Dr Colleen Nell

Dr Colleen Nell I am a general practitioner. My fields of interest are managing lifestyle diseases like Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes.

I also do botulinum toxin injections for aesthetic purposes and medical conditions (Migraines, Jaw clenching, excessive sweating).

We often invest in skincare products, facials, and treatments but very few people ask an important question:What does my...
12/03/2026

We often invest in skincare products, facials, and treatments but very few people ask an important question:

What does my DNA say my skin actually needs?

Your skin health is influenced by genetics more than we realise. Variations in your DNA can affect:

🧬Collagen production and breakdown
🧬Elasticity and wrinkle formation
🧬Pigmentation tendencies
🧬Inflammatory responses
🧬Antioxidant capacity
🧬Sensitivity to sun damage
🧬Glycation susceptibility (how sugar affects collagen ageing)

At GESOND Medical Practice, our DNA Skin Analysis helps us understand how your skin is biologically programmed to age and what we can proactively do about it.

From this, we can personalise:

✨ Nutritional recommendations
✨ Supplement protocols
✨ Lifestyle interventions
✨ Preventative strategies
✨ Targeted treatments and IV support

Instead of reacting to ageing once it appears, we use your genetic information to support your skin before damage accelerates.

This is not guesswork.
It’s preventative, personalised medicine.

If you’re serious about skin health, radiance, and ageing intelligently, your DNA is the most powerful place to start.

Burnout is rarely sudden.It doesn’t begin the week you feel exhausted.It doesn’t start the day you struggle to get out o...
10/03/2026

Burnout is rarely sudden.

It doesn’t begin the week you feel exhausted.
It doesn’t start the day you struggle to get out of bed.
And it certainly doesn’t begin when someone finally labels it as “burnout.”

Burnout builds quietly.

It accumulates over months or even years, much like arterial plaque, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation. By the time you notice the emotional flatness, brain fog, irritability, poor sleep, and deep fatigue, your nervous system has often been under strain for far longer than you realise.

One of the biggest misconceptions about burnout is that prevention requires eliminating stress. But that isn’t realistic and it isn’t necessary.

The people who avoid burnout don’t necessarily have less stress. They simply live in a way that allows their bodies to process stress more effectively.

So how do we build resilience before symptoms appear?

1️⃣ Consistent Movement
This is not about extreme workouts. It’s about regular, gentle movement throughout the day.

Stretching between meetings.
A 5–10 minute walk after meals.
Standing up regularly instead of sitting for hours.

Small, consistent movement regulates cortisol, improves circulation, and signals safety to your nervous system.

2️⃣ Eating Routines
The body thrives on predictability. Therefore, eating at roughly the same times daily supports blood sugar stability and reduces metabolic stress. Irregular eating patterns create internal strain that compounds over time.

Consistency is calming for the body.

3️⃣ Sleep Cycles
Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your circadian rhythm.
When your body trusts your routine, it releases sleep and wake hormones more efficiently which improves energy, mood, and cognitive function.
Sleep is not a luxury. It is neurological maintenance.

4️⃣ Social Connection
Human beings are wired for connection.Research consistently shows that chronic loneliness increases stress hormone levels and significantly raises the risk of burnout. Being around people you trust (people who help carry the emotional load) is protective. Staying connected during stressful seasons is not indulgent; it is essential.

Ultimately, burnout prevention is not about doing less. It’s about building daily practices that increase your capacity.

So many people start a weight-loss journey feeling motivated… only to feel exhausted, hungry, and frustrated a few weeks...
05/03/2026

So many people start a weight-loss journey feeling motivated… only to feel exhausted, hungry, and frustrated a few weeks in.
Often, the issue isn’t discipline; it’s metabolic support.

If your body is low in key nutrients involved in energy production, fat metabolism, and blood sugar regulation, it can feel like you’re constantly swimming upstream.

At GESOND Medical Practice, our Weight Loss IV Infusion (R1300) is designed to support your metabolism at a cellular level, helping your body convert nutrients into usable energy more efficiently.

What’s in the drip?
🌱 Vitamin B12
🌱B-Complex
🌱CoQ10
🌱L-Carnitine
🌱Chromium
🌱Glutathione
🌱Biotin

These nutrients play important roles in:
✔️ Energy production
✔️ Fat metabolism
✔️ Blood sugar balance
✔️ Reducing oxidative stress

This is not a crash solution. It’s supportive therapy that works best alongside proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle adjustments. Remember, sustainable weight loss is about supporting your body, not fighting it.

💚 Special at GESOND:
Book any 5 IV infusions and receive a complimentary Immunity IV Infusion, supporting your overall health while you focus on your goals.

When we speak about estrogen, most women immediately think of menstruation and fertility. And yes, estrogen plays a cent...
03/03/2026

When we speak about estrogen, most women immediately think of menstruation and fertility. And yes, estrogen plays a central role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting reproductive health.

But its influence goes far beyond that.

Estrogen is one of the most important hormones in a woman’s body because it affects multiple systems, including:

🧠Brain health and cognitive function: estrogen supports neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, motivation, and mental clarity.
🫀Cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular health: it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and protects blood vessels.
🦴Bone density: estrogen slows bone breakdown, protecting against osteoporosis.
📈Metabolism and fat distribution: it influences how and where the body stores fat.
🧖Skin and collagen production: it supports elasticity and hydration.

This is why, during perimenopause (which can begin in the mid-30s to early 40s for some women) and menopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to symptoms such as:

🔸Brain fog
🔸Mood changes or anxiety
🔸Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
🔸Sleep disturbances
🔸Reduced energy
🔸Joint aches
🔸Skin and hair changes

Many women tell me, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

And I want to say this clearly:
You are not going crazy.
You are not weak.
And you are certainly not imagining it.

Hormonal shifts are powerful. When estrogen begins to fluctuate and decline, it can affect your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing in very real ways.

The important thing to understand is that this phase is natural, but suffering through it silently is not necessary.

With proper assessment, blood work where appropriate, and an individualized treatment plan, we can support your body through this transition. Whether through lifestyle interventions, nutritional support, or hormone therapy, the goal is to restore balance, giving you back your energy, clarity, and spark.

Ageing is inevitable. Feeling lost in your own body doesn’t have to be.

“Insulin resistance” has become a buzzword  and while it’s often oversimplified online, it is an important concept to un...
26/02/2026

“Insulin resistance” has become a buzzword and while it’s often oversimplified online, it is an important concept to understand.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin. This means glucose struggles to enter the cells, leading to higher blood sugar levels and forcing the body to produce more insulin to compensate.

Over time, this can affect far more than just blood sugar. Insulin resistance is linked to:

🌿Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
🌿Fatigue and energy crashes
🌿Increased hunger and cravings
🌿Difficulty losing weight
🌿Hormonal imbalances
🌿Increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Recently, GLP-1 medications have received a lot of attention. These medications work by improving insulin sensitivity, slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite, and supporting blood sugar control.

For people with diabetes, GLP-1 medications can be an effective tool to manage glucose levels and reduce complications.

For non-diabetics, they may be considered in specific cases (particularly where insulin resistance and obesity are affecting health) but they are not a standalone solution.

Medication should always be part of a broader, individualised approach, which includes nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and metabolic support.

Insulin resistance isn’t about blame, it’s about understanding how your body is responding and choosing the right support early.

When people hear “botulinum toxin,” they often think of wrinkles and cosmetic treatments. But in medicine, it has been u...
24/02/2026

When people hear “botulinum toxin,” they often think of wrinkles and cosmetic treatments. But in medicine, it has been used safely and effectively for many years to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Botulinum toxin works by relaxing overactive muscles and nerves, which is why it can provide significant relief for patients struggling with conditions such as:

💉Chronic migraines, by reducing muscle tension and nerve stimulation
💉Neck spasms and muscle tightness, which can cause pain and limited movement
💉Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), by blocking the nerves that stimulate sweat glands
💉Uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm)
💉Crossed eyes (strabismus), by helping balance muscle activity

For many patients, these treatments are life-changing; reducing pain, discomfort, and daily disruption.

As with any medical treatment, careful assessment, correct dosing, and anatomical knowledge are essential. My focus is always on medical safety, precision, and using the lowest effective dose to improve quality of life.

Botulinum toxin isn’t about changing who you are. In many cases, it’s about helping your body function more comfortably and normally.

Modern life places constant demands on our minds. Whether you’re juggling deadlines, studying, running a household, or m...
19/02/2026

Modern life places constant demands on our minds. Whether you’re juggling deadlines, studying, running a household, or managing ongoing stress, mental fatigue can quietly creep in and affect focus, memory, and emotional balance.

At GESOND, we offer targeted IV infusions to support your brain and mental wellbeing at a cellular level:

💧 Brain Booster IV Infusion – R1200
Designed to improve focus, mental clarity, and memory, making it ideal for busy professionals and students who need sustained cognitive performance.
Includes Vitamin B12, BCo, Glutathione, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Taurine.

💧 Healthy Mind IV Infusion – R800
Supports emotional wellbeing, combats burnout, and helps relieve mental fatigue for those feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained.
Includes Vitamin BCo, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Taurine.

These infusions are not about pushing harder, they’re about supporting your brain so it can function optimally, even during demanding periods.

💚 Special at GESOND:
Book any 5 IV infusions and receive a complimentary Immunity IV Infusion, supporting both your mental performance and overall health.

Most of us have had this thought at some point: “I just wish someone could tell me exactly what I should be doing to be ...
17/02/2026

Most of us have had this thought at some point:

“I just wish someone could tell me exactly what I should be doing to be healthy.”

The reality is; we can.

Your DNA acts as your body’s instruction manual. It doesn’t change, but the way you understand and work with it can completely transform your health.

A DNA analysis gives us insight into how your body is designed to function. It helps us understand:

🧬How you should fuel your body for optimal energy and weight management
🧬How your body responds to stress and what it needs to regulate it better
🧬Your predisposition to certain health conditions, allowing for early prevention
🧬The lifestyle structure that best supports your physical and mental wellbeing

This isn’t about guessing, following trends, or jumping from one plan to the next. It’s about using science to make informed, personalised decisions that support long-term health and happiness.

When you understand your genetics, you stop fighting your body and start working with it.

Aging can feel unsettling. Not because we want to go back to our twenties, but because the reflection in the mirror some...
12/02/2026

Aging can feel unsettling. Not because we want to go back to our twenties, but because the reflection in the mirror sometimes feels unfamiliar.

Many people tell me this:

“I still feel like myself inside; energetic, curious, capable, but I don’t recognise the tiredness I see on my face.”

That disconnect can trigger an unexpected identity shift. It’s not vanity. It’s about alignment.

The goal of aesthetic medicine is not to erase age, wisdom, or life experience. It’s to soften the marks of stress and time, so that how you look on the outside reflects how you feel on the inside.

This is why my approach to botulinum toxin treatments is subtle and intentional. The aim is never to change who you are or freeze your expression. It’s to gently rejuvenate, relax overactive muscles, and restore balance while keeping your face natural, expressive, and uniquely yours.

You should still look like you.
Just a little more rested.
A little more refreshed.
A little more aligned.

Aging is a privilege. Feeling comfortable in your own skin at every stage of life is part of honouring that journey.

I often see patients who are eating well, exercising regularly, and doing “all the right things”; yet they still feel ex...
10/02/2026

I often see patients who are eating well, exercising regularly, and doing “all the right things”; yet they still feel exhausted, foggy, and unwell. More often than not, the missing piece is sleep.

Sleep is not simply rest. It is an active, essential process that allows the body to repair, regulate, and reset.

Many factors influence sleep quality, including age, gender, hormones, stress levels, lifestyle habits, and mental load. As these change throughout life, sleep often becomes more fragile and when it suffers, everything else follows.

During sleep, your body:

🛌Repairs cells and tissues
🛌Regulates hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and growth hormone
🛌Consolidates memory and supports brain function
🛌Strengthens the immune system
🛌Regulates appetite and metabolism

Without adequate sleep, even the healthiest diet and exercise routine cannot compensate. The body simply does not have what it needs to function optimally.

Poor sleep is not something to push through or normalise. It is often one of the earliest signs that your system is under strain and needs support.

If you are struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling restored, it’s worth paying attention. Improving sleep can transform energy, mood, weight regulation, and overall health, often proving to be more powerful than any single lifestyle change.

Good health begins at night.

Whether it’s athletics season, rugby or netball trials, or exam time approaching, this time of year can be physically an...
09/02/2026

Whether it’s athletics season, rugby or netball trials, or exam time approaching, this time of year can be physically and mentally demanding.

Targeted IV therapy can offer additional support when the body or brain needs it most, especially during high-performance periods.

🏃 Sports Booster – R1600
Ideal for active teens and adults during sports seasons. This drip supports endurance, resilience, and overall performance, helping the body cope with increased physical demands from training and competition.

Includes: Vitamin B12, B-Complex, Ribose, Magnesium, Glutathione, Vitamin C, Zinc, Glutamine, Taurine, CoQ10 & Alpha Lipoic Acid.

🧠 Brain Booster – R1200
A supportive option during exam periods, tests, and heavy academic loads. This drip is designed to assist with focus, mental clarity, and concentration, which can be helpful for students balancing school, homework, and extracurricular commitments.

Includes: Vitamin B12, B-Complex, Glutathione, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid & Taurine.

IV therapy delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream for optimal absorption. All IV infusions are administered according to medical best practice to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and tailored to the individual.

📍 Administered at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking is essential | 012 605 0000

When we talk about skin aging, most people think of creams and treatments. But healthy, resilient skin starts far deeper...
05/02/2026

When we talk about skin aging, most people think of creams and treatments. But healthy, resilient skin starts far deeper than the surface.

One of the biggest factors in premature skin aging is collagen breakdown. Collagen keeps skin firm, elastic, and youthful. Once it’s damaged, it’s difficult to restore.

Here’s how you can actively protect it:

☀️ Wear SPF every day
Sun exposure breaks down collagen over time, even on cloudy days. Daily SPF is one of the simplest and most effective anti-aging tools we have.

🥗 Nourish your skin from the inside
Your skin reflects what’s happening internally. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients supports skin repair and renewal.

💉 Support cellular health
Infusions such as NAD IV therapy and Skin Rejuvenation drips help support cellular energy, repair processes, and antioxidant protection — all essential for skin health and healthy aging.

🍭 Limit excess sugar
Chronically high blood sugar causes sugar to attach to collagen in a process called glycation, which stiffens collagen fibers and accelerates wrinkle formation. Reducing sugar intake protects both your skin and overall health.

Skin aging is not just about appearance, it’s a reflection of how well your body is supported. Small, consistent habits combined with targeted medical support can make a meaningful difference over time.

P.S. Book any 5 IV infusions and receive a complimentary Immunity IV Infusion, a simple way to support your skin, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Address

Shop 9, Waterkloofrand Shopping Centre. Cnr Rigel Avenue & Buffelsdrift Street, Erasmusrand
Pretoria
0181

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27120103650

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