This episode reviews an umbrella meta-analysis of randomized trials examining popular diets (Mediterranean, DASH, low-carb, low-fat, high-protein, vegetarian/vegan, low-GI, paleo, intermittent fasting and more) and their effects on weight, BMI, lipids, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and blood pressure.

Key takeaways: the Mediterranean diet showed the most consistent benefits with no reported harms, DASH showed some benefit, while many other diets produced short-term or mixed results. Overall evidence quality was often low and highly variable, so the episode emphasizes sustainable, whole-food, plant-forward eating patterns and long-term adherence over short-term fad diets.

Join us in welcoming back Dr. Elizabeth Jackson for an illuminating discussion on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and its distinction from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This episode delves into the hormonal dynamics that lead to PMDD and provides valuable insights into how it differs from PMS, highlighting the psychological and physical impacts on women's lives.

We explore lifestyle and medical interventions that offer relief, including the role of estrogen fluctuations and the potential of hormonal therapies. Dr. Jackson emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive management, encouraging listeners to consider lifestyle adjustments and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Listen in to discover the significance of understanding and addressing PMDD, debunk common myths about menstruation, and gain practical advice for taking control of your hormonal health.

This mindful moment meditation is designed to help you reset habits and manage impulses, every day. In this short guided session, we use the power of mindful breathing to create space between impulse and action. Whether you’re tempted to overeat, endlessly scroll, or reach for quick distractions, this practice invites you to pause, reflect, and choose differently. With each breath, you'll strengthen your ability to respond with intention rather than react automatically. Join us as we take a small but powerful step toward lasting change and more mindful living.

Hello, my name is Dr. Lynn Reid and I want to introduce you to the Aurora Wellness Coaching App. I've created this app really in response to what I was practicing day to day and what I felt patients needed to know, learn and then be able to consolidate. And this is lifestyle medicine. It's about making meaningful change in both small ways and big ways to improve your health, longevity and general happiness.

So, Aurora app is about giving you structured guidance, there are daily coaching lessons, reflective journaling, lots of resources and heaps of information to help you guide yourself towards a better healthier future. There is a limited-time only seven day introductory course that allows you to have a bit of a taste of what's available and the different topics that we can cover.

After you do the introductory course, you have the option if you want to deep dive into one of the bigger topics like nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, menopause, building good habits, breaking bad habits. And these are all available to you and conveniently wrapped up in one place in the Aurora Wellness Coaching app. Have a look and join us on a transformative journey where we're looking to heal, thrive and empower ourselves towards a really healthy future take care and I look forward to seeing you on there.

In this episode, Dr. Lynne Reed explores the surprising benefits of embracing discomfort in our comfort-driven lives. She delves into how our constant chase for pleasure and avoidance of discomfort can lead to mental suffering. By normalizing slight discomfort, such as delaying gratification or digital disconnection, we can build resilience and find a natural state of contentment. Discover practical techniques to integrate small discomforts into daily life and join Dr. Reed in redefining happiness beyond the cycle of desire and dopamine.

In this enlightening episode of the Aurora podcast, we are joined once again by Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, a renowned expert in women's health. This time, Dr. Jackson tackles the intricate topic of fertility and conception. She offers practical advice for women with both regular and irregular periods, explaining the optimal timing for conception and debunking common myths around fertility.

Dr. Jackson provides a formula for identifying the fertility window based on menstrual cycles and discusses the importance of timing and frequency of intercourse. She emphasizes the role of age in fertility and the importance of seeing a gynecologist if conception does not occur within certain timeframes.

Highlighting the multifaceted approach to fertility treatment, Dr. Jackson explores various fertility options, from natural conception to advanced medical interventions such as IVF and ICSI. She underscores the significance of seeking professional advice and avoiding unreliable sources of information.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone on the journey to starting a family, offering reassurance and actionable insights into the complex world of fertility.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Liz Jackson, an esteemed obstetrician-gynecologist, joins us to unravel some of the most significant and often misunderstood topics in women's health. From the intricacies of the female menstrual cycle to the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Dr. Jackson offers a detailed exploration of hormonal interplay and how certain conditions can disrupt the natural rhythm.

Dr. Jackson shares her extensive knowledge on reproductive health issues, including the role of various hormones during the menstrual cycle, and how conditions like PCOS are diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and discusses the nuances of diagnosing PCOS, especially in younger women and those with varying phenotypes.

The discussion further delves into holistic management approaches for PCOS, focusing on metabolic health, mental well-being, and fertility. Dr. Jackson offers practical advice on lifestyle management and treatment options, including the use of medications like letrozole and metformin, and highlights the significance of weight management for improved outcomes.

Tune in to gain insights into managing PCOS, understand fertility implications, and discover the latest guidelines and resources that can empower women to take charge of their health. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in obstetrics and gynecology as she dispels myths and provides clarity on complex women's health issues.

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of discomfort in driving personal growth and transformation. Often, our evolutionary instincts push us towards comfort for survival, but in today’s world, excessive comfort can lead to stagnation. By stepping slightly out of our comfort zones into the growth zone, we engage challenges that enhance our capabilities, build resilience, and foster lasting change.

Explore how temporary discomfort, whether through starting a new habit or facing tough conversations, can lead to significant personal advancements. Learn to strike the balance between pushing your limits and avoiding burnout, and discover strategies to build mental toughness with self-compassion as your guide.

Join us to understand how embracing discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for change in various aspects of life, from fitness routines to professional challenges. Take small steps today and see how they can lead you to a more resilient and empowered self.

Welcome to today's episode where we delve deep into the profound impact of social influences on our habits and behaviors. Discover how surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can drive positive change and growth. Explore the significance of accountability and the strength of human connections. Learn how to create a thriving social environment that fosters positive reinforcement and mutual success. Tune in to uncover actionable strategies to cultivate influential relationships that enhance your personal development journey.

Use this brief guided meditation daily to build the habit of relaxation and stress reduction into your life.

Welcome to a serene moment dedicated to finding calm and clarity in the midst of a busy day. This episode invites you to pause, breathe, and realign through a guided meditation. Whether you're feeling stressed or simply need a brief escape, this session is designed to help you reset and recharge. Allow yourself the time to breathe deeply and release tension, focusing on being present. Affirm your state of peace with soothing words and let tranquility wash over you. Step back into your day feeling centered and refreshed.