The Wellness Scoop

We’re joined by Dr. Emeran Mayer; a professor, gastroenterologist, scientist, and author about the latest research on the gut microbiome, the connection between the gut microbiome and the immune system, and how we can improve the health of our gut to support our overall health.We discuss: What is a healthy gut microbiome Is it nature or nurture that determines the health of our gut? The link between the gut microbiome and the immune system Why diet has a major role in how our immune system functions How inappropriate activation of the immune system is implicated in chronic disease How diet can be used to modify the immune system back to its normal state The importance of fibre, and a largely whole foods, plant-based diet The role of chronic stress in gut health and immune function How processed foods impact the gut microbiome The 3 key things we can do to support our gut microbiome Emeran Mayer:‘The Mind-Gut Connection’‘The Gut-Immune Connection’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ways to improve our gut health with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh.An increasing body of evidence is demonstrating that the health of our gut microbiome affects the health of numerous other systems in the body and mind. In this bite-sized episode we look at how we can improve our gut health from the importance of fibre-rich plant foods and probiotics, as well as the role of processed foods and stress.Here’s a brief recap: Prioritise increasing fibre intakes, but go slowly Aim for 30 different whole plant foods each week Include more herbs and spices Add in fermented foods little and often Consider probiotic supplements Try to reduce highly processed foods and burnt foods Address managing stress levels Alice Mackintosh:@alicemackintosh_nutrition See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined by writer and author Oliver Burkeman to talk about the productivity-trap; the narrative that keeps our sense of self-worth and value tied to how much we get done and achieve. In his new book, Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver argues that this only results in disappointment and unhappiness, and explores how to cultivate a healthier relationship with productivity to ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. We discuss: Confronting the mismatch between what we can do and what we think we can do Disarming perfectionism and the ‘when I’ mentality The relationship between productivity and self-worth The catch 22 of getting things done Why the notion of ‘balance’ may not always be the answer The benefit of enjoying leisure activities without any end goal in mind The distraction economy Ways to approach getting what matters done How to cultivate a healthier relationship with productivity Oliver Burkeman:‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It’Four Thousand Weeks: Embrace Your Limits. Change Your Life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ways to support our mood with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh.Our mood is influenced by a variety of things including what we eat, and in this bite-sized episode we look at how we can support healthy brain function from the key macronutrients and micronutrients to be mindful of to the importance of whole plant foods, as well as the role of processed and refined foods.Here’s a quick recap: Including a variety of high-quality proteins Including sufficient B vitamins, vitamin D and magnesium Adding in more herbs and spices Aim for 30 different whole plant foods each week Give special attention to dark leafy greens Ensure to include essential fats (omega-3) Try to avoid overly processed and refined foods containing trans fats and additives  Alice Mackintosh:@alicemackintosh_nutritionwww.alicemackintosh.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined by Dr. Shireen Kassam, an NHS consultant and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician.Here’s a short recap of what we discuss: The power of diet and lifestyle factors in health and disease outcomes What is an unhealthy diet? The impact of ultra-processed foods in the body  What is inflammation, how is it related to diet and how is it linked to chronic diseases? Diet and immunity Why it is never too late to adopt a plant-based diet to improve our health Healthcare and the commercial industry How to optimise health on a plant-based diet The role of diet in cancer Lifestyle habits to improve our health Shireen Kassam:Book: ‘Eating Plant-Based: Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions’ @plantbasedhealthprofessionalshttps://plantbasedhealthonline.comhttps://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.comSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 ways to boost energy with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh. Feeling tired all the time is the most common complaint in GP surgery’s, in this short episode we break down the simple steps to combat exhaustion from balancing blood sugar to the key vitamins and minerals to look out for, plus the role of coffee, sugar and artificial sweeteners.Here’s a simple recap - eat lots of bright, colourful, whole food ingredients and look at:Balancing blood sugarSwitching to whole grainsIncluding protein in every mealIncluding lots of iron (with vitamin C for added absorption), B vitamins, magnesium and essential fats (omega 3)Be mindful of the quantity and timing of coffee consumptionTry to avoid consuming lots of additives, refined foods, artificial sweeteners and burnt foodsAlice Mackintosh:@alicemackintosh_nutritionwww.alicemackintosh.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined by Dr. David Hamilton, a leading expert on the mind body connection, about the latest research on the power of our mindset, how a change in thinking can exert physiological effects within the body and how we can harness the mind to improve our wellbeing.We talk about: Why the placebo effect is more than ‘just in the mind’ How can we harness the power of our mindset to create positive neurological and physiological change The relationship between psychological stress and our health Why kindness is so key to our health How to use kindness practices to support our brain and heart health The power of bringing together conventional and complementary medicine  How different mind-body strategies can support different health conditions The power of visualisation and nature Why belief is central to the health benefits of alternative practices David’s books:How your mind can heal your bodyThe contagious power of positive thinkingAnd his latest book Why Woo Woo Works See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ella and guest, Karl Deisseroth on understanding anxiety, depression and mental health. From the depths of human emotion to why the science can expand our empathy and connectivity; why our view of mental health needs updating; the hidden realms of the mind and the ways in which we can expand our connectivity.Karl Deisseroth - Connections: A Story of Human Feeling See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why calorie-counting simply doesn’t stack up, with Giles Yeo. We ask: are all calories equal; what’s the connection between calories and weight loss; and are foods with fewer calories automatically better for you? A debunk of every calorie myth, why we need a fundamental restructure of the food system and whether we really can be healthy at every size.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael James Wong on how to bring mindfulness into your day, ways to let go of stress and expectation, redefining happiness and the benefits of slowing down. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices