol has shown to help improve ovarian function by supporting FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) sensitivity in the ovaries. This can lead to more regular cycles and spontaneous ovulation — especially important if you’re trying to conceive.⁠
⁠
2. Helps to Improve Insulin Sensitivity
PCOS is often driven by insulin resistance, where your cells don’t respond properly to insulin, leading to higher circulating insulin levels. This in turn increases androgen production (like testosterone), which contributes to symptoms like acne, hair growth, and irregular periods. Inositol acts as a secondary messenger in insulin signalling, helping the body use insulin more effectively and lowering those androgen levels over time.⁠
⁠
3. Supports Egg Quality and Fertility
Egg quality is essential for conception, and inositol has been shown to improve both the metabolic and hormonal environment of the follicle. Myo-inositol supports mitochondrial function within the egg cell, which is essential for energy production and cell division — critical factors in healthy embryo development.⁠
⁠
4. Supports Mood and Reduces Anxiety
Inositol also plays a role in neurotransmitter signalling too — especially for serotonin. Emerging research suggests that inositol supplementation can help with symptoms of anxiety and mood instability, which are common in PCOS due to both hormonal imbalance and the emotional impact of the condition.⁠
⁠
Want to dive deeper into your PCOS root causes? Send me a message to book an appointment!

14/04/2025

Teething can be a tough time for little ones—and their parents too. If you’re looking for a gentle, natural way to support your baby through this milestone, chamomile is a beautiful herb to consider.

Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can help soothe irritability, ease gum discomfort, and support restful sleep. A weak chamomile tea (cooled completely) can be offered in tiny sips, used to dampen a washcloth for chewing, or even massaged onto the gums with a clean finger.

As always, use herbs with care—especially in babies—and check with your naturopath for guidance.

From one parent to another—you’ve got this 💛

16/03/2025

Struggling to get quality sleep during pregnancy? Hormonal changes, blood sugar fluctuations, and physical discomfort can all contribute to insomnia. Focusing on key nutrients may help support a more restful night.

- Magnesium: Helps to relax muscles and the nervous system, promoting deeper sleep. Found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and cacao.

- Calcium: Works alongside magnesium to support muscle relaxation and nerve function. Found in dairy, sesame seeds, almonds, and leafy greens.

- B vitamins: Particularly B6 and B12, which support neurotransmitter production for sleep regulation. Found in eggs, poultry, bananas, and whole grains.

- Protein: Stabilises blood sugar levels overnight to prevent wake ups. Try a protein-rich evening snack like nut butter on whole-grain toast.

- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain health and helps to reduce inflammation, which may improve sleep quality. Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Balancing blood sugar, ensuring adequate mineral intake, and creating a calming bedtime routine can all support better sleep during pregnancy. If insomnia persists, working with a naturopath can help identify additional underlying causes 🍃

23/02/2025

Acute consults available in person at ♥️

09/02/2025

Something I always remind my pregnant clients (and something I had to remind myself during my own pregnancy!) is how much calcium needs increase in the second trimester. Your baby’s bones are growing rapidly now, and if you’re not getting enough calcium through your diet, your body will take it from your own bones to support your baby.

I always recommend focusing on good food sources first—things like sesame seeds (hello, tahini!), leafy greens, almonds, and high-quality dairy (if you tolerate it). If you’re not getting enough through food alone, a good calcium supplement might be worth considering.

Did you find yourself craving more calcium-rich foods during pregnancy?

09/02/2025

As I transition back into clinical practice following my maternity leave, I will be gradually easing back into my schedule. At this time, my availability for online consultations will be on Thursdays 9am-3pm.

Although I am available for email consultations on each business day! Link in my bio for booking email consultations through 💛

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