The Health Review

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 lifeMicroplastics, chemicals & invisible stressors affecting healthCold exposure, sauna & the science of hormesisWhether cold plunging impacts women’s hormonesWhy sauna after cold exposure may support recoveryStress as a tool for resilience rather than something to avoidThe nervous system’s role in healing & inflammationPsilocybin research and its potential impact on mental health & chronic inflammationHow inflammation may affect the blood-brain barrierWhy community is essential for healing in a post-pandemic worldThe rapid growth of Arc Community and its vision for integrative wellnessThis 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/

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 itThis 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/itsallinyourbodyFollow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review

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 Westhow its core principles compare to modern medical thinkingwhat the science actually says about acupuncture and acupressurethe role of the nervous system, digestion and emotional health in healingand why balance — not optimisation or perfection — sits at the heart of this ancient systemKatie 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 :)

In this episode of The Health Review, I’m joined by Rhian Stephenson, founder of ARTAH, to explore how wellness is evolving — and why so many people are stepping away from rigid health routines in favour of a more intuitive, sustainable approach.Rhian is a nutritional therapist, naturopath and herbalist with years of clinical experience, as well as a former CEO of one of the UK’s leading fitness brands. She’s also a mum of two — which gives her a refreshingly grounded perspective on what realistic health looks like when life is full.We talk about:– why the wellness industry is shifting away from optimisation and complex biohacking– nervous system health, burnout, and mental resilience– how women can better support their hormones and emotional wellbeing– gut health and fibre (and why fibre deserves more attention)– navigating supplements in a crowded, often confusing wellness market– and Rhian’s own experience balancing ambition, motherhood and healthThis conversation is about building health that supports your life —and I think Rhian offers a refreshing perspective on how to do that. ARTAH: https://artah.co/Follow Rhian: https://www.instagram.com/rhianstephensonFollow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review

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/ThefibrefixFollow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/?hl=en

In this episode of The Health Review, I’m joined by Dr Nilesh Satguru — a former medical doctor turned self-mastery coach and compassion trainer whose work spans five continents.After more than a decade practising medicine, Nilesh realised that many of the struggles we face — anxiety, self-doubt, lack of clarity, emotional overwhelm — often aren’t external problems. They’re mind-made. And until we learn to understand the mind with both science and compassion, true success remains out of reach.In this conversation, we explore:What often leaves us feeling stuck, despite “doing everything right”Why our mind-made issues can quietly ruin relationships The neuroscience behind compassion and emotional regulationWhat “going inwards to give outwards” really means in daily lifeHow to reconnect with purpose, clarity, and inner peaceIf you’ve ever felt driven yet disconnected, successful yet unfulfilled, or stuck despite personal growth work — this episode will speak directly to you.Nilesh's website: https://www.drsatguru.com/Follow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/

What really defined wellness in 2025 — and what’s actually worth carrying forward into 2026?In this second part of our end-of-year health and wellness roundup, I’m joined by health coach and speaker Vanessa Sturman to unpack the biggest wellness shifts of the past year — from the rise of biohacking studios and body scanners to the growing focus on nervous-system regulation, gentler movement, nature-based health and recovery.We talk about the wellness products and technologies that genuinely stood out, why retreat culture and luxury wellness travel exploded, and how tools like wearables, red light therapy and sauna became mainstream. We also explore some of the more complex conversations of 2025 — including AI therapy and where the line sits between helpful innovation and too much optimisation.As we look ahead to 2026, Vanessa shares her thoughts on which wellness trends feel meaningful, which might fade away, and the ideas she’s most excited to watch.Vanessa's website: https://www.vanessasturman.comFollow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review

What actually defined health and wellness in 2025 — and what’s genuinely worth paying attention to as we head into 2026?In this special end-of-year episode, I’m joined by health and wellness journalist Rosie Fitzmaurice to reflect on the biggest stories, shifts and debates that shaped the past year — from the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and the backlash around ultra-processed foods, to fertility breakthroughs, AI in healthcare, microplastics, longevity culture and the growing move away from extreme optimisation.We talk about why wellness in 2025 felt different, how public conversations around health have changed, and where science, culture and consumer trends are colliding. We also look ahead to 2026: What's here to stay? Find out! Follow The Health Review: https://www.instagram.com/the.health.review/Follow Rosie: https://www.instagram.com/rosiefitzy1/