Blog - Wellness By Jessica

Folate and Fertility

by Jessica Giljam-Brown March 18, 2021

Folate is a B vitamin otherwise known as B9, it has an essential role during the early stages of pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Choline and Pregnancy, what you need to know

by Jessica Giljam-Brown February 23, 2021

Choline is a nutrient that is made in small amounts in the liver of the body, the rest of our requirements must be obtained through the diet.

Choline has a whole lot of different jobs in the human body ranging from supporting the nerves and liver to function, helping mood, and working with folic acid during pregnancy to help the babies brain and nervous system develop.

Recipe - Caramel Rocky Road

by Jessica Giljam-Brown December 11, 2020

This decadent slice is a crowd pleaser! A crispy base covered with a smooth salted caramel then topped with a fruit and nut chocolate topping ticks all the boxes. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a rich source of calcium, an essential mineral for healthy bones, normal muscle function and nerve signalling.

Recipe - Summer Prawns

by Jessica Giljam-Brown December 11, 2020

Prawns are a summer classic, and they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium and iodine. These nutrients are key for great thyroid function, healthy ovulation and progesterone production as well as immune function and healing. We suggest keeping prawns in the freezer to defrost for a quick dinner, although you are welcome to use fresh prawns when they are available.

Exercise and the Menstrual Cycle

by Jessica Giljam-Brown November 12, 2020

If exercise has an important part to play in your life then planning and using the time around your period to your advantage may be of interest to you. At different stages of the menstrual cycles, hormone levels vary which can impact our mood, body function and emotions. More and more, athletes are using menstrual cycle trackers to shape their training around the different peaks and pits in hormones leading to improved performance and a reduction of injuries.

Is the pill depleting your nutrient stores?

by Jessica Giljam-Brown October 19, 2020

Long-term medications can produce a range of different side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, and weight gain. However, another side effect that often goes unnoticed: nutrient deficiencies. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is notorious for this, and women often jump on it long-term without doing their research and not being aware of the potential risks and side effects.

How to Support Your Immune System - Sorting Fact from Fiction

by Jessica Giljam Brown August 20, 2020

Immune function is a hot topic at the moment for obvious reasons, but it really pains me when I see a load of miss information, sales pitches, and scaremongering online.

Social Distancing and the Psyche

by Jessica Giljam Brown April 09, 2020

The past week has shaken-up the way we interact with those in our community. In New Zealand, social distancing has instated a two metre radius between us and those outside of our isolation ‘bubble’. Dr Sophie Muir is a Clinical Psychologist experienced in treating a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, sexual identity, and low self-esteem. Read her top ways to feel comfortable engaging with the outside world while social distancing.

Raw Lemon Slice

by Jessica Giljam Brown April 07, 2020

Lemons are plentiful over winter, so make use of them by making this slice. Lemons are well known for being rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that supports the immune system and is essential for warding off winter bugs. The combination of oats and coconut in this slice makes it filling and satisfying, providing a perfect mid-morning snack.

Is your period missing in action?

by Jessica Giljam Brown April 02, 2020

If you or someone you know experience an irregular, or non-existent period, you’re not alone. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is the scientific name to describe a loss of period caused by some form of stress that affects the hypothalamus of the brain. There are all sorts of different stresses that can cause Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, HA for short. The types of stress vary hugely woman to woman, some of which will be easier to identify than others.

Losing your hair?

by Jessica Giljam Brown April 01, 2020

Before we jump into understanding how unwanted hair loss occurs, we first need to appreciate the natural cycle in which a hair grows. There is a huge variety of normal hair growth amongst different women, and genetics. Hair grows almost everywhere on our bodies, apart from the soles of our feet, lips, palms of our hands, belly buttons, on scar tissue and some parts of the genitals.

Supporting A Partner Through Health Struggles

by Jessica Giljam Brown March 05, 2020

How can couples stay strong, close, and affectionate throughout health struggles like endometriosis and dyspareunia? One way is to work on providing really responsive and tailored support. Here are 5 research-backed tips to help you do this well.