What if the very nutrient celebrated for preventing neural tube defects is now tipping into excess, disrupting biochemistry, fuelling anxiety, and shaping the health of the next generation?

In this thought-provoking conversation, clinician–researcher Carolyn Ledowsky - now nearing the end of a four-year PhD - shares her evidence-based re-evaluation of folic acid, methylfolate, and the overlooked role of men in preconception care.

Carolyn unpacks why folic acid isn’t the villain, but why unchecked intake poses real risks. We explore unmetabolised folic acid and methylation bottlenecks, the stability challenges of methylfolate, and why folinic acid may offer a practical interim solution. She outlines a pragmatic public health roadmap: cap daily intake at 400–500 mcg, remove voluntary fortification to prevent hidden excess, and individualise care with methylfolate plus B12 and cofactors where needed.

This conversation also delves into recurrent pregnancy loss and the striking results of tailored protocols - removing folic acid, lowering fortified foods, using methylfolate, testing MTHFR/DHFR status, and including the partner. Importantly, Carolyn brings men into focus, highlighting emerging evidence that male folate metabolism and genetics directly influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

And in a surprising clinical insight, she reveals how elevated B6 often normalises quickly with lysine - reshaping how we think about nutrient “toxicity” in the post-viral era.

If you care about smarter prenatal nutrition, realistic fortification policy, and giving couples the best chance of healthy conception, this episode provides a science-led roadmap for clinicians, policymakers, and future parents alike.

Connect with Carolyn: mthfr support

Read Carolyn's Paper:

Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website


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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

What if the root of stubborn chronic illness isn’t just poor lifestyle choices, but an invisible toxic burden quietly overwhelming the body?

In this compelling episode, naturopath and mentor Liza Twohill shares insights from her 25+ years of clinical experience helping patients in regional Australia navigate the hidden impact of agricultural chemicals, mining exposures, heavy metals, and everyday pollutants. From her grassroots beginnings in Dubbo to her current role as NHAA Board Director and Adjunct Professional Fellow at Southern Cross University, Liza has honed a practical, step-by-step framework for guiding patients safely through detoxification.

You’ll learn why trace minerals like zinc, iodine, and molybdenum are foundational to detox, how polyphenols and antioxidants can dial down chronic inflammation and support mitochondria, and why jumping straight into “heroic” detox protocols often backfires. Instead, Liza maps out her six-stage process - assessing exposures, reducing body burden, calming the nervous system, addressing inflammation, optimising drainage, and finally implementing targeted detox strategies.

Whether you’re a clinician seeking clarity on environmental medicine or someone struggling with complex health issues, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: detox isn’t about quick fixes, but about restoring the body’s natural resilience with patience, precision, and respect for individual biochemistry.

Connect with Liza: www.lizatwohill.com

Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website


Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au

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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Feeling buried in admin when all you want is to focus on your patients?

You’re not alone. The naturopathic profession has long struggled with burnout as practitioners juggle clinical work, business management, marketing, and ongoing education—often single-handedly.

In this groundbreaking conversation, Amy Skilton and business mentor Tammy Guest explore how artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented opportunities for naturopaths to reclaim their time, amplify their unique gifts, and ultimately become more human in their practice. Beyond the fear-based headlines, AI offers practical solutions to longstanding challenges in our profession.

Discover how practitioners are using AI to transcribe and summarise consultations, freeing them to be fully present with patients. Learn how research that once took hours can now be completed in minutes, with practitioners maintaining discernment while AI handles the heavy lifting. For those who struggle with marketing and content creation, hear real-world examples of practitioners finally launching the courses and programs they’ve dreamed of—all thanks to accessible AI tools.

Perhaps most compelling is the recognition that our predominantly female profession has a unique opportunity to influence AI’s development. With 70% of current AI users identifying as male, naturopaths can bring a holistic, patient-centred perspective to ensure this technology reflects the values we hold dear.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-phobic, this episode offers practical starting points and free resources to help you explore how AI might enhance your practice. The world needs the special gifts that only you have—don’t let them remain hidden because you’re weighed down by tasks that AI could handle with ease.

Connect with Tammy

Check out Tammy's Clone Yourself with AI course

Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website


Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au

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Instagram: Designsforhealthaus

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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health