The Wellness Scoop

Psyllium Husk, The Cost of Over-Optimising & Health Hacks

Episode 98 and the countdown to 100 is officially on. This week is a listener Q&A special. We break down the rise of psyllium husk and what it actually does for gut health, separating meaningful fibre support from supplement hype. We also tackle blood sugar anxiety and the growing obsession with glucose “hacks”, asking how much the average person really needs to worry about spikes, post-meal walks and carb timing. We explore 14:10 fasting for energy and digestive health, and what to do when wellness routines start to feel restrictive rather than supportive. Alongside that, we share practical, nourishing snack ideas for last-minute guests, discuss how to protect bone health after an osteopenia diagnosis, and reflect on the wider conversation around moving out of London in search of a slower pace of life. As always, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what’s sustainable, evidence-based and actually helpful in real life. Order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ - out today! Thirty Plants App - Track your plant points through the week on this handy app, as recommended by our listener Olivia Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cortisol, Cardio & The Everyday Habits Protecting Your Brain

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re looking at the small, everyday habits that may influence our long-term health more than we think. From early research on stress hormones and cancer biology to new data on heart disease risk in men and women, we break down what the science actually shows and where the nuance matters. We revisit dementia prevention through a wider lens, exploring lifelong learning, oral health and cognitive engagement, and what they tell us about how closely the brain is connected to the rest of the body. We also unpack the gender gap in exercise habits and what it means for heart health. In our trends section, we explore fibre layering versus fibremaxxing and why variety may matter more than totals for gut health. We finish with practical, evidence-based sleep tips, because quality rest underpins everything from stress resilience to metabolic health. Recommendations: Shawn Achor on Super Soul Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Superfood Hype, Collagen, Air Fryers & Hidden Veggie Wins

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we are answering your questions and unpacking some of the biggest wellness trends shaping everyday choices. We start with spirulina. Is it a true superfood or more marketing than substance? We look at what it actually contains, whether it meaningfully contributes fibre, why it is not a reliable source of B12, and what to consider during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We then tackle the air fryer debate. Does it really save money on energy bills and is it healthier than using a traditional oven? We break down how it works, what the science says about fat use and cooking methods, and when it makes sense to invest in one. We also share practical ideas for increasing fibre in children who struggle with vegetables, explore whether gums and emulsifiers in plant milks are something to worry about, and answer your questions on omega 7, dried fruit, collagen and protecting brain health as we age. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fasting Myths, Gut-Boosting Pasta & A Five-Year Brain Boost

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack four headlines shaping how we eat and think about health. A major Cochrane review finds intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than standard calorie-controlled diets, despite its surge in popularity. We explore what the evidence actually shows and why public perception may not match the data. We then dive into resistant starch, the underrated fibre found in foods like lentils and cooled pasta, and explain how simple preparation tweaks can support gut health, cholesterol and blood sugar balance. New research also suggests that lifelong reading, writing and learning could lower dementia risk by nearly 40% and delay onset by up to five years. We unpack what this means for cognitive reserve and long-term brain resilience. And finally, we look at the rise of matcha. From high street launches to social media hype, we break down whether it really deserves its health halo and how it compares to coffee. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Easy Food Swaps, Snacking Smarter & Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

In this week’s episode, we’re answering your questions on making everyday food choices simpler and more nourishing. We start with micronutrients on plant-heavy diets, including how to think about calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine across the week without tracking apps, and when blood tests can be helpful during breastfeeding. We then look at easy food swaps that save time, including packaged grains and lentils, where they sit in the NOVA system, and why they can be a genuinely useful shortcut. Next, we share nut-free snack ideas for work, focusing on whole-food-leaning options that support steady energy. We also unpack bloating and inflammation, how hormones and stress affect gut health, and what to know about anti-inflammatory supplements like butyrate. Finally, we break down chickpea pasta versus white pasta, looking at fibre, protein and how it fits into a balanced way of eating. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices