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AC Nutritional Therapy

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AC Nutritional Therapy

I don't sell nutrition plans. I teach you how to fuel your gut and free your mind. For Life. Neurodiversity | Anxiety | Stress | Mood | Energy

06/08/2026

🇬🇧

One of the reasons I'm so passionate about the gut-brain connection is that we're only just beginning to understand how extraordinary it really is.

This week, I came across research that genuinely made me stop and smile.

Scientists have developed a virtual model of the gut-brain axis. A tool that could help us understand the conversation between our gut and brain faster than ever before.

No, it isn't a treatment or a replacement for healthcare professionals. But it could help accelerate research into conditions like IBS, anxiety, depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

Every new discovery reminds me that nutrition isn't just about food.

It's about people.

It's about understanding why our bodies respond the way they do and using science to care for them with more compassion.

The future of gut health research is incredibly exciting... and I can't wait to see where it takes us. 💚

🇵🇹

Uma das razões pelas quais sou tão apaixonada pela ligação entre o intestino e o cérebro é que ainda estamos apenas a começar a perceber o quão extraordinária ela realmente é.

Esta semana deparei-me com um estudo que me fez genuinamente sorrir.

Os cientistas desenvolveram um modelo virtual do eixo intestino-cérebro, uma ferramenta que poderá ajudar-nos a compreender esta comunicação de forma muito mais rápida.

Não, isto não é um tratamento nem substitui os profissionais de saúde. Mas poderá acelerar a investigação em áreas como a Síndrome do Intestino Irritável, a ansiedade, a depressão e as doenças neurodegenerativas.

Cada nova descoberta faz-me lembrar que a nutrição vai muito além da comida.

É sobre pessoas.

É sobre compreender porque é que o nosso corpo responde da forma como responde e usar a ciência para cuidar dele com mais conhecimento e compaixão.

O futuro da investigação em saúde intestinal é verdadeiramente entusiasmante... e mal posso esperar para ver o que vem a seguir. 💚

28/07/2026

🇬🇧
Actually... it's not that simple.

One of the biggest myths about ADHD is that people struggle with food because they "lack willpower."

The science tells a very different story.
The ADHD brain naturally has lower dopamine activity. Dopamine is involved in motivation, reward and satisfaction. Foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates provide a quick dopamine boost, which is why they can feel almost impossible to resist. It's not just about liking cake, it's about how the brain is wired.
Here are a few things that aren't talked about enough:

✨ ADHD isn't only linked to impulsive eating. Executive dysfunction can also lead to forgetting to eat, skipping meals, then becoming so hungry that regulating food choices becomes much harder.
✨ Restrictive diets often backfire in ADHD. The more rules we create around food, the more likely we are to swing between "being good" and feeling out of control.
✨ Many people spend years blaming themselves when, in reality, their eating behaviours may be connected to an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental condition, not a lack of discipline.

Does that mean cake is the answer?
Of course not.
But neither is guilt.

For many people with ADHD, improving eating habits isn't about having more self-control. It's about understanding the brain, creating an environment that supports it, eating consistently, managing stress, sleeping well and finding strategies that work with your brain instead of against it.

So yes... I'm eating the cake.
Not because I "gave in."
Not because I'm "being naughty."
Simply because food doesn't have a moral value, and understanding why we eat is often far more powerful than judging what we eat. 💚

Have you ever noticed yourself craving sugar when you're overwhelmed, bored or mentally exhausted?

(Português nos comentários)

07/07/2026

🇬🇧

We often blame poor sleep on "stress"

But what does that actually mean?

Your body relies on a delicate balance between cortisol and melatonin to regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

☀️ Cortisol isn't the enemy, it helps you wake up, stay alert and respond to the demands of the day.

🌙 Melatonin is your body's natural signal that it's time to rest.

The challenge is when your body stays in "go mode" for too long. If cortisol remains elevated into the evening, it can interfere with your body's ability to produce melatonin at the right time, making it harder to fall asleep or enjoy restorative sleep.

Some common factors that may keep cortisol elevated include:
• Chronic stress
• Too much caffeine (especially later in the day)
• Blood sugar fluctuations
• Intense exercise close to bedtime
• Screens and bright light in the evening
• Irregular sleep routines

The good news? Small daily habits can make a big difference.

Supporting your stress response during the day can help your body switch into rest mode at night.

Which of these do you think has the biggest impact on your sleep?

🇵🇹

Muitas vezes culpamos o stress por dormirmos mal.

Mas o que significa isso, na prática?

O nosso corpo depende de um equilíbrio delicado entre o cortisol e a melatonina para regular o ciclo de sono e vigília.

☀️ O cortisol não é o vilão, este ajuda-nos a acordar, a manter o estado de alerta e a responder aos desafios do dia.

🌙 A melatonina é o sinal natural de que está na hora de descansar.

O problema surge quando o corpo permanece em "modo de alerta" durante demasiado tempo. Se o cortisol continuar elevado ao final do dia, pode interferir com a produção de melatonina, dificultando o adormecer e comprometendo a qualidade do sono.

Alguns fatores que podem contribuir para manter o cortisol elevado incluem:
• Stress crónico
• Excesso de cafeína (sobretudo durante a tarde)
• Oscilações dos níveis de açúcar no sangue
• Exercício intenso perto da hora de dormir
• Ecrãs e luz intensa ao final do dia
• Horários de sono irregulares

A boa notícia? Pequenos hábitos podem fazer uma grande diferença.

(continuação nos comentários)

29/06/2026

Have you ever thought about what makes you forget all your worries, what really heals you and makes you quieter?

I avoid my feelings a lot. I push through things, and I like to distract myself with work and other tasks. That's my defence mechanism. It can be useful sometimes but dangerous if abused. I know this, but I grew up having to do this: bottle up and carry on. Be strong. All the time.

But I recently discovered that I can be myself in nature. This is where I heal, where I don't need distractions to be present. I can just be.
Nature is my safe harbour, is my healer and my guide. Nature is home.

I've promised myself I would spend more time in nature this year, this is my goal for the rest of the year.

And you? What helps you heal? 🌿

❤️

26/06/2026

🇬🇧

Hi everyone, I'm back in business and I'm bringing you some information about our happy hormones!

Besides including those tasty and healthy foods into your diet, don't forget:

🌞 Catch some sun (be careful with the high temperatures though)
🌞 Spend time in nature
🌞 Spend time with loved ones
🌞 Laugh and make others laugh
🌞 Do good to others (helping your neighbours or volunteering)
🌞 Dance or move your body in a way that feels natural
🌞 Breathing exercises

These are just some free things that you can do to boos your happiness levels. And remember, you are not alone 💙

🇵🇹

Olá a todos, estou de volta e trago-te algumas informações sobre as nossas hormonas da felicidade.

Para além de incluir estas comidas deliciosas e saudáveis na tua dieta, não te esqueças:

🌞 Apanha sol (cuidado com as temperaturas altas)
🌞 Passa tempo na natureza
🌞 Passa tempo com quem amas
🌞 Ri e faz outros rir
🌞 Faz o bem a outros (ajuda o teu vizinho ou faz voluntariado)
🌞 Dança ou mexe o teu corpo de uma maneira natural para ti
🌞 Exercícios de respiração

Estas são algumas coisas grátis que podes fazer para aumentar os teus níveis de felicidade. E lembra-te, não estás sozinho/a 💙

27/04/2026

Hello 🌙

I hope you’re all doing well.

As promised, I’m sharing some resources that can support your mental health if you’re based in Edinburgh:

✨ iThrive Edinburgh – an online hub with mental health and wellbeing information, local support services, and self-help resources. You can find support groups and even free courses, especially if you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, or loneliness.

✨ Health in Mind – a Scottish mental health charity offering community-based support for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Their work is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and hope.

✨ The Edinburgh Crisis Centre – a 24/7 service providing free emotional and practical support for anyone aged 16+ experiencing a mental health crisis. They offer telephone support, face-to-face appointments, and sometimes short overnight stays as an alternative to hospital.

✨ The City of Edinburgh Council – works with local health services to provide a range of mental health support, including free counselling, Thrive drop-ins, and community activities for adults, children, and families.

If you’re struggling, please reach out 🤍
There are truly kind and supportive services out there, ready to help you.

With love,
Andreia.

15/04/2026

Hey,

You might have noticed my absence from social media since Christmas. I had a very rough start of 2026, with a loss that left me empty, and has changed me profoundly. A lot has been happening in my life that's affecting my mental health.

I'm still struggling, so I have stepped back from my nutrition business for the time being. I just felt like I needed to give you all an update, because I don't know if this will impact my business in the long run or just temporarily.

I'm currently feeling quite lost and don't have a clear vision for my future or the future of AC Nutritional Therapy.

I take the opportunity to reach out to people who might be feeling the same. You are not alone and there are multiple resources available if you are struggling with your mental health. I will make a post sharing those resources soon. In the meantime, if you need to talk my DMs are open.

I have amazing friends and a loving partner, but I also felt the hurt of losing people that were not my real friends, that were there just for the good moments. So if you feel alone, know that you have a friend on this side. I mean it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and take care. Hopefully, speak soon 🌿

Andreia.

29/12/2025

As 2025 comes to an end, I would like to share some of my year's highlights with you 💚

These are the positive snippets of my year, and don't reflect the periods were I'm doubting myself, or I'm struggling to make a decision, or I'm thinking I'm not enough. Those will (probably) always going to be there. But I don't want to focus on them.

I want to celebrate and focus on those moments where I was and felt brave, where I was able to make a confident decision, where I was living my dreams.

Life is already hard enough. Don't focus on what you couldn't achieve, or the pile of things you have on your to-do list. Focus on the positive, even if they are small things.

These can mean different things for different people: some people were capable of chasing their dream, some started a new course, others have felt less stressed, some were able to exercise 5min/day, others started reading that book. Whatever is it. It matters. It broke the cycle, so be proud of that.

I wish you an amazing year ahead and that you are able to see the good in yourself. Always. 💐

With love,
Andreia.

24/12/2025

🇬🇧

This season is about nourishment in every sense.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, another holiday, or simply moving through this time of year in your own way, you’re welcome here.

May these days bring moments of warmth, rest, good food without guilt, and connection, especially with yourself.
Sending love to those celebrating, those not celebrating, and those for whom this season feels complicated.

Happy holidays ❤💚

🇵🇹

Esta época é sobre nutrição em todos os sentidos.

Sejas alguém que celebra o Natal, outra data especial, ou simplesmente atravessas este período do ano à tua maneira, és bem-vindo(a) aqui.

Que estes dias tragam momentos de acolhimento, descanso, comida sem culpa e conexão, especialmente contigo mesmo(a).

Envio carinho a quem celebra, a quem não celebra e a quem vive esta época de forma mais sensível ou complexa.

Festas felizes 💚❤

05/12/2025

🇬🇧

We talk about nutrition like it’s complicated… but honestly?
Most of the magic happens in the simplest moments.

A calm breakfast instead of a chaotic one.
A snack that stabilises you rather than spirals you.
A choice made from self-respect, not guilt.
A tiny habit repeated quietly, day after day.

That’s what this post is really about, the things I wish I’d known sooner.
Not the “perfect” eating. Just the real foundations that actually make the difference.

Because nutrition isn’t about weight.
And it isn’t instant or magical.
It is fuel.
It can lift your mood.
And most importantly:
Nutrition works best when it’s simple, consistent, and kind.

If you’re feeling out of sync with your gut or your mind… start small.
Start gentle.
Start with one thing.

And if you need a little help choosing that one thing, I’m right here. 💛

🇵🇹

Falamos de nutrição como se fosse algo complicado… mas a verdade?
A maior parte da magia acontece nas coisas mais simples.

Um pequeno-almoço calmo em vez de caótico.
Um snack que te estabiliza em vez de te desregular.
Uma escolha feita com respeito próprio, não com culpa.
Um pequeno hábito repetido, silenciosamente, dia após dia.

É isso que este post quer mostrar, as coisas que gostava de ter sabido mais cedo.
Não o que é “perfeito”.
Não o que é “insta-bonito”.
Mas sim as bases reais que fazem a diferença.

Porque a nutrição não é sobre peso.
E não é instantânea nem mágica.
É combustível.
Pode elevar o teu humor.
E acima de tudo:
A nutrição funciona melhor quando é simples, consistente e gentil.

Se te sentes desconectado/a do teu intestino ou da tua mente… começa pequeno.
Começa suave.
Começa com uma coisa.

E se precisares de ajuda para escolher essa coisa, estou aqui. 💛

Address

Edinburgh

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 8pm
Tuesday	10am - 8pm
Wednesday	10am - 8pm
Thursday	10am - 8pm
Friday	10am - 8pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

+447751128669

Website

http://www.acnutritionaltherapy.co.uk/

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