Her Health™ Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.

In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Shannon Dougall – founder of Skin Functional – to cut through the noise of the skincare industry and unpack what actually works for your skin.

From skin barrier repair and retinoids to the gut–skin axis and anti-ageing ingredients, this conversation breaks down the science behind great skin – and how to build a routine rooted in transparency, clinical evidence, and real results.

Whether you struggle with breakouts, pigmentation, or premature ageing – or simply want to build a smarter skincare routine – this episode is essential listening.

Together, they discuss:

💉Botox, fillers, microneedling, gut health & omega-3 – Shannon's honest ratings
🧬 The skin barrier – why it comes first and how to protect it
⌛ Retinoids – why Shannon says start in your 20s
🔄 Skin cycling explained – how to rotate actives without damaging your skin
✂️ Skin minimalism – why less is more when it comes to your routine
 💊 Peptides vs exosomes – what they are and why you need both
️ ☀️ Sunscreen – the number one anti-ageing product, non-negotiable 365 days a year
🪞 The truth about wrinkles – what they really are and how to slow them down
🧪 Skincare marketing exposed – how to spot false claims and misleading studies
💰 Luxury skincare vs accessible skincare – are you paying for ingredients or margins?
🦠 The gut–skin axis – how your gut health shows up on your skin
🌿 Beauty from within – the supplements Shannon takes daily for her skin
🔴 Acne management – the right ingredients, the right approach, and why it's not a quick fix
🧴 Shannon's exact skincare routine – every step, every product

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

0:29 – Meet Shannon Dougall, founder of Skin Functional
1:05 – Rapid-fire: skincare ingredients & treatments rated
2:44 – Shannon's journey: from melasma to founding Skin Functional
6:20 – Why your skin barrier comes before everything else
8:08 – Skin cycling explained
8:46 – Skin minimalism: being intentional with your routine
9:25 – How to know what's right for your skin type
10:48 – The right ingredients at every age – 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond
11:49 – Peptides vs exosomes: what's the difference?
12:29 – The three non-negotiables for skin protection
14:18 – The truth about wrinkles – and how to slow them down
15:46 – Shannon's skincare routine
16:55 – The gut–skin axis and beauty from within
17:34 – Supplements Shannon takes daily for her skin
19:00 – The truth about skincare marketing and false claims
20:51 – Luxury skincare vs accessible skincare: what are you really paying for?
24:15 – Community Q&A: best ingredients for acne
26:42 – How long before a product works? Patch testing explained
28:05 – Coming off the pill and breaking out – what to expect
29:10 – Final thoughts: moderation, patience, and skin intelligence

👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwSV4nfoG5srNlzSA9KkGZWhktX6Rh9Oc&si=HeSVwAHQonntduE7
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 

💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.

📲 Connect with Us:

Shannon Dougall | https://za.linkedin.com/in/shannon-dougall-6b0401337
Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en

#HerHealthPodcast #SkinHealth #SkincareScience #SkinFunctional #AntiAgeing #SkinBarrier #Retinoids #GutSkinAxis #WomensHealth #SkincareRoutine #Peptides #Exosomes #SkinMinimalism #BeautyFromWithin #Phytoceutics

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.

In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with gastroenterologist Dr Thania Kahn to unpack the truth about gut health in a world full of misinformation.

From bloating and IBS to food intolerances and the gut–brain connection, this conversation breaks down what’s actually going on in your gut – and how to support it with evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle, and medical care.

Together, they discuss:

⚖️ What’s “normal” when it comes to bowel movements and digestion
💊 Magnesium, probiotics & supplements – what actually works
🚫 The truth about at-home gut tests & trending gut health hacks
🥗 Why fibre is foundational for gut, metabolic & heart health
⚠️ Red flags you should never ignore – when to see a specialist
💨 Bloating, IBS & food intolerances – what’s really causing your symptoms
🥛 Lactose intolerance explained – symptoms, causes & management
🍞 Gluten: who actually needs to avoid it (and who doesn’t)
🔭 IBS vs IBD – key differences, symptoms & treatment approaches
🧠 The gut–brain connection – and how stress directly impacts digestion
🧘 Stress, anxiety & digestion – why nervous system support matters
🧬 The microbiome – and how modern lifestyles are disrupting it
🧪 Colonoscopy screening – why it now starts at age 45
🌱 How small, consistent changes can transform your gut health

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

00:53 – Rapid fire: gut health habits rated
08:03 – What does a gastroenterologist do?
10:55 – Gut health red flags you shouldn’t ignore
11:41 – Gastroscopy vs colonoscopy explained
18:07 – Food allergies vs intolerances
24:28 – Lactose intolerance explained
26:03 – Gluten: intolerance vs coeliac disease
29:44 – IBS explained
31:27 – The hallmark symptoms of IBS
32:34 – What is IBD?
36:40– How stress impacts your gut
38:34 – Low FODMAP diet explained
40:56 – Fibre types and how to use them
43:55 – IBS treatment: diet, stress & medication
45:24 – Medications and supplements for IBS
47:36 – Why you feel tired after eating: postprandial fatigue
48:00 – The biggest gut disruptor in modern diets

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@phytoceutics
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast

💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com
for 20% off your first order.

📲 Connect with Us:

Dr Thania Kahn | https://www.instagram.com/thaniakahn/?hl=en / https://www.instagram.com/drthaniakahn/?hl=en
Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en

#HerHealthPodcast #GutHealth #IBS #DigestiveHealth #Gastroenterologist #WomensHealth #Microbiome #GutBrainConnection #NutritionScience #HealthyHabits #Phytoceutics

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.

In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Jessica Kotlowitz (The Green Dietitian) – a registered dietitian with a special interest in vegan and vegetarian diets and holistic nutrition therapy.

Together, they unpack the complexities of modern nutrition – from veganism and gut health to weight, hormones, and the pressure of conflicting diet trends – and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating well.

Together, they dive into:
🌱 Plant-based diets – why it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing
🧠 The connection between diet, gut health, skin, mood & overall well-being
🫘 Why legumes are powerful for gut health – and how to reduce bloating
⚖️ Protein myths, diet trends & the nuance of modern nutrition advice
🩸 Iron deficiency in women – risk factors, symptoms & what to watch
💊 Why vitamin B12 is non-negotiable on a vegan diet
🥗 What a balanced plant-based day actually looks like
🧠 ADHD, appetite & navigating nutrition for neurodiverse children
🍽️ Picky eating – and the “division of responsibility” approach
⚖️ Weight set point theory – and why postpartum weight loss is complex
🔥 Why restrictive dieting and extreme calorie deficits don’t work long-term
⌛ Fasting, hormones & why it may not suit all women
☕ Coffee vs matcha – and the impact on gut health & iron absorption
🧪 Key nutrients to test: iron, vitamin D, B12 & zinc
✨ Building a sustainable, personalised approach to nutrition

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

0:38 – Rapid-fire: B12, protein, fasting & fibre
2:11 – Jessica’s journey to plant-based eating
4:03 – Transitioning gradually vs going fully vegan
5:29 – Skin, gut health & energy improvements
6:00 – What Jessica eats in a typical day
7:18 – Mock meats vs whole foods
7:58 – Protein, carbs & diet confusion explained
9:17 – Gut health, bloating & legumes
10:43 – Probiotics and microbiome adaptation
11:00 – Iron deficiency in women
12:13 – Breastfeeding, weight & nutrition
16:00 – Postpartum hair loss & nutrient deficiencies
17:05 – Why B12 supplementation is essential
19:10 – ADHD, appetite & nutrition for kids
20:35 – Picky eating & intuitive eating in children
26:05 – Weight set point theory explained
28:03 – Sustainable weight loss strategies
29:20 – Fasting & female hormone health
30:54 – Snacking vs meals – what works best
33:11 – Are gut issues genetic?
34:47 – Supplements when trying to conceive
37:24 – Coffee vs matcha for gut health
38:37 – Gut health red flags to look out for

👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.

🎧 Listen to the podcast

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwSV4nfoG5srNlzSA9KkGZWhktX6Rh9Oc&si=Reg7WgkUXiAf9VBD
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 
💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com
for 20% off your first order.

📲 Connect with Us:

Jessica Kotlowitz (The Green Dietitian) | https://www.instagram.com/the_green_dietitian/?hl=en
Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en

#HerHealthPodcast #PlantBasedNutrition #GutHealth #VeganDiet #WomensHealth #NutritionScience #IronDeficiency #B12 #PostpartumHealth #ADHDNutrition #HealthyHabits #Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.

In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Kate Chambers – gynaecologist and obstetrician – to unpack one of the most misunderstood conditions in women’s health: PCOS.

Dr Chambers breaks down the science in a clear, accessible way, challenging common misconceptions and reassuring women that a PCOS diagnosis is not a life sentence — especially when it comes to fertility.

Together, they discuss:
🧑‍🔬What PCOS actually is – and why it’s more than just an ovarian condition
📊 The Rotterdam criteria: how PCOS is properly diagnosed
🔄 Why ovulation is disrupted – and what’s happening in the cycle
⚖️ The central role of insulin resistance in driving symptoms
🔥 PCOS as an inflammatory condition – and what that means for your body
🧠 The impact of stress, sleep, and lifestyle on hormone balance
🧪 Why insulin testing isn’t always reliable – and what to look for instead
🧴 Common signs of high testosterone: acne, hair growth & hair loss
💊 The role of the contraceptive pill, metformin & medical treatment
🌿 Evidence-based supplements: inositol, berberine & anti-inflammatory support
🫄 Fertility and PCOS – why it does NOT mean infertility
🩺 When to seek help if you’re trying to conceive
🧫 The difference between ovarian cysts and follicles
🧬 Genetics vs lifestyle – lifestyle triggers of PCOS
🌿 Why a phased approach (medication + lifestyle) is often most effective
🔬 Emerging innovations in women’s health: PRP and ovarian rejuvenation

📌 TIMESTAMPS:
0:51 – Rapid-fire: stress, sleep, supplements & stength training
2:35 – PCOS myths: fact vs fiction
3:12 – What is PCOS? Understanding the menstrual cycle
5:41 – Follicles vs cysts explained
7:51 – Key signs and symptoms of PCOS
9:53 – Why ultrasounds alone aren’t enough
10:55 – Insulin resistance and why testing is tricky
11:19 – The clinical signs of insulin resistance
12:23 – How PCOS increases testosterone
14:54 – Genetics vs lifestyle triggers
15:58 – When PCOS presents across life stages
18:05 – Medication vs root-cause approach
21:30 – The role of supplements in PCOS
22:36 – Emerging treatments: PRP & ovarian health
25:40 – Fertility: key supplements
26:58 – When to seek fertility support
32:29 – Breast health & mammogram guidelines
35:28 – Anti-inflammatory support & curcumin
36:16 – Final advice: PCOS and fertility reassurance

👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.

🎧 Listen to the podcast:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@phytoceutics
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 

Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com
for 20% off your first order.

📲 Connect with Us:
Dr Kate Chambers | https://www.instagram.com/drkatechambers/ | https://drobgyn.co.za/about-dr-kate-chambers/
Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en

#HerHealthPodcast #PCOS #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #FertilitySupport #InsulinResistance #GutHealth #AntiInflammatory #WomensWellness #Phytoceutics

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ podcast by Phytoceutics – a space for women to feel informed, empowered, and supported through science-led conversations on modern health and well-being.

In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and host Laura Johnston sits down with Daniella Corder – fitness & nutrition coach, wellness advocate, and certified personal trainer.

Daniella shares her powerful personal journey from a lifestyle centred around alcohol and burnout to building a healthier, more intentional life grounded in movement, nutrition, and long-term well-being.

From strength training myths and protein intake to diet trends, cycle syncing, and the dangers of chronic calorie restriction, this episode is essential listening for any woman wanting to build a healthier relationship with exercise, food, and her body.

Topics Covered:

🙌 Daniella's journey from dependence to consistency
 ⚖️The “consistently average” philosophy – and why perfectionism fails
💪Why strength training should be the foundation of female fitness
🍞 Why cutting out carbs can do more harm than good
🔥 The truth about fasted workouts and extreme calorie restriction
🧠 Diet culture, “SkinnyTok” trends & the return of unhealthy beauty standards
🍗 How much protein women actually need for strength and satiety
🏋️ The myth of women “bulking” from lifting weights
🔄 Why sustainable habits beat short-term diet trends
🧬 Training in sync with your menstrual cycle – intensity vs expectation
🚶 Why daily movement matters even if you train at the gym
🍎 Fruit, carbs & whole foods – separating nutrition facts from fear
💊 Coach Cords’ core supplement stack: Omega-3, magnesium, zinc & creatine
🦠 How chronic undereating can stall progress
🌱 Small habits that help rebuild consistency when motivation fades
✨ Building strength for metabolic health and ageing well

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

0:56 – Rapid-fire: training, fasting, supplements & sleep
3:18 – Daniella’s personal journey with alcohol and lifestyle change
8:11 – Breaking habits and redefining health
10:08 – The “consistently average” philosophy explained
12:55 – Protein, carbs and building a balanced diet
14:58 – Why carbs are not the enemy
16:21 – The importance of strength training for women
17:20 – Ideal weekly training structure
19:38 – Coach Cords’ personal training routine
20:18 – What Daniella eats in a typical day
22:06 – Training around your menstrual cycle
25:05 – Why rest and recovery are essential
25:45 – The myth of women “bulking”
28:10 – The rise of “SkinnyTok” and modern diet culture
30:07 – Supplements Daniella takes daily
30:44 – Training and nutrition in perimenopause & menopause
32:52 – How much protein women actually need
35:34 – Hydration, electrolytes & common misconceptions
37:32 – Diet trends: sardine diets, & social media nutrition
39:53 – Rebuilding habits when you fall off track
41:10 – Calorie restriction vs metabolic health

👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phytoceuticsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/ep-11-the-fitness-truths-women-need-to-hear/id1846133718?i=1000755798954Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/f7116684-6817-440a-a51c-8d363c6d6e8a/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-11-the-fitness-truths-women-need-to-hear

💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com
for 20% off your first order.

📲 Connect with us:

Daniella Corder (Coach Cords) | https://www.instagram.com/coach_cords/?hl=en
Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en

#HerHealthPodcast #WomensFitness #StrengthTraining #DietCulture #ProteinIntake #CoachCords #MetabolicHealth #CycleSyncing #HealthyHabits #Phytoceutics