On recent episodes of the Expresso Show, we heard from plastic surgeon Dr. Willem Erasmus on the evolving science behind cosmetic surgery, while registered dietitian Keri Lambooy explored common nutrition pitfalls affecting energy and performance.
Ultra-runner Michael Larter offered a powerful look at how movement fuels mental resilience, and paediatrician Dr. Raphaella Stander shared expert advice on addressing nutrient deficiencies in children. These diverse conversations all underscore one message: lasting wellness is built through a holistic approach, one that blends expert care, targeted supplementation, and practical lifestyle support from the inside out.
“We like healthy patients. There is no point in coming for a cosmetic procedure if you are unhealthy.”
In this insightful episode of the Expresso Show, Laura sat down with plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Willem Erasmus to unpack the evolving world of cosmetic surgery – from facelifts and tummy tucks to the popular Brazilian butt lift (BBL). Dr. Erasmus explained how his practice has shifted from reconstructive to primarily cosmetic procedures, with the BBL and facelifts topping the list. The discussion explored what the BBL entails – harvesting fat from one area to contour and enhance another – and why patient health and preparation are essential for successful outcomes. As he noted, patients must stop all supplements, especially those that thin the blood, at least two weeks prior to surgery.
Laura highlighted the importance of immune support and gut health during the pre- and post-operative phases. She explained how supplements like AHCC (a shiitake mushroom-derived compound) can support immune function before surgery, while natural solutions like curcumin and Bettergut® can help manage inflammation and post-operative constipation, common side effects of opioid pain medications.
Together, Laura and Dr. Erasmus emphasised that plastic surgery is about more than aesthetics; it’s a full-body journey that benefits greatly from expert guidance and holistic preparation.
“We’re seeing so many patients who are actually underfuelling rather than overfuelling.”
On this highly informative episode, Laura sat down with registered dietitian Keri Lambooy to unpack the myths and realities of modern nutrition, particularly in the context of fitness, energy, and wellness.
Keri revealed a common issue she sees in practice: many people are eating too little to meet their body’s daily demands, especially those living active lifestyles. Even when total calories are adequate, the balance of macronutrients is often off, leading to issues with energy, muscle recovery, and mental clarity. She explained how “diet culture” has created a widespread fear of carbohydrates, despite them being our body’s primary energy source.
Laura added that even those with a good diet often have micronutrient gaps, pointing to vitamin D3 and omega-3s as two of the most common deficiencies. She highlighted the convenience of D3 oral sprays and emphasised the importance of supplement quality – especially with omega-3s.
“We ran 772km from Cape Town to Namibia to raise money for mental health… we’ve helped a lot of people from it.”
In this inspiring episode of the Expresso Show, endurance runner and mental health advocate Michael Larter joined Laura to talk about running for a cause, overcoming personal loss, and how movement and mental wellness are powerfully connected. Michael shared the emotional story behind the Amy Howard Foundation, which he started after losing his girlfriend to mental illness. His mission was clear: to make mental health support more accessible, especially for young people in South Africa.
Michael’s incredible physical feat – running from Cape Town to Namibia in just 14 days – was more than a test of endurance. It was a challenge with a purpose, raising funds for mental health support. “We ran 772 km and raised around R60,000,” he shared, emphasising both the difficulty and the profound impact of the journey. Laura explained how proper supplementation, like magnesium, vitamin D3, and curcumin, supported Michael’s physical recovery and helped him maintain his mental clarity throughout the run. She also highlighted the importance of gut health for supporting neurotransmitter function and emotional balance, especially during intense physical and emotional stress.
“Breast milk is actually very low in iron. We encourage moms to supplement from the age of four months up until a year.”
Children’s health took centre stage on this episode of the Expresso Show as Laura and paediatrician Dr. Raphaella Stander shared insights on the common nutrient deficiencies in young children. Dr. Stander explained that iron deficiency is especially prevalent during the first two years of life, when rapid growth depletes the iron stores babies are born with. Breast milk, while nutrient-rich, is naturally low in iron, which is why supplementation is often recommended from as early as four months. Signs of deficiency include lethargy, poor concentration, and even unusual cravings like eating sand – a condition known as pica.
To support families in addressing this “iron gap,” Laura introduced several innovative and child-friendly supplement options, including Phytoceutics®’ Phytomist® Iron Oral Spray and BlueIron, both known for their appealing flavours and ease of use. She also highlighted additional tools for immune support and picky eaters, like Nutriburst vitamin gummies, which are sugar-free and come in tasty flavours. For parents navigating nutrition challenges, this conversation offered expert-backed reassurance and accessible solutions to help kids thrive.
Whether enhancing physical appearance, optimising nutrition, pushing mental and physical limits, or nurturing the next generation, these episodes revealed that true wellness is a comprehensive journey. The experts demonstrated that health is not isolated to one aspect but is a dynamic interplay of body, mind, and environment. By embracing holistic preparation, balanced nutrition, purposeful movement, and attentive care across life’s stages, we can empower ourselves to achieve lasting vitality and resilience.
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.
