Fab Female Nutrition

Collagen is one of the most popular supplements for women right now. It's often promoted for glowing skin, stronger hair and healthier joints.
But does collagen actually work, and is it worth taking?
In this episode of the podcast, Wendy breaks down the science behind collagen supplements, explains how collagen changes as we age, and shares the most effective ways to support collagen production naturally.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a key role in skin structure, joint health, connective tissue and overall resilience. However, from our mid-20s onwards, natural collagen production begins to decline - something many women notice more during perimenopause and menopause.
In this episode we explore:
• What collagen is and why it matters for women • Why collagen production declines with age • Whether collagen supplements are worth it • The difference between collagen and complete protein • How hydrolysed collagen peptides may support skin health • Research on collagen for joint pain, cartilage and mobility • Foods that naturally support collagen production • Why vitamin C, zinc, copper and omega-3 matter for healthy skin • How to choose the right collagen supplement for your goals
Food first approach
Wendy also shares practical ways to support collagen naturally through diet, including:
• Bone broth • Slow-cooked meats • Sardines • Greek yoghurt • Berries and citrus fruits • Pumpkin seeds • Oily fish
Sponsor thank you
A big thank you to our podcast sponsors Revive Active for supporting the Fab Female Nutrition podcast.
Their Revive Active Collagen Complex is ideal for those focusing on skin, hair and appearance, while Revive Active Joint Complex is a great option for anyone wanting extra support for joints, mobility and connective tissue health.
Find out more at: www.reviveactive.com

Omega-3 is one of the most important nutrients for long-term health — yet many women are not getting enough.
In this episode we explore why omega-3 fatty acids are so important for female health, from supporting brain function and eye health to reducing inflammation and helping regulate hormones. 
I also share a personal insight from my own testing. As a nutritionist I assumed my omega-3 intake was fine - but when I tested my Omega-3 Index it came back at just 5.5%, when ideally we'd like it to be 8% or higher. Five months later, after increasing my intake, it improved to 7.5% — and one unexpected benefit was noticeably less dry skin.
In this episode we explore:
• What omega-3 fatty acids are and why EPA and DHA matter most • The role of omega-3 in reducing inflammation in the body • Omega-3 and reducing menstrual pain • The importance of DHA for brain and eye health • Why omega-3 can support women with PCOS • How omega-3 contributes to healthy ageing • The best dietary sources of omega-3 • What to look for when choosing a supplement
A big thank you to our podcast sponsors Revive Active for supporting the Fab Female Nutrition podcast. Their Revive Active Omega Active provides a great daily dose of EPA and DHA - the biologically active forms of omega-3 that your body actually uses.
If you're not sure whether you're getting enough omega-3 in your diet, this episode will help you understand why it matters and what simple steps you can take.
Because sometimes the biggest improvements in our health come from nutrients we didn't even realise we were missing

Magnesium is often called a "wonder nutrient" — and for good reason.
It's involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including the systems that regulate sleep, stress, hormones and nervous system balance.
In this episode we look at why magnesium is particularly important for women, especially if you're struggling with sleep, stress, PMS or the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause.
Magnesium helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your "rest and digest" mode), supports calming neurotransmitters like GABA, and plays an important role in melatonin production, all essential for good quality sleep.
In this episode we explore:
• Why magnesium levels can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle • How magnesium supports mood, sleep and PMS symptoms • The connection between magnesium, vitamin D and bone health • Why magnesium needs often increase during perimenopause • The different forms of magnesium and which ones actually work • Food sources that can help increase your intake naturally
A big thank you to our podcast sponsors Revive Active for supporting the Fab Female Nutrition podcast. Their magnesium complex combines several well-absorbed forms of magnesium designed to support energy, muscle function and nervous system balance - it's the one I choose to support my own health. (use Wendy10 at checkout to enjoy 10% off)
If sleep has been feeling elusive, this episode will help you understand why, and what simple steps might help.

Phytoestrogens are often misunderstood.
Do they increase oestrogen? Are they safe in menopause? Should women avoid soya — or actively include it?
In this episode, I explain what phytoestrogens actually are and how they work as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Rather than acting like strong hormones, they gently interact with your existing oestrogen receptors — and that distinction really matters.
We explore:
• The difference between "plant oestrogen" and SERM • The research on hot flush reduction • Food sources versus supplements
If you've felt confused by mixed messaging around soya, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.
As always, we're cutting through the noise to give you sensible advice, real food and genuine support.
A big thank you to our podcast sponsors, Revive Active. Their Revive Active Meno Active Complete contains a botanicals capsule providing standardised soya isoflavones, including genistein — one of the most researched phytoestrogens in relation to menopausal health. www.reviveactive.com

How fragrance, plug-ins and "clean smells" can affect hormones, sleep and your nervous system
In this final episode of the February toxin series, I'm exploring the impact of synthetic fragrance, plug-in air fresheners, scented candles, laundry boosters and perfumes. Many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fragrance blends that can act as endocrine disruptors and place extra demand on your liver and nervous system.
Unlike food, inhaled chemicals enter the bloodstream quickly and can influence the brain via the olfactory system. For many women, especially in mid-life, this can show up as headaches, sleep disturbance, brain fog or heightened sensitivity.
This isn't about stripping your home back to nothing. It's about understanding that "smells clean" doesn't always mean clean — and learning how to reduce background exposure in a realistic way.
In this episode we cover:
• Why inhaled toxins can affect hormones and the nervous system • What's really in plug-in air fresheners and synthetic fragrance • Paraffin candles vs cleaner-burning alternatives • The connection between scent, cortisol and sleep • Simple swaps that create a calmer, less toxic home environment
Small reductions in daily exposure can give your body more capacity to regulate hormones, support sleep and maintain long-term health.
This episode wraps up our February series on reducing toxic load in a practical, achievable way — because your body already knows how to detox. Our job is simply to stop overwhelming it.