In this powerful series of interviews on the Expresso Show, medical experts and wellness leaders unpack the science behind detoxification, functional medicine, early cancer detection, and menopause-related bone health. Together with Phytoceutics® CEO Laura Johnston, each guest shed light on often-overlooked issues and shared actionable strategies to support long-term vitality – whether it’s strengthening your bones, listening to early symptoms, or uncovering the root cause of chronic imbalances.
“What we aren’t mentioning enough is bone health – and by the time it becomes an issue, it’s usually too late.”
In this segment of the Expresso Show, Phytoceutics® CEO Laura Johnston and women’s health specialist Dr. Kim Sonntag addressed a crucial but often ignored aspect of menopause: declining bone health. While hot flushes and hormone changes get most of the spotlight, Dr. Sonntag warned that bone loss starts silently in a woman’s mid-30s and accelerates with falling oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms like back pain, hip aches, or even fractures from minor incidents can be warning signs. Prevention, she emphasised, is key – including early weight-bearing exercise, healthy lifestyle habits, and testing for osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Laura underscored the importance of starting supplementation early, recommending key nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D3 and K2 for calcium absorption and bone strength, and liposomal, bioavailable formulas for consistent support. “It’s not just about calcium – it’s about the absorption, balance, and long-term consistency,” she said.
Laura also noted the influence of genetics and lifestyle, encouraging women to take proactive steps: reduce alcohol, avoid smoking, and have regular bone density checks. This episode highlighted how investing in strong bones today builds the foundation for vibrant health tomorrow.
“Your body is trying to tell you something – it’s not about masking the symptoms, it’s about listening to them.”
In this eye-opening segment of the Expresso Show, medical doctor Dr. Ledivia Strauss joined Laura to unpack what detoxification really means from a scientific and functional health perspective. Dr. Strauss explained that detoxification isn’t just a buzzword or a restrictive juice cleanse – it’s a natural, daily process your body is constantly performing to clear out toxins, hormones, and waste products. She broke down the three critical phases of detox: Phase 1 (where the liver breaks down harmful substances), Phase 2 (where those substances are neutralised and made water-soluble), and Phase 3 (where they are eliminated through the gut, kidneys, lungs, or skin). When any of these phases are sluggish or unsupported, it can result in symptoms like brain fog, PMS, stubborn weight gain, insomnia, breakouts, and fatigue – often misattributed to other causes.
Laura emphasised how important it is to support the body’s detox pathways consistently through nutrition and supplementation, rather than relying on short-term fixes. She highlighted sulforaphane, a powerful compound from broccoli sprouts, for its role in activating Phase 2 liver detox enzymes and promoting oestrogen balance –making it especially relevant for hormonal health. Milk thistle extract (rich in silymarin) was also discussed as a foundational liver support that aids both detox phases and helps protect liver cells from oxidative stress. Laura also underscored the importance of gut health, encouraging the use of targeted probiotics and fibre to support phase 3 elimination and prevent toxins from being reabsorbed.
“Don’t ignore symptoms – if something doesn’t feel right in your body, listen to it.”
On this episode of the Expresso Show, oncologist Dr. Lisa Dalmeyer shared vital insights on early cancer detection and how integrative support can play a role in recovery. Dr. Dalmeyer highlighted the growing number of younger cancer patients and stressed the importance of proactive screening, especially for breast (screening from the age of 40 for women), prostate (screening from the age of 40 for men), and colorectal cancers (colonoscopies from the age of 45) – as well as regular skin checks in sunny regions like South Africa.
The discussion also addressed the rising interest in alternative therapies. While treatment must remain evidence-based, Dr. Dalmeyer acknowledged the need for open conversations about safe complementary care. Laura shared key nutrients like vitamin D3 and magnesium to protect bones after chemotherapy, and curcumin to help support inflammation for long-term well-being in remission. Laura also emphasised the importance of not overburdening your liver and kidneys after treatment, focusing on one or two key concerns to support, as well as consulting with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
“It’s not about masking the symptoms – it’s about listening to what your body is telling you.”
In this enlightening segment of the Expresso Show, functional medical doctor Angélique Oliveira joined Laura to explore the power of functional medicine – a root-cause, science-based approach to health that prioritises the whole person over isolated symptoms. Dr. Oliveira explained how functional medicine blends the best of conventional and integrative practices by looking at lifestyle, nutrition, genetics, stress, sleep, and emotional well-being to build personalised healing plans. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all treatment, functional medicine dives into why someone is unwell – whether it’s gut issues, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, anxiety, or even simply a desire to age well and feel vibrant.
Laura shared how more people are seeking care that not only treats ailments but prevents them. She emphasised the shift away from reactive medicine to proactive well-being, explaining how functional medicine is perfectly positioned to help people understand their deficiencies, avoid unnecessary supplementation, and protect long-term health. “It’s about adding life to your years – not just years to your life,” she noted, advocating for a balanced approach where lab testing, targeted supplementation, and personalised guidance work hand-in-hand.
Dr. Oliveira highlighted some of the most common concerns she sees in her practice – starting with gut health, which she calls the cornerstone of overall wellness. Leaky gut, a condition often triggered by poor diet, stress, inflammation, or toxin overload, can damage the gut lining and allow undigested particles to enter the bloodstream, igniting widespread immune responses and inflammation. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, skin conditions, depression, and even infertility. To heal the gut, Dr. Oliveira recommended nutrients like glutamine (to repair mucosa), zinc (to restore barrier integrity), and probiotics (to replenish good bacteria and rebalance the microbiome).
Secondly, Dr. Oliveira noted stress and adrenal fatigue as another common concern, and how adaptogens such as ashwagandha and rhodiola can help support stress and provide energy without the unwanted side effects of stimulants. Lastly, she touched on sleep disturbances, which are becoming increasingly common in today’s fast-paced world. Top recommendations included valerian root and L-theanine for calming the mind, magnesium to ease muscle tension and support relaxation and sleep, and activated B6 to support the production of serotonin and melatonin – your brain’s natural sleep chemicals.
From the silent symptoms of menopause to the underestimated role of detoxification and early prevention and detection, these insights remind us that proactive health is personal, practical, and possible. These expert-led conversations revealed how functional nutrients, lifestyle choices, and deeper medical understanding can help you take back control of your well-being – long before symptoms force you to.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or chronic medication.
