The Optimal Health Podcast

Ollie J Matthews

Hosted by certified functional medicine practitioner, author and keynote speaker Ollie Matthews we go into the health of both men and women including the uncomfortable bits we procrastinate on and hide from the reflection in the mirror. Interviewing special guests and sharing knowledge to support your health, from functional medicine, nutrition, supplements, biohacking, business, mindset and relationships - we will cover many topics here. Formerly OJay Health Radio

  1. 06/12/2025

    Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones

    Most people trying to fix their hormones start in the wrong place. They chase supplements, blame stress, or assume sleep is the problem. In reality, true hormonal balance starts in the gut. Without a healthy gut, nothing you do for your hormones will land properly. That is what this masterclass is all about. In this episode, I break down why gut health is the foundation for optimal hormones, steady mood, good sleep, strong energy, and proper detoxification. You will learn the hidden signs of poor gut function, why probiotics often make things worse, and the exact phases you need to follow to rebuild your gut for long term hormonal balance. This is the education most people never get from their GP. It is simple to understand, grounded in functional medicine, and something you can start working on today. Inside this episode you will learn: • Why the gut is the control centre for inflammation, nutrient absorption and detoxification • How serotonin is made in the gut and what that means for your mood and stress hormones • Why poor gut function disrupts testosterone, thyroid hormones and oestrogen balance • The gut liver hormone triangle and why detoxifying used hormones matters • The hidden triggers that destroy gut health, including stress, PPIs, antibiotics, alcohol and low fibre diets • Why reflux is usually low stomach acid, not high • Why waking at 2am or 3am is often a gut and blood sugar issue • The link between gut health, melatonin, and broken sleep • How inflammation and endotoxins create anxiety, wired tired energy, and night time wake ups • Why you can have a dysfunctional gut without any digestive symptoms at all • The real signs of gut dysfunction that show up in hormones, cholesterol, iron and sleep The three phases of fixing your gut: Clean up: antimicrobials, digestive support, bile flow, enzyme support Rebuild: glutamine, zinc carnosine, colostrum, short chain fatty acids, DGL Re inoculate: targeted probiotics and prebiotics when the gut can actually tolerate them Most people rush to probiotics first. That is like putting flowers in a dirty vase. Clean the gut first, rebuild the lining, then reintroduce the bacteria. Practical steps you can start today: • Eat whole foods, slow down and chew properly • No scrolling while eating, get your system into a calm state first • Increase fibre and plant diversity, aim for 30 different plants per week • Use veggie ice cubes to boost diversity in a simple way • Eat away from stressful environments like desks or bill paying areas • Limit snacking and give your gut proper rest periods • Add fermented foods if tolerated • Stay hydrated with electrolytes and good quality water • Increase protein intake to support gut lining repair and hormone synthesis • Reduce caffeine and alcohol if sleep or digestion is off Supplements mentioned in this episode General starting points, not prescriptions • DGL to soothe the gut • Digestive enzymes before meals • Glutamine to support the gut lining • Magnesium glycinate for deeper sleep or magnesium citrate for bowel motility The message is simple. Healthy hormones start with a healthy gut. Without fixing this foundation, you will always chase symptoms. If sleep is broken, if motivation is low, if libido has dropped or energy crashes hit you daily, it is time to look deeper. If you want to explore your own gut health and hormones with functional testing and a proper plan, message me and we can see what is really going on.

    11 min
  2. 20/10/2025

    Dr. Heather Stone - How To Break Free From Chronic Illness

    Today on The Optimal Health Podcast we have an amazing episode with Dr. Heather Stone. Dr. Heather Stone, DC, one of the leading functional medicine experts, is here to share how you can heal naturally and reclaim your vitality—without relying on Big Pharma.  Dr. Stone's journey began when she was diagnosed with low thyroid and Hashimoto's. Unable to find effective help, she took matters into her own hands, becoming a doctor and developing her revolutionary Thyroid Transformation Blueprint. This framework has helped thousands of women achieve what once seemed impossible: reversing chronic symptoms, breaking free from the pharmaceutical treadmill, and reclaiming their vibrant, healthy selves. For women battling fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, mood swings, and hair loss—or those frustrated after seeing multiple doctors with no lasting results—Dr. Stone offers hope and solutions. Her work speaks directly to women seeking to restore their energy, vitality, and confidence, including ambitious entrepreneurs who know that optimized health is key to achieving their personal and professional potential. - No, You ARE NOT A Hypochondriac: Uncovering The Hidden Disease Behind The Strange & Terrible Symptoms You Are Experiencing - Understanding Lesser-Known Autoimmune Diseases: Hashimotos, Hypothyroidism & Other Leading Drivers For Poor Quality Life - Your Thyroid Transformation Blueprint: The 7 Pillars To You Need To Follow To Bring Your Autoimmune Disease Into Remission - It's Not Just About Calories-In & Calories-Out: Going Beyond A Weight-Loss Mindset To Address The Root Of Obesity - Knowing What To Eat & What NOT To Eat - Blood Sugar: What Impacts It? (Hint: It's Not Just Food) @drheatherstone  Take the free optimal health quiz and find out exactly how to start improving your health now - www.ojayhealth.com/optimal

    47 min
  3. 09/10/2025

    Dr. Max Draper - Testosterone is for more than muscle and sex

    Keywords TRT, testosterone, men's health, self-administration, blood work, aromatase inhibitors, holistic health, muscle growth, psychological health, healthcare system Summary In this episode, Ollie Matthews and Dr. Max Draper delve into the complexities of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and men's health. They discuss the dangers of self-administering TRT without proper guidance, the importance of blood work, and the misconceptions surrounding testosterone's role in muscle growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health, including diet and lifestyle factors, and the psychological aspects of low testosterone. They also touch on the challenges men face in navigating the healthcare system for TRT and the importance of taking responsibility for one's health. Takeaways Many individuals self-administer TRT without proper guidance. High doses of testosterone can lead to anxiety and health issues. Regular blood work is essential for monitoring hormonal health. Aromatase inhibitors are often misused in TRT protocols. A holistic approach to health is crucial for effective TRT. Testosterone is vital for overall well-being, not just muscle growth. Lifestyle factors significantly impact testosterone levels. Men often face barriers in accessing TRT through healthcare systems. Diet and lifestyle changes can improve hormonal health. Research and self-education are key before starting TRT. Titles Navigating the Complexities of TRT The Risks of Self-Administering Testosterone Sound bites "You have to tick the boxes to feel well." "TRT is not just about muscle growth." "You have to take responsibility for your health." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to TRT and Men's Health 02:57 The Dangers of Self-Administering TRT 05:55 Understanding Blood Work and Hormonal Balance 09:00 The Role of Aromatase Inhibitors in TRT 11:50 Navigating the TRT Landscape: Clinics and Prescriptions 14:52 The Importance of Lifestyle Factors in TRT 17:54 Debunking Myths: Testosterone and Muscle Growth 20:57 The Psychological Impact of Low Testosterone 23:47 The Effects of Diet and Stress on Hormones 26:45 Final Thoughts on TRT and Health Responsibility

    32 min
  4. 30/08/2025

    The Truth About TRT W/ Dave Lee & Dr. Max Draper - Optimal Health Podcast

    Today on The Optimal Health Podcast we have Dave Lee (@iamdavelee) and Dr. Max Draper (@dr_max_draper), two of the leading experts on testosterone replacement therapy and mens' health in general. Dave Lee is a world leading TRT expert who has built an established global following with close to a decade of industry experience coaching clients and troubleshooting men's hormone replacement therapy protocols. Dave has authored three books on TRT, has coaching thousands of men and is a trusted resource of many world leading doctors and practitioners, and has established clinics utilising his oversight and clinical practices in over a dozen countries. Dave has recorded hundreds of videos amassing millions of Youtube views, including in depth lectures and masterclasses which have provided patients with education and knowledge to optimise and refine all aspects of their health and hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Max Draper is Lead Clinician at Alphagenix, a private men's health company in the UK. He also works as lead clinician at Atlas, a testing and diagnostic service in the UK. He is a qualified doctor with nearly 20 years experience in healthcare. He spent 8 years as an NHS GP, but following his own challenges with low testosterone, he dedicated himself to advancing his knowledge in testosterone replacement therapy and more broadly, men's health optimisation. He left the NHS to pursue this fully several years back. We talk deep about all things TRT, especially looking into how it isn't the immediate answer and definitely not a quick fix. The responsibility we have as parents to work on our children's health and lead a big example. This is one of my most favourite episodes I have recorded so far and I would love to chat with more experts on this topic. It is a big passion of mine. Alphagenix - https://alphagenix.co.uk/ Dave's website - https://www.advancedfundamentalhealth.com/ The TRT Academy - https://www.skool.com/trt-academy/about

    1hr 3min
4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hosted by certified functional medicine practitioner, author and keynote speaker Ollie Matthews we go into the health of both men and women including the uncomfortable bits we procrastinate on and hide from the reflection in the mirror. Interviewing special guests and sharing knowledge to support your health, from functional medicine, nutrition, supplements, biohacking, business, mindset and relationships - we will cover many topics here. Formerly OJay Health Radio

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