Meet Nikky
Gut Health Nutritionist
As a nutritionist who has personally navigated the challenges of mental health, gut health and food intolerances, I deeply understand the journey towards better health. I blend my professional training with my personal experiences to offer heartfelt guidance in improving gut health, mental health, managing food intolerances, and embracing holistic dietary habits for both physical and mental well-being. With qualifications in Nutrition, Human Biology, Mental Health, and Gut Health, I’m committed to helping you make informed, compassionate choices about your diet.
I approach nutrition from a holistic standpoint, considering both physical and mental well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to take control of their health by making informed dietary choices. I believe that a healthy gut is the foundation for overall well-being, and I am committed to helping my clients take control through education. Knowledge is power!
Qualifications:
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Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition - Deakin University
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Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Human Biology - Edith Cowan University
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Professional Certification in Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health - University of Sydney
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FODMAP Diet for IBS: Dietitian course - Monash University
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Advanced Gut Health: Enhancing your Microbiome - Endeavour College of Natural Health
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NSA Member
My Story:
I started my journey about 15-20 years ago when I started developing food intolerances. It began with a gluten intolerance, then dairy. At the time, I accepted that this was how it was, I would never be able to eat these foods again. But, after my daughter was born, I decided to finally fulfil my dream of going to university and studying science. I majored in nutrition and human biology with genetics. And later went on to postgraduate studies in human nutrition.
Somewhere in-between my undergraduate and postgraduate studies my health got a lot worse. I suffered chronic stress, anxiety, and my gut health was terrible. I became intolerant to more and more foods. However, this ended up being a good thing for me. It developed my drive to learn about gut health and mental health. I completed a psychology course and began to learn as much as I could.
The gut-brain connection is fascinating! The vagus nerve connects the gut and the brain, through the gut-brain axis. It carries information from the gut to the brain using neurotransmitters. What is more fascinating is that through the vagus nerve only 20% of communications are sent from the brain to the gut, BUT 80% of these communications come from the gut to the brain! GUT HEALTH IS VITAL!
Your gut is your second brain. It must be cared for. Unfortunately, the Western diet and lifestyle does not support gut health. Around 90% of the “food” you will find in the supermarket is ultra-processed. Most people don’t realise that they are not eating real food. I didn’t realise for most of my life that the food I ate, was destroying my gut health, and overall health. If it comes wrapped in plastic, and has more than 4 ingredients, it’s likely to be ultra-processed.
My food intolerances are gone, my mental health is better, and now I teach others how to eat real food while caring for their emotional health.
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