What's That Rash?

The discussion reveals how retirement can accelerate cognitive decline, challenging the notion that quitting work is universally beneficial. Historical insights link retirement to life expectancy changes and job complexity impacts mental health. Factors like selection bias and job types play crucial roles in how retirement affects individuals. International comparisons indicate that early retirement may lead to cognitive loss. The hosts also highlight the importance of engaging in stimulating activities post-work to maintain mental fitness.

A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined?Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas. References:The history of nutritional sciences Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin' How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of WorkLong-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy the carnivore diet is so riskyIs botox worth a shot?

Discover the surprising truth about seed oils like canola and sunflower. Dive into the misleading beliefs surrounding their health risks and the science that debunks them. Explore the historical context of seed oils in human diets, and learn about the different types of fats and their impacts on health. The hosts emphasize focusing on balanced diets rather than stressing over seed oils, and share practical tips for safe usage in cooking. Unpack the myths and find clarity amidst the food fads!

Dive into the world of deodorants, where Norman and Tegan compare conventional and natural options. Discover how body odor is formed and why genetics play a role in who smells and who doesn't. Norman shares his allergy to regular deodorants and his success with crystal mineral salts. The hosts clarify the differences between deodorants and antiperspirants, addressing safety concerns around aluminium. They also explore the historical stigma of odor and the advertising that shaped our perceptions of smell.

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. References:Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problemsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of lifePumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive BladderProsta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients

Unpack the buzz around sunscreen effectiveness and its ingredients, from SPF scandals to endocrine disruptor concerns. Explore how mineral and chemical sunscreens differ, and take a journey through the history of sun protection practices. Learn about the limitations of SPF ratings and their recent testing failures. Get practical sun safety tips, especially for kids, and find out how to maintain a balance with vitamin D levels. Plus, discover important advice on sunscreen expiry and safe application!

Creatine is not just for muscle gain; it may enhance brain function and tackle menopause symptoms. The hosts dive into its potential benefits against dementia and cognitive decline. They also discuss the limitations of current research, highlighting small sample sizes and conflicts of interest. Concerns about creatine's possible link to cancer are examined, along with important safety considerations. Lastly, they stress the value of dietary protein and consulting professionals before jumping into supplementation.

Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated.There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down.Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations.References:Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network ConnectivityfMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic reviewNightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time?Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford AcademicDreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteersNightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What's the deal with night terrors?How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides?

Is there a perfect time to exercise? The hosts dive into the science behind exercise timing and its connection to heart health. They discuss how morning workouts may raise concerns for some but highlight that regular exercise is a key to reducing risk. Discover how your natural chronotype—whether you're an early bird or a night owl—can influence your workout timing and performance. Learn about the benefits of aligning exercise with your body’s clock and find out that the best time to get moving is when it fits your schedule!

Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening.So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer.Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease.References:Physiology, Acid Base BalanceThe effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of manUrine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population studyWhy is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisisDiet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?MSG's messy myths and racist tropes