In this lesson we review the ecological niche of the central nervous system (CNS), its pattern of energy consumption, and the elements needed for its structural integrity, boundaries, cleansing and immunity. This informs an understanding of both what the CNS requires to remain in health and the main drivers for its degeneration.  Attention is then turned to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), its epidemiology and underlying pathophysiology. This provides a foundation for understanding the clinical presentation and progression of this condition. We make reference to the pioneering work of Dr Terry Wahl on reversing her progressive MS. We then refer back to the drivers of neurodegeneration, refining and detailing interventions that may specifically support those with MS. The focus is then moved to Parkinson’s Disease (PD), starting with its history and epidemiology. We review research making clear links with pesticide exposure and PD in vulnerable groups, and then look at the histopathological characteristics of Lewy bodies affecting the dopamine pathways of the substancia nigra. The clinical presentation, which affects many aspects of nervous system function, are explored in detail. An intriguing connection with the vagus nerve and the gut is considered, supported by the Braak scoring of progression. As usual, we conclude bringing together the learning in ways that open strategies for support and healing.

In this lesson we place the diverse expressions of often abstracted ‘mental health issues’, back into our biology, in the recognition of the limitations and misunderstandings generated by the separation of mind and body. We take as a theme neuroinflammation, as a process that feeds the strain and distress of the mind. This opens a journey to consider the diverse factors that feed the state of general meta inflammation in the body, with consideration of the brain’s specific vulnerabilities and the ramifications therein. We review and detail the many elements involved; gut–brain axis and the vagus nerve; grains and their impact on the CNS; metabolic imbalance including insulin resistance and nutritional ketosis; fats that nourish and those that damage; neurotransmitters, their pathways and amino acid precursors; the methylation cycle and nutrient depletion; toxicity; chronic infections; chronic stress, raised cortisol and circadian imbalance; patterns of addiction, early life trauma and finally disconnection from life’s nourishing web. This journey of recapitulation provides insights and tools to support a return to calm and presence in body and in relationship with life’s mysterious flow.

Each 6-week master class in this 3-part series covers a topic related to metabolic health. The master classes have been designed with a mix of three live sessions interspersed by periods of self-study. The theoretical component is often quite technical and requires dedicated study time to grasp the basic biochemical and physiological concepts. The webinars will provide a platform for discussion, questions, and clarification. There is also a MCQ exam, pre-recorded interviews with practitioners, and 3rd party resources to deepen your understanding.

• MASTER CLASS 1: Metabolic Dysregulation of Modernity – Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

• MASTER CLASS 2: Fats that Heal and Fats that Harm

• MASTER CLASS 3: Nourishing Our Fabric – Proteins in Our Body and Our Food

In order to establish a coherent base for understanding metabolic health and human nutrition, we have developed 3 masterclasses under the broad themes of:

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Proteins

In this first masterclass of the series, we begin with what might be considered the biggest driver of chronic disease – blood glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance. 

By the end of this masterclass, you will have a solid grounding in the core biochemical, physiological and clinical aspects of this critically important subject. You will gain assuredness in working with clients, discussion with colleagues, and the practical application of what has been learnt. 

Includes:

• Three live webinars with Dr Nicole Freris MD
• In-house video lectures
• Curated third-party resources
• Practitioner interviews
• Practical handouts and mindmaps
• An illustrated transcript
• Weekly MCQs

BONUS material:

When you sign-up you are given complementary access to related lessons from the Lesson Library. These include:

• Course III, Lesson 1: Carbohydrates in Our Biology and Food
• Liver Alchemy 1, March 2026 Webinar Recording
• Course V, Lesson 1: Oxidant and Antioxidant System [50%-off Coupon]

Student forum:

You will gain access to the dedicated student forum for this masterclass which provides a platform for questions and discussions related to the material. 

Timetable:

Download the timetable here --> Masterclass-Timetable_2026.

We recommend allocating 3-4 hours per week for the self-study components. There is a quiz at the end of each week so you can check your understanding of the content. Additional research and experience is encouraged, as are questions, doubts and queries, that can be brought to the webinars.

Each 6-week master class in this 3-part series covers a topic related to metabolic health. The master classes have been designed with a mix of three live sessions interspersed by periods of self-study. The theoretical component is often quite technical and requires dedicated study time to grasp the basic biochemical and physiological concepts. The webinars will provide a platform for discussion, questions, and clarification. There is also a MCQ exam, pre-recorded interviews with practitioners, and 3rd party resources to deepen your understanding.

• MASTER CLASS 1: Metabolic Dysregulation of Modernity – Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

• MASTER CLASS 2: Fats that Heal and Fats that Harm

• MASTER CLASS 3: Nourishing Our Fabric – Proteins in Our Body and Our Food

Understanding in depth and nuance the phenomenon of stress, its drivers, physiological processes and downstream ramifications is foundational not only for practitioners but for anyone seeking greater ease, balance and health.   

A chronically dysregulated stress axis is now so common it is almost taken as a given. It might however be seen as the great taproot of malaise in our human family.

Understanding in depth and nuance the phenomenon of stress, its drivers, physiological processes and downstream ramifications is foundational not only for practitioners but for anyone seeking greater ease, balance and health.   

A chronically dysregulated stress axis is now so common it is almost taken as a given. It might however be seen as the great taproot of malaise in our human family.

This two-part webinar series is designed to clarify and demystify the liver’s function and purpose, building a clear foundation from which may learn how best to nourish and sustain this biological core – for ourselves and those we guide.

This two-part webinar series is designed to clarify and demystify the liver’s function and purpose, building a clear foundation from which may learn how best to nourish and sustain this biological core – for ourselves and those we guide.

Migraine is not just a headache…

It is a complex neurological storm that has afflicted humanity for millennia. Early Sumerian tablets blamed it on vengeful spirits. Today, prevalence has increased by over 60% in the past 30 years, now affecting 1 in 7 people globally. Women remain more affected, yet cases are rising fastest in men and adolescents.

Even the most violent storms are born of patterns. Migraine is a disorder of systems, not just symptoms. Understanding the interconnected physiology of migraine opens pathways to prevention and treatment.

Even the most violent storms are born of patterns…

Migraine is a neurological cascade that ripples through brain and body, gripping in pain and unease. In webinar 1 we gathered an appreciation of its neurophysiological patterns. Here we turn attention to Migraines clinical expression and its maybe surprising and intimate connection with salt homeostasis.

In this two-part series on female fertility, by learning what is out of kilter and why, we can trace our way back into balance. And perhaps there is no more potent place to seek greater harmony than here – where new life is seeded and nourished.

In this two-part series on female fertility, by learning what is out of kilter and why, we can trace our way back into balance. And perhaps there is no more potent place to seek greater harmony than here – where new life is seeded and nourished.

Are our joints truly aging… or responding? Is degeneration inevitable… or a process with roots we can trace, understand, and influence? What hormonal, metabolic, structural, and emotional imprints accumulate unseen, slowly shifting the landscape of a joint?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions in general practice – affecting nearly one in ten adults – and it is rising dramatically in younger people. Even our canine companions are now facing an epidemic of OA. Traditionally dismissed as simply “wear and tear,” OA has long been positioned as a mechanical, age-related fate.

But is this really true?  And has it always been so?

What does a joint remember? What choices – nutritional, emotional, biomechanical – leave their imprint over decades? How might we ease aching joints and return vitality to the body’s structure?

Webinar 1 introduced the exquisite living ecology of cartilage, water, bone and the proteome, now, webinar 2 turns toward the lived human story. We follow osteoarthritis not as an abstract pathology, but as it unfolds through the tissues, life choices, and physiological patterns of our patients.

A delicate, butterfly-shaped gland resting in the throat chakra, the thyroid is far more than a metabolic regulator. It orchestrates the ancient dialogue between mitochondria and nucleus, modulating the balance between energy generation and protein synthesis in every cell. Through this conversation, it sets the Basal Metabolic Rate – the body’s foundational rhythm of vitality.

Yet despite its profound role, the thyroid remains misunderstood, under assessed and often overlooked. Today, thyroid imbalances are not rare anomalies – they are common physiological narratives woven into modern life.

A delicate, butterfly-shaped gland resting in the throat chakra, the thyroid is far more than a metabolic regulator. It orchestrates the ancient dialogue between mitochondria and nucleus, modulating the balance between energy generation and protein synthesis in every cell. Through this conversation, it sets the Basal Metabolic Rate – the body’s foundational rhythm of vitality.

Yet despite its profound role, the thyroid remains misunderstood, under assessed and often overlooked. Today, thyroid imbalances are not rare anomalies – they are common physiological narratives woven into modern life.