Host Vanessa welcomed special guest Kira Sutherland, a seasoned naturopath and nutritionist with decades of experience in the field. The two engaged in a conversation about the importance of naturopathy, nutrition, and the role of supplements in supporting mental and physical health.
In the podcast episode, Kira Sutherland shared her insights on the benefits of naturopathy, particularly in managing stress and supporting the nervous system. She emphasised that naturopaths are not against modern medicine; instead, they work alongside it as part of allied health or complementary medicine. Kira also highlighted the importance of having an open dialogue with the practitioner and the need for self-motivation in making lifestyle changes.
The discussion then shifted to the topic of supplements. Kira explained that supplements can help the body create precursors to neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are important for mood regulation and brain function. However, she cautioned that supplements are not a cure-all and should be used as a buffer while people make necessary diet and lifestyle changes.
Kira also shared her favourite supplements and their benefits. She mentioned that magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc are often needed in extra amounts, especially by women. She also highlighted the importance of omega-3 oils and their anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, Kira touched upon the topic of accessibility and affordability in the realm of holistic health. She suggested visiting a health food store or a student clinic for affordable consultations. She also highlighted the potential of online consultations, which have become more prevalent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, in making naturopathy services more accessible to people around the world.
The conversation took an interesting turn when Vanessa asked Kira about her views on the fitness industry and social media. Kira expressed concern about the perception that social media fame equates to expertise. She mentioned that while some social media famous individuals are indeed experts, others are simply good at marketing themselves.
Towards the end of the podcast, Kira discussed the challenges and benefits of self-regulation and self-motivation in finding their own education. She talked about the need for more collective sharing and regulation in the fitness industry. Vanessa agreed with Kira’s points and shared her own experiences.
In conclusion, the podcast offered a thorough exploration into the world of naturopathy and nutrition, shedding light on the role of supplements, the importance of self-motivation, and the influence of social media on the fitness industry. It underscored the need for a balanced approach to health and wellness, emphasising the importance of education and the role of professionals in guiding individuals on their health journey.
Our favourite quotable moments:
“Naturopaths generally have almost the same volume of nutrition training as a nutritionist.” – Kira Sutherland
“15 years ago, [my clients] would never have seen a naturopath.” – Kira Sutherland
“I wish there was a better way of knowing the quality of what we’re learning.” – Kira Sutherland
Kira’s Website – kirasutherland.com.au
Instagram – @uberhealth
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Kira Sutherland is an Australian Naturopath and Sports Nutritionist with more than 28 years in clinical practice. She is the 2019 winner of the Australian Integrative Medicine Award for Excellence in clinical practice (Nutrition/Dietetics). Kira divides her time between clients, lecturing at the undergraduate level, and mentoring practitioners of complementary medicine in the application of holistic sports nutrition. Known for her vibrant, straightforward teaching style, Kira’s focus is to empower and educate at a level where information becomes intrinsic knowledge. She is a lifelong athlete herself, participating in endurance sports, providing her with a solid foundation of practical experience to utilise with her academic and clinical background.
Vanessa is a seasoned Movement Therapist with a vast array of skills and experiences in the industry. Her goal is to help as many people find betterment in their lives. She is known as a hybrid trainer, attaining high levels of education, and delivering a quality presenting experience in both group fitness and personal training streams. Attaining betterment drives her knowledge and pursuit for further education for herself and everyone she encounters. Vanessa continues training clients and trainers all over the country and presenting at the International Fitness Conference. Vanessa’s ethos is doing things BETTER.
This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.