The Wellness Scoop

Feeling Frazzled? How to Avoid Burnout, GLP-1s & Eating Together Oct 12, 2026 3410 Feeling frazzled, overworked or like you’re running on empty? How are GLP-1 drugs changing not just our health, but the way we eat and shop? And could simply eating with someone you love actually be better for your health?This week, we share five practical, science-backed ways to help avoid burnout, from eating enough and setting better boundaries to properly switching off at the end of the day. W

Are Smoothies Really Healthy? Processed Meat Risks & Lunchbox Upgrades Oct 8, 2026 2530 Are smoothies actually as healthy as we think? This week, we’re clearing up the confusion around blending fruit, what happens to the fibre and how smoothies compare with eating whole fruit. We also look at whether organic processed meat is any better, share easy ways to make tofu genuinely delicious and tackle the eternal workday question: what can I actually take for lunch? Plus, does batch cook

The Trick to Rewire Your Brain, Journaling, Packed Lunch Upgrades & Omega-3 Scandals Oct 5, 2026 3398 Can writing actually rewire your brain and make you more resilient? Is journaling woo woo? We dig into the science of expressive writing, plus why the mackerel in your supermarket might not be what you think and what that means for your omega-3 intake. We’re also sharing our easiest packed lunch upgrades, looking at the return of ultra-thin beauty ideals, and tracking the latest crackdown on socia

Can You Eat Too Much Healthy Food? Tofu Myths & Portion Control Oct 1, 2026 2495 Can you eat too much healthy food? This week, we’re talking portion control, hunger and why a huge plate of vegetables might not actually leave you satisfied. We also unpack the myths around tofu and oestrogen — what phytoestrogens actually are and whether soy really affects your hormones. Plus, we look at the rise of steak, liver and bone marrow for babies, bowel cancer anxiety and childhood die

Should You Bin Your Supplements? How to Supercharge Your Gut & Are Sweeteners Safe? Sep 28, 2026 3393 Should you really be taking vitamin D, magnesium, collagen and the rest, or are we wasting our money on supplements? We unpack the latest debate and why the NHS is warning against taking health advice from wellness influencers. We also explore a fascinating new discovery about how plant proteins could help feed your gut microbes, and new research linking the common sweetener xylitol with heart at

Can You Reverse an Unhealthy Childhood? Iron 101 & Fibre Myths Sep 24, 2026 2284 Can we undo the effects of an unhealthy childhood diet? What's the best way to increase iron levels, particularly during pregnancy? And are fibre powders and resistant starch really worth the hype? This week, we discuss the powerful relationship between stress, nutrition and hormone health, explore the growing fascination with fibre supplements and resistant starch, and ask whether it's ever too

Should You Eat Differently With Age? The Additives Ban & School Food Shake-Up Sep 21, 2026 3905 Should the way we eat change as we get older? This week, we look at the foods and nutrients that become increasingly important through our thirties, forties, fifties and sixties, from fibre and protein to supporting our heart, bones, gut and muscle health. We also unpack Tesco’s decision to restrict or ban 114 additives from its own-brand foods. Is this another sign that concerns around ultra-pro

Should We All Be Taking Magnesium, Gut Health Tips & The Perfect Snack Sep 17, 2026 3022 Should we all be taking magnesium? What does a healthy gut actually look like? And what makes the perfect afternoon snack? This week, we unpack the evidence behind magnesium supplements, explore the surprising reasons appetite can disappear during stressful periods of life and answer your questions on bloating, electrolytes and gut transit time. We also discuss satisfying snacks, the truth about

Beat the 3pm Slump, Survive a Bad Night’s Sleep & The Low-Down on Lie-Ins Sep 14, 2026 3264 How can we beat the dreaded 3pm slump? Could 20 minutes of exercise really help after a terrible night’s sleep? And should we actually stop feeling guilty about a weekend lie-in? This week, we share simple ways to boost energy as we head into autumn, from spreading protein across the day and eating more fibre to making your carbs work harder. We also unpack fascinating new research on exercise aft

Can Stress Affect Digestion? Creatine & Healthy Shortcuts Sep 10, 2026 3091 Can stress and grief affect our digestion? Could creatine help protect our brains as we age? And when should we embrace healthy shortcuts instead of trying to do everything ourselves?This week, we explore the fascinating connection between stress and the body, discuss how appetite and digestion can change during difficult periods of life, and unpack the growing interest in creatine and brain healt

Can Inflammation Affect Your Mood? Healthy Ageing & The ‘Ferritin Face’ Trend Sep 7, 2026 3193 Can inflammation really affect our mood and mental health? Could eating more plants help us age better? And what on earth is “ferritin face”? This week, we explore the fascinating connection between our immune system, inflammation and mental health, and unpack new research suggesting a plant-rich diet could influence markers of biological ageing. We also look beyond the scary headlines linking su

Plant Points, Fibre Hacks & Family Food Battles Sep 3, 2026 3410 Should you be counting plant points? How can you encourage healthy eating without creating family conflict? And are homemade foods always worth the extra effort?This week, we discuss how to navigate different parenting approaches around food, unpack the science behind fibre and plant diversity, and explore whether convenience foods can sometimes be the healthiest choice of all. Plus, we share our

Can Fasting Fight Dementia? Have We Got UPFs Wrong? & Beanmania Aug 31, 2026 3201 Could fasting help protect our brains as we age? Have we been too quick to label all ultra-processed foods as unhealthy? And why has Britain suddenly gone completely mad for beans?This week, we unpack fascinating new research into meal timing and cognitive health, explore a major study challenging some of the assumptions around UPFs, and dive into the extraordinary rise of beans as our obsession w

Can You Eat Your Skincare? Berberine & Female Probiotics Aug 27, 2026 3541 Can you really eat your way to better skin? Is berberine the natural alternative to GLP-1 medications that social media claims it is? And do intimate probiotics genuinely work?This week, we unpack the science behind the latest skincare trends, take a closer look at the growing fascination with berberine and separate fact from fiction when it comes to the vaginal microbiome. Plus, we discuss Marmit

Could Eating Less Protein Help Us Age Better? Body Image & Burnout Aug 24, 2026 3690 Could eating less protein actually help us to age better? Where is the line between genuine concern and harmful scrutiny when it comes to someone's body? And why are so many of us feeling burnt out by the pressure to optimise every aspect of our lives? This week, we unpack the growing debate around protein and longevity, explore the complicated conversation surrounding Ariana Grande and body imag

The Carnivore Diet, Finding Motivation for Healthy Habits & Hydration Aug 20, 2026 2581 Why do so many people say they feel better on the carnivore diet? Is coconut water really the hydration hero social media claims it is? And how do we build healthy habits when motivation disappears? This week, we unpack the science behind the carnivore diet, explore whether coconut water deserves its wellness reputation, and discuss why relying on motivation alone rarely works when it comes to la

Can Sugar Affect Your Brain? How to Build Strong Bones & Poop Shoes Aug 17, 2026 3308 Could the amount of sugar we eat in early life influence our brain health decades later? What should we really be eating to build stronger bones? And why is social media suddenly obsessed with something called "poop shoes"? This week, we explore the fascinating research linking childhood sugar consumption with dementia risk later in life, unpack the foods that could help support stronger bones as

Can You Trust Your Hunger? Weight Loss Hype & BBQ Myths Aug 13, 2026 3397 Could wellness mushrooms transform your health, or are they simply an expensive trend? Can you really trust your hunger cues after years of dieting and food rules? And should we be worried about what happens when we fire up the barbecue? This week, we unpack the evidence behind medicinal mushrooms and berberine, explore how our childhood experiences can shape our relationship with food decades la

Are Two Meals a Day Enough? Eating Well for Less & Coffee Aug 10, 2026 3446 This week, we unpack the growing debate around meal timing and whether constant snacking is really helping our health, explore the latest report on the rising cost of healthy food, and take a look at the evidence behind coffee and heart health. Plus, we dive into the banana smoothie controversy that's taken over social media, discuss why prevention could be Britain's greatest economic investment a

Should You Really Eat the Rainbow, Blood Type Diets & What Do Smelly Farts Mean? Aug 6, 2026 2847 Can your blood type tell you what to eat? Are plant proteins really "incomplete"? And does eating more colourful fruit and veg actually make a difference? This week we're tackling some of the biggest nutrition myths doing the rounds online. From the return of the blood type diet to the truth about complete proteins, fibre sodas and ground flaxseed, we separate the evidence from the hype. We also

Can Vegetables Protect Your Heart? Rethinking Screen Time & AI Wearables Aug 3, 2026 3134 Could eating more broccoli or beans in your twenties help protect your heart decades later? Should children under two avoid screens altogether? And are AI-powered wearables about to transform the way women understand their hormones? This week, we unpack a major report warning that the UK is raising one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, explore fascinating new research on how different v

Fibre Hacks, Healthy Swaps & Fresh vs Frozen Jul 30, 2026 2563 Can a fibre drink really help you hit your daily target? Are frozen vegetables just as healthy as fresh? And do you actually need to grind flaxseeds to get the benefits? In this listener Q&A, we answer your biggest nutrition questions—from fibre-enhanced drinks and freeze-dried fruit to frozen vegetables, chia and flaxseeds, and healthy homemade swaps for nostalgic favourites. Expect practical, e

Supercharge Your Diet, The Secret to Happiness & Are Ice Baths Over? Jul 27, 2026 3302 Could a few simple food pairings help you get more from every meal? Is the secret to happiness actually giving up the pursuit of being extraordinary? And have we got carried away with the ice bath trend? This week, we explore the science of food synergy and the easy meal combinations that can help your body absorb more nutrients, unpack the philosophy challenging our obsession with constant self-

Better Digestion, Diet Trends & Inflammation Jul 23, 2026 2897 Can a trending diet really improve your hormones? Do you need to eat fruit before a meal to reduce inflammation? And are gut tests for children worth the money? This week, we unpack the science behind one of social media's biggest diet trends, answer your questions on kiwis, Brazil nuts and hemp seeds, explore gut testing for eczema, discuss fibre timing and beetroot juice for blood pressure, and

How to Feel Happier at Work, Age Better & Rethink Protein Jul 20, 2026 3214 Can a five-minute walk every hour really make you happier and more productive? Why are scientists warning that today's under-50s may be ageing faster than previous generations? And have we finally reached peak protein? This week, we unpack the latest research on movement, biological ageing and early-onset cancer, explore the Dutch tradition helping raise some of the happiest children in the world

Food for Healing, Are Oats Good? & Mindset Shifts Jul 16, 2026 3162 This week we're answering your questions on everything from supporting a loved one through cancer treatment to navigating the confusing world of nutrition advice online.We discuss the role food can play during treatment and recovery, explore practical ways to cultivate a more optimistic mindset, and unpack the growing debate around oats, blood sugar and hormonal acne. We also cover hormonal health

Can Foods Boost Weight Loss Hormones? Fruit Juice & Supplement Myths Jul 13, 2026 3295 Can certain foods really boost the hormones linked to appetite and weight regulation? Has fruit juice been unfairly demonised? And why are NHS staff increasingly spending their time debunking supplement misinformation? This week we unpack the growing trend around "natural GLP-1" foods and explore what the science actually says about appetite, fullness and weight loss. We also dive into surprising

Hormones, Healthy Mornings & The Truth About Sugar Jul 9, 2026 2323 This week we're answering your questions on some of the biggest areas of confusion in nutrition and wellbeing. We're discussing how diet can support hormonal health, from PCOS and amenorrhea to hormonal acne, and exploring how to care for your microbiome while taking a GLP-1 medication. We also unpack the growing conversation around fibre and digestion, including what it means if seeds seem to pa

Fixing Brain Rot, The 'Maxxing Obsession & Is Cereal Junk Food? Jul 6, 2026 3124 Is Bran Flakes really junk food? Are our attention spans under threat? And have we reached peak optimisation culture?  This week we unpack the government's proposed changes to healthy eating guidelines, which could see breakfast cereals like Bran Flakes classified as HFSS foods, and explore what the debate reveals about fibre, free sugars and how we define healthy eating. We also dive into

Food Guilt, IV Drips, Matcha Shortages & Healthy Ageing Jul 2, 2026 3232 This week we're talking about food guilt, supplements and the growing pressure to optimise our health. We explore how to break free from all-or-nothing eating, whether social media is distorting our perception of what healthy living actually looks like, and why some of the most powerful habits for healthy ageing are often the simplest. We also unpack the rise of IV vitamin drips, discuss whether

The ’Best’ Five-a-Day, Strength Training & Sleepmaxxing Jun 29, 2026 2883 Are all fruit and vegetables created equal? This week, we explore the new research suggesting that flavanol-rich foods like berries, apples, green tea and broad beans may be some of the most powerful additions to your diet, with potential benefits for heart health, brain health and even longevity. We also unpack the surprising impact of weight-loss drugs on Britain's food industry, after new figu

Secrets of the food industry, Plant Protein & Healthy Ice Cream Jun 25, 2026 3059 This week we're answering your questions, from how to be more present when meditation just isn't your thing to whether breathwork can really help calm a busy mind.We also unpack the truth about mycoprotein and whether foods like Quorn deserve their ultra-processed reputation, discuss practical ways to increase plant diversity without spending a fortune, answer your questions on navigating a coelia

The Rising Cost of Healthy Eating, Beach Body Anxiety & Peak Optimisation Jun 22, 2026 3213 This week, we discuss one of the most important reports in UK nutrition, revealing that healthy diets remain out of reach for many families while unhealthy foods continue to dominate our food environment. We also explore the rise of sleep anxiety, why body image concerns are stopping young people from enjoying everyday experiences, and the Steven Bartlett controversy that has sparked a backlash a

Can You Be Healthy and Thin? Hair Loss & Wellness Pressure Jun 18, 2026 2241 Can you be healthy and thin? It's a question that sparked a fascinating listener email this week, and one that opens up a much bigger conversation about body image, weight, wellness culture and what health really looks like.We're also answering your questions on hair loss during perimenopause, nutrition and autism, fibre-rich eating with a nut allergy, vitamin D supplements, air fryer safety, GLP-

Weight Gain Warnings, Healthy Ageing & 35 Supplements a Day Jun 15, 2026 3183 Could gaining weight in your twenties affect your health decades later? This week, we unpack a major new study linking early adult weight gain with a higher risk of several cancers, and explore what it really means for long-term health. We also dive into the growing conversation around healthy ageing. Are constant snacking, refined carbohydrates and late-night meals ageing us faster than we reali

Health Anxiety, Food Scanner Apps & Our Favourite Summer Recipes Jun 11, 2026 2082 This week we answer your questions on health anxiety, food scanner apps and the rise of fear-based wellness advice online. We unpack the controversy around food scanning apps and scoring systems, alongside the science of fermented foods, gut health and whether kefir is really worth the hype. Plus, we talk summer BBQ recipes, joint health, the best time to eat, and the small everyday habits that a

10 Hours of Exercise a Week? The Omega-3 Debate & Brain-Boosting Beans Jun 8, 2026 2957 This week we unpack the huge headlines around omega-3 supplements and whether fish oils are really as protective for brain health as we once thought. We also explore fascinating new research on exercise and heart health, including the amount of movement linked to the biggest cardiovascular benefits. Plus, why beans may be one of the most underrated foods for mood, gut and brain health, the scienc

The Reason Healthy Habits Fail, Food Guilt & Nervous Systems Jun 4, 2026 2524 This week we’re unpacking why knowing what’s healthy and actually doing it can feel like two completely different things. From all-or-nothing eating patterns to wellness overwhelm and habit burnout, we explore why sustainable health is often much more about nervous system support, flexibility and consistency than perfection. We also discuss food guilt, sugar cravings, breathwork for beginners, ke

Anti-Ageing Foods, The Science of Food Preferences & Stacey Face Jun 1, 2026 3310 This week we’re discussing whether children’s taste preferences actually begin developing before birth, after a fascinating study found babies exposed to vegetables in the womb appeared more accepting of those flavours years later. We also unpack new research suggesting olive oil, berries and coffee may help support healthier ageing at a cellular level through their impact on telomeres, the protec

Are Your “Healthy” Snacks Actually Better for You? Air Fryers & Viral Myths May 28, 2026 2188 This week we’re unpacking some of the biggest wellness questions and food fears taking over the internet right now. Are lentil crisps actually healthier than standard crisps? Are air fryers really toxic? And is coconut oil genuinely good for us, or just clever wellness marketing? We also dive into the yogurt hierarchy — kefir, Greek, skyr or natural — discuss algae-based omega-3 supplements, soy

6p Superfoods, 8,241 Steps for Better Health & The Salty Sandwich Debate May 25, 2026 2725 This week we’re diving into the sandwich headlines taking over the news, after reports that one high street sandwich contains more salt than nearly five McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Rhi gives us the inside story from the latest Action on Salt research, why out-of-home lunches are often saltier than we realise, and how confusing nutrition comparisons can become when we reduce foods down to one nutrien

Fruit Sugar, Plant Diversity & When Healthy Tracking Turns Unhealthy May 21, 2026 2292 This week we answer some of your most thoughtful questions yet, from whether fruit sugar is actually something we should worry about, to how to approach calorie tracking if you’ve struggled with obsessive thoughts around food in the past. We also discuss sausages, healthier swaps, whether chia seeds really need soaking, how to build plant diversity while batch cooking, and whether you can still t

Natural Ozempic, Peptide Clinics & What’s Really Driving Hunger May 18, 2026 3927 This week we unpack the science of appetite and what really drives us to eat: hunger, stress, habit, reward or simply the food environment around us. We discuss why eating well is far more complex than willpower alone, and the idea of “food-mind fluency.” We also break down the controversy around plant milks and children’s health, exploring the nutritional differences between dairy and plant base

Burnout, Partner Diet Drama & The Smoothie Myth May 14, 2026 3042 This week’s Q&A covers some of the most relatable health questions. We talk about how to approach a partner’s diet when you’re worried but not being heard, what to prioritise in a teenage pescatarian diet, and why stress habits like chewing gum can be so hard to shift. We also unpack the banana and berry smoothie myth, share simple ways to support insulin resistance, and explore what actually he

Britain’s Health SOS, Stress & The Cortisol Craze May 11, 2026 3242 This week we unpack a sobering picture of the UK’s health, with new data showing we’re living fewer years in good health and falling behind much of the developed world. We revisit school food standards and how countries like France and Japan are approaching nutrition in a completely different way, before diving into what’s really driving the UK’s decline, from diet to wider lifestyle patterns. W

Food Noise, Breaking the Craving Cycle & 2-Minute Habits May 7, 2026 2237 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most complex and personal areas of health, from food noise and emotional eating to how to build habits that actually fit into real life. We break down what’s really driving cravings for ultra-processed foods and how to gently step out of that cycle, explore how to approach emotional eating with more compassion and structure,

When to Exercise, Gut Health Clues & The Cost of “Perfect” May 4, 2026 3426 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore some of the most thought-provoking shifts in health right now, from how timing your workouts could impact your heart, to what your gut might reveal about disease risk years before symptoms begin, and the growing pressure around appearance in the age of social media. We break down new research on chronotypes and why aligning exercise with your body clock

Building Muscle, Protein vs Fibre & The Supplement Trap Apr 30, 2026 1940 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most common and confusing nutrition topics, from how much protein you actually need to build muscle to whether everyday foods like flaxseeds are as straightforward as they seem. We break down the protein conversation and how to balance it with fibre without overdoing it, explore whether protein powders are worth it, unpack t

The Protein Divide, The Optimism Effect & Britain’s Favourite Veg Apr 27, 2026 3064 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack some of the biggest conversations shaping how we think about health right now, from what we should actually be eating for heart health to the growing evidence that mindset plays a measurable role in physical wellbeing. We break down the clash between new US dietary guidelines and heart health advice, exploring the debate around plant vs animal protein, r

How to Beat the Afternoon Slump, Breakfast Myths & Food Pairing Apr 23, 2026 2423 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most common and confusing everyday health habits, from that mid-afternoon energy crash to whether cold breakfasts really slow your metabolism. We break down why the 2 to 3pm slump happens and how to manage it, unpack viral nutrition myths around hot versus cold breakfasts and food pairing, explore whether nutritional yeast i

Best Foods for Brain & Gut Health + The Social Media Reckoning Apr 20, 2026 3141 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore what’s shaping our health from both a biological and cultural perspective, from the foods that support our brain and gut to the systems influencing how we think, feel and behave every day. We revisit our conversation on screen time with new data showing just how fast modern children’s content has become, look at shifting attitudes towards social media a

Eating for Colds, Digestion Hacks & Why Weight Won’t Shift Apr 16, 2026 2187 What should you actually eat when you’re unwell and don’t have the energy to cook? Do viral digestion hacks really improve how your body absorbs nutrients, or are they just adding more confusion? And why can weight stay the same even when you’re eating well, exercising and doing everything “right”? This week, we break down the science behind a viral digestion claim, share simple, realistic ways t

11 Minutes to Change Your Health & Olive Oil Shots: Hype or Health? Apr 13, 2026 3788 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore the small shifts that can have a surprisingly big impact on long-term health, starting with new research showing how just 11 extra minutes of sleep, alongside simple daily habits, could meaningfully reduce heart attack risk. We unpack a major shift in the weight loss landscape as GLP-1 drugs begin to fall dramatically in price, and what that could mean

Cycle Syncing, Microwaves & Electrolyte Hype Apr 9, 2026 2586 Should we be eating differently across each stage of our cycle? Are microwaves actually harmful, or is it another wellness myth? And do we really need electrolytes, or is it just clever marketing? This week we answer your questions on nutrition for hormone health and PCOS, break down the science behind microwaving and plastic safety, and explore the growing hype around electrolytes. We also talk

Is Wine Good for You Now? Build a Better Relationship with Food & Stay Sharp Apr 6, 2026 2532 Is wine actually good for you now? It’s a headline that’s everywhere, but what does the research really say? In this episode, we unpack the nuance behind the story, looking at alcohol, longevity and why the bigger picture matters more than any single drink. We also explore how to build a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, moving away from rigid rules towards a way of eating that fee

Screens at Meals, The Ultimate Healthy Shopping List & Too Much Fibre? Apr 2, 2026 2442 Does eating in front of screens really affect digestion? What would the ultimate healthy shopping list actually look like? And can you eat too much fibre, even when you’re trying to eat well? This week we answer your questions on building a balanced, nutrient-rich food shop, whether very high fibre diets have any downsides, and the science behind eating while distracted and how it may influence d

Foods That Boost Your Mood, Optimal Sleep & WTF is Looksmaxxing Mar 30, 2026 3729 Can what you eat really shape how you feel day to day? What’s the ideal amount of sleep for long-term health? And how much of our disease risk is influenced by everyday habits? This week, we break down new research linking flavonoid-rich foods to better mood and long-term wellbeing, the optimal sleep window for supporting blood sugar control and reducing diabetes risk, and a major global study sh

Fussy Eaters, BMI Myths & The School Dessert Debate Mar 26, 2026 2875 How can you boost nutrition for fussy children without changing the foods they already love? How reliable is BMI as a measure of health, particularly for women or people recovering from disordered eating? And should desserts really be served every day in primary schools? This week we answer your questions on hidden nutrients for picky eaters, navigating BMI without damaging your relationship with

Can Multivitamins Slow Ageing? Obesity Myths & Brain Boosts Mar 23, 2026 3293 Can a daily multivitamin really slow biological ageing? Is obesity simply about willpower, or is the biology far more complex? And could just 15 minutes of exercise help your brain work more efficiently? This week we unpack the science behind obesity for World Obesity Day, break down the new research linking multivitamins to biological ageing, and explore how short bursts of exercise may boost br

Stress Eating, Sugar Substitutes & Fixing Your Gut Mar 19, 2026 2163 Why do we reach for sweet food when we’re stressed? Are zero-sugar sweeteners actually better for our health? And can digestive enzymes really help if dairy doesn’t agree with you? This week, we unpack stress eating in busy seasons of life, the science behind low and zero-sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit, and whether digestive enzymes can support lactose intolerance. We also dive int

Diets That Lower Cancer Risk, Collagen Hype & The Mental Health Divide Mar 16, 2026 3193 Does collagen actually do anything for your skin? Which diets are linked to lower cancer risk? Is mental health really declining in younger generations, and have we surpassed peak wellness as we head into 2026? This week we break down collagen hype versus reality, the largest diet studies on cancer risk, and the growing generational mental health divide, alongside the biggest wellness trends set

Psyllium Husk, The Cost of Over-Optimising & Health Hacks Mar 12, 2026 2664 Episode 98 and the countdown to 100 is officially on. This week is a listener Q&A special. We break down the rise of psyllium husk and what it actually does for gut health, separating meaningful fibre support from supplement hype. We also tackle blood sugar anxiety and the growing obsession with glucose “hacks”, asking how much the average person really needs to worry about spikes, post-meal walk

Cortisol, Cardio & The Everyday Habits Protecting Your Brain Mar 9, 2026 3269 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re looking at the small, everyday habits that may influence our long-term health more than we think. From early research on stress hormones and cancer biology to new data on heart disease risk in men and women, we break down what the science actually shows and where the nuance matters. We revisit dementia prevention through a wider lens, exploring lifelong lear

Superfood Hype, Collagen, Air Fryers & Hidden Veggie Wins Mar 5, 2026 2689 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we are answering your questions and unpacking some of the biggest wellness trends shaping everyday choices. We start with spirulina. Is it a true superfood or more marketing than substance? We look at what it actually contains, whether it meaningfully contributes fibre, why it is not a reliable source of B12, and what to consider during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Fasting Myths, Gut-Boosting Pasta & A Five-Year Brain Boost Mar 2, 2026 2651 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack four headlines shaping how we eat and think about health. A major Cochrane review finds intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than standard calorie-controlled diets, despite its surge in popularity. We explore what the evidence actually shows and why public perception may not match the data. We then dive into resistant starch, the un

Easy Food Swaps, Snacking Smarter & Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Feb 26, 2026 1966 In this week’s episode, we’re answering your questions on making everyday food choices simpler and more nourishing. We start with micronutrients on plant-heavy diets, including how to think about calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine across the week without tracking apps, and when blood tests can be helpful during breastfeeding. We then look at easy food swaps that save time, including packaged gr

Is Coffee Good for You? The AI Monk & Gut–Brain Health Feb 23, 2026 3161 In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the headlines shaping how we think about brain health, everyday habits and modern wellness. First up, we look at a major long-term study exploring tea and coffee consumption and dementia risk, and what it adds to the conversation around coffee and brain health. Then, we unpack the growing evidence linking gut health, inflammation and cognitive decline, a

Sweet vs Savoury Breakfasts, Celeb Supplements & ACV Shots Feb 19, 2026 2472 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on breakfast smoothies, savoury breakfasts, blood sugar balance and the wellness habits everyone seems to be talking about right now. We unpack whether blending foods like oats and bananas actually changes their nutritional value, take a closer look at glucose-focused eating, ACV shots and food-order hacks, and explain what the evide

Reclaiming Our Attention, Cancer-Linked Ingredients & Fermented Foods Feb 16, 2026 3321 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about why so many of us feel constantly distracted, what new research is revealing about cancer-linked ingredients in everyday foods, and why fermented foods are one of the most evidence-backed habits worth building into real life. We break down why attention feels so hard to hold onto right now, how scrolling, sleep and alcohol quietly shape focus a

IBS, Oils and the Fats We’re All Confused About Feb 12, 2026 2685 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about everything from navigating long-term IBS and nutrient gaps on a plant-forward diet, to making sense of fats, oils and everyday cooking choices. We answer questions on flax and chia, including whether heat affects their omega-3 content and how to use them practically in meals. We look at iodine intake on a mostly plant-based diet, which foods co

Scrolling Less, Moving More & Tips for Everyday Health Feb 9, 2026 3115 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about why variety in movement matters for long-term health, what new data is telling us about the rise in bowel cancer among younger adults, and why so many of us are starting to question how screens shape our time, attention and wellbeing. We break down large new studies showing that mixing up how you move, even in small amounts, is linked to a lowe

Blood Sugar Spikes, Magnesium & Eating Well on a Budget Feb 5, 2026 2754 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on eating well in real life, especially when routines are disrupted, budgets are stretched and online wellness advice starts to feel overwhelming. We talk about healthy eating around shift work, whether fruit on its own really causes harmful blood sugar spikes, and how to avoid a whole food approach tipping into restriction or food a

Optimism, Immunity and the Truth About Burning Fat Feb 2, 2026 3651 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about whether optimism can influence immune health, what the science really says about exercising on an empty stomach, and why cabbage is being tipped as 2026’s “it” vegetable. We break down new research linking mindset and immune response, look at the evidence on fasted exercise, fat loss, metabolic health and hormones, and explore the rise of fibre

Are Portion Sizes Sexist? Meditation and Heavy Metals Jan 29, 2026 3035 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking some of the health debates that have been quietly everywhere. We start with the question that sparked a lot of reaction in December: should restaurants offer smaller portion sizes for women? We look at where the idea came from, what the data actually says, and why it struck such a nerve. We then turn to meditation and breathwork. We talk about why

Exercise as Therapy, Super-Salads & the Pressure to Optimise Jan 26, 2026 3238 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking some of the health stories shaping how we think about wellbeing right now. We start with new research showing that regular, moderate exercise can be as effective as therapy for depression for some people, and what the evidence actually says about what works best. We then look at two stories that reveal how much our food environment matters. New dat

Fads, Fasting & Finding Calm Jan 22, 2026 2161 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on fasting trends, supplements, junk food advertising, and the beauty and wellness advice filling our feeds. Plus Ella deep dives into our time off social media and how she stopped doom scrolling to find more calm. We also talk about low iron and how to support iron intakes without relying on red meat, genetically high cholesterol a

Detox Myths, Morning Rituals & The US New Dietary Guidelines Jan 19, 2026 3387 This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re digging into some of the biggest health stories shaping how we eat and live right now. We start with new data showing how weight-loss injections are quietly changing eating habits, with more people grazing on snacks instead of sitting down to meals, and what that could mean for nutrition, routine and long-term health. We then explore the idea of the “perfect

Intermittent Fasting, Secrets to Gut Health and Biggest Nutrition Myths Jan 15, 2026 2896 This week we’re answering your biggest nutrition questions with Professor Sarah Berry, one of the UK’s leading nutritional scientists. Together we break down how to really understand UPFs, what the science says about seed oils and how to spot the healthier options, and the simple everyday principles that genuinely support how you feel. We dive into gut health and why diet diversity matters, the m

Chocolate for Ageing? Friendship & The Nervous System Explained Jan 12, 2026 3109 This week we’re unpacking three of the health stories that have been everywhere as January gets underway. We start with why friendship and social connection are now being talked about as a serious health issue, from loneliness in our 30s to the growing evidence that connection supports mental health, reduces inflammation and even influences longevity. We then look at the headlines linking dark ch

Gut Health, Supplements & Eating Well Without Obsession Jan 8, 2026 2722 In this episode, we’re answering your questions on gut health and everyday nutrition, focusing on what genuinely supports your body without tipping into overwhelm or rigid food rules. From fibre and fats to supplements and sweeteners, we unpack what actually matters and how to build habits that feel sustainable in real life. We talk about how quickly dietary changes can influence gut health, why

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