Health Check Listening to your body's signals
May 14, 2025
In this fascinating discussion, science journalist Caroline Williams dives into interoception, revealing how our brains interpret internal signals and its impact on well-being. Carrim Mpaweni updates us on a promising tuberculosis vaccine trial in Malawi, aiming to revolutionize TB prevention. Psychotherapist Sophie Scott shares effective strategies for encouraging loved ones to seek help for mental health issues, emphasizing empathy and communication. Tune in for a rich blend of science, health, and emotional insight!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Understanding Interoception
- Interoception is the brain's process of sensing and interpreting internal body signals like heartbeat and breathing.
- This inner sense influences emotions, perceptions, and decision-making, linking body and mind closely.
Balanced Interoceptive Awareness
- People vary in how well they sense internal body signals, which affects emotional regulation.
- Ideal awareness means tuning in, understanding the signal, and then tuning out to avoid overload.
Interoception and Anxiety Control
- Better heartbeat detection helps people with anxiety recognize and control their anxious feelings early.
- Training interoception can reduce anxiety severity and prevent escalation of symptoms.
