Notes FROM WITHIN

Empowering you with knowledge to take charge of your own health.

Photography by Vanessa Rowe

Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Why Reading Glasses Become Necessary After 50 and How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

As we age, many of us notice changes in our vision, particularly around the age of 50. Tasks such as reading fine print or working on a computer become challenging, often requiring us to hold objects farther away or squint to focus. This phenomenon, known as presbyopia, is a natural part of aging and can be managed effectively. At FROM WITHIN, we have seen how lifestyle, diet, and proactive care can support eye health and potentially delay or mitigate vision changes. Today, we explore why reading glasses become necessary around age 50, and the science behind age-related vision changes, providing evidence-based strategies to keep your eyes in optimal condition.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Managing Midsection Weight Gain in Perimenopause and Menopause: A Holistic, Evidence-Based Approach

Perimenopause and menopause bring profound changes to a woman’s body, with midsection weight gain being a common and frustrating concern. This visceral fat accumulation affects appearance, self-esteem, and health, increasing risks for metabolic disorders. At FROM WITHIN, we explore the causes of this weight gain, emphasising the role of clinical nutritionists in addressing it internally, the insights provided by functional testing such as the DUTCH test, and the critical interplay of hormones, metabolic health, lean muscle mass, stress, sleep, and diet.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

The Power of Mind-Body Practices for Mental Wellness

At FROM WITHIN, we believe that true health extends beyond nutrition, it encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Our holistic approach integrates evidence-based lifestyle strategies such as meditation, breathwork, cold and hot therapy, and mindfulness to help our clients manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In today’s fast-paced world, mental health issues are increasingly common, but research shows that these practices can offer powerful, accessible tools for fostering resilience and wellbeing. Today, we explore the science behind these practices and how they can support your mental health journey.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Perimenopause and HRT: Empowering Women with Knowledge

Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, often catches women off guard, especially when symptoms are subtle or absent. Many women are unaware of the “invisible” effects of fluctuating hormones on heart, bone, and brain health, leading to confusion about whether Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is necessary if they feel fine. At FROM WITHIN, we aim to clarify the benefits of HRT, particularly bioidentical forms, to empower women to make informed choices. Alongside HRT, targeted nutrition and supplementation strategies can further support health during this life stage, addressing both silent risks and any emerging symptoms.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Thyroid Disorders: How Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies Can Support You

Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Graves’ disease, impact millions of people worldwide, disrupting metabolism, energy, and wellbeing. At FROM WITHIN, we specialise in evidence-based, personalised strategies to support thyroid health. Today we explore the effects of thyroid conditions and how targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle choices can transform your health. If you’re struggling with thyroid issues, we invite you to book a consultation to create a personalised plan for optimal wellness and long-term health.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Anxiety & the Gut-Brain Axis

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, affecting millions of individuals across age groups. Recent research has demonstrated the intricate relationship between anxiety and the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal system and the brain. This connection has significant implications for both mental and physical health, particularly in the context of the digestive system. In Australia, the “anxious generation”, a term often used to describe younger cohorts, particularly Generation Z and younger Millennials, faces a troubling trend of rising anxiety and associated health issues. At FROM WITHIN we specialise in addressing these challenges through personalised nutrition strategies.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, often debilitating condition affecting millions of women worldwide, yet it remains under diagnosed and misunderstood. Characterised by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, endometriosis can cause significant pain and impact quality of life. FROM WITHIN explores endometriosis, including its symptoms, causes, and how certified practising nutritionists (CPNs) can offer holistic support.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

PMS and PMDD: Symptoms, Causes, and Nutritional Support

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are conditions that significantly impact the physical and emotional wellbeing of many women during their reproductive years. While PMS is common, PMDD is a severe, debilitating condition recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a distinct disorder since 2019, listed under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as GA34.41 (World Health Organisation, 2019). FROM WITHIN provides an evidence-based overview of PMS and PMDD, including symptoms, causes, and how a certified practising nutritionist can support women in managing these conditions.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Nutritional Biochemistry – Why Nutrients Are Fundamental to Health and the Mechanism of Action of Some Key Nutrients

Nutritional biochemistry is the study of the molecular interactions between nutrients and the body, focusing on how dietary components influence physiological processes and overall health. Nutrients are fundamental to health because they serve as the building blocks for cellular structures, energy production, and the regulation of metabolic pathways.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

A Simple Way to Reduce the Chemical Load on Your Body: Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables!

In today’s world, the food we consume is often laden with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemical residues. Even organic produce can carry traces of environmental pollutants (Lu et al., 2018). These chemicals accumulate in our bodies over time, contributing to a phenomenon known as "toxic burden," which can negatively impact health and wellbeing. One simple yet effective way to reduce this toxic burden is by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables with a specialised produce wash designed to remove chemical residues.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

How nutrition and working with a qualified nutritionist can positively impact living with an autoimmune condition.

Autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease), and coeliac disease, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. These conditions can lead to chronic inflammation, pain, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. While medical treatments such as immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs are often necessary, emerging research highlights the critical role of nutrition in managing autoimmune diseases.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Strengthening Your Immune System for Winter

As winter approaches, the risk of respiratory infections rises. This is due to factors including reduced sunlight exposure, colder temperatures, and increased indoor activities (Mourtzoukou & Falagas, 2020). A strong immune system is essential for preventing seasonal illnesses, and current research confirms that targeted lifestyle and supplementation strategies can enhance immune defences (Calder, 2020).

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

What is preventative medicine? Exploring the importance of root cause resolution from a clinical nutritionist’s perspective.

In today’s fast-paced, modern world, health issues are often treated as isolated symptoms rather than as part of a larger, interconnected system. As a qualified practising nutritionist, I have seen firsthand how this approach fails to address the underlying causes of chronic conditions, leading to a cycle of temporary relief and recurring problems. The key to health span, lies in understanding and addressing the root cause of health issues, rather than merely treating symptoms.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

The Power of Personalised Nutrition and Nutritional Compounding

In a world where health and wellness are more important than ever, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition no longer works. Each of us are unique—our genetics, lifestyles, health conditions, and nutritional needs differ, which means our paths to optimal health should too. At FROM WITHIN, we believe in the transformative power of personalised nutrition and nutritional compounding, two revolutionary approaches that allow us to create personalised dietary strategies and targeted nutrient therapies designed just for you.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Long-Term Skin Health: A Scientific Perspective

Achieving healthy, radiant skin is a goal many individuals strive for. While genetics play a significant role, lifestyle choices and skincare practices can profoundly impact your skin's long-term health and appearance. This note from within delves into the science behind effective skincare, exploring the impact of both topical treatments and nutritional strategies, with a particular focus on how the epidermis and dermis affect your skin's appearance.

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Joanna Cooper Joanna Cooper

Personalised Nutrition in the Digital Age

In today's hyperconnected world, we're inundated with information. From social media to YouTube, nutritional advice is readily available at our fingertips. While this accessibility is undoubtedly beneficial, it has also led to a cacophony of conflicting viewpoints.

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