Holistic Health Radio Episode 16: Boost Your Immune System Naturally with Naturopath Claire Grullemans

Click below to listen to Episode 17 of Holistic Health Radio. You can also subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you enjoy the content be sure to say hi and leave us a 5-star review.

Listen & Subscribe

Click above to listen to Episode 16 of Holistic Health Radio. You can also subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you enjoy the content be sure to say hi and leave us a 5-star review.

Episode Summary

Today we take a break from exploring mental health topics to talk about something relevant to all of us this winter – our immune system. This year has been a particularly bad flu season, which warrants some discussion around how we can support our bodies and immune systems holistically.

And I thought of no better person to join me than naturopath and nutritionist Claire Grullemans to talk all things immunity and overall wellbeing. We discuss

• What the immune system actually is
• How to support it with proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle factors
• If supplements are actually helpful
• How to recover quickly if you do get sick
• Plus the latest research around gut health and the immune system

Speaker Background – Claire Grullemans

Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I am a clinical naturopath and nutritionist, and mum of 2 little girls. I have worked in the health industry for over 15 years and 13 of these as a practicing naturopath and 4 of those years at Prince of Wales Private hospital in Randwick. I have written articles for health magazines, spoken at various forums, community events, and run my own multidisciplinary health clinic in Double Bay, where I have mentored a number of new practitioners entering the industry.

I love food, cooking, and travel! I have always been interested in how food and cooking have such a strong ability to bring people together, connect you to your heritage, and allow you to experience other cultures.

The best thing about naturopathy and nutrition for me is that people pay me to talk about the foods that are supportive to health and wellbeing. And when they start to make changes to their diet and lifestyle wonderful things start to happen. I specialise in fertility and preconception care and all things women’s health- so to be a part of someone’s health journey is very special, and I love my job!

In your own words, please describe your own health journey and where you’re with it now.

I have been so fortunate to have been a generally healthy person, with no major afflictions. This is not to say I haven’t been surrounded by others with illness. I have always been motivated to help people who are unwell.

I did recently experience a terrible run of health only in the last 3 years (once my first daughter was born), recurrent mastitis, severe oral and oesophageal ulceration, and consequently some depression which I had never had before. This was certainly triggered by stress. Pushing myself too hard, trying to manage too many tasks, and not taking the time out to look after myself, forgetting to take my supplements, and putting meal prep as a last resort.

So after cutting ties with some toxic relationships, finding a healthier balance with managing my workload, and remembering to take my herbs and supplements (as prescribed by my Naturopath) I recovered and soon fell pregnant with my 2nd daughter.

What are you passionate about at work and in your own personal life?

I am passionate about food and travel! The foodie part obviously crosses in to work and personal. And travel… I had a bucket list of making it to 30 different countries before I turned 30, and I think I made it to 27! Seeing different places and enjoying the freedom and exploration a holiday can provide you with really lights me up.

I am always excited to try new foods, and then try and make them once I’m back at home. I would love to make it part of my mission in life to encourage people to get back into the kitchen using fresh ingredients, connecting with food. I truly believe it is a great way to heal a broken relationship with food.

Where can we find out more about you?

Website: www.clairegrullemans.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturopathywithclaire

Instagram handle: @naturopathywithclaire