Maryanne Ireland

26/07/2026

One of the strongest predictors of overall gut health isn’t a single “superfood” , it’s diversity. 

A gut microbiome that’s fed a wide variety of whole foods tends to be more resilient, balanced, and better equipped to support digestion and immunity. Think color, variety, and different plant sources across your week, not just repeating the same “healthy” meals. Here’s some foods that not only help heal the gut but just as importantly, are gentle and soothing to the gut

👉 Do you have questions about the best gut-friendly meal plan tailored to you? Let me know!

23/07/2026

Your gut lining might be thinner than you think! In some places, it's literally just one cell deep. That razor-thin barrier has a huge job: deciding what nutrients get absorbed into your bloodstream and what gets kept out. When it's healthy, it's selective and strong. When it's compromised, that gatekeeping function starts to break down, causing digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, acne, eczema and food sensitivities!
Protecting this barrier is one of the most foundational things you can do for your health.
👉 Book a consult to find out how to support your gut lining

03/07/2026

02/07/2026

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vital nutrient that your body cannot make on its own.

It is essential for immune health, healing wounds, and building collagen (the protein that keeps skin, bones, and blood vessels strong) BUT did you know Vitamin C in large doses can revert from being an antioxidant to being reactive, that is, increases oxidative stress?! 😫

At low doses, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant (it neutralizes unstable molecules).

But at very high doses, it can act as a pro-oxidant (a reactive oxidant).

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant by giving away electrons.
At low doses, it safely gives up electrons to clean up unstable molecules called free radicals. 🤗

At high doses, it gives electrons to free-floating metals in your body, like iron or copper!!

These metals then use those electrons to create a toxic, highly reactive molecule called a hydroxyl radical.

This is one of the reasons high doses of ascorbic acid is a very effective laxative!

Cells have built-in “gates” that control exactly how much Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enters them.
These gates are special proteins called SVCTs (Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporters).
Your cells shunt excess ascorbic acid back into the digestive tract, where it is fast tracked causing digestive upset and diarrhoea!

Note this is not medical advice, if your Doctor or Dentist has prescribed ascorbic acid, you need to take it! Scurvy is bad and your teeth fall out!
But if you are not low in Vitamin C and have food sensitivities, you might want to think twice!

15/05/2026

Nutrient deficiencies are both cause and consequence of anxiety and insomnia and the stress-depletion cycle must be addressed simultaneously with supplementation
Gut health underlies neurotransmitter production so addressing dysbiosis is often necessary for full resolution
Blood sugar regulation is also a driver : protein and complex carbohydrate balance at evening meals supports stable overnight glucose
Nutritional intervention works best as part of a protocol including sleep hygiene, stress management, morning light exposure, exercise, and gut health support!

01/04/2026

Absorption of minerals such as iron and magnesium occurs in the stomach and small intestine and relies on good levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes 🔥

Increase your absorption with these tips:
1. Eat slowly and chew well
2. Eat bitter foods and use bitters such as Iberogast
3. Eat foods that contain enzymes, papaya and pineapple contain proteolytic enzymes that break down proteins
4. Eat zinc rich foods as well as B1 and magnesium to make stomach acid
5. If you are on proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium, continue working on reducing your dose if possible
6. Get tested for Helicobacter pylori

20/03/2026

Don’t throw all the seeds in the bin!😎

These small (but mighty!) seeds are brimming with antioxidants including quercetin which can reduce histamine, rutin, and kaempferol to help protect your body from cellular damage.
The enzyme papain in the seeds helps break down proteins so that the body can digest, absorb, and use the nutrients easier and could reduce pain and bloating
Papaya seeds can be eaten directly from the fruit or taken as a dietary supplement but they do have a strong peppery flavour! To clients with digestive complaints such as abdominal bloating or SIBO I recommend half a teaspoon added to dishes or vitamised in a smoothie daily.
And remember they are not safe to eat if pregnant or trying to conceive!

18/03/2026

If you struggle with low iron or calcium, you know absorption of these minerals is very important!!
🍋 Here’s some tips to help
As well as some of my favourite supplemental digestive enzymes to make things more comfortable!!
🍍 1. Biomedical Adalase contains papaya enzymes ( a favourite) as well as vitamin D, A and amylase
🍊2. Orthoplex DEF is a good all rounder
🍅3. Henry Blooms bio fermented papaya with pomegranate but only if there are no issues with histamine!!