The latest episodes of the Expresso Show brought together leading healthcare voices to unpack a series of health conversations that go far beyond surface-level wellness. From the science of gut-brain communication and emotional resilience in children to managing pain holistically and understanding how your oral health mirrors your internal health, each episode offered practical, evidence-based tools to support your health journey.
“If we explore a little bit deeper and actually use the relationship as the thing that is protective of our kids, then we are setting them up for success.”
On this episode of the Expresso Show, the spotlight turned to the challenges and responsibilities of modern parenting. Clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Jenny Rose joined Phytoceutics® CEO and integrative health coach Laura Johnston to explore how connection, conscious parenting, and foundational nutrition can help raise confident, resilient children in today’s fast-paced world. Dr. Rose emphasised the critical role of attachment and routine in developing secure kids, noting that while emotional attunement is vital, true conscious parenting also requires boundaries, consistency, and structure.
Laura highlighted how daily lifestyle habits – especially sleep and diet – can dramatically impact emotional regulation and behaviour in kids. She recommended core supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D3, and probiotics to support gut health, mood, and brain function, particularly for picky eaters or kids with limited diets. Together, the conversation was a powerful reminder that supporting children’s development starts with what we model – and nourish – at home.
“Your neurotransmitters – your feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine – are actually created in the gut.”
On this episode of the Expresso Show, gut health took the spotlight as Phytoceutics® CEO Laura and registered dietitian Gabi Meltzer explored the complex connection between digestion, stress, and emotional wellbeing. With bloating, cramping, and IBS on the rise, Gabi emphasised how modern habits like restrictive dieting, rushed meals, and chronic stress disrupt both digestion and mood via the gut-brain axis. Laura explained how a compromised gut environment impairs neurotransmitter production, contributing not only to physical discomfort but also anxiety and low mood.
The conversation offered both lifestyle and supplement solutions. Gabi highlighted the importance of simple habit changes, like eating mindfully and prioritising fibre, before eliminating entire food groups. Laura introduced evidence-based gut support tools, including Bettergut®, which contains butyrate to calm inflammation, repair gut lining, and restore microbial balance. Together, their insights served as a reminder that gut care is foundational to feeling well – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
“We need to be proactive, and we need to prevent disease.”
In this episode of the Expresso Show, the conversation spotlighted the gut’s central role in overall wellness. Joining the discussion was aesthetic doctor and cancer survivor Dr. Michele Vanzaghi, who shared powerful insights into the gut’s connection with the immune system, brain, and skin. Drawing from his personal journey, Dr. Vanzaghi emphasised the importance of moving beyond reactive medicine to preventative care, highlighting how cellular health and inflammation manifest externally in the skin, especially in conditions like pigmentation. He explained how addressing internal imbalances, including gut health, can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
Laura unpacked what makes a supplement effective, focusing on clinically studied ingredients, proper dosage, and bioavailability. She explained that products like curcumin, extracted from turmeric and supported by strong research, can have a meaningful impact on inflammation and skin health. Together, they called for a more integrated approach to healthcare, where collaboration between experts and targeted supplementation empowers people to take control of their health from the inside out.
“Pain is a subjective experience, but its intensity is deeply modulated by how our nervous system responds.”
In this episode of the Expresso Show, Dr. Hilton Lazar, a chiropractor specialising in neuromusculoskeletal therapy, joined Laura for a candid conversation about holistic approaches to musculoskeletal health. Dr. Lazar highlighted the crucial role of the biopsychosocial model in understanding pain, emphasising how stress, lifestyle, and sedentary habits contribute to neck, back, and tendon issues. He explained how the autonomic nervous system modulates pain perception, revealing why stress can amplify discomfort.
Laura complemented this by outlining key supplements like vitamin B, D, K2, magnesium, omega-3s, and bioavailable curcumin to support bone, joint, and muscular health while managing inflammation. Together, they underscored the importance of combining mindful movement, stress management, and targeted supplementation to address pain and support recovery from multiple angles.
“A smile is more than just a reflection of joy – it’s a window into your overall health.”
In this episode of the Expresso Show, dentist Dr. Marc Sher joined Laura to explore the fascinating world of the oral microbiome. Dr. Sher discussed how the balance of good and harmful bacteria in the mouth plays a critical role in oral health, from preventing cavities caused by bacteria like Streptococcus mutans to managing bad breath and gum disease. Dr. Sher explained why simple habits like brushing and flossing twice daily remain essential, while cautioning against the overuse of alcohol-based mouthwashes that can disrupt beneficial bacteria and reduce nitric oxide production, impacting blood flow.
Laura highlighted the important connection between gut and oral microbiomes, emphasising how supporting gut health with probiotics and targeted supplements, including vitamin sprays absorbed through the oral mucosa, can enhance overall wellness. Together, they encouraged listeners to take control of their oral health through mindful daily care and professional dental visits, reinforcing that a healthy mouth truly supports a healthy body from the inside out.
These insightful conversations are a reminder that health is multi-dimensional and deeply connected. From the gut to the brain, and the mouth to the spine, each system in the body plays a role in how we feel, think, and function. Whether you’re supporting a child’s development, managing chronic pain, or looking to optimise your emotional and physical wellbeing – small, intentional daily choices make a big difference.
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.
