Have you ever used some form of hormonal contraception? Kate Muir, documentary maker, investigative journalist and women's health expert, joins Liz to share what the contraceptive pill is really doing to our health - from our sex drive to our mood. Inside this episode, Kate shares what prompted her concerns about the pill, and why more attention should be paid to the synthetic hormones commonly used in this type of contraception - just like the push for body identical HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for midlife women. Liz and Kate discuss the mental health outcomes of female contraceptives such as the pill, the coil and the injection, plus talk through why women don't actually need to take a break from their contraception for a bleed (despite being told otherwise!) Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase Everything You Need To Know About The Pill Purchase Everything You Need To Know About The Menopause Follow Pill Scandal on Instagram Follow Meno Scandal on Instagram Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What role does food play in preventing and treating cancer? Food journalist and BBC broadcaster Sheila Dillon joins Liz to reveal why she wants food to feature more heavily in conversations about cancer. Sheila shares her own experience of Multiple Myeloma (MM), a cancer of the bone marrow, and how her approach to treatment differed from her sister’s, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sheila also talks through the changes she made to her diet during this time, and discusses with Liz the potent powers of natural medicinals, such as turmeric and medicinal mushrooms. Liz and Sheila cover the impact of pesticides, the role diet can play in cancer prevention, plus how we can cut down on ultra-processed foods - and why this must be a priority. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Sheila Dillon on Instagram Visit Sheila Dillon's website Visit the Soil Association website Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuck in a rut? Guilty of repeating the same bad habits? Always find yourself in the same arguments with loved ones? Therapist Emma Reed Turrell joins Liz on this episode to help you figure out how to stop repeating the same patterns of unhelpful behaviour and finally break the cycle. Emma shares why identifying blind spots and thought super-highways are crucial to self-development, plus how we can better understand the four blind spot people profiles: The Gladiator, The Bridge, The Hustler and The Rock. Liz reveals what blind spot profile she most identifies with and why, while Emma discusses how we can avoid passing unhelpful behaviours to our children and how to mitigate blind spots in our personal and professional lives. Links mentioned in the episode: Visit Emma's website here Purchase What Am I Missing? Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want in on the secrets to healthy and glowing skin in midlife? Dr Lubna Khan-Salim joins Liz to share why beauty isn't about being wrinkle-free, but more about retaining strength, vitality and suppleness. Lubna, a surgeon specialising in cosmetic aesthetics, discusses why, like Liz does too, she loathes the term anti-ageing, what changes you might notice in your skin in menopause, plus why you should nourish your body from within before considering tweakments. The episode also puts the lens on new skincare treatments, beauty bio-hacking and epigenetics, and why social media skincare trends such as ‘glass skin’ might be doing more harm than good for our complexions. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Dr Lubna Khan-Salim on Instagram Visit the Time to Bloom website Listen to our podcast with India Knight  Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a worrier? Or perhaps prone to mood swings? You might learn a thing or two from the ancient Stoic philosophers, says journalist Brigid Delaney. Listen in as Brigid talks Liz through the core principles and values of Stoicism, how to achieve an enduring tranquillity known as Ataraxia, and simple ways to lead a more calm and drama-free life. Liz and Brigid also discuss why dizzying highs often mean devastating lows (and how we can aim for a more moderate middle ground), plus other helpful exercises practiced by Stoic philosophers, such as negative visualisation and journaling.  Links mentioned in the episode: ·         Purchase Reasons Not To Worry by Brigid Delaney ·         Follow Brigid on X ·         Listen to our podcast with Sarah Wilson ·         Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com ·         Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you keep hope alive in hard times? Lily Earle, Liz's eldest daughter, joins Liz on this podcast for Mother's Day to share what helped on her journey through chronic pain to better health. Lily talks to Liz about her years of health struggles, and the realities of living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic migraine, cluster headaches, MCAS, and seronegative inflammatory arthritis. Lily shares her pain of pregnancy loss, how some medications added to her health struggles, plus how sorrow and joy can co-exist. They also covered how medicinal cannabis, The Lightning Process, fasting and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial for those struggling with chronic pain and autoimmune conditions. And the episode ends with some very exciting news for the whole family! Content warning - this episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Lily Earle on Instagram Visit Lucinda Miller's NatureDoc website Visit Dr Tina Peers website Visit Professor Vik Khullar's website Listen to our podcast on The Lightning Process Listen to our podcast on fasting with the Buchinger Wilhelmi wellness clinic Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curious about your hormonal health? GP and lifestyle medicine doctor Dr Milli Raizada joins Liz to share how we can positively impact our hormones through our lifestyle choices. In this episode, Milli shares her own personal struggles with her hormones, talks through PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and discusses how we can make our hormones work for us, rather than against us. Liz and Milli also cover endocrine disruptors in common household items, symptoms of oestrogen dominance, and simple lifestyle tweaks to look after our hormone health in midlife. Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase Happy Hormones, Happy You by Dr Milli Raizada Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you weight train? Functional medicine practitioner Dr Gabrielle Lyon joins Liz to share why your health and longevity may be determined by having too little muscle rather than too much fat. Gabrielle and Liz discuss how skeletal muscle mass can impact your immune system, brain cells, and hormones, plus they cover the benefits of a high protein diet and how else to protect our muscles as we age. The episode also dives into the relationship between body composition, waist circumference, and brain volume. And Gabrielle also talks through why she believes resistance training should be prescribed by doctors to patients. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Gabrielle Lyon on Instagram Purchase Forever Strong by Gabrielle Lyon Visit the Gabrielle Lyon website Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does love mean to you? Evolutionary anthropologist Anna Machin joins Liz to take a deep dive into the science of love - and how it can help us to live longer. Liz and Anna talk through what’s going on in our brains when we love and the neurochemicals involved here, plus how love affects our physical and mental health. The episode also covers the evolutionary purpose of love for humans, how it changes as we age, the different attachment styles, and whether it’s possible to die of a broken heart. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Anna Machin on Instagram Purchase Why We Love: The New Science Behind Our Closest Relationships Email us your questions at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much attention do you pay to the health and care of your vulva and vagina? Sex toy shop owner and former nurse Sam Evans joins Liz to share how we can increase our sexual pleasure while avoiding pain and irritation. Sam and Liz discuss what to look for - and avoid - when choosing an intimate lubricant, and how to work the 'slide and glide' lube method. Plus Sam shares the personal story that led her to founding her company, Jo Divine. The episode also covers the vaginal microbiome and how to stay clean 'down there', the benefits of vaginal oestrogen, how to have safe sex in midlife, and why it matters what material our sex toys are made from. Links mentioned in the episode: Save 10% at Jo Divine with the LIZ2024 affiliate discount code - £5 minimum spend on full priced products excluding P&P, ENDS 08/03/24 Listen to our podcast on The Science of Sex, with Kate Moyle Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you look after your own mental health? Psychotherapist Owen O’Kane joins Liz on this podcast to share exactly how we can become our own therapist by setting aside just 10 minutes every day. Liz and Owen discuss small and manageable tweaks that we can make to form healthier perspectives and shift negative thought patterns. And they also cover how understanding your story and why you’re struggling can be revolutionary to your mindset. Owen talks through the differences between thoughts and feelings and why he thinks everyone could benefit from therapy. Plus, he shares his personal experience of therapy and what it was like growing up in The Troubles in Northern Ireland.  Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase How to Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O'Kane Visit Owen O'Kane's website to learn more Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feel like you’re constantly battling your weight? Surgeon, metabolism expert, and author Dr Andrew Jenkinson joins Liz on this episode to share what works – and what doesn’t – when trying to lose weight. Liz and Andrew discuss the importance of shifting your mindset when it comes to shifting excess pounds, the addictive nature of food (especially the wrong kind!) and what impact the wrong nutrition can really have on our bodies. The episode also digs into our hunger hormones, and healthy weight management habits you can add into your routine right now. Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase How to Eat (And Still Lose Weight) by Dr Andrew Jenkinson here Listen to our podcast on Why We Eat Too Much with Dr Andrew Jenkinson Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you snore at night? GP, functional breathing practitioner, and therapeutic life coach Dr Louise Oliver shares how we can ensure we’re breathing efficiently to keep us as healthy as possible during menopause and beyond. Liz and Louise discuss menopausal snoring, how changing our breathing in the day can help us at night, and whether mouth taping works. The episode also covers managing and understanding air hunger, how our hormones may be impacting our breathing, and simple exercises we can use to self-soothe. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Dr Louise Oliver on Instagram Visit Dr Louise Oliver's website Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to know what's actually causing your ill health? Pete Williams, founder of Functional Medicine Associates, returns for a follow up to last week's episode to share how functional medicine can tackle the root causes of poor health rather than just treating the symptoms. Pete reveals the importance of prioritising oral health to protect our brain health, how we can reduce inflammation in the body, and why we need a little bit of stress to stay well. Pete also talks through methylation and how we can support this process, vitamin D deficiency, plus how fitness tracking can predict overall health and longevity. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Pete Williams on Instagram Visit the Functional Medicine Associates website  Listen to our podcast on understanding functional medicine with Pete Williams Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can supplements actually make a difference to our health? Registered associate nutritionist Róisín Pichon joins Liz on this podcast to share how food, vitamins and supplements can help you beat any winter blues. Róisín and Liz discuss how short and dark days are impacting our immunity. Plus, they talk through the key nutrients that contribute to immune health and how we get ensure we’re getting enough of these. Brought to you in partnership with Bimuno, this episode also covers the link between our gut health and immunity, and shares with simple and cost-effective ways to support our good gut bugs. Links mentioned in the episode: Save up to 29% on Bimuno through our exclusive link here Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is functional medicine the future of wellness? Founder of Functional Medicine Associates, Pete Williams, joins Liz for this podcast to discuss how this biology-based approach can deal with chronic disease and illness. Pete talks through how and why illness occurs, diagnostic tests that fall outside of conventional medicine, and understanding barrier function for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. Liz and Pete also cover probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for gut health, the effects of declining oestrogen on the brain in menopause, and dealing with burnout. Make sure to listen next week as Pete will be back to answer even more functional medicine questions. Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Pete Williams on Instagram Visit the Functional Medicine Associates website  Listen to our podcast on depression theories with Professor Joanna Moncrieff Listen to our podcast on immunity and gut health with Dr James Kinross Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you notice a difference in your mental health depending on what you've been eating or drinking? Nutrition therapist, psychiatrist and professional chef Dr Uma Naidoo joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to share how eating the right foods can help to calm our minds. Uma and Liz take a look at how anxiety is rooted in our guts, metabolism and immune system, plus how eating foods rich in tryptophan, such as chickpeas and turkey, can aid our mood. The episode also covers resistance to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite, the impact of diet drinks and artificial sweeteners on our guts, and the key micronutrients for our mental health. Uma also shares what she would cook at an 'anti-anxiety' dinner party. Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase Calm Your Mind With Food, by Uma Naidoo Visit the Karmacist website - use the LIZLOVES affiliate discount code to save 20% at checkout Listen to our podcast with Kimberley Wilson on food and mental health Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2023 draws to a close, Liz reflects on some of the podcast conversations that she feels we need to take heed of as we think about taking care of our mental and physical health in the new year... Liz reveals the episodes you found most useful, and talks through the ways these conversations have impacted her own life too. The episode shares highlights from Avrum Bluming on oestrogen and why it matters, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni on how hormones influence the brain, Mary Biles on medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, Chris van Tulleken on ultra-processed foods and dementia, and Dr Jason Fung on intermittent fasting for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Links mentioned in the episode: Listen to Avrum Bluming on oestrogen and why it matters, Listen to Professor Jayashri Kulkarni on hormones and our brains Listen to Mary Biles on medicinal cannabis Listen to Chris van Tulleken on ultra-processed foods Listen to Dr Jason Fung on intermittent fasting Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How conscious are you of where your skincare ingredients come from? Claire Bristow, Head of New Product Development at Kelsey, joins Liz on this episode of the podcast to dive into what it means to be a truly sustainable beauty brand. Claire shares how Kelsey came to fruition through farming, the potent beauty benefits of raspberries, and why every stage of the production process must be considered when covering sustainability. In this episode, brought to you in partnership with Kelsey, Liz and Claire also discuss whether sustainability and luxury can exist side-by-side, plus how we can be more mindful with our beauty routines.  Links mentioned in the episode: Visit Kelsey's website - save 20% on products with the LIZLOVES affiliate discount code (returns to 15% after 31st January 2024) Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever let the fear of something hold you back? Entrepreneur and fashion expert Trinny Woodall joins Liz to share why we need to fear less. In this episode, Trinny discusses her relationship with fear through different periods in her life, how she approaches being a successful CEO, her personal experience of rehab, and why we should stop comparing ourselves to others. Liz and Trinny also chat about finding themselves single in midlife, and how they are ageing well by cutting out sugar, strength training and creating a healthy sleep routine. Plus, Trinny shares her fashion, skincare and makeup advice for midlife. Links mentioned in the episode: Order Fearless by Trinny Woodall Order Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway Visit the Trinny London website Follow Trinny on Instagram Follow the Glucose Goddess on Instagram Pre-order A Better Second Half by Liz Earle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.