Inflammation is one of the big buzzwords in health and wellness. It’s been linked to everything from skin complaints to cancer. But do you really know what it is? And is it all bad? If all the talk about inflammation has left you more confused than a mosquito in a mannequin factory then listen on. Because in this week’s episode of the Stronger Minds Podcast I’m giving you the lowdown on inflammation and what you can do about it.

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Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

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It’s the last week of Dry January. Some people will be looking forward to the first sip of their favourite tipple. While other will perhaps be thinking about how much better they feel going alcohol-free. And perhaps some of your are just curious about what goes on in the brain when we have a drink. So, on this week’s episode of the Stronger Minds Podcast, I’m digging in to the science of what happens to your brain when you drink.

• Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
• Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12 to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.

You can find moe option on the the NHS website

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Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

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It’s the New Year and we’ve all pledged to stay hydrated. This week, I answer your question on water and hydration including, whether hot drinks count, should you get a water filter and the best way to stay hydrated without having to spend the day running to the loo!

WHO Water Filter Report

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Proper hydration helps to prevent constipation and kidney stones, and some even claim that it will help plump out your wrinkles. But what about your brain? If, like me, you have recommitted to staying hydrated this year, but you’re in need of a little motivation, then this one is for you. In this week’s episode of the Stronger Minds podcast, how staying hydrated can give your brain a boost.

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!

I hope you had a little time to rest and restore. I am back at work this week and I can finally reveal the podcast that I have been working on. It's all about the link between the brain and body (my fave!) and how simple body hacks can improve your brain health and support your mental wellbeing. Tune in!

Episode 1: Eat A Rainbow

Eating brightly coloured plant foods is having a bigger effect on your brain and mood than you might realise - welcome to the world of nutritional psychiatry.

Episode 2: Let the Light In

Explore the health benefits to your body and your mind by getting a burst of sunlight first thing in the morning.

Episode 3: Think Before you Drink

If you’ve been over-indulging during a busy social period, discover the easy hacks to cut back on alcohol, and be kind to your body and brain.

Episode 4: Reboot with a Nap

Why, if you do it right, a short sleep can restore your cognitive alertness and re-charge your brain to take on the rest of the day.

Episode 5: Walk yourself Happy

Why even a short stroll can have the surprising benefits of reducing anxiety and building mental resilience, especially if you add in green spaces.

Episode 6: Time to Play

By bringing back more playfulness and fun into our lives, we can jumpstart fresh brain connections and help reduce stress.

Episode 7: Harness Your Breath

Find out why taking slow deep breaths is not only good for your physical health but could also boost your cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing.

Episode 8: Feel The Chill

Could immersing yourself in cold water, whether it’s in the shower, sea or lido, be as good for your body and mind as cold water swimming enthusiasts claim?

Tune in here!

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One in four adults around the world describes themselves as lonely, and loneliness can feel even more acute during the holidays when the cultural emphasis is on family and socialising. Whether it’s the office party or adverts filled with images of tables bursting with guests, if you are lonely at this time of year, it can be easy to feel like you’re the only one. If this is you, I want to tell you 1) that you are not the only one and 2) you will be amazed at how many of us have felt like that at one time or another. So, in this week’s episode, I’m giving you my guide to managing loneliness during the holidays.

Resources

100 best movies of all time

Open Culture

Befrienders.org – find a helpline near you, wherever you are in the world.

You Are Not Alone – our service for helping people aged 16-25 fight loneliness

Campaign against Living Miserably, 0800 58 58 58 – call or web chat if you need someone to talk to

LGBT Foundation – advice and support

Samaritans, 116 123 – call or web chat if you need someone to talk to

The Silver Line, 0800 4 70 80 90 – provides support and advice for people over 55

Stand Alone – supporting people who aren’t in contact with their family

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I often meet people for whom this time of year is incredibly difficult. Maybe family relationships aren’t where they’d like them to be, maybe they visit their family more out of a sense of duty than pleasure, maybe they find themselves pulled into early life dynamics they wish they could leave behind. It can be really challenging to navigate, which is why, in this week’s episode of the Stronger Minds podcast, I’m giving you my guide to surviving your family during the holidays.

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We now know the technical definition ultra-processed foods. These ready to eat or ready to heat products whose ingredients have individually gone through several stages of processing, and require ingredients or processes that you won’t find in a domestic kitchen. But how does this affect your everyday food choices? Should it?

In this week’s episode, I’m talking practical tips and answering your questions about ultra processed foods.

• Why are sweet chilli crisps (potato chips) UPF but salted ones not?
• Are there any ultra-processed foods that are good for you?
• Is all cereal ultra-processed?
• Why do I crave them so much?
• Do ultra-processed foods affect sleep?

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to the news headlines, ultra processed foods (UPF) can do everything from increasing your cancer risk to giving you dementia. But most people would have a hard time even defining UPF. If that’s you, then you’re in luck because in this week’s episode, I’m giving you the lowdown on ultraprocessed foods. What they are and what’s so bad about them.

In part two I'll be answering your questions on UPF.

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ninety percent of us experience food cravings – the intense desire to eat a specific food that is often distinct from physiological hunger. But if they’re not about being hungry, why do we get them, what do our cravings mean and what, if anything, should we do about them? In this week’s episode of the Stronger Minds Podcast, we’re digging in to the Science of Food Cravings.

Urge surfing

Feelings Wheel

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How to Build a Healthy Brain*

Unprocessed: What Your Diet is Doing to Your Brain*

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Original music by Juan Iglesias

*Affiliate links

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Remember, your health is unique to you, so consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/strongerminds.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.