The Health Review

The Health Review

I’m Emily — a TV journalist and presenter on a mission to cut through the noise and find real answers about how we can take care of our health. After struggling with chronic health issues for years — from recurring infections to gut problems and burnout — I made some big lifestyle changes that completely transformed my life. Now, I use my journalism background to ask the questions we all really want answered. On The Health Review, I speak to top doctors, nutritionists, and experts to make sense of the science and debunk the endless health myths online. Subscribe for weekly episodes with incredible health and wellness voices! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9H AGO

    Mental Fitness in an AI World: Neuroplasticity, Dopamine & Focus | Anne-Sophie Fluri

    If you feel like your attention is getting worse — and your brain is constantly “on” — you’re not imagining it. In this episode of The Health Review, neuroscientist Anne-Sophie Fluri (founder of Brainwave) explains how AI and constant digital stimulation are reshaping our brains, and what we can do to protect focus, motivation and mental resilience. We break down what mental fitness actually means and how neuroplasticity works in adults, and the real role of dopamine in attention, drive and phone habits. We also explore whether a “dopamine diet” is useful and the simple, science-backed habits that help you rewire your brain for clarity in a distracted world. In this episode, we cover: How AI is changing attention, learning and critical thinking What “mental fitness” is (and how to train it) Neuroplasticity as an adult: how change really happens Dopamine and phone addiction: what’s going on under the hood Do we need a dopamine diet — and what does that even mean? Practical tools to build resilience, focus and cognitive strength 🎧 Listen here and on all podcast platforms / Subscribe for weekly evidence-based health conversations with incredible guests. Brainwave: https://wearebrainwave.co/ Anne-Sophie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/coochiebygucci/ The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/ #neuroscience #dopamine #neuroplasticity #mentalhealth #focus #ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  2. FEB 25

    The Vagus Nerve Explained: Calm Your Body & Rewire Stress

    Chronic stress has become so normal that many of us no longer recognise when our nervous system is stuck in survival mode. If you feel wired but exhausted, struggle to switch off, experience poor sleep, anxiety, or constant overwhelm, the issue may not be mindset — it may be nervous system dysregulation. In this episode of The Health Review, Emily speaks with Jane Ollis — medical biochemist, environmental scientist, Oxford business fellow, and founder of SONA, an AI-powered vagus nerve stimulation platform designed to retrain the body’s stress response. Together, they explore how the nervous system really works, why modern life keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight, and what it actually means to feel calm and regulated. Jane explains the role of the vagus nerve, heart rate variability (HRV), and autonomic balance — and why true recovery requires retraining the body, not just managing stress. They also discuss the future of adaptive neurostimulation, how personalised technology can support resilience and sleep, and why nervous system regulation may become one of the most important tools in preventive health and performance medicine. 🎧 Exclusive listener offer: Jane has kindly offered The Health Review listeners 15% off SONA. Use code THR at checkout or access the discount automatically here: https://sona.pxf.io/c/7022575/3799822/43388 Check out SONA: https://sona.help Follow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  3. FEB 18

    The Science of Detox, Cold Exposure & Nervous System Healing | Alanna Kit

    We’re living in a world our bodies were never designed for — microplastics, environmental chemicals, chronic stress, and constant stimulation. So what does detox really mean in 2026? In this fascinating and forward-looking conversation, I’m joined by Alanna Kit — co-founder of Arc Community and a PhD researcher in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience — who is working at the cutting edge of integrative health, nervous system regulation, and psychedelic research. We explore detox beyond diets and supplements, the role of inflammation and stress in modern illness, and why small, intentional stressors may actually make us more resilient. Alanna also shares insights into her upcoming clinical research with UCL examining brain activity during cold exposure using EEG technology — and discusses whether cold plunging is truly harmful for women’s hormones, or if the reality is more nuanced. We discuss: What “detox” really means in modern life Microplastics, chemicals & invisible stressors affecting health Cold exposure, sauna & the science of hormesis Whether cold plunging impacts women’s hormones Why sauna after cold exposure may support recovery Stress as a tool for resilience rather than something to avoid The nervous system’s role in healing & inflammation Psilocybin research and its potential impact on mental health & chronic inflammation How inflammation may affect the blood-brain barrier Why community is essential for healing in a post-pandemic world The rapid growth of Arc Community and its vision for integrative wellness This episode offers a science-led look at how we build resilience, support detox pathways, and rethink healing in the modern world. Visit Arc: https://www.arc-community.com/ Follow The Health Review:  https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  4. FEB 11

    Managing Chronic Illness — When It’s Not “All In Your Head”

    Chronic symptoms. Normal test results. And the phrase no one wants to hear: “It’s all in your head.” In this episode of The Health Review, I’m joined by health psychologist and psychotherapist Dr Sula Windgassen, author of It's All In Your Body, to explore what’s really happening when symptoms like IBS, fatigue, chronic pain, bladder issues and burnout persist — even when doctors can’t find clear answers. Dr Sula shares her own experience of chronic health struggles that were dismissed, and explains how the nervous system, immune system and brain can become stuck in “threat mode.” We discuss: – Why symptoms can continue even when tests are normal – The science behind the mind–body connection – IBS, chronic fatigue and nervous system dysregulation – Trauma and burnout in the body – Why being told “it’s stress” can make things worse – How to work with your body rather than fight it This is not just about positive thinking or overnight fixes. It’s about understanding symptoms through a biopsychosocial lens — and rebuilding trust with your body. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, stuck or frustrated by persistent symptoms, this conversation will resonate. Dr Sula's website & new book: https://www.healthpsychologist.co.uk/ https://www.healthpsychologist.co.uk/itsallinyourbody Follow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  5. FEB 5

    The Science of Chinese Medicine — and Why the West Is Turning to It in 2026

    Chinese medicine is no longer on the fringes. In 2026, practices like acupuncture, acupressure and gua sha are firmly in the mainstream — with more people in the West turning to them to manage stress, burnout, digestive issues and chronic tension. But why now? And is there real science behind a healing system that’s more than 2,500 years old? In this episode of The Health Review, I’m joined by Katie Brindle — who's been a Chinese Medicine Practitioner since 2002, and founder of Hayo’u as well as author of the bestselling book Yang Sheng, which translates to “nourishing life”. We explore: why Chinese medicine is surging in popularity in the West how its core principles compare to modern medical thinking what the science actually says about acupuncture and acupressure the role of the nervous system, digestion and emotional health in healing and why balance — not optimisation or perfection — sits at the heart of this ancient system Katie offers some fantastic advice for simple things we can add into our busy lives to make Chinese medicine part of our health routine. Katie's website: https://www.katiebrindle.com/ Hayo'u: https://hayoumethod.com/ Follow The Health Review: https://www.katiebrindle.com/ If you love the show, please do hit the subscribe button! Every subscription goes a really long way. Thank you :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  6. JAN 21

    The Fibre Fix: How 30g of Fibre a Day Can Change Your Health | Kristen Stavridis

    What if improving your gut health, mood, energy, skin, and weight didn’t require restriction, tracking, or cutting out foods — but simply adding more of one often-overlooked nutrient? In this episode of The Health Review, I’m joined by Kristen Stavridis, a leading nutritionist and author of The Fibre Fix, to explore why fibre may be one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — nutrients in modern diets. Experts estimate that over 90% of people aren’t getting enough fibre, despite evidence showing that increasing intake to around 30g a day can support digestion, reduce bloating, regulate weight, improve skin health, balance blood sugar, support immunity, and even sharpen mental focus. In this conversation, Kristen shares her own journey — from struggling with gut and skin issues to feeling healthier than ever — and breaks down the science of fibre in a clear, practical way. We talk about what fibre actually does in the body, how it supports gut health, and why it’s been sidelined in favour of protein targets, calorie tracking, and diet trends. We also explore the wider shift many of us are feeling — away from constant optimisation and towards slowing down, reconnecting with ourselves, and making more mindful decisions around our health. Whether you’re looking for a full reset, want to improve digestion, support hormonal health, or simply feel better in yourself, this episode offers an honest, science-backed conversation with a truly passionate expert. Pre-order Kristen's upcoming book 'The Fibre Fix' here: https://lnk.bio/Thefibrefix Follow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

About

I’m Emily — a TV journalist and presenter on a mission to cut through the noise and find real answers about how we can take care of our health. After struggling with chronic health issues for years — from recurring infections to gut problems and burnout — I made some big lifestyle changes that completely transformed my life. Now, I use my journalism background to ask the questions we all really want answered. On The Health Review, I speak to top doctors, nutritionists, and experts to make sense of the science and debunk the endless health myths online. Subscribe for weekly episodes with incredible health and wellness voices! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.