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Cracking the code, our egg guidemap

By Kaya Kozanecka

Eggs: humble, unassuming, yet profoundly foundational. A perfectly contained package of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. But here’s the catch. Not all eggs are created equal. And it can certainly be hard to figure which are best.

The label labyrinth

Navigating the egg aisle can feel like decoding a secret language. Here’s what those claims actually mean:

Cage-free: It sounds humane, but in reality, “cage-free” often means hens are crammed into overcrowded barns, trampling over each other and with no room to spread their wings or breathe fresh air. While they aren’t confined to cages, they still live in tight, stressful conditions with little opportunity for natural behaviours like foraging or dust bathing.
Free-range: A step up, but don’t let the term conjure pastoral daydreams. To earn the “free-range” label, hens must have “access” to the outdoors. In practice, this often means a tiny door leading to a small concrete patch, hardly enough for thousands of chickens crammed into one space. Many hens never even find their way to that door, let alone spend meaningful time outside.
Pasture-raised: This is the true gold standard. Pasture raised hens live on open pastures, roaming freely with access to grass, insects, and sunlight. These hens live as nature intended, resulting in eggs that are richer in nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin D, with a taste that reflects the care and quality of their environment.
Organic: Organic certification guarantees that hens are fed organic, non-GMO feed and are not routinely given antibiotics. However, this label doesn’t necessarily mean the hens are pasture-raised or free-range. To ensure humane conditions and high-quality eggs, look for “organic” paired with “pasture-raised.”

Organised Tip: Skip the supermarket confusion and connect with local farmers. Farmers’ markets or community supported agriculture (CSA) programs often offer fresher, pasture- raised eggs at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can ask directly about their practices, and maybe even meet the hens, no fancy labels needed.

Shell science

What can you tell from the outside?

Colour: White or brown, does it matter? Not a bit. Shell colour is dictated entirely by the hen’s breed, a genetic quirk with zero bearing on the egg's quality, nutrition, or taste. The real story lies elsewhere.
Strength: Now here’s where it gets interesting. A strong, thick shell is the hallmark of a well nourished hen, living a low stress, healthy life. Brittle or flimsy shells? These are red flags, often pointing to birds lacking proper calcium intake or suffering from poor living conditions. When you crack an egg, the strength of the shell can be your first clue about the life behind it.

Egg size

While large eggs may seem like a better deal, smaller eggs, typically laid by younger hens, have a naturally higher yolk-to-white ratio. This means each bite carries more of the nutrient-dense yolk compared to the relatively lower-nutrient white.

Young hens, at the peak of their health and vitality, lay eggs with thicker shells, firmer whites, and rich, vibrant yolks bursting with flavour. These little details don’t just hint at a hen’s well being, they make for a superior egg, every time.

Expanding your egg horizons

Quail eggs: Tiny as they are, quail eggs pack a serious punch. Their speckled shells hint at the treasure within: a rich, buttery yolk that delivers a luxurious texture in every bite. Nutritionally, they’re overachievers, with higher proportions of vitamin B12, iron, and selenium than chicken eggs.
Duck eggs: Larger than chicken eggs and unapologetically decadent, duck eggs are a culinary gem. Their higher fat content delivers a custard-like yolk that transforms baking into an art form: think cakes with cloud like fluff and puddings so silky they feel otherworldly. They contain more omega-3 fatty acids, nearly double the vitamin D, and extra choline, a vital nutrient for liver function and nervous system support.
Goose eggs: The heavyweight of the egg world. One goose egg is equal to about three chicken eggs, with a yolk so golden and buttery it’s practically an event in itself. Their bold, slightly gamey flavour is a direct reflection of the hen’s varied diet, often rich in natural forage. Nutritionally, goose eggs are off the charts. They provide a protein boost perfect for athletes or anyone with higher energy demands, alongside more vitamin A and vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that fights oxidative stress. Their dense yolks are also packed with bioavailable lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients essential for eye health and protection against blue light exposure

Why does choosing the right eggs matter?

Because an egg is more than just a humble ingredient: it's a microcosm of vitamins, fats, and minerals that reflect the life of the hen that laid it.

Eggs from pasture raised hens, roaming freely on grass and foraging for insects, boast a nutritional profile that’s leagues ahead of their factory farmed counterparts, with significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

This omega balance is crucial: while omega-3s reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and support heart health, grain-fed hens produce eggs with an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, promoting inflammation in the body.

Beyond fats, pasture-raised eggs shine in vitamins like vitamin A (for vision and immune strength), vitamin D (for bone health and mood), and vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant for cellular repair).

Their yolks are rich in carotenoids, bioactive compounds that not only deliver that deep orange hue but also provide antioxidant benefits crucial for skin and eye health.

From their robust flavour to their unparalleled nutrient density, these eggs are food in its truest form: a product of a healthy, balanced ecosystem that respects the dignity of the very animals that nourish us.

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Your gut is leaky It sounds strange, but the health of your digestive system directly impacts your hair. Your gut is responsible for absorbing the nutrients your hair needs and regulating inflammation levels throughout your body. Hair follicles are immune-privileged sites, meaning they’re supposed to be protected from immune attacks. But when your gut is leaky and your bloodstream is loaded with inflammatory compounds, your follicles can become collateral damage. Chronic inflammation pushes hair out of the growth phase (anagen) and into the resting and shedding phases (telogen and catagen). On top of that, a compromised gut means compromised nutrient absorption. Even if you’re eating all the right foods, a leaky gut might be stopping you from absorbing the iron, zinc, B vitamins, and amino acids that your hair relies on. It’s like planting seeds in nutrient-depleted soil. 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Chronic inflammation around hair follicles causes microcirculation issues, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the roots. And if your scalp microbiome is out of whack (thanks to harsh shampoos or environmental toxins), opportunistic microbes can take over, irritating follicles and triggering shedding. Treat your scalp like a garden. Brush it daily with a boar bristle brush to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate dead skin. Once a week, massage your scalp with warm oil infused with rosemary and peppermint to invigorate circulation. Rinse your hair with raw apple cider vinegar diluted in warm water to restore pH balance and clear away buildup (some advice we learnt from our amazing community member Ivana). Plus it makes your hair super shiny. Let your hair dry naturally in the sun when possible, allowing sunlight to energise the follicles and promote a healthy microbiome. 6. You're surrounded by toxins Modern life is a chemical soup. From pollutants in the air and water to chemicals in hair products and even heavy metals in your food, your body is constantly working to detoxify. If your detox pathways are overwhelmed, your body will prioritise keeping vital organs safe over growing thick, lustrous hair. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can directly interfere with hair follicle function. They damage cellular structures, inhibit enzyme activity, and induce oxidative stress that can push follicles into dormancy. Endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates mimic hormones and can interfere with your body’s natural endocrine system. These synthetic chemicals can bind to hormone receptors, displacing your own hormones and causing metabolic chaos that impacts hair health. Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), can settle on the scalp, creating oxidative stress that damages hair follicles. People living in highly polluted areas often report more hair thinning and scalp irritation. Switch to toxin-free hair care and household products. Open your windows often to ventilate your space. Filter your shower water to reduce exposure to hard minerals and chlorine. Eat heavy metal detoxifying foods: cilantro, chlorella, and bitter greens Drink dandelion root tea to support liver function and sweat out toxins through regular movement. Reclaim ancient cleansing rituals like sauna bathing or clay masks to draw impurities out from deep within. Give your body a chance to detoxify daily, don’t wait for it to catch up. If you’re going through postpartum or menopause, know that there are even more factors at play when it comes to hair health. Hormonal upheavals, nutrient depletion, and stress can all conspire to make hair thinning more pronounced. We’re working on separate guides specifically tailored to support you through these life stages (they truly deserve their own in depth roadmaps).

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(clue: it’s not Brian Johnson’s 14-step routine) Longevity isn’t found in a $2 million biohacking protocol or a cryotherapy chamber in Malibu. It’s not about injecting yourself with your son’s plasma or timing your meals down to the millisecond. The secret to aging gracefully, feeling deeply energised, and safeguarding your body against modern stressors? It’s in the small, unsexy habits that humans have relied on for centuries: before the age of synthetic vitamins and meal replacements. Here are five of the most overlooked (but essential) practices for real, tangible longevity. 1. Keep your spine fluid You're only as young as your spine is flexible. Truly. Your spine isn't just a stack of bones. It houses the spinal cord, the central pathway for nerve signals that regulate everything from digestion to heart rate. When the spine is stiff or misaligned, nerve signals become impaired, leading to sluggish organ function, reduced coordination, and even hormonal imbalances. A rigid spine doesn’t just make you feel old, it accelerates aging in tangible ways. Studies show that restricted spinal movement is linked to poor balance, weaker reflexes, and increased fall risk. In fact, reduced spinal flexibility has been associated with lower lung capacity, impaired circulation, and even cognitive decline. The less you move your spine, the more it locks up, creating a vicious cycle of stiffness and dysfunction. Keeping your spine fluid and mobile ensures that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates properly, delivering nutrients to the brain and spinal cord while removing metabolic waste. Longevity rituals: Treat your spine like a living, breathing structure, not a stiff pillar. Hang from a bar like a kid on a playground, letting gravity decompress your vertebrae. Roll on the floor, practice spinal waves, and flow through cat-cow stretches. Walk barefoot on uneven ground, letting the subtle shifts wake up the tiny stabilising muscles that keep you balanced and stop slouching. Seriously. Your nervous system will thank you. 2. Eat food that's still alive Modern food is lifeless. Cooked, sterilised, and processed into oblivion, it’s missing the very thing that makes it nourishing: life itself.Traditional cultures that live the longest, like the Swiss mountain dwellers, the Japanese, and the Inuit, have one thing in common: they consume foods that are raw, fermented, and enzyme-rich. Enzymes are the spark plugs of life. Every cellular function: digestion, detoxification, energy production, depends on them. Raw and fermented foods come preloaded with enzymes, helping them digest themselves so your body doesn’t have to overcompensate. Take raw milk, for example, it contains lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. This is why traditional societies thrived on raw dairy, while modern pasteurised milk often causes bloating and intolerance. Over time, a diet high in cooked, enzyme-depleted foods can overwork the pancreas, drain metabolic energy, and contribute to fatigue, sluggish digestion, and chronic disease. In contrast, raw food, like raw dairy, meat, fruits, and fermented foods support digestion, regulate inflammation, and enhance nutrient absorption. Even more, enzyme rich foods provide protective antioxidants and phytonutrients that slow aging at a cellular level. Longevity rituals Swap pasteurised dairy for raw milk, aged cheeses, and kefir: living foods teeming with enzymes and probiotics that nourish digestion and strengthen immunity. Bring back the ancestral staples modern diets have forgotten: silky raw egg yolks, delicate carpaccio, and fresh raw liver. Let fermentation do the work for you: sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles. And don’t forget the simple gifts of nature: fresh fruits, raw honey, enzyme-rich and bursting with antioxidants that fuel the body at a cellular level. The more life your food holds, the more it gives back to you. 3. Get in the mountains, often Most people breathe like they’re in a constant state of panic: shallow, rapid, and through their mouths. This isn’t just bad for stress levels; it disrupts oxygen delivery at a cellular level. The body needs carbon dioxide (CO₂) to properly release oxygen into the tissues, a principle known as the Bohr Effect. But modern humans over-breathe, dumping CO₂ too quickly, leading to poor circulation, metabolic sluggishness, and even higher stress hormones. Life at altitude forces the body to become more efficient. The lower oxygen levels trigger higher red blood cell production, improved cardiovascular function, and stronger lung capacity. It’s why endurance athletes train in the mountains, it pushes their cells to work harder, making every breath more potent. Studies even show that people living above 1,500 meters tend to have lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders. The mountains don’t just change how you breathe. They change how you move. Hiking uphill strengthens the heart, improves mitochondrial function, and builds endurance. Every step at altitude is a workout, making the body more resilient. A potent antidote to the stagnation of city life, where movement is optional, breath is shallow, and energy slowly fades. Longevity rituals If you can, get to the mountains often, even short exposure can retrain your lungs, improve blood flow, and shift your entire physiology. If you’re stuck at sea level, simulate the effect: breathe slowly and through your nose, train your CO₂ tolerance with breath holds, and walk uphill whenever possible. Your body was built for altitude. It’s time to remind it. 4. Learn to say no before your body says it for you Being agreeable might win you friends, but it can cost you your health. Chronic people-pleasing: suppressing your needs, swallowing your emotions, always saying yes, doesn’t just drain your energy. It rewires your nervous system for stress, and over time, that stress becomes disease. Dr. Gabor Maté, in When the Body Says No, lays it out clearly: the body keeps score when we ignore our boundaries. The research backs it up: Type C personalities, the overly nice, conflict-avoidant, self-sacrificing types, are disproportionately represented among those with serious disease. One 10-year study even found that those who never expressed anger had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than those who did. The reason? Unprocessed stress doesn’t just disappear. it burrows into the body, fuelling inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation. The cultural conditioning to "be easygoing" and "never rock the boat" might seem harmless, but when saying yes to others means constantly saying no to yourself, the cost is steep. Longevity rituals Start treating your boundaries like a health practice. Say no without over-explaining or apologising. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt, express your emotions freely, and protect your energy like your life depends on it, because it does. Surround yourself with people who respect your no and step away from those who take advantage of your yes. Your nervous system wasn’t designed for constant overextension. Honour it, and it will keep you strong for life. 5. Protect your thyroid function (at all costs) Thyroid = metabolic Spark. This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck controls the speed of your body’s engine, producing T3 and T4 hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, and even brain function. When your thyroid is running optimally, you feel strong, warm, and mentally sharp. But when it slows down, a condition known as hypothyroidism, everything else follows. Fatigue, weight gain, sluggish digestion, thinning hair, cold hands and feet, these aren’t just signs of aging. They’re symptoms of a thyroid running on empty. In fact, studies show that suboptimal thyroid function is linked to cognitive decline, higher cholesterol, and loss of muscle mass: all markers of premature aging. In essence, a poorly supported thyroid can make you feel decades older than you are. Longevity rituals Prioritise iodine-rich seafood, raw dairy, and pastured eggs, as iodine is the foundation of thyroid hormone production. Support hormone conversion with selenium-packed organ meats like liver and kidney, collagen-rich broths, and gelatine from slow-cooked meats. Fuel your metabolism with easily digestible carbs like ripe fruit, honey, and well-cooked roots, which prevent stress-induced thyroid suppression. Eliminate the modern thyroid killers: polyunsaturated vegetable oils (PUFAs), soy, and excessive raw cruciferous vegetables, which interfere with hormone production and slow metabolic rate. And above all, don’t starve yourself: chronic fasting, extreme low-carb diets, and caloric restriction send danger signals to your body, downregulating thyroid output and pushing you into a sluggish, energy-conserving state. 6. Feed your brain with B-s Your brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs in your body, and B vitamins are the fuel that keeps it running. They’re essential for neurotransmitter production, DNA repair, and protecting against cognitive decline. But one of their most overlooked roles? Regulating homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, can damage blood vessels and accelerate brain aging. Studies show that B vitamin deficiency is strongly linked to brain atrophy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In one notable two-year study, elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment who took high-dose B₆, B₁₂, and folate saw their brain shrinkage slow by an astonishing 53%. In other words, ensuring adequate B vitamins could literally slow down brain aging. The best sources of B vitamins aren’t found in a pill: they’re in organ meats, eggs, and animal-based foods, packed with bioavailable B₁₂, B₆, folate, and choline in the exact forms your brain can use. Just 100g of beef liver provides over 2,700% of your daily B₁₂ needs, along with critical nutrients for memory, cognition, and nerve function. Longevity rituals Feed your brain the way ancestral diets did: nose to tail. Make liver, kidney, and egg yolks a regular part of your diet for a direct, bioavailable source of B vitamins. Prioritise raw dairy and high-quality red meat, both rich in brain-boosting nutrients. Avoid fortified grains and synthetic B vitamins, which often come in poorly absorbed forms. And if you experience brain fog, memory lapses, or low energy, check your B₁₂ levels, your brain might be starving. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t happen overnight. Protecting your brain starts now.

How to fuel each stage of your child's growth

If you’ve ever watched a toddler eat butter straight from the dish, gnaw on a bone, or instinctively reach for an egg yolk over a dry cracker, you’ve seen ancestral wisdom at work. Children know, deep in their biology, what nourishes them, long before modern food systems interfered with brightly coloured snack packs and fortified cereals. For thousands of years, humans raised strong, healthy children without multivitamins, protein powders, or the latest "kid-friendly" processed foods. In fact, in most cultures, "kid's food" didn’t exist, children ate the same nourishing meals as adults. So let’s break it down, from preconception through the teenage years: what’s happening at each stage, what nutrients matter most, and how we can practically support lifelong resilience at the table and beyond. 1. Preconception & pregnancy (laying the foundations) Key developments Not everyone gets the luxury of planning their nutrition months before pregnancy. But whether you're preparing in advance or already expecting, the foods you eat before conception and the nine months of pregnancy shape a child’s future health in profound ways. Maternal nutrition directly influences foetal brain development, organ formation, and even lifelong metabolism. During pregnancy, the baby’s brain, bones, immune system, and gut microbiome all develop rapidly, drawing from the mother’s nutrient stores. The placenta acts as a nutrient gatekeeper, prioritising essential vitamins and minerals for foetal growth, but when maternal stores are insufficient, the baby may receive suboptimal levels of key nutrients. For example, inadequate choline intake can downregulate genes responsible for hippocampal neurogenesis, impacting memory and cognitive function. How to support them Nose to tail nutrition: Nutrient-dense organ meats like liver, heart, and bone marrow provide bioavailable vitamin A (crucial for embryonic development), heme iron (preventing gestational anemia), and glycine (needed for collagen synthesis and proper foetal growth). Glycine is especially critical, as pregnant women cannot endogenously synthesise enough to meet demand. Support gut health: Your gut health directly influences your baby’s developing immune system. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and raw dairy provide probiotics that help build a diverse microbiome, reducing inflammation and supporting digestion. Prioritise DHA & choline: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a structural fat in the foetal brain and retina, is preferentially transported across the placenta, depleting maternal stores if dietary intake is low. Choline, found in egg yolks and liver, acts as a methyl donor, regulating DNA methylation processes that influence neurodevelopment and stress resilience. Balance minerals: Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (from raw dairy, shellfish, and bone broth) are required for foetal skeletal development. Magnesium also modulates vascular tone, reducing the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Sync with circadian rhythms: Exposure to natural light regulates maternal melatonin production, which crosses the placenta and helps synchronise the foetal circadian system. Melatonin also exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting the developing brain from oxidative stress. 2. Infancy (0–1 year): Brain and immune development Key developments The first year of life is a metabolic inferno. The human brain triples in size between birth and age three, requiring an intense supply of cholesterol, saturated fat, and DHA. Breast milk, the ultimate ancestral food, provides these in perfect proportions. More than just nourishment, it’s a living substance packed with immunoglobulins, white blood cells, and prebiotics that shape the infant’s gut microbiome. The first milk, colostrum, is so nutrient-dense that it’s often called "liquid gold", an immune-boosting elixir modern medicine can’t replicate. Yet the modern world, in its infinite wisdom, often replaces this perfect food with ultra-processed formulas, many based on soy and vegetable oils. Around six months, the conversation shifts to solid foods, and here, the ancestral versus modern divide is stark. Today’s paediatricians often advise iron-fortified rice cereal as a baby’s first food, a nutritionally barren, ultra-processed starch. Compare this to traditional societies, where babies were introduced to liver, egg yolks, bone broth, and fermented foods. Liver puree, once a common weaning food, provides bioavailable iron, zinc, and vitamin A, supporting brain development far better than fortified cereals. Egg yolks, rich in choline and DHA, mirror the composition of breast milk, making them a logical next step in feeding. Bone broth, teeming with collagen and glycine, soothes the gut and builds connective tissue. The immune system is also maturing, with gut colonisation playing a major role. A newborn’s gut is initially sterile but is quickly populated by microbes from breast milk, skin contact, and the surrounding environment. These early microbial exposures shape immune tolerance and determine susceptibility to allergies, autoimmune conditions, and infections later in life. How to support them Breast feed if possible Introduce nutrient-dense first foods: Instead of rice cereal, offer liver puree for bioavailable iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Egg yolks provide choline and DHA, crucial for brain development. Offer soft fruits in their whole form: Mashed banana, avocado, and stewed apples provide vitamins, minerals, and natural enzymes that aid digestion. Well-cooked carrots or sweet potatoes, mashed with butter or coconut oil, enhance carotene absorption and mimic the high-fat nature of breast milk, ensuring a steady supply of essential fatty acids. 3. Toddlerhood (1–3 years): Supporting Rapid Brain Growth and Gut Maturation Key developments By toddlerhood, the brain is still devouring nutrients at a relentless pace. Cholesterol, saturated fat, and DHA remain indispensable, human breast milk is over 50% fat for a reason. Yet this is precisely the age when modern parents are pressured to switch to low-fat dairy, fear cholesterol, and fill their child’s plate with processed toddler snacks instead of real food. The idea that children need low-fat milk is a modern invention, in reality, restricting fat intake at this stage can hinder cognitive development. The same goes for cholesterol. Every neuron in the toddler’s brain is wrapped in a cholesterol-rich myelin sheath, and without enough dietary cholesterol, the process is suboptimal. Yet another battleground emerges in these years: the rise of the picky eater. It’s no coincidence that modern children, raised on hyper-palatable processed foods, develop preferences for sweet and bland over nutrient-dense and savoury. Toddlerhood is the period where metabolic programming happens. The child’s preferences, microbiome, and neurological wiring are still malleable. If you feed them processed grains, refined sugars, and vegetable oils, and you reinforce cravings for modern junk food. How to support them Keep fat intake high: Full-fat dairy, egg yolks, and animal fats support brain myelination and cognitive function. Offer a variety of textures and flavours: Exposure to nutrient-dense foods early on helps prevent picky eating. Instead of bland toddler snacks, introduce savoury, umami-rich options like slow-cooked meats, bone marrow, and fermented vegetables. Focus on metabolic health: Blood sugar regulation is still developing, and refined carbohydrates can cause behavioural swings. Replace sugary cereals and processed snacks with whole food alternatives like cheese, meat, and fruits Encourage outdoor movement: Natural play, climbing, running, and balancing, supports brain and nervous system development in ways structured indoor activities cannot. Introduce collagen-rich foods: Toddlers are growing rapidly, and their bones, joints, and connective tissues require glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline from collagen. Bone broth, slow-cooked meats with skin and connective tissue, and homemade gelatine snacks provide these structural amino acids. Avoid ultra-processed baby snacks: Their hyper-palatable nature disrupts natural hunger signals and can lead to a preference for bland, nutrient-poor foods. 4. Early Childhood (4–7 years): Fuelling growth and learning Key developments During early childhood, kids develop executive function, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. Their bones are rapidly mineralising, requiring sufficient calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K2. The immune system also undergoes major refinement: exposures to new environments, school settings, and outdoor play help train a resilient immune response. How to support them Support mineral absorption with vitamin K2: This nutrient directs calcium into bones and teeth rather than soft tissues. It’s found in grass-fed dairy and egg yolks. Pairing vitamin K2 with vitamin D (from sunlight) optimises bone mineralisation. Balance blood sugar for stable energy: Blood sugar fluctuations can impact focus and emotional regulation. Prioritise protein and healthy fats at breakfast to provide sustained energy for learning and play. Avoid high glycemic breakfasts like toast and cereal, which can cause mid morning crashes. Reduce processed foods & industrial seed oils: The high omega-6 content in processed snacks contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. Cooking with traditional fats like butter, ghee, and coconut oil supports optimal brain and immune health. Maintain circadian rhythm: Sleep is crucial for brain consolidation and immune function. Blue light exposure from screens in the evening can delay melatonin production, leading to poor sleep quality. Dim lighting, early bedtimes, and exposure to natural morning light help regulate the child's sleep-wake cycle. 5. Middle Childhood (8–12 Years): Growth spurts, gut health and emotional regulation Key developments As children approach puberty, growth spurts accelerate, and their nutrient needs rise significantly. The skeletal system accumulates up to 40% of peak bone mass during this stage, requiring adequate calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 for proper mineralization. Hormonal shifts begin to emerge, particularly in late childhood, impacting mood, metabolism, and appetite regulation. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in attention, mood, and behaviour. Gut bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate emotions, focus, and impulse control. Research suggests that children with dysbiosis (microbial imbalances) are more prone to ADHD, anxiety, and mood swings. Additionally, stabilising blood sugar is critical during this phase, as fluctuations in glucose can cause mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity. How to support them Hone in on their gut health: Bone broth is a powerhouse for gut health, providing gelatin and glycine, which help repair and maintain the gut lining. A strong gut lining prevents inflammatory compounds from leaking into the bloodstream, reducing systemic inflammation that can contribute to behavioural issues, brain fog, and weakened immunity. Prioritise magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium (from leafy greens, cacao, and shellfish) calms the nervous system, aiding focus and stress regulation. 6. Adolescence (13–18 Years): Hormonal balance, metabolic health & mental resilience Key developments Adolescence is marked by rapid physical growth, reproductive development, and major shifts in metabolism. Growth hormone surges, leading to muscle mass expansion and increased protein needs. Peak bone density is achieved during this time, requiring optimal intake of calcium, vitamin K2, and vitamin D to prevent future osteoporosis. Hormonal changes drive increased appetite, mood fluctuations, and metabolic shifts. Insulin sensitivity naturally declines during puberty, making stable blood sugar regulation essential for energy balance and mental clarity. At the same time, poor diet choices in adolescence (excess sugar, industrial seed oils, processed foods) can set the stage for early insulin resistance, acne, and mood disorders. The gut-brain axis remains crucial during this phase. Teenagers with disrupted microbiomes have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders, as gut bacteria influence serotonin production. Studies show that Westernised diets high in refined carbs and seed oils correlate with increased inflammation and depressive symptoms, while nutrient-dense, whole-food diets improve cognitive and emotional resilience. How to support them Increase protein and mineral intake: Teenagers require more protein than any other life stage to support muscle growth, brain development, and metabolic function. Prioritise nutrient-dense foods like red meat, eggs, and raw dairy, which provide complete proteins and bioavailable minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. Ensure sufficient creatine for cognitive and muscular support: Creatine isn’t just for athletes, it plays a key role in energy metabolism, supporting both muscle and brain function. Found naturally in red meat and fish, creatine enhances muscle recovery, cognitive performance, and even mood stability. Include antioxidant-rich fruits: Berries, citrus, and pomegranates provide polyphenols that protect against oxidative stress, supporting hormone balance, brain function, and recovery from physical exertion. Stabilise blood sugar: Teenagers naturally experience shifts in insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar regulation critical. Reducing processed carbohydrates and increasing protein and fat intake helps maintain steady energy levels and prevents mood swings and fatigue. Support hormonal balance: Zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s from seafood, shellfish, and organ meats help regulate hormonal fluctuations, reducing acne, mood swings, and inflammation while supporting overall resilience. For girls, teaching them about the different stages of their cycle, and how to nourish and exercise for each can be profoundly helpful.

5 “healthy” exercise supplements that are ruining your gut

With our founder, Niall, tackling his first 52km ultramarathon this Saturday, in hopes of becoming one of the only people to compete using 100% whole foods, optimal exercise nutrition has been on our minds.    Which reminded us how terrible the current options on the market are. You don’t have to wreck your digestion to fuel your workouts.Let’s expose the top 5 offenders along with a better, natural alternative for each. 1. Energy gels Endurance athletes swear by them, those tiny, syrupy packets promising a lightning-fast energy boost. But what they don’t tell you? These ultra-concentrated sugar bombs are notorious for causing bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea (a.k.a. the infamous “runner’s trots”). What they don't tell you When you’re in the middle of intense exercise, your body redirects blood away from digestion and straight to your muscles. This leaves your gut in a compromised state, under-perfused and vulnerable to irritation. Now, picture a thick syrupy gel, often loaded with maltodextrin, suddenly hitting that fragile digestive system. It ferments way too rapidly, leading to gas, bloating, and emergency sprints to the nearest loo. Research shows that 30–70% of endurance athletes experience gastrointestinal distress during races, with carbohydrate gels being a major culprit. Our favourite fuel swap Instead of syrupy sugar bombs, opt for nature’s most bioavailable energy source: raw honey. It delivers quick digesting glucose without the gut strain, while a pinch of celtic sea salt replenishes lost electrolytes, supporting hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Depending on your climate, you can get creative with your fruit juices, though orange, lime and sea salt is always a classic. 2. Multivitamins Multivitamins are often seen as an easy way to "cover all bases" nutritionally. However, most commercial multivitamins are made with synthetic, isolated nutrients that lack the natural cofactors needed for proper absorption. What they don't tell you The body struggles to process these synthetic forms, leading to poor bioavailability and, in some cases, digestive irritation, nausea, or constipation. Certain common ingredients, such as high-dose vitamin C, magnesium oxide, and synthetic iron, can be particularly harsh on the gut, causing cramps or diarrhoea. Additionally, many multivitamins contain artificial fillers, binders, and colorants such as titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol, both of which have been linked to gut bacteria disruption. Our favourite fuel swap The answer to this was always going to be organ meat. You can spend hundreds on supplements and still not cover the full spectrum of nutrients a single piece of beef liver, or heart, covers. Bone marrow is another ancestral goldmine packed with fat-soluble vitamins and collagen to heal the gut lining and support optimal absorption. Befriend your local butcher, toss your synthetic multivitamin and eat real nutrients instead. 3. Pre-workout powder Most pre-workouts are little more than synthetic caffeine bombs laced with gut-disrupting fillers. Their ingredient cocktails can hit your gut as hard as they hit your nervous system, and if you’ve ever chugged one and instantly felt nauseous, jittery, or needed an emergency bathroom run, you’re not alone. And with their neon colours, these guys don't even try to look harmless. What they don't tell you Excess caffeine, often 200–300mg per serving or more, triggers a surge in stomach acid production, leading to acid reflux, cramping, and digestive irritation. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame further disrupt gut health by altering the microbiome, reducing beneficial bacterial diversity, and increasing inflammation. Our favourite fuel swap Another organ. Heart. One of the best natural sources of Coenzyme Q10, essential for cellular energy and endurance. Beetroot juice for nitric oxide production and better blood flow. Sea salt and honey, notice how these repeat? You really don’t need a lot. No stimulants, no artificial fillers, just real, bioavailable fuel. 4. Whey protein powder Whey protein was never the answer. Overprocessed, denatured, and often loaded with gut-disrupting fillers, it’s a poor excuse for real nutrition (no wonder it causes you horrible gut reactions). What they don't tell you Whey protein, extracted from milk during cheese production, undergoes extensive processing to become the powders commonly seen on store shelves. This processing not only affects its nutritional profile but also introduces potential risks to digestive health and overall well-being. High-heat processing during filtration and drying stages can denature whey proteins, altering their structure and reducing their biological activity. This denaturation not only affects protein quality but may also impact how well the protein is digested and utilized by the body. To make matters even worse, to improve taste, texture, and shelf life, manufacturers often add artificial flavours, sweeteners (such as sucralose), stabilisers, and preservatives. Our favourite fuel swap The fuel Niall is relying on to prep for his race? It’s the one he created out of frustration, after years of gut issues from conventional protein powders. It baffles us that we’re the first to make a 100% natural organ blend with protein, collagen, and colostrum, packed with bioavailable nutrients your body actually knows how to use. No isolates, no fillers, no artificial sweeteners, just raw, whole-food ingredients, minimally processed to preserve every last nutrient. And yet, companies still reach for artificial flavourings when honey, dates, and maple syrup exist, and couldn’t taste more perfect. In all fairness, almost all manufacturers refused to work with us, claiming it was too difficult to keep these ingredients raw. But we weren’t willing to compromise. The enzymes, cofactors, and full nutritional integrity had to stay. 5. Granola bars To be fair, granola bars have definitely got some bad press recently, and it is rightfully so. What they don't tell you Most contain hidden ingredients like seed oils and high-fructose corn syrup that can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Seed oils, such as soybean oil and sunflower oil, are commonly used due to their low cost and long shelf life. However, they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can promote inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. High-fructose corn syrup, a cheap sweetener prevalent in processed foods, poses another threat. It has been linked to increased intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," which can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and even contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases Our favourite fuel swap Unlike processed bars, a crunchy, salty piece of jerky is naturally satiating, easy to digest, and free from gut-wrecking additives. Opt for a high-quality, unprocessed jerky, preferably grass-fed, free from seed oils, and cured with simple, ancestral ingredients. Pair it with dried fruit for a natural carb boost, and you’ve got a snack built for true endurance.

More than just a supplement

All-in-one, 100% grass-fed beef protein powder, enriched with collagen, colostrum and beef organs. Designed to replace multiple supplements using whole-food nutrition.

Inside organised

Beef Protein

Bovine Collagen

Bovine Colostrum

Bovine Organ Complex

(Liver, Heart, Kidney, Spleen, Lung)

Celtic Sea Salt

Raw Honey

Maple Syrup

Organic Dates

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Blue packaging for the 'Organised' whole food organ blend product, emphasizing nutrition and longevity benefits.

NO SUGAR ADDED

NO FLAVOURINGS

NOTHING ARTIFICAL

NO STEVIA OR ERYTHRITOL

NO PESTICIDES