What's That Rash?

Why you don't need to avoid seed oils

It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant?

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some people pee more often?

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sunscreen spectacular: UV protection, SPF drama, endocrine disruptors

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients.While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays.Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns.References: How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council  Sunscreen: a brief walk through history We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICE TGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings  Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025  Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trial Mineral vs chemical sunscreens  Can your sunscreen expire?  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much?  Can you get away with skipping your daily shower? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym?

Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners.It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits.Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential.References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition  Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients  Creatine in Health and Disease  Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and Cachexia Single dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivation Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition  The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial  It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and Immunology Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial  International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments? Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices