Oestrogen balance in men is increasingly recognised as an important component of male health.  While testosterone often takes centre stage, elevated oestrogen—particularly oestradiol—can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, weight gain, mood changes, and even gynecomastia.  Understanding nutritional and metabolic approaches to supporting oestrogen balance is an emerging area in functional medicine. One of the most intriguing studies in this space was publis

When most people think of vitamin D, they picture bone health, immunity, or time in the sun. But emerging research suggests vitamin D may play an important role in male hormone balance—specifically in reducing elevated oestradiol levels, a pattern often described as oestrogen dominance in men. A key study in this area is the work of Canguven et al. (2017) , which examined how vitamin D supplementation affects sex hormones in middle-aged, vitamin-D-deficient men. The findings

Emerging research suggests that your daily coffee may do more than boost alertness—it may also play a role in supporting healthy oestrogen balance in men, particularly those experiencing features of oestrogen dominance. Two key studies have contributed important insights: 1. Coffee and Hormone-Related Metabolism (Hang et al., 2017) The 2017 Hang study found that regular coffee consumption favourably shifts metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. While not focused exclusively o

By Dr D. Michael Elliott MSc, D.C., CFMP Published in   Human Nutrition and Metabolism (Elsevier, 2025) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hnm.2025.200354 Understanding Hormone Balance in Men Hormone health isn’t just a women’s issue — in men, the balance between testosterone and oestrogen  plays a vital role in energy, mood, body composition, and metabolic health. As men age, or when diet and lifestyle are suboptimal, oestrogen dominance  can emerge — a state where oestrogen levels o

Nicotine and a few hundred other chemicals By Dr D Michael Elliott MSc D.C. CFMP Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner For decades, nicotine has been almost universally branded as a poison — the chemical culprit behind smoking-related disease and addiction. But what if that story isn’t the whole picture? Nicotine is far more complex than its reputation suggests.  While it’s true that tobacco smoke kills millions, the nicotine molecule itself may not be the villain we’v

Electrolyte Imbalance When we think about recovery from a cold, flu, or bronchial infection, most people picture the immune system, vitamin C, or rest.  But few realize that the body’s electrical system — its electrolytes — plays an equally crucial role in how well we fight infection and recover afterward. Every heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve signal, and immune response relies on the precise balance of four key minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These

By Dr D Michael Elliott MSc D.C. CFMP Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner & Chiropractor The Fasting Phenomenon Intermittent fasting (IF) has become one of the most talked-about health trends of the decade.   It’s praised for its potential to improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, support weight balance, and promote cellular repair through autophagy. But while fasting has its place, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. What’s missing from most conversations is the conte

By Dr D Michael Elliott MSc D.C. CFMP Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner & Chiropractor Why Intermittent Fasting Became So Popular Intermittent fasting (IF) has become one of the most talked-about nutrition and longevity strategies in recent years — and for good reason. When done correctly, fasting can help: Regulate insulin and blood sugar Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress Support healthy body composition Enhance cellular repair and mitochondrial efficiency Promote menta

Getting quality sleep isn’t just about “going to bed earlier” — it’s the result of two powerful biological systems working together: the...

On social media, you’ll often see two competing claims about amino acids: “No one is amino acid deficient in Western countries.” “Amino...