Is Ubiquinol the Missing Nutrient for Lifelong Heart Health?

In this eye-opening episode of Wellness by Designs, Dr Ross Walker, a renowned cardiologist with 25 years dedicated to preventative medicine, challenges the conventional approach to heart disease, statins and cholesterol management. Central to the discussion is ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, essential for mitochondrial energy production and a powerful antioxidant. Dr Walker explains how our natural production of ubiquinol begins declining around age 30 and drops sharply by 50, contributing to fatigue and reduced cardiovascular resilience.

Dr Walker explores why many patients with “normal” cholesterol still develop significant coronary artery disease, arguing that coronary calcium scoring offers a far superior risk assessment tool than standard cholesterol tests. Dr Walker also addresses statin-associated muscle symptoms, recommending 150 mg of ubiquinol daily for statin users, citing research showing a 50% reduction in muscle problems, and up to 300 mg for those with heart failure to support cardiac function and endothelial health.

From mitochondrial health to protection against oxidative stress, this episode highlights why ubiquinol may be a cornerstone in maintaining cardiovascular wellness and why a more personalised, evidence-based approach is needed to truly prevent heart disease.

Connect with Dr Walker: Home - Dr Ross Walker

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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Is it time to rethink how we treat atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is more than skin deep—and naturopath and award-winning clinician Rebecca Hughes is here to prove it. In this practical and insightful episode, Rebecca shares her integrative, root-cause approach to eczema that goes far beyond suppressing symptoms with topical steroids.

Drawing from extensive clinical experience, Rebecca highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, noting that conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and lupus are often misidentified as eczema—leading to ineffective treatment. She walks practitioners through key investigations, from food intolerance and intestinal permeability testing to genetic susceptibilities, that help identify true inflammatory drivers.

Rebecca also outlines her foundational nutrient protocol, including zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, quercetin, and glutamine, and discusses how these work synergistically to modulate immune response, stabilise mast cells, and repair gut integrity. She also addresses overlooked environmental triggers like mould and water-damaged buildings, as well as the clinical importance of emotional support, sleep hygiene, and managing the psychological toll of visible skin conditions.

Clinicians will find practical strategies for supporting patients through topical steroid withdrawal, tips on using bleach baths safely for Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth, and why children with eczema require particularly vigilant care.

With a soon-to-be-released practitioner course on atopic dermatitis, Rebecca equips healthcare professionals with the tools they need to treat this complex condition confidently and holistically.

Connect with Rebecca: Home - Rebecca Hughes Naturopath

Explore Rebecca's Managing Atopic Dermatitis Course: Use code SAVE30 for a 30% discount. More information on the course can be found here: Managing Atopic Dermatitis | Natural Skin Medicine Courses

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Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website


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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health

Why These Drugs Aren’t Magic Bullets—And How to Maximise Their Clinical Impact

The sharp rise in GLP-1 agonist prescriptions – up over 42% in Australia since 2019 – is reshaping how we approach weight loss and metabolic health. But are we ready to support patients beyond the script?

In this evidence-informed episode, dietitian and exercise scientist Robbie Clark joins us to unpack the clinical realities of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy®. Far from being quick fixes, these medications work best when combined with targeted nutrition, resistance training, and gut support.

Robbie explores how GLP-1 agonists enhance insulin secretion, suppress appetite, and deliver cardiovascular benefits, while sharing practical strategies to enhance patient outcomes and minimise side effects. From optimising protein intake (1.2–1.6 g/kg) to prevent muscle loss, to managing nausea and reflux, you’ll gain the tools to confidently guide your patients through every stage of their GLP-1 journey.

We also dive into the surprising science of bitter foods – like dandelion, grapefruit, and dark chocolate – that naturally stimulate GLP-1 receptors, offering a food-first support strategy that complements medication.

Perhaps most crucial is the discussion on weight regain post-discontinuation, with studies showing 60–100% of lost weight can return within a year without lifestyle foundations. Robbie provides realistic, sustainable strategies to help patients move from medication reliance to long-term metabolic resilience.

Whether you’re currently supporting patients on GLP-1 medications or preparing for their growing use in practice, this episode delivers the clinical insights you need to turn short-term interventions into lasting lifestyle change

Connect with Robbie: healthbank.io

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Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website


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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health