Laura Shipp ND - Mind Body Gut Co

17/11/2025

It may be November, but your menopause thermostat makes it feel like the peak of Summer! That sudden internal heat can catch you off guard, but there’s one simple habit that can help ease it - staying well-hydrated.

Drinking enough water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to tackle a whole range of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, from dry, itchy skin to vaginal dryness and those relentless hot flushes.

As oestrogen levels drop, our bodies struggle to retain fluids, leaving cells dehydrated. The result? Exhaustion that hits both physically and emotionally.

The good news? It’s an easy fix. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, the minimum, then build up depending on your lifestyle and activity levels. Try to avoid fizzy or sugary drinks, which can give your energy a quick spike only to crash later. And please don’t switch to sugar-free… more on that soon.

If drinking enough water feels tricky, take it slow. No need to force two litres at once, small, steady sips throughout the day will do wonders.

A bit of common sense goes a long way. Be gentle with yourself and ease into new habits at your own pace. Your body and your Summer-like thermostat will thank you 🙏

15/11/2025

Lessons from a peacock…

🦚 Today is World Peacock Day 🦚

In a world that often encourages conformity and comparison, the peacock stands as a symbol of individuality.

With their brilliantly coloured feathers and striking displays, these birds personify the essence of doing their own thing, unbothered by the opinions or expectations of others.

Peacocks are known for their courtship, where males fan out their tails to attract mates. This is not just about beauty, but a bold statement of self-expression.

The peacock doesn’t shy away due to fear of judgment, nor does it dull its colours to conform. Instead, it embraces its uniqueness, showcasing its beauty with pride.

Peacocks teach us that we have the right to embrace who we are and express ourselves authentically.

Let’s celebrate our quirks, interests, and passions without worrying about what others think. It’s time to strut our stuff, flaunt our colours, and do our own thing!

14/11/2025

This week we celebrated 10 years together and our first year married with a trip through the ancient and medieval sites of southern Cyprus.

From the ruins of Amathus and Kourion to the Sanctuaries of Aphrodite and Apollo, we wandered through places where history and myth overlap. We also explored the Tombs of the Kings and the Kato Paphos archaeological site.

The castles of Limassol, Kolossi, and Paphos added a strong medieval note to the trip.

It was a brilliant mix of archaeology, coastline, and Cypriot sunshine, with a dash of torrential rain, thunder, lightning, and even a small earthquake to keep things interesting.

A memorable way to mark a decade of adventures together.

What adventures do you have planned this weekend?

13/11/2025

It’s astonishing to realise that only about 10% of the cells within our bodies are truly human.

The rest form a vast and intricate community of microbes (trillions of tiny organisms), most of which make their home in our gut. This living ecosystem, known as our intestinal flora or microbiome, is in constant dialogue with our brain, immune system, and even our emotions.

Our gut is far more than a centre of digestion, it’s a hub of intelligence, immunity, and intuition.

Long before science could explain this, ancient traditions understood it intuitively:

🪷 In Ayurveda, Vata dosha’s main seat lies in the gut - the centre of movement, transformation, and flow.
☯️ In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this resonates with the Metal element - it embodies release and refinement.

Both Vata and the Metal element are linked to the spirit of Autumn, a season for letting go of what no longer serves us 🍂

As the seasons turn and we move towards Winter, tuning into our gut reminds us of our deep interconnectedness as part human, part microbial, and part of nature’s rhythm.

Do you notice your body shifting with the seasons?

12/11/2025

Thank you for all your wonderful anniversary wishes today 🙏

The ‘walking a path’ metaphor I used somewhat bit me on the bottom this afternoon.

We’ve been staying in Pathos, Cyprus since Saturday and today was an adventure we won’t forget in a hurry!

We decided to walk from south to north Cyprus across the border in Nicosia and just as we did, the heavens opened. Torrential rain, thunder, lightning… the full dramatic performance.

We dashed for shelter, then somehow managed to get completely lost trying to find our way back to the checkpoint. By now we were soaked to the skin, laughing at how ridiculous the whole thing had become.

Then I took one wrong step and vanished into what can only be described as a puddle that was practically the size of a bath, but far deeper. No exaggeration, it came up to my thighs and I can only assume there was an exposed trapdoor or manhole! Poor Gary thought my head had gone under as I lost my footing and fell in completely.

It all happened in a flash, but I’ve come away with a collection of scrapes, bumps, and bruises that will serve as rather vivid souvenirs for the next few weeks. Cyprus adventures 1, me 0!

Probably not a surprise I didn’t take any pictures this afternoon.

12/11/2025

Today is Wednesday, the midpoint of the week, that little hill we all climb, so it’s officially Hump Day!

It’s also a special milestone for us - our first wedding anniversary, and on Saturday we celebrated ten years together.

What path are you walking this Hump Day?

As you may know, I’m taking a gentle stroll away from work this week, so I’ll share more soon about where our anniversary adventures took us ☺️

11/11/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi is the life force that flows through all living things. It’s the energy within us that moves with our breath, heart, and emotions.

When our qi is strong and balanced, we feel vibrant, focused, and connected. When it’s stagnant or depleted, we might feel tired, tense, or out of sorts.

Qi moves through the body in channels known as meridians, connecting every organ and function in an intricate web of energy and intelligence. Just as rivers nourish the land, qi nourishes our body and spirit.

As the Metal season (Autumn) starts to come to an end, qi naturally turns further inwards. It’s a time to fully release what’s no longer needed, physically, emotionally, energetically, and to breathe in what sustains us. Like the trees letting go of their leaves, we too are invited to simplify, refine, and realign with what truly matters.

Pause for a moment…

Take a deep, steady breath in.
Feel your qi rise and expand.
Exhale slowly.
Feel it soften and return to centre.

How’s your qi flowing today?

10/11/2025

Almost 20-years ago (time flies, doesn’t it?) I signed up for an intensive fencing course after a break-up, thinking I’d unleash my inner warrior…

I only made it halfway. Every time I attacked, lunged, or riposted, I found myself apologising mid-sword-swing. Turns out, the only thing I could fight was my own politeness.

I learned that some of us are better at heart-to-heart battles than sword battles.

09/11/2025

Lest we forget 🕊️

We remember 🤍

Today will always make me think of my grandparents, taking a moment for them today, for the stories left untold.

08/11/2025

I’m taking a little break next week and will be back on 17 November.

I’ve scheduled some posts to share and I’ll enjoy responding to those whilst I’m off as never feels like work ☺️

I’ll still be monitoring and accepting booking requests, but messages and emails will be replied to once I’m back. Thank you so much for your patience.

See you soon!

07/11/2025

Feeling so lucky to have a business bestie like Nikki Emerton - Mind Body Gut Co!

From the laughs to the honest chats, and her incredible integrity and kindness. She’s a reminder that work is so much better when you have someone who’s all in with you - fun, real, and always supportive.

Here’s to more laughs, wins, and oak branch fencing 🍂🤺

Oak branch fencing…

We had so much fun on our photoshoot last month - who knew it would turn into a round of oak branch fencing!

There we were, surrounded by crisp leaves, golden light, and a pile of fallen branches just asking to be turned into makeshift swords. Honestly, it felt like the perfect Autumn sport, with a mix of laughter, friendly competition, and a fair bit of dramatic swordplay!

Now, the real question is… who do you think won? Nikki Emerton - Mind Body Gut Co or Laura Shipp ND - Mind Body Gut Co? 😉🍁

🍁

06/11/2025

Do you remember the feeling of climbing a tree as a child?

The rough bark beneath your fingers, the thrill of going just a little higher, the mix of fear and excitement when you looked down?

Wellbeing can feel a lot like that climb.

Some days, we’re full of energy and ready to scramble upwards, taking on challenges, reaching new heights, seeing the world from a fresh perspective. Other days, we might just rest on a low branch, catching our breath, feeling supported by the solid trunk beneath us. Both are part of the journey.

Climbing trees teaches us to trust ourselves - our grip, our balance, our ability to find the next branch even when it’s not obvious. And just like in life, sometimes it’s perfectly fine to pause, enjoy the view, and appreciate how far we’ve already come.

So here’s a gentle reminder:

🪵 Keep climbing when we can
🍃 Rest when we need to
🌳 And know that every branch, every moment, has its own kind of beauty

Wishing you many more moments of climbing and resting 😌

Thank you Suzy Ellis Brand Photography for capturing this moment!