The Wellness Scoop

Latest Episodes:

Beating Hangovers, Wellness Washing & The Chronic Disease Pandemic Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into the health stories you’ll actually want to know about as we head into December. We’re looking at how to beat a hangover and stay well through the festive chaos, from sleep dips to sugar overload. We unpack the rise of wellness washing, why so many “healthy” products are anything but, and how to spot the difference between real wellbeing and clever marketing.

Our big story this week is the chronic disease pandemic. A major new Lancet review has brought global attention to the links between modern diets, ultra processed foods and long term illness, exposing the industry forces driving the trend and what the evidence really shows. We break down the key findings and share the simple, realistic habits that genuinely support long term health.

Ella’s book tour events: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet
50% off code for Quick Wins with Waterstones - ‘QUICKWINS50’ (enter the code at checkout)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christmas Menus, Intolerance Tests and the Wellness Trends to Ignore Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this Extra Scoop we’re tackling your brilliant listener questions, from the confusion around food intolerance tests to what to cook for a summer Christmas lunch. We break down why IgG tests aren’t reliable, how to get a proper diagnosis and why unnecessary restriction can do more harm than good. Rhi shares her clinical insight into navigating misinformation online, from the rise of the AIP diet to the red flags around unregulated “women’s health practitioners.”

We also answer your questions on omega-3 supplements, skincare ingredients like BHT and phenoxyethanol, and whether lots of small meals or three bigger ones best support digestion and sleep. Plus, we share your latest dark chocolate recommendations and talk through what a Deliciously Ella–style summer Christmas menu might look like. It’s a practical, myth-busting episode designed to bring a bit of clarity, calm and common sense to the world of everyday wellness.

Recommendations:

The best dark chocolates (so far!): Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Madagascan 80%, M&S 75%, Tesco 85%, Divine 85%, Hu Kitchen, Ombar 80%
Ella’s book event: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Food, Mood and the 2026 Wellness Trends to Watch! Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re unpacking the stories shaping long-term health, from the latest research on ultra-processed foods to the global rise in childhood blood pressure. We look at a major new study linking UPFs to early bowel polyps in women under 50, what the data actually shows and what practical changes matter day to day. We also explore why hypertension in children has almost doubled over the past twenty years, what’s driving the trend, and the small, realistic habits that help protect heart health from early life.

Alongside the big stories, we dive into two smaller but fascinating pieces of research: how gallery visits can lower cortisol and inflammation, and why speaking more than one language might help slow biological ageing. We pick up on last week’s GLP-1 discussion with a thought-provoking piece from The Cut on emotional blunting, appetite and pleasure, and round things off with the seven wellness trends set to shape 2026 including bone health, creatine, fibre, tech boundaries, cellular health and infrared workouts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beat Winter Blues, Multi-Vitamins & Daily(ish) Wins Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into everything you need to feel a little brighter and more grounded through the winter months, from simple ways to lift your mood to the truth about frozen food and how to choose a multivitamin that actually meets your needs without the huge price tag.

We break down the biggest nutrition myths, explore why frozen produce often rivals fresh, unpack global food labelling systems, and share the small daily(ish) habits that make consistency feel easier and more sustainable. Plus, practical family-friendly meal planning ideas, winter wellbeing rituals and the listener questions you’ve asked us most.

Get Dr David Hamilton's book, 'The Joy of Actually Giving a F*ck'

Recommendations:

And from our amazing listeners:

Georgia: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference dark chocolate - delicious, single origin and made from three ingredients
Amy: Bank the Food app - discover which items food banks in your area are most in need of

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Natural’ Ozempic, Bean Power & How to Beat Headaches Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re unpacking the stories that could genuinely shift your everyday health. We look at the three simple habits proven to stop morning headaches, from caffeine timing to sleep rhythms and jaw tension. We also dig into the new “natural Ozempic” capsule making headlines, explaining how it actually works in the gut, how it compares to GLP-1 injections and what the early research really shows. Plus, we explore the nationwide Bang in Some Beans campaign aiming to double the UK’s bean intake by 2028, why supermarkets are backing it and what the science says about beans for heart health, gut health and long-term disease risk. It’s a practical, evidence-led episode filled with useful takeaways you can put into your week straight away.

🎄 Order your signed, personalised copy of Quick Wins – add a Christmas message when you pre-order here: ⁠https://coles-books.co.uk/quick-wins-by-ella-mills-signed-edition

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should We Count Calories? Pesticides & Tips for Winter Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into your biggest wellness questions, from whether calorie counting really works to how concerned we should be about pesticides in oats and hummus. We explore where the idea of calorie counting came from, why it became so popular, and what modern science actually says about energy, metabolism and nourishment. We also unpack the facts on glyphosates, what they are, where they show up, and how to reduce exposure without cutting out healthy foods like oats and chickpeas. Plus, we share easy ways to hit 30 plants a week, the truth about canned beans, and whether pickled vegetables count as fermented. Finally, we share your brilliant winter wellbeing tips, from romanticising the darker months to making candlelit yoga and nourishing soups part of your routine.

Hear more from Giles on calories in our ‘Why Calories Don’t Count’ episode

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 75p Health Trick, Vagina Lollipops & Gut Secrets Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into the biggest wellness stories making headlines, from Kourtney Kardashian’s viral Lemmelaunches (yes, vagina lollipops and colostrum gummies) to new research suggesting our gut microbes might influence our personalities. We unpack the science behind these trends, separate fact from fiction, and explore what’s really worth paying attention to.

We also discuss Rhiannon’s feature on the Mediterranean diet, including her simple 75p trick for boosting fibre and gut health, and look at new research showing that walking just 3,000 steps a day could slow Alzheimer’s progression by up to seven years.

🎄 Order your signed, personalised copy of Quick Wins – add a Christmas message when you pre-order here: https://coles-books.co.uk/quick-wins-by-ella-mills-signed-edition

Sign the petition on fireworks to help wildlife at this time of year: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732559

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hormones, Healthy Skin and the Truth About Oats Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this Extra Scoop we’re tackling your brilliant listener questions, from why your period might stop after restrictive eating to what’s really going on with phytic acid in oats and whether you should worry about skincare ingredients like BHT and phenoxyethanol. Rhi shares her clinical insight into hypothalamic amenorrhoea, how to restore hormonal balance and why food freedom is key to recovery. We unpack the truth about “anti-nutrients” and why your homemade muesli is still a gut-friendly win, plus practical guidance on eating for each phase of your menstrual cycle. It’s a real-world, science-meets-sanity episode on how to care for your body, inside and out.

Find out more about our brilliant contributors to today's episode:

Sarah Elder, part of the Rhitrition team
Dr Anjali Mahto
Get you copy of Dr. Thivi's book: Skinfood - Your 4-step solution to healthy, happy skin

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fibre Fixes, Walking Wins and the Cancer Warning Debate Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into the wellness stories everyone’s talking about, from the call for cancer warnings on bacon and ham to the surprising science behind how one longer walk a day can transform heart health. We explore what the latest evidence really says about processed meat and nitrites, why fibre-rich foods like kiwi fruit could be your simplest gut-health fix, and how shared joy and connection might even help you live longer. Plus, we look at the rise of infrared Pilates, the “hot” trend promising better mobility and recovery, and ask whether the science really stacks up.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anxiety, Gut Health and How to Improve Your Microbiome Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re answering your questions with Professor Tim Spector, diving into the connection between gut health and anxiety, and how to strengthen your microbiome for better overall wellbeing.

We unpack what gut health actually means, how ultra-processed foods impact your microbiome, and the simple habits that make the biggest difference. Tim explains how quickly you can see change, shares his top tips for long-term gut health, and clears up common myths about what really helps your gut thrive.

A practical, science-led episode that shows how small, consistent changes to your gut health can have a powerful impact on how you feel every day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected