Insights That Will Shift the Way You Think

From the science of our thoughts to hidden health risks.

NEXT WEDNESDAY: LIVE WELL BE WELL SEASON 16

Don’t miss next week’s launch episode of season 16, where we will be in conversation with a returning guest. You will all know him as the Blue Zones expert, and for the first time he will be speaking out about the claims that Blue Zones don’t exist. It’s not to be missed!

Did you know that your brain makes decisions before you’re even aware of them? Or that trying to suppress your so-called “shadow emotions” might actually be holding you back? These are the kinds of insights that stopped me in my tracks this season.

Two weeks ago I wrote about the power of unforgettable conversations; those that stay with you for a long time. Because over the past season, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible experts who have challenged my thinking. From redefining nutrition for women to understanding the true power of compassion, each conversation has left its mark.

As last season had SO many profound interactions that really resonated with both myself and all of you, I wanted to share three more that have really stood out the most. Whether they shifted my perspective, uncovered a profound truth, or simply served as a powerful reminder of how small changes can have a big impact, these shorter clips are perfect for when you're short on time but still want a key insight into science-backed health content.

This week, I’ve picked three moments that explore how much control we really have over our thoughts and emotions, the myths around hay fever treatments, and the alarming rise of microplastics in our bodies. I hope these snippets leave you with something to think about—whether it’s a fresh perspective, a small lifestyle change, or just a greater awareness of the world around us.

And don’t miss this Friday’s Be Well Moment—I’ll be joined by Dr. Stacy Sims to break down some of the biggest misconceptions about women’s health and performance. You won’t want to miss it!

Why You Don’t Control Your Own Thoughts | Professor Paul Gilbert

Key Takeaways:

1. "You didn’t choose anything about your brain… You are a consciousness experiencing all the firings going on in your brain." - Our thoughts, emotions, and impulses are not entirely within our control—they are the result of millions of years of evolution shaping the way our brains function. Beginning to recognise this can help remove any self-blame and shame we may encounter, which will in turn allow us to approach our emotions with self-compassion rather than judgement. Understanding that we experience our thoughts rather than create them is such a powerful tool.
2. "None of us wake up and think, ‘You know what? I think I'll have some panic attacks today’… These emotions come to us—they can take us over because that’s how they’re built to work." - Difficult emotions like anxiety, anger, and sadness are not personal failures; they are built into us for survival. Instead of resisting or feeling guilt over these emotions, practicing mindfulness and standing back and observing them will go a long way in not allowing them to define us. When we stop blaming ourselves for emotions we didn't choose, we can develop healthier ways of responding to them.

Hay Fever Myths Exposed: What Actually Works | Prof. Gideon Lack

Key Takeaways:

1. "The idea [of using honey for hay fever] is a sound one, but the problem is the levels of pollen are too low—way too low… It would be like giving a COVID vaccine but at one-hundredth of the protective dose. You’re not going to get protection.” - Despite the common belief that eating local honey can help with hay fever, the amount of pollen in honey is far too low to have any real effect. Effective allergy treatments rely on the right dose to trigger immune tolerance, much like vaccines or immunotherapy. Proven medical approaches, rather than popular myths, are much more recommeneded when managing allergies.
2. "A key thing is identifying what the allergen actually is… A lot of people think it’s dust mites, but it could be the dog or cat at home… If you use the wrong allergen in treatment, it’s like giving the wrong antibiotic for the wrong infection—it doesn’t work.” - Correctly identifying the cause of allergies is crucial for effective treatment. Many people assume their symptoms are triggered by common allergens like dust mites when, in reality, their pets or other environmental factors might be the cause. Testing and thorough history-taking are essential, as treating the wrong allergen is ineffective—just like using the wrong medication for an illness.

How to Reduce Microplastics in Your Food and Drink | Dr. Gemma Newman

Key Takeaways

1. "We actually would probably, without knowing it, consume about a credit card worth of plastic… every week. A 2019 study found that people could be ingesting approximately five grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent weight of a credit card." - The scale of microplastic consumption is shocking, with studies suggesting that humans ingest the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every week. With the widespread presence of microplastics in food, water, and air, there is such an urgent need for awareness and action to reduce our exposure through conscious choices in food storage, cookware, and packaging.
2. "I don’t want to scare everybody into never touching their receipts… but a certain level of awareness can be helpful. If you work in a shop and are always touching receipts, why not just use a glove? If you’re buying new kitchenware, maybe choose ceramic instead of Teflon. It’s not about cutting everything out immediately—it’s about making better choices over time." - Rather than panicking about microplastics, there are ways in which we can take a more balanced approach. Small, mindful decisions—such as switching to glass containers, avoiding plastic food storage, and limiting direct contact with BPA-containing materials like receipts—can really make a difference. The goal isn’t perfection but rather small steps to improve our reduction of harmful plastic exposure.

Fasting For Women: The Facts | Dr. Stacy Sims

Do not miss this Friday’s Be Well Moment with the inimitable Dr. Stacy Sims where she will truly blow your mind with the science of fasting for women. It’s not what we’ve all been told.

Listen Now

NEXT WEDNESDAY: LIVE WELL BE WELL SEASON 16

Don’t miss next week’s launch episode of season 16, where we will be in conversation with a returning guest. You will all know him as the Blue Zones expert, and for the first time he will be speaking out about the claims that Blue Zones don’t exist. It’s not to be missed!

All of our season 16 episodes were recorded in Los Angeles, and I am SO excited to bring you more conversations about your health, including two experts who have been preventing cognitive decline for more than two decades.