Why see a Qualified Practitioner at Go Vita

For more than four decades, Go Vita health food stores have stood at the forefront of Australia’s natural health and wellness movement. With a strong and enduring commitment to supporting, educating, and empowering individuals on their wellness journeys, Go Vita has earned a nationwide reputation as a trusted destination for those seeking to enhance their health naturally, sustainably, and holistically.

At Go Vita, we go beyond simply selling products—we foster a lifelong commitment to wellness. Our mission is driven by a genuine care for our customers, and we pride ourselves on delivering personalised service with honesty, integrity, and respect. Whether you’re just starting to explore healthier lifestyle choices or you’re already a passionate advocate for natural living, Go Vita provides a welcoming space where you’ll always find friendly, expert guidance tailored to your individual needs.

What truly sets Go Vita apart is our people. Across our extensive network of stores throughout Australia, we have more than 300 qualified and highly trained natural health practitioners, each ready to support you on your path to better health. For many Australians, their first meaningful conversation with a naturopath happens in a Go Vita store. These professionals are equipped not just with knowledge, but with a genuine desire to help. Whether your concern requires a quick chat and some product recommendations or a more in-depth consultation, our staff can help determine the best course of action, ensuring you get thoughtful, effective support right
from the start.

Many Go Vita locations go one step further by offering in-store clinics. These clinics are often run by the store owners themselves—health professionals who live and breathe natural wellness. This unique approach ensures that our customers benefit from both expertise and empathy. Our team members are often part of the local community and live the same health- focused lifestyle they help others achieve. They understand firsthand the importance of natural remedies, balanced nutrition, and mindful living.

Go Vita operates as a cooperative, which means every store is independently owned and operated while working collaboratively under the national Go Vita brand. This distinctive model gives us the ability to offer the personal, community-driven service of a local store while enjoying the advantages of a unified national network. As a result, we are able to deliver competitive pricing, an extensive range of quality health products, and innovative national
promotions—without ever compromising on the personalised service that defines us.

Our shelves are stocked with a diverse range of natural health products—from trusted vitamins and supplements to whole foods, eco-friendly personal care, and sustainable household items. We are committed to stocking brands and products that align with our values of health, sustainability, and ethical production, ensuring our customers can shop with confidence.

Over the years, Go Vita has built more than just a retail network—we’ve created a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who care deeply about their health and the wellbeing of those around them. Our members (store owners) are the heartbeat of our brand, and through their passion and dedication, we’ve cultivated a culture that celebrates empowerment through knowledge and natural living. When you shop at Go Vita, you’re not just making a purchase— you’re joining a supportive and enthusiastic wellness community.

So whether you’re seeking personalised health advice, exploring high-quality natural supplements, or simply browsing for lifestyle inspiration, Go Vita is your go-to partner in wellness. With a reputation built on trust, experience, and genuine care, we invite you to step into a store and discover what makes Go Vita truly special. And if you’re inspired to become part of our network, you can read more about this opportunity About Go Vita

Understanding Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help

Fatigue is a prevalent yet often misunderstood symptom that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It is not a medical condition in itself but rather a sign that something deeper may be affecting one’s physical or mental well-being. Fatigue manifests as a persistent feeling of tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy that may affect a person physically, mentally, or both. While occasional tiredness can typically be alleviated with rest, a nutritious diet, and
regular physical activity, chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve despite these measures may indicate a more serious underlying issue and should prompt further investigation. Fatigue can be categorized into two main types: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). Acute fatigue is usually the result of a specific, temporary cause such as a busy schedule, intense physical activity, or poor sleep. It often resolves once the stressor is removed and adequate rest is taken. Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, is persistent and may last for weeks, months, or even longer. It is frequently linked to more complex medical or psychological conditions, making it important to identify and treat the root cause.
Symptoms of Fatigue
Fatigue can present through a wide array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physically, individuals may experience muscle weakness, tension, slower reflexes, and impaired hand-eye coordination. These effects can interfere with daily tasks and increase the risk of errors and accidents, especially when operating machinery or driving. Cognitive symptoms are equally disruptive and may include poor decision-making, difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and a lack of motivation or productivity. Emotional manifestations are also common. Individuals suffering from fatigue may feel irritable, anxious, or emotionally drained. Mood swings and a constant sense of being overwhelmed are not uncommon. Neurologically, fatigue can lead to headaches, migraines, dizziness, and excessive daytime sleepiness. It can also impact appetite, causing either an increase or decrease in food intake, and may weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to illness or contributing to flare-ups in autoimmune conditions.
Causes of Fatigue
The causes of fatigue are numerous and often complex. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and anaemia are frequent culprits. These conditions disrupt normal energy production and metabolism, leading to persistent tiredness. Lifestyle factors also play a critical role in the development of fatigue. Poor sleep habits, irregular sleep schedules, and shift work that interferes with natural circadian rhythms can all
contribute. The excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, or recreational drugs can have short-term stimulating effects followed by energy crashes and longer-term fatigue. A sedentary lifestyle and inadequate hydration are also known to exacerbate feelings of exhaustion. While regular physical activity can boost energy over time, a lack of exercise tends to deepen fatigue and reduce overall vitality. Mental health is another significant factor. Psychological conditions such as chronic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, or prolonged grief can sap mental energy and leave individuals feeling emotionally and physically depleted. In some cases, long-term stress may lead to adrenal exhaustion, where the adrenal glands become overworked and reduce their production of essential stress-regulating hormones like cortisol.
Nutritional deficiencies must also be considered. Diets lacking essential nutrients, particularly iron, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins, can impair the body’s ability to produce energy and transport oxygen effectively. Malnutrition or poor dietary choices often result in a persistent sense of lethargy and weakness.
When to Seek Help
If fatigue persists for more than a few weeks and is not relieved by rest, better nutrition, or lifestyle changes, it should not be dismissed. Chronic fatigue may signal an underlying medical or psychological condition that requires professional evaluation. Healthcare providers can conduct comprehensive assessments, including blood tests, hormone evaluations, and screening for infections or chronic diseases, to pinpoint the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing complications and improving one’s quality of life. Lifestyle interventions—such as maintaining a regular sleep routine, engaging in moderate exercise, managing stress through mindfulness or therapy, and eating a well-balanced diet—can be extremely effective in reducing or even preventing fatigue. Recognizing fatigue as a
legitimate and often serious symptom is the first step toward recovery and improved wellbeing.

References
Better Health Channel. (2021). Fatigue. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Physical Activity and Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
Wilkins, M.J., 2014. Clinical perspective on stress, cortisol and adrenal fatigue. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, 1(1), pp.3–7. Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212962614000054
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). What’s causing your fatigue? Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fighting-fatigue&ust=1746755940000000&usg=AOvVaw1OO2tpj-aiHi22GFlIy483&hl=en-GB
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Fatigue: Causes. Retrieved from: Fatigue Causes – Mayo Clinic

Decoding Dopamine: What Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to Know About ADHD

Have you ever felt like your brain is running on 25 tabs at once, but none of them are loading? You walk into a room, forget why, and spend the next 10 minutes doing something else entirely. Maybe you’re struggling to stay focused, manage emotions, or even finish simple tasks—and you’re not sure if it’s hormones, burnout, or something deeper.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many women entering perimenopause or menopause, these cognitive and emotional shifts might be more than just hormonal fog. They could be linked to undiagnosed ADHD and its close companion—dopamine dysregulation.

ADHD in Women: The Hidden Story

ADHD has long been mischaracterised as a childhood disorder affecting mainly hyperactive boys. But we now know that many girls—and women—go undiagnosed because their symptoms present differently. Instead of hyperactivity, they may show up as chronic daydreaming, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, or disorganisation. These traits are often mislabelled as “quirky,” “moody,” or “anxious,” rather than being recognised as signs of a brain that processes dopamine differently.

By adulthood, most women have developed sophisticated coping mechanisms. They juggle families, careers, and social obligations, often masking the mental chaos beneath. But when perimenopause hits and oestrogen levels begin to drop, those coping skills often crumble—bringing ADHD symptoms to the forefront.

Why Oestrogen Matters

Oestrogen enhances the activity of dopamine—a key neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, memory, focus, and mood regulation. As oestrogen naturally declines during perimenopause and menopause, so does dopamine function. For women with underlying ADHD traits (even if undiagnosed), this hormonal shift can feel like a cognitive crisis.

You might experience:

  • Brain fog
  • Emotional reactivity
  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  • Low motivation and energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety or irritability

This is often the turning point when women seek support, recognising that something deeper than “just hormones” is happening.

ADHD in Midlife: What It Really Looks Like

Women with ADHD don’t always appear scattered or impulsive. More commonly, they describe:

  • A racing mind that won’t switch off
  • Difficulty prioritising or finishing tasks
  • Perfectionism, procrastination, and self-criticism
  • Sensory overload or sensitivity to rejection
  • Poor sleep and nighttime overthinking
  • Feeling overwhelmed despite external success

These are not personality flaws—they’re neurological patterns driven by differences in dopamine function.

The Body-Brain Connection

ADHD isn’t just about attention. It’s a whole-body condition involving stress regulation, gut health, nutrient absorption, detoxification, and inflammation.

Many women with ADHD traits also experience:

  • IBS, bloating, or food intolerances
  • Histamine sensitivity and poor DAO enzyme function
  • Chronic fatigue or mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, zinc, B12, omega-3s, vitamin D)
  • Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
  • Heightened reactions to chemicals, fragrances, and EMFs

This is why a holistic approach—one that looks beyond the brain—is essential for long-term wellbeing.

Gut-Brain Axis: Your Second Brain

Your gut plays a major role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. If you have digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, or loose stools—your mood, cognition, and focus can suffer too.

Supporting the gut microbiome, improving digestion, and addressing dysbiosis can be a game-changer for managing ADHD symptoms and restoring emotional balance.

Is It in Your Genes?

Genetic variations like MTHFR, COMT, and MAOA affect how your body makes, uses, and clears neurotransmitters and hormones. They also influence how you detoxify estrogen, manage stress, and absorb nutrients.

DNA testing can uncover these patterns, allowing for personalised support through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation.

Medication Is One Piece of the Puzzle

Stimulant medications like Ritalin or Vyvanse can be helpful for some—but they’re not the only option, and they don’t work for everyone. They can also come with side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss, and increased oxidative stress.

Whether or not you choose medication, a holistic plan can make a world of difference.

Natural Support Strategies for Dopamine and Focus

Naturopathic tools to support dopamine and ADHD traits include:

  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and gotu kola to support stress resilience
  • Cognitive herbs like ginkgo and galangal to sharpen focus
  • Nutrient therapy with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s
  • Gut healing with glutamine, aloe vera, and probiotics
  • Lifestyle changes: prioritising sleep, reducing sugar, and eating balanced whole foods
  • Mitochondrial support to improve energy and mood

We also look at reducing inflammatory triggers—like histamine load, food sensitivities, and environmental toxins—which can worsen symptoms.

You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired Differently

If you’ve spent your life feeling “too sensitive,” “too disorganised,” or just different, ADHD might be part of your story. The good news? It’s not a life sentence—it’s a clue. A roadmap. And understanding it can be empowering, not limiting.

At this stage of life, you don’t have to push through exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. With the right support, you can restore clarity, energy, and confidence—on your terms.

Ready to take the next step?
As part of ATMS Natural Medicine Week, I’m offering 10% of initial naturopathy personalised consultations to explore how ADHD traits, hormonal shifts, and dopamine imbalances may be affecting your health. We’ll also look at options like DNA testing, microbiome mapping, and targeted nutritional strategies to support your beautifully unique brain.

✨ Let’s decode your dopamine—and help you thrive in your next chapter.
📩 Book online to schedule your free discovery call to find out more.

https://naturopathy-and-me.simplecliniconline.com/diary