INSPIRING WOMEN INTERVIEW - NAT KRINGOUDIS

LAMAV Meets Nat Kringoudis: A Conversation on Natural Health

Here at LAMAV, we’ve always taken a holistic approach when it comes to skin and beauty - understanding the importance of balancing inner and outer health. And when it comes to women, hormonal health is at the top of the priority list. While we may not be experts in hormonal health, we were lucky enough to recently gain some expert guidance from The Hormone Revolutionist - Nat Kringoudis on lifestyle changes you can make in your daily life to support healthy hormones.

Your go-to for Hormones and Women’s Health, Nat holds degrees in Health Sciences, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Acupuncture, sharing her expert insights through her Women’s Natural Health Clinic, best-selling books, award winning podcast and social media community. 

1. Can you share a little bit about your personal journey to Women’s Health and what inspired you to get involved in the health and wellness space?

My journey began with studies in biosciences, but I found myself seeking deeper answers about women's health. This led me to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, opening my eyes to holistic approaches. In 2003, I founded The Pagoda Tree in Melbourne to support women in understanding their bodies and achieving hormonal balance. From there everything else snowballed - we initially focused on fertility but now I support women through all stages and phases starting with pre-teens right through to post menopause.

2. As Founder of Melbourne’s Leading Natural Women’s Health Clinic - The Pagoda Tree, Founder of M Body & Daysy Australia, best-selling author, and speaker with a popular social media account, how do you prioritise health amongst your busy schedule?

Prioritising health starts with my morning ritual: checking emails due to international commitments, a gym session and dedicating time from 9-10am for meditation or reflection. (all once the kids are out the door) It's about creating non-negotiable moments to take care of myself amidst a busy schedule. If I don’t do these things, there’s a chance the whole family suffers - health is the priority.

3. Your areas of specialty span across multiple areas of Women’s Health, with degrees in Health Sciences, Chinese Medicine, and Acupuncture. Is there an area of Women’s Health that you enjoy practicing the most?

I'm passionate about empowering women to understand their hormonal health at every stage but ultimately in the teen and early adult years as these are so foundational to long term health. Helping women decode their hormones and achieve balance at every stage of life is incredibly rewarding.

4. If women believe their hormones may be out of balance, what are some of the first steps they should take to regain hormone health?

First, listen to your body and recognise signs of imbalance. Consulting with a practitioner who understands both traditional and modern approaches can provide personalised guidance. Incorporating natural therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can also be beneficial.

5. What are some of the most common factors affecting women’s health and hormones?

They are all modern day factors - stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins are common factors. Additionally, the use of hormonal contraceptives and a sedentary lifestyle can disrupt hormonal balance.  Most of these things we don’t necessarily connect the dots as being triggers for imbalances.

6. What are 3 things women can incorporate into their daily or weekly routine to assist with hormone health?

1. Weight training for supporting metabolism, muscle, bone, cardiovascular and cognitive health - a total game changer 

2. Prioritising protein and good fats with every meal.  Hormones are made of fat and protein but more so, protein helps support muscle health too.  It truly is king. 

3. Stress relieving practices - support your mitochondria (the energy source of your cells) at all costs especially as we age.  This might include walking with the sunrise, meditation and prayer, socialising (if it isn’t stressful), having fun, sleeping…

7. How do you encourage your clients while working towards their health and wellness goals? Are there any specific strategies or techniques that you find to be most effective?

I emphasise education and empowerment, helping clients understand their bodies.  I truly want to be irrelevant in my patients life, if I do my job well - they should only need me for maintenance or if anything changes. Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories keeps motivation high - we often focus on the ‘prize’ rather than the process and progress.  We need to document each step to keep motivated and on the path. I also do believe that personalised plans that align with individual lifestyles are key to sustained success.

8. Are there any particular resources or books that you recommend to clients who are seeking guidance on improving their overall wellbeing?

Yes, my books! "Beautiful You" especially offers insights into natural approaches to women's health. Additionally, "The Wellness Collective" podcast has had over 1.5 million downloads and counting and I really love that it features discussions with experts on various health topics.

9. If you could turn back time and offer advice to your younger self, what words of wisdom would you provide?

Trust your intuition and be patient with your journey. Every experience, even the challenging ones, contributes to growth and understanding.

10. Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are working on? What can our readers look forward to from you?

I'm continually developing resources to support women's health, including new masterclasses and expanding the reach of my products.  We have some exciting things in store - hopefully a new book, continuing to grow the podcast and my membership too!