profile

Varsha Khatri

I am a qualified nutritionist and ayurveda consultant who specialises in helping people with digestive health problems, food allergies, and intolerances. I founded Illuminated Health and authored the book Think Healthy Choose Healthy to promote preventive health and empower individuals to achieve a healthier gut and more energy. Sign up for my newsletter Holistic Pulse to receive weekly tips on living a healthier and happier life through nutrition and Ayurveda.

Featured Post

What you don't know can still have an effect

Hello Reader Earlier this week, I took part in a drug and alcohol training session for health care practitioners to learn more about its use and misuse. One message really stood out: there is no safe level of drinking. That’s because when it comes to alcohol, you never truly know what damage might be happening behind the scenes. If you know me, you know that I am not a particular fan of alcohol. I do not drink much and this is purely a personal choice, one that has often raised eyebrows,...

Hello Reader Probiotics are often widely misused and misunderstood. Yet they are so vital for balanced health as they do so much more than aid digestion. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria is crucial for your digestive health. By introducing more probiotic-rich foods into your diet, you can boost your gut flora and start feeling the benefits almost immediately. Some of the most popular probiotic-rich foods include: Kefir – Packed with...

Hello Reader Have you ever wondered why certain foods make you feel great, while others seem to leave you bloated, tired, or sluggish? In Ayurveda, the digestive system is considered to be the foundation of health, and the ancient wisdom surrounding it is incredibly powerful. One of the core principles in Ayurveda is the idea of Agni – your digestive fire. When your Agni is strong, your digestion is efficient and therefore your body thrives. But when Agni is weak, your gut becomes sluggish,...

Hello Reader The other day, I was shadowing a group wellbeing session for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol misuse. The group was discussing various aspects of physical and emotional health, and one of the guided talking points was about dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter. As the conversation unfolded, I was asked to share my professional insights into how dopamine works. I explained that it is not just a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward, but also plays...

Hello Reader Currently, within my membership, we are covering anti-nutrients and all the myths and facts surrounding it. The issue with today’s world the health trends often focus on isolated nutrients or quick fixes, so it can be easy to overlook the complexity of how food impacts our overall wellbeing. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing reminds us that the relationship between food and health is not just about individual compounds or macronutrients. It is a dynamic, multifaceted...

Hello Reader Gut health is often the silent speaker of our well-being, sometimes louder than the symptoms we may notice. As a nutritionist and wellness coach, I always make digestive health a priority with my clients. Even in my intake forms, I have questions from multiple angles, ensuring I thoroughly understand their gut health before proceeding with any recommendations. It may surprise you to learn that even in my day-to-day, I keep an eye on my children's digestive health. In fact, one...

Hello Reader Last week was my son's birthday! Which also means that its been nine years since I started running my business remotely. A couple months before he was due, I decided to close down my high street location and make my nutrition business virtual. And it has worked ever since. If you are interested in having a nutrition consultation, hit the reply button and lets have a chat about how personalised nutrition plans can help you improve your health and achieve your health goals. One of...

Hello Reader Last week, my family and I were in New York. For me, there is always a sense of familiarity when travelling back to the States. Although I am from California, New York is also a special place for my husband and I. And it was wonderful to be able to share those stories and memories with our children. along with creating new shared experiences. Food is not the same in America - quality of ingredients are often poor, portions are generally massive, and lets not forget all the high...

Hello Reader When you go food shopping, you will often see the organic produce right next to the non-organic produce. It often looks similar, however, the price is anything but close to one another. Therefore, do you ever wonder if organic food is worth the price? Would you believe me if I said that food was intelligent? The quality of food impacts how we feel. Food is intelligent because, in addition to how it makes us feel, different foods have different healing benefits. Have you heard...

Hello Reader Within the last week or two, I've seen people with itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and runny noses. Which all means that hayfever season is officially in full swing. With hayfever, many people turn to local honey for relief, others take anti-histamines, and many people seek natural remedies for symptom relief. Here are five natural approaches to tackling hayfever. 1. Quercetin-Rich Foods Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in many fruits and vegetables. It helps stabilise...