The Wellness Scoop

Join Professor Tim Spector, a leading epidemiologist from King's College London and co-founder of Zoe, as he explores the fascinating link between gut health and anxiety. Tim explains how diverse plant diets can improve microbiome health, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, and common myths about gut care. He shares simple tips for improving gut health, like eating 30 plants weekly and including fermented foods. Discover how these small changes can significantly enhance your mood and wellbeing!

Discover the benefits of the Green Mediterranean Diet, which promotes gut health and reduces inflammation. Learn about Jennifer Aniston's innovative micro-lifting workouts that focus on smarter resistance training for longevity without burnout. Explore how simple nutritional changes can enhance your vision and brain health as you age. Plus, find out if owning a dog can actually improve your lifespan. Tune in for actionable tips to build sustainable habits for long-term wellness!

Discover the truth about gluten and whether it really causes inflammation. The hosts explore the advantages of wholegrains and homemade sourdough versus processed bread. Dark chocolate takes center stage, highlighting its antioxidant benefits and positive impact on mood and gut health. Additionally, listeners learn a digital wellbeing tip to reduce phone distraction and get practical advice on navigating busy days with healthy eating.

This week we’re tackling one of the most persistent wellness myths: that cutting carbs is essential for weight loss. We dive into what carbs actually are, why they became the enemy, what the science really says about low-carb diets, and the health benefits of keeping wholegrains in your life. We also explore powerful new findings from a 30-year Finnish study showing that unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking and inactivity don’t just affect your future. They start impacting your quality of life by your mid-thirties. But the good news is that changing course earlier can make all the difference. Plus, with headlines about 28-year-olds getting facelifts and cosmetic surgery on the rise, we ask why so many of us are feeling pressure to change our appearance, and how we can reclaim confidence and care in a filtered world. Finally, we revisit the rapeseed oil debate, where the fear comes from, and what the science really says about cooking oils and inflammation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the dual nature of inflammation and its role in the body’s defense. Discover how an anti-inflammatory diet can enhance fertility, especially through a Mediterranean approach. Learn practical tips for integrating 30 plants into your weekly meals to bolster microbiome health. The hosts also break down the hype around vitamin-enriched chewing gum and share strategies for healthy weight gain after stress. Plus, find guidance on navigating nutrition qualifications to support your career goals!

Explore the science of staying well during cold and flu season, focusing on balanced immune health rather than quick fixes. Discover how the new planetary health diet could save 40,000 lives daily and its impact on food-related emissions. The discussion highlights the dangers of overusing supplements, advocating for measured, evidence-based choices. Practical tips for winter wellness emphasize lifestyle factors like sleep and hydration, while showcasing immune-boosting foods like garlic and fermented delights.

This week we’re diving into one of the biggest health conversations of the year as we explore GLP 1 weight loss drugs. From Ozempic to Wegovy these medications have changed how we think about food, weight and willpower but they’ve also raised big questions about what healthy really means. Dr Jack Mosley joins us to unpack the science behind these drugs, the truth about food noise, muscle loss and long term side effects, and what happens when you stop taking them. We also look at natural ways to support GLP 1 function through diet and lifestyle. As these drugs become more accessible and more widely marketed are they a genuine breakthrough or another quick fix in disguise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re exploring the connection between what you eat and how you feel, from mood-boosting fibre to the foods that help sharpen focus and protect brain health. We unpack new research showing how high-intensity exercise fuels cognitive function and why short, consistent bursts of movement could be one of the best ways to support your mind. We break down the latest ban on "buy one, get one free" junk food deals and what it means for our weekly shop, plus dive into Joe Wicks’ new documentary with Chris van Tulleken, where they expose how easy it is to market ultra-processed foods as healthy. We’re also looking at the growing conversation around rapeseed oil, separating science from social media fearmongering, and sharing simple takeaways to help you protect your attention, eat for your mood, and move in a way that fuels both body and brain. Pre order Rhi's new book, The Fibre Formula: ⁠⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop we’re answering your questions, starting with one of the most common debates: is it better to add sugar or a sweetener to your tea? We’ll look at what the latest science and WHO guidance actually says, and the best way to approach it long term. We then dive into fibre, the difference between soluble and insoluble, how they work together in the gut, and whether you really need to worry about getting the perfect balance between the two. Next up, calcium. If you eat little or no dairy, how can you still meet your needs? We’ll cover the top plant-based sources, from sesame seeds and hummus to calcium-set tofu and fortified milks, plus why vitamin D is just as important for absorption. We also unpack the growing trend for adaptogens like ashwagandha, maca and lion’s mane, asking how much evidence there really is behind the hype and whether they’re worth the spend. And finally, how to keep your healthy eating habits going as the seasons change. We’ll explore habit stacking, the behavioural science behind linking new habits to ones you already do, and share practical ways to boost the nutrition of your favourite autumn comfort foods so you can carry your summer momentum through the darker months. Recommendations: Rhi’s new book : Pre order The Fibre Formula ⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula White Mausu Smoky Chilli Oil  The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak  Find out more from the amazing Sophie Bertrand HERE and order a copy of her book, Forking Wellness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re looking at the rising pressure to lose weight and why so many people are turning to risky quick fixes. We unpack the growing backlash against Ozempic, now facing over 1,800 lawsuits in the US for severe side effects like stomach paralysis and vision loss. We revisit the 5am Club and ask if the 8am Club is a smarter, more sustainable routine for real life. We share new research showing that the benefits of nature depend on how you experience it, and simple ways to make time outdoors more restorative. And we explore the booming world of wellness wearables, from Oura rings to Apple Watches, and whether they really motivate us to change our habits. Recommendations  Rhi’s new book : Pre order The Fibre Formula https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula Bought to You by Chemistry’ podcast, by the Royal Society of Chemistry: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brought-to-you-by-chemistry/id1621110309  Science Vs Podcat: ‘Is There Really a Plastic Spoon in our Brains’ https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZwZsCnG2BkTzPxo5tujOB  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices