We are excited to welcome Naturopath Micaela Monteiro-Haig as a new addition to our team at Zest Infusion.

Hi, my name is Micaela Monteiro-Haig. I am a degree-qualified naturopath with training in nutritional medicine, western herbal medicine and homeopathy. In addition to my degree qualifications, I have also undertaken training in mind-body nutrition and eating psychology.

I have a special interest in mental health and I am passionate about helping individuals with mood disorders to feel happier, calmer and improve their vitality. Other areas of interest which I believe can also have a significant impact on mental health, include stress management, sleep issues, fatigue syndromes, female and male hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, cognitive issues, immune dysfunction (including food allergies/intolerances, autoimmune conditions), digestive complaints, eating challenges (overeating, binge eating, body image, chronic dieting) and weight management. As a mother of two teenagers, I am also passionate about adolescent health.

As a naturopath, I practice a system of healthcare that takes into account the whole person; the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects that contribute to an individual’s state of health. Naturopathy aims to identify and treat the underlying causes of disease by supporting the body’s innate healing processes.

Beyond the psychosocial factors that can be responsible for affective disorders such as anxiety and depression, there are a number of biological causes that can contribute or cause the symptoms of these disorders as well as other psychiatric conditions.

These include but are not limited to:
• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid disease
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Poor diet
• Poor sleep
• Autoimmune disease
• Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections
• Food allergies or food intolerances
• Dehydration
• Genetic polymorphisms

The factors mentioned above can all contribute or cause a host of imbalances in body chemistry and affect the availability, synthesis and breakdown of important neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.
Oftentimes, addressing and treating the biological causes of depression and anxiety symptoms can bring great relief to individuals.

In addition, a great number of individuals may be on certain anti-anxiety or anti- depressant medication. Oftentimes these medications can cause certain side effects that can be attenuated via the prescription of nutrients or herbal medicines. In some cases, clients may be resistant to orthodox pharmaceutical medication and prefer to try the nutritional or herbal medicine modalities for relief of their symptoms. Naturopathy can help support clients in both scenarios.

I am excited to be part of the Zest Infusion team as it is my belief that integrating naturopathy and psychology therapies can further enhance the positive therapeutic outcome for the individual. In this way, the person is indeed being treated as a whole.

To find out more about the services I provide at Zest Infusion go to www.zestinfusion.com.au. To find out more about me visit my website mybodymindhealth.com.au