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  • Home
  • Gut Health / IBS
    • IBS Naturopath
    • A Patient's Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome NZ (2025)
      • What Is IBS
      • IBS Symptoms
      • IBS Naturopathic Approach
      • IBS Diet
      • IBS FAQ's
    • Microbiome Testing
    • Gut Health Recipes
      • Bone Broth
      • Chicken Broth
      • Kimchi
      • Turmeric Milk
      • Miso Soup
      • Anti-inflammatory Diet
      • Oat Milk
      • Ghee
      • Black Bean Brownies
  • Genetic Testing
    • Methylation Testing
      • Ultimate Guide to Genetic Methylation Testing NZ: 2025
        • MTHFR Gene Mutation
        • Best Methylation Test NZ
        • Methylation Explained
        • ADHD & MTHFR
        • Methylation & Anxiety
    • Test Result Interpretation
    • FAQs
  • Programmes
    • Long Covid
    • Managing your way through menopause naturally.
    • Anxiety
    • Allergies & Intolerances
    • Detoxification
    • Testing Options
  • The Clinic
    • About Vanessa
    • Consultations
  • Contact
  • Blog

Naturopathic articles crafted for you

​Each piece is a little treasure of wisdom,
​offering insight, natural solutions and holistic approaches to health.

Why L-Theanine is The Natural Anxiety Solution You Need

3/7/2025

 
​My experience in clinic as a Naturopath has shown me time and again how L-theanine can help people who struggle with anxiety. The science backs this up strongly. Five different controlled trials show that l-theanine helps people handle stressful situations better. 

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Digestive Bitters:  Vital for Modern Health

27/6/2025

 
Humans have used digestive bitters as natural stomach remedies for centuries.  Ancient Egyptian tombs contained pottery jars with traces of these bitter herbal preparations. The Romans added bitter herbs to their wines to boost digestion. My experience as a Naturopath shows these traditional remedies are vital for modern digestive health, especially when conventional treatments fall short.  Unfortunately bitter . . .
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The Hidden Truth About NZ Retail Supplements Quality: What Labels Don't Tell You

8/5/2025

 
Quality issues with retail supplements are nowhere near as rare as we might like to believe. As a naturopath, I love digging into these facts, especially when you have almost half of all adults regularly taking dietary supplements.  Globally, the situation is poor. A New York Attorney General's investigation revealed something shocking - of 78 herbal supplements tested from major store-brands only 21% contained any trace of the herbs listed.  NZ regulation . . .
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The Hidden Risks of AI in Natural Medicine: A Naturopath's Perspective

19/4/2025

 
​While AI promises to enhance medical diagnosis and treatment planning, its limitations in healthcare are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in natural medicine.

In fact, the absence of standard guidelines for ethical AI use in healthcare raises serious concerns about data security and patient privacy . . .  Full article
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Stress & Anxiety Healing Naturally: The Naturopathic Way

8/4/2025

 
While conventional treatments exist, many people are turning to natural approaches for lasting relief. Studies show that naturopathic care offers promising results, with a 50% response rate for anxiety symptoms.

In this guide, we aim to give you some simple changes to your daily routine  . . . dive in
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Herbal Medicine: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

28/3/2025

 
Herbal medicine remains a cornerstone of global healthcare, with the World Health Organization reporting that 80% of people worldwide use natural remedies for health care.  While the growing interest in natural medicine is evident, understanding its proper usage requires careful consideration. In this guide, we'll explore the intersection of ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific research.  Herbal Medicine in New Zealand . . .
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Why Naturopathic Principles Matter: A Patient's Guide

28/3/2025

 
When you visit a naturopath, the naturopathic principles guide every aspect of your 60 minute consultation. This initial meeting isn't just about gathering information - it reflects a deeper commitment to understanding your complete health story.  These principles serve as the foundation of natural medicine. Through six fundamental principles (with wellness as the seventh), naturopathic practitioners work to identify root causes while supporting the body's natural healing abilities.  Discover the Naturopathic Principles . . .​
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Discover the Healing Power of Naturopathy in New Zealand: What is a Naturopath?

17/3/2025

 
​In a world increasingly dominated by synthetic solutions and quick fixes, many in NZ are turning to the field of naturopathy, and discovering profound pathways to natural wellness. This holistic approach intertwines ancient healing traditions with modern science to address not just symptoms, but the root causes of ailments.  Continue reading about Naturopathy in New Zealand.....
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Meditation & Mindfulness

3/2/2025

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A meditation or mindfulness practice is one of the cornerstones of a healthy, happy mind and body.  It is practice that is beneficial for most people, and especially so when the mind is a very busy one such as in ADHD.

However I find that it is often a very misunderstood practice.  Continue reading about Meditation & Mindfulness. . . .

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MTHFR and the Methylation Genes

7/8/2024

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Do we need to test all the methylation genes, or is MTHFR enough?
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MTHFR can have a SNP in the coding which correlates to under functioning of the methylation cycle.  In fact it can have two SNP's MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298.  Depending on the combination of these SNP's, this under functioning could be significant.  However, there are also other points within the methylation cycle that can be compromised.  Continue reading about MTHFR and the Methylation Genes . . .The Methylation Genes


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Microbiome 101

10/5/2022

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Did you know that there's a whole world of microorganisms residing in your gut?  The term used to describe this vast, yet microscopic community is 'microbiome' or 'microbiota' which collectively refers to all the microbes - including bacteria, viruses and fungi - that exist in and on the human body.  A whooping 95% of these microbes reside in your gastrointestinal tract.  Continue your journey into the Microbiome 101 . . .

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Choosing a Naturopath or Medical Herbalist

31/1/2022

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As Naturopathy in New Zealand is unregulated (meaning anyone can call themselves a Naturopath), we recommend a simple measure to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The industry itself has put in place stringent standards for your safety. Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of NZ (NMHNZ) is an organisation that only accepts members who meet the highest educational standards.  Continue reading how to choose a Naturopath in NZ . . .  

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Intestinal Permeability Testing

24/1/2022

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Commonly referred to as "leaky gut", Intestinal permeability can be measured using the lactulose/mannitol recovery test.  The test involves taking a drink that contains two water-soluble sugars that do not get metabolised by humans.  Continue reading about Intestinal Permeability Testing . . .

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Gastroesophageal Reflux (GORD/GERD)

15/12/2021

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Acid Reflux is a condition in which the acid contents of your stomach wash back up into the oesphagus.  This happens because a valve at the top of the stomach does not close sufficiently, and acid flows back upwards into your throat.  Continue your dive into Gastroesophageal Reflux . . .

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Epigenetics & Nutrigenomics

7/12/2020

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The science of nutrigenomics studies the interaction between dietary components of food and our genes. Every individual has a unique genetic profile, and through our understanding of nutrigenomics we now understand that promoting good health through food, will be different for each person.  Continue your reading on Epigenetics & Nutrigenomics . . .
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Foods to Nourish the Gut

30/11/2020

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There are hundreds of different types of bacteria living in the gut.  Ensuring we have healthy colonies of the good strains of bacteria helps to prevent dysbiosis (incorrect gut flora), supports immune health, protects against the development of food sensitivities and maintains the health of the intestinal mucosa.  Continue reading about foods to nourish the gut . . .
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SmartGENES Naturopathic Clinic | Central Christchurch
​Empowering Natural Health Since 2000
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  Monday          10:00 - 17:00
  Tuesday          10:00 - 17:00
  Wednesday   10:00 - 17:00
  Thursday        10:00 - 17:00
  Friday              10:00 - 13:00
0274406715
​[email protected]

​114 Mersey Street
St Albans, ​Christchurch
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