Her Health™ Podcast

Phytoceutics

The Her Health™ Podcast spotlights the voices, journeys, and expertise of women shaping the future of healthcare and wellness. Through honest, human conversations, the podcast explores the intersections of science, wellness, leadership, and women's lived experience—creating space for connection, insight, and advocacy.

  1. Jul 21

    Ep. 20: Sexual Health Through a Neurodivergent Lens

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Catriona Boffard – sexologist and psychotherapist – for a rare, genuinely honest conversation about female sexual health that goes far beyond the surface. From pain during sex and desire discrepancy to neurodiversity, sensory processing, and the role of upbringing in shaping our relationship with pleasure – this episode covers the full picture of what actually influences women's sexual health and satisfaction. Together, they discuss: 🔥 Rapid fire: factors affecting sexual health rated – neurodiversity, trauma, stress, hormones, and more 🧠 What a sexologist actually does – and the three most common reasons people seek help 😣 Pain during sex – what causes it, the anxiety feedback loop, and how it's treated 💔 Desire discrepancy – why mismatched libido is almost universal and what's really driving it 🧬 How upbringing and cultural messaging wire the brain around sex 🔎 Neurodiversity and sexual health – the most overlooked connection in women's well-being 📉 Why neurodiverse women struggle more with hormonal regulation 🏠 The division of labour and desire – the direct link between domestic load and low desire ♥️ Love languages through a neurodivergent lens – and what counts as quality time 👁️ Eye contact, intimacy, and why one-size-fits-all advice can backfire 💊 Supplements and sexual health – how systemic health improvement influences desire 🛋️ The one tip every couple needs – and why it doesn't have to to wait for a crisis 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Introduction 0:40 – Meet Dr Catriona Boffard, sexologist and psychotherapist 1:06 – Rapid fire: factors affecting sexual health and satisfaction rated 2:35 – What is a sexologist and what are the most common reasons people seek help? 5:03 – Pain during sex: how common it is, what causes it, and how it's treated 10:13 – Desire discrepancy: what it is and why it's almost inevitable 12:52 – How upbringing and cultural messaging shape your relationship with sex 18:42 – The role of the brain in sexual desire and interest 25:00 – Neurodiversity and sexual health: the most underlooked connection 29:18 – Why neurodiverse women are diagnosed at major hormonal events 31:25 – How neurodiversity affects sensory experience and pleasure in the bedroom 36:49 – The division of labour and desire: why domestic load directly lowers desire 40:06 – Love languages through a neurodivergent lens 45:24 – Eye contact, intimacy, and why blanket advice can backfire 47:18 – The one tip every couple needs: therapy as protection, not cure 48:49 – Supplements and sexual health: how systemic well-being influences desire 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Youtube: 👉 https://youtu.be/Of4Yh8cRmOw Apple Podcasts: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718?i=1000777794494 Amazon 👉 https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/ef8f3c44-4f1c-42b1-8760-1e1ee1feb5cf/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-20-sexual-health-through-a-neurodivergent-lens 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with us: Dr Catriona Boffard | https://catrionaboffard.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/sexologywithcatriona/?hl=en Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #SexualHealth #WomensHealth #Neurodiversity #DesireDiscrepancy #Sexologist #MentalHealth #Perimenopause #PelvicHealth #LoveLanguages #ADHD #WomensWellness #RelationshipHealth #Phytoceutics

  2. Jul 7

    Ep. 19: Fertility & Egg Freezing: Know Where You Stand

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Lizle Oosthuizen – doctor and fertility specialist – to give women a clear, evidence-based fertility framework.From egg quality and sperm health to egg freezing, miscarriage, IVF, and egg donation – this conversation covers the full fertility landscape with the honesty and clinical depth that most women never get from a single appointment. Together, they discuss: 🔥 Rapid fire: fertility factors rated – Dr Lizle's honest scores on age, sperm quality, CoQ10, alcohol, and PCOS 📉 Why infertility is becoming more prevalent – and what's actually driving it 🥚 Egg quality vs egg supply – what you can and can't control💊 The supplements that matter for fertility and what the evidence shows 🧬 Miscarriage – when to investigate, what causes it, and how it's assessed ❄️ Egg freezing explained – the best age, how many eggs you need, and what Dr Lizle did herself 🔬 Eggs vs embryos – why embryos give you more information but less autonomy 👶 Genetic testing of embryos – why six embryos may only mean two real chances ⚖️ Surrogacy in South Africa – what the law requires and when it applies 🩺 Egg donation – who it's for, how it works, and the role of epigenetics 💊 Prenatal supplements – when to start and why to continue through breastfeeding 📅 When to seek help – the timelines by age and why waiting costs you options 🩸 Irregular periods, ovulation sticks, and PCOS – what helps and what doesn't 🔄 Cycle syncing – what the evidence actually shows 😰 PMDD vs PMS – how severe it can get and what can be done 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Introduction 0:40 – Meet Dr Lizle Oosthuizen, doctor and fertility specialist 1:01 – Rapid fire: fertility factors rated 2:29 – The fertility landscape in 2026: why infertility is on the rise 4:12 – The sweet spot for fertility: when is egg quality at its best? 5:17 – Sperm quality and male fertility: what men need to know 7:38 – What you can actually do to support egg and sperm quality 9:09 – The supplements Dr Lizle recommends & the evidence behind them 11:44 – Miscarriage: how common it is and when to seek investigation 14:13 – What causes miscarriage and how it's investigated 17:01 – Egg freezing: the best time, the process, and Dr Lizle's personal experience 20:50 – Eggs vs embryos: pros, cons, and why embryos give you more information 23:15 – Genetic testing of embryos 27:49 – When to seek fertility help: timelines by age 29:40 – Surrogacy in South Africa: the legal requirements explained 31:12 – Community Q&A: egg donation explained 33:50 – Should everyone trying to conceive take a prenatal? 36:52 – Cycle syncing: what the evidence actually shows 38:14 – PMDD vs PMS 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Youtube: https://youtu.be/hNmZZm-sfSo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718?i=1000775879121 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/17c4c526-21d7-4ebe-a70a-445b2d5a41d9/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-19-fertility-egg-freezing-know-where-you-stand 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with us: Dr Lizle Oosthuizen | https://www.instagram.com/dro.fertility/ Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #FertilityHealth #Fertility #WomensHealth #EggFreezing #IVF #FertilitySpecialist #EggDonation #Miscarriage #PCOS #Prenatal #FertilitySupport #ReproductiveHealth #MidlifeWomen #Phytoceutics

  3. Jun 23

    Ep. 18: Botox, Fillers & Ageing: An Aesthetic GP's Honest Take

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Mignon Laub, an aesthetic GP, to cut through the noise of the aesthetic medicine industry and give women an evidence-based, honest framework for ageing well from both the inside and the outside. From how the face changes at every structural layer to when fillers, bio stimulators, and facelifts are actually warranted – and when they're not – this conversation is the practical guide to aesthetic medicine many women may never get from a practitioner. Together, they discuss: 🌟 Rapid fire: Dr Mignon's honest scores on Botox, fillers, bio stimulators, sunblock, and more 🦴 How the face ages from the inside out – what's happening at the bone, fat, and skin layers 🧬 How much genetics determine how you age – and what lifestyle factors still make a difference 🌿 Beauty from within – the three supplements Dr Mignon considers non-negotiable for skin health 💉 The fear around fillers – where it comes from, whether it's warranted, and how to prevent overfilling 📅 A decade-by-decade guide – what to focus on in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond 🔬 Bio stimulators and skin boosters explained – what they are, how they differ from fillers, and when to use them ⚠️ GLP-1 face – what rapid weight loss does to your skin and how to manage it 🧪 Peptides: what the research actually shows and why Dr Mignon urges caution 📲 What to avoid – why social media is the wrong place to get aesthetic advice 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:37 – Meet Dr Mignon Laub, aesthetic GP 1:08 – Rapid fire: aesthetic treatments and healthy ageing rated 2:09 – How the face ages from the inside out: bone, fat, and skin 4:34 – Beauty from within: lifestyle, diet, and the top three supplements for skin health 5:27 – The fear around fillers: where it comes from and is it warranted? 7:19 – A decade-by-decade guide: what to focus on in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s 9:19 – Bio stimulators and skin boosters: what they are and how they work 12:10 – When to consider a facelift – and how to know when it's time 15:23 – GLP-1 face: what rapid weight loss does to your skin16:22 – Peptides: the copper peptide, the controversy, and what the research actually says 18:35 – Community Q&A: best foods for skin, combining peptides with injectables, and what patients need to hear 23:24 – What to avoid: why social media is the wrong source for aesthetic advice 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: YouTube: https://youtu.be/BQSLFxxrKBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718?i=1000773950823 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/518127c7-50a4-40de-9d93-062abd88755a/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-18-botox-fillers-ageing-an-aesthetic-gp's-honest-take 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with us: Dr Mignon Laub | https://www.instagram.com/drmignonlaub/?hl=en Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #AestheticMedicine #HealthyAgeing #SkincareScience #Botox #Fillers #BioStimulators #AntiAgeing #BeautyFromWithin #WomensHealth #SkinHealth #GLP1 #Retinol #Peptides #Phytoceutics

  4. Jun 9

    Ep. 17: Perimenopause & the Midlife Reset

    Welcome back to the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Fumane Kokoali – a GP with a special interest in holistic women's health – to clear up the confusion around perimenopause and give women the clarity they rarely get from a standard GP appointment. From the earliest warning signs to HRT, strength training, and the supplements that matter most, this conversation covers the full perimenopause spectrum – and why navigating it well starts with understanding what's actually happening in your body. Together, they discuss: 🔥 Rapid fire: hormonal health practices rated – Dr Fumane's honest scores on HRT, magnesium, and more 🌀 What perimenopause actually is – and why it's almost always diagnosed in retrospect ⚠️ Early warning signs – including the symptoms most women dismiss for years 🩸 Why blood tests often miss perimenopause – and what to investigate instead 💪 Why strength training is non-negotiable – and why cardio alone stops working 🥗 Diet in perimenopause – why intermittent fasting can backfire for women 💊 Dr Fumane's top three supplements for perimenopause and how they work 🧠 Magnesium L-threonate – what it does, who it's for, and when to take it 🌡️ When to consider HRT – the dragon days vs unicorn days framework 💉 HRT vs the contraceptive pill – how they work differently and when each makes sense 🔄 The perimenopause reset – why what worked in your 20s and 30s no longer applies 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:35 – Meet Dr Fumane Kokoali 2:44 – What is perimenopause? 5:12 – Early warning signs 6:51 – Can blood tests confirm perimenopause? 9:11 – The most prevalent symptoms: where to start 10:41 – How perimenopause affects the gut 15:53 – Why strength training is essential 21:48 – Top supplements for perimenopause 25:26 – When to consider HRT 35:05 – Perimenopause and fertility 39:32 – Final advice: perimenopause is a reset, not a decline 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ThRDflLIeE52yXBhcCIhX?si=2a18280fd13249eb Youtube: https://youtu.be/qTGDUWHBIEs Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with us: Dr Fumane Kokoali | https://womenshealthpractice.co.za/dr-fumane-fumi-kokoali Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #Perimenopause #MenopauseHealth #WomensHealth #HRT #HormoneHealth #StrengthTraining #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseSupport #Magnesium #VitaminD #WomensWellness #HormonalHealth #Phytoceutics

  5. May 26

    Ep. 16: Movement in Midlife: Pilates, Posture & Mobility

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Lisa Palmer – founder and CEO of Movement Lab – to explore what sustainable movement actually looks like for women in midlife, drawing on over 26 years of experience in Pilates and movement education. From fascia and breathwork to the movement formula that best supports healthy ageing, this conversation unpacks the science and philosophy behind staying strong, mobile, and confident as your body changes – and why learning to listen to your body may be one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Together, they discuss: 🔥Rapid fire: movement and wellness practices, rated 🌱How Pilates changed Lisa's life – the personal story behind her 26-year career in movement education  🫁Why breathwork matters more than most people realise  🧘Mat Pilates vs reformer vs barre – a clear breakdown of each format and who benefits most  💪The movement formula for midlife women – the combination Lisa recommends for strength, mobility, and healthy ageing  🕸️Fascia: the missing piece of movement – what it is, why it matters, and how to keep it healthy  🌿Menopause, movement, and learning to slow down – how Lisa's relationship with exercise shifted  ✅Lisa's non-negotiables for healthy ageing – the daily habits and supplements she credits for staying strong and mobile  ❓Community questions answered – how much movement do we actually need, and what matters most for bone and joint health 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:34 – Meet Lisa Palmer, founder and CEO of Movement Lab 1:03 – Rapid fire: movement and wellness practices rated 3:37 – Lisa's journey: from photography to Pilates and founding Movement Lab 5:29 – Breathwork explained: why how you breathe during movement matters 7:37 – Walking barefoot: why it matters more than most people think 9:10 – Mat Pilates vs reformer vs barre: what's the difference and who benefits most 12:28 – The movement formula for midlife women 13:41 – Consistency over intensity: why listening to your body is the most important skill 15:43 – Menopause and movement: how Lisa's training shifted and what she does differently now 17:52 – The supplements Lisa takes daily for her health 19:38 – Fascia explained: what it is, why it matters, and how to keep it healthy 23:04 – How to train your fascia: simple, playful movement that works 25:05 – Stretching: how much do you actually need, and does it depend on your body type 33:28 – Lisa's non-negotiables for staying mobile and strong as you age 35:52 – Community Q&A: one tip for new business owners 38:16 – Community Q&A: what matters most for bone and joint health 39:14 – How much movement do we actually need per day 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwSV4nfoG5srNlzSA9KkGZWhktX6Rh9Oc&si=TMVML-gHUGyso8DM Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1ThRDflLIeE52yXBhcCIhX?si=2a18280fd13249eb  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718  💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with us: Lisa Palmer | https://www.themovementlab.co.za/ Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #MovementInMidlife #WomensHealth #Pilates #HealthyAgeing #Breathwork #Fascia #Menopause #MidlifeWomen #MovementLab #SustainableMovement #BoneHealth #JointHealth #Phytoceutics

  6. May 12

    Ep. 15: What Your Skin Really Needs

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Shannon Dougall – founder of Skin Functional – to cut through the noise of the skincare industry and unpack what actually works for your skin. From skin barrier repair and retinoids to the gut–skin axis and anti-ageing ingredients, this conversation breaks down the science behind great skin – and how to build a routine rooted in transparency, clinical evidence, and real results. Whether you struggle with breakouts, pigmentation, or premature ageing – or simply want to build a smarter skincare routine – this episode is essential listening. Together, they discuss: 💉Botox, fillers, microneedling, gut health & omega-3 – Shannon's honest ratings 🧬 The skin barrier – why it comes first and how to protect it ⌛ Retinoids – why Shannon says start in your 20s 🔄 Skin cycling explained – how to rotate actives without damaging your skin ✂️ Skin minimalism – why less is more when it comes to your routine  💊 Peptides vs exosomes – what they are and why you need both ️ ☀️ Sunscreen – the number one anti-ageing product, non-negotiable 365 days a year 🪞 The truth about wrinkles – what they really are and how to slow them down 🧪 Skincare marketing exposed – how to spot false claims and misleading studies 💰 Luxury skincare vs accessible skincare – are you paying for ingredients or margins? 🦠 The gut–skin axis – how your gut health shows up on your skin 🌿 Beauty from within – the supplements Shannon takes daily for her skin 🔴 Acne management – the right ingredients, the right approach, and why it's not a quick fix 🧴 Shannon's exact skincare routine – every step, every product 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:29 – Meet Shannon Dougall, founder of Skin Functional 1:05 – Rapid-fire: skincare ingredients & treatments rated 2:44 – Shannon's journey: from melasma to founding Skin Functional 6:20 – Why your skin barrier comes before everything else 8:08 – Skin cycling explained 8:46 – Skin minimalism: being intentional with your routine 9:25 – How to know what's right for your skin type 10:48 – The right ingredients at every age – 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond 11:49 – Peptides vs exosomes: what's the difference? 12:29 – The three non-negotiables for skin protection 14:18 – The truth about wrinkles – and how to slow them down 15:46 – Shannon's skincare routine 16:55 – The gut–skin axis and beauty from within 17:34 – Supplements Shannon takes daily for her skin 19:00 – The truth about skincare marketing and false claims 20:51 – Luxury skincare vs accessible skincare: what are you really paying for? 24:15 – Community Q&A: best ingredients for acne 26:42 – How long before a product works? Patch testing explained 28:05 – Coming off the pill and breaking out – what to expect 29:10 – Final thoughts: moderation, patience, and skin intelligence 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwSV4nfoG5srNlzSA9KkGZWhktX6Rh9Oc&si=HeSVwAHQonntduE7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast  💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with Us: Shannon Dougall | https://za.linkedin.com/in/shannon-dougall-6b0401337 Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #SkinHealth #SkincareScience #SkinFunctional #AntiAgeing #SkinBarrier #Retinoids #GutSkinAxis #WomensHealth #SkincareRoutine #Peptides #Exosomes #SkinMinimalism #BeautyFromWithin #Phytoceutics

  7. Apr 28

    Ep. 14: Gut Health Truths from a Gastroenterologist

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with gastroenterologist Dr Thania Kahn to unpack the truth about gut health in a world full of misinformation. From bloating and IBS to food intolerances and the gut–brain connection, this conversation breaks down what’s actually going on in your gut – and how to support it with evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle, and medical care. Together, they discuss: ⚖️ What’s “normal” when it comes to bowel movements and digestion 💊 Magnesium, probiotics & supplements – what actually works 🚫 The truth about at-home gut tests & trending gut health hacks 🥗 Why fibre is foundational for gut, metabolic & heart health ⚠️ Red flags you should never ignore – when to see a specialist 💨 Bloating, IBS & food intolerances – what’s really causing your symptoms 🥛 Lactose intolerance explained – symptoms, causes & management 🍞 Gluten: who actually needs to avoid it (and who doesn’t) 🔭 IBS vs IBD – key differences, symptoms & treatment approaches 🧠 The gut–brain connection – and how stress directly impacts digestion 🧘 Stress, anxiety & digestion – why nervous system support matters 🧬 The microbiome – and how modern lifestyles are disrupting it 🧪 Colonoscopy screening – why it now starts at age 45 🌱 How small, consistent changes can transform your gut health 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:53 – Rapid fire: gut health habits rated 08:03 – What does a gastroenterologist do? 10:55 – Gut health red flags you shouldn’t ignore 11:41 – Gastroscopy vs colonoscopy explained 18:07 – Food allergies vs intolerances 24:28 – Lactose intolerance explained 26:03 – Gluten: intolerance vs coeliac disease 29:44 – IBS explained 31:27 – The hallmark symptoms of IBS 32:34 – What is IBD? 36:40– How stress impacts your gut 38:34 – Low FODMAP diet explained 40:56 – Fibre types and how to use them 43:55 – IBS treatment: diet, stress & medication 45:24 – Medications and supplements for IBS 47:36 – Why you feel tired after eating: postprandial fatigue 48:00 – The biggest gut disruptor in modern diets 🎧 Listen to the podcast: Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@phytoceutics Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with Us: Dr Thania Kahn | https://www.instagram.com/thaniakahn/?hl=en / https://www.instagram.com/drthaniakahn/?hl=en Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #GutHealth #IBS #DigestiveHealth #Gastroenterologist #WomensHealth #Microbiome #GutBrainConnection #NutritionScience #HealthyHabits #Phytoceutics

  8. Apr 14

    Ep. 13: Diet, Decoded: Veganism, Gut Health & Nutrient Deficiency

    Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being. In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Jessica Kotlowitz (The Green Dietitian) – a registered dietitian with a special interest in vegan and vegetarian diets and holistic nutrition therapy. Together, they unpack the complexities of modern nutrition – from veganism and gut health to weight, hormones, and the pressure of conflicting diet trends – and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating well. Together, they dive into: 🌱 Plant-based diets – why it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing 🧠 The connection between diet, gut health, skin, mood & overall well-being 🫘 Why legumes are powerful for gut health – and how to reduce bloating ⚖️ Protein myths, diet trends & the nuance of modern nutrition advice 🩸 Iron deficiency in women – risk factors, symptoms & what to watch 💊 Why vitamin B12 is non-negotiable on a vegan diet 🥗 What a balanced plant-based day actually looks like 🧠 ADHD, appetite & navigating nutrition for neurodiverse children 🍽️ Picky eating – and the “division of responsibility” approach ⚖️ Weight set point theory – and why postpartum weight loss is complex 🔥 Why restrictive dieting and extreme calorie deficits don’t work long-term ⌛ Fasting, hormones & why it may not suit all women ☕ Coffee vs matcha – and the impact on gut health & iron absorption 🧪 Key nutrients to test: iron, vitamin D, B12 & zinc ✨ Building a sustainable, personalised approach to nutrition 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:38 – Rapid-fire: B12, protein, fasting & fibre 2:11 – Jessica’s journey to plant-based eating 4:03 – Transitioning gradually vs going fully vegan 5:29 – Skin, gut health & energy improvements 6:00 – What Jessica eats in a typical day 7:18 – Mock meats vs whole foods 7:58 – Protein, carbs & diet confusion explained 9:17 – Gut health, bloating & legumes 10:43 – Probiotics and microbiome adaptation 11:00 – Iron deficiency in women 12:13 – Breastfeeding, weight & nutrition 16:00 – Postpartum hair loss & nutrient deficiencies 17:05 – Why B12 supplementation is essential 19:10 – ADHD, appetite & nutrition for kids 20:35 – Picky eating & intuitive eating in children 26:05 – Weight set point theory explained 28:03 – Sustainable weight loss strategies 29:20 – Fasting & female hormone health 30:54 – Snacking vs meals – what works best 33:11 – Are gut issues genetic? 34:47 – Supplements when trying to conceive 37:24 – Coffee vs matcha for gut health 38:37 – Gut health red flags to look out for 👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™. 🎧 Listen to the podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwSV4nfoG5srNlzSA9KkGZWhktX6Rh9Oc&si=Reg7WgkUXiAf9VBD Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast  💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order. 📲 Connect with Us: Jessica Kotlowitz (The Green Dietitian) | https://www.instagram.com/the_green_dietitian/?hl=en Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en #HerHealthPodcast #PlantBasedNutrition #GutHealth #VeganDiet #WomensHealth #NutritionScience #IronDeficiency #B12 #PostpartumHealth #ADHDNutrition #HealthyHabits #Podcast

About

The Her Health™ Podcast spotlights the voices, journeys, and expertise of women shaping the future of healthcare and wellness. Through honest, human conversations, the podcast explores the intersections of science, wellness, leadership, and women's lived experience—creating space for connection, insight, and advocacy.