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Age Better with Liz Earle
The pill, HRT, and medical gaslighting, with Kate Muir
Have you ever used some form of hormonal contraception? Kate Muir, documentary maker, investigative journalist and women's health expert, joins Liz to share what the contraceptive pill is really doing to our health - from our sex drive to our mood.
Inside this episode, Kate shares what prompted her concerns about the pill, and why more attention should be paid to the synthetic hormones commonly used in this type of contraception - just like the push for body identical HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for midlife women.
Liz and Kate discuss the mental health outcomes of female contraceptives such as the pill, the coil and the injection, plus talk through why women don't actually need to take a break from their contraception for a bleed (despite being told otherwise!)
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8. 7 things longevity doctors do to live longer – with Dr Harpal Bains
44:17||Season 38, Ep. 8What if you could dial back your biological age – not through expensive treatments or extreme diets – but with surprisingly simple habits that longevity doctors actually use themselves? Dr Harpal Bains joins Liz to reveal the practical strategies that could genuinely add years to your life.In this episode:Why your heart, cells and organs could all be different agesThe pulse wave velocity test revealing arterial stiffness before symptoms appearThe impact of stress on heart health and longevityHow much exercise is too much? The truth about LDL cholesterol and oxidative stressMicrodosing GLP-1 medications for longevity (not just weight loss)HRT as a longevity strategy beyond symptom reliefThe 70% rule and why joy might be the most powerful pro-ageing toolLinks mentioned in the episode:GlycanAge testListen to Liz's previous conversation with HarpalMore from Liz:Preorder Liz’s new book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramMore from Harpal:Harpal ClinicFollow Harpal on InstagramGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
7. Is blue light from screens wrecking your sleep?
42:11||Season 38, Ep. 7From blue light blocking glasses to hydrogen water for your mitochondria, Liz shares the science-backed strategies that protect your circadian rhythm and support healthy ageing.In this episode:Is hydrogen water worth it – and are there budget options? Which supplements should we prioritise in midlife? Do blue light blocking glasses protect your sleep?How to fix hormonal breakouts after coming off the pillCan you start HRT while you're still breastfeeding at 49?How to soothe midlife bloatingLinks mentioned in the episode:Echo hydrogen water flaskHydrogen water tabletsDr Nicholas Perricone episode on collagen and hydrogen waterLiz's favourite gut health boostersDr Uma Naidoo episode on nutrition for better mental healthOcushield blue light blocking glassesOcushield screen protectorBy Sarah Ally Recovery Blemish Facial Oil – use code LIZLOVES for 20% offBalance menopause appGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846More from Liz:Preorder Liz’s NEW book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramSome links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
6. How to hit 30 grams of fibre a day in midlife (without the bloat) – with Emma Bardwell
41:48||Season 38, Ep. 6What could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower inflammation, and make you less susceptible to depression? The answer, says nutritionist Emma Bardwell, is fibre.Emma's back on the show by popular demand to explain why hitting 30 grams a day could transform everything from weight loss and mood to digestion and glowing skin – and the simple hacks that make it easy to hit that target. In this episode:Why fibre needs better PR (and why protein hogged the limelight in 2025)The difference between soluble and insoluble fibre – and why you need bothFibre heroes: raspberries, cannellini beans, cacao powder and ground almondsHow to go from 16g to 30g without eating mountains of vegetablesThe microdosing approach: starting with one teaspoon of beans to avoid bloatingWhy fermented foods and kefir are game-changers for your gut microbiomeThe Bristol Stool Chart and poophoria (yes, really)How fibre supports weight loss, hormone balance, and even clears microplasticsWhy your digestion slows in perimenopause – and what to do about itEmma's tips for cooking tempehThe timeline: what happens to your body within hours, days, and weeks of increasing fibreMore from Liz:Preorder Liz’s new book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramMore from Emma:The Fibre EffectThe 30 Gram Plan Follow Emma on Instagram Get in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
5. Should I be eating more salt or less?
30:59||Season 38, Ep. 5It's one of the most confusing nutrition debates – should you be eating more salt or less? The answer might surprise you, because it depends on your lifestyle. If you're cooking from scratch or you're very active the advice is very different than if ultra-processed foods are part of your diet. Liz explains why salt isn't the enemy, the surprising signs that reveal whether you're getting too much or too little, and why drinking plenty of water might not be hydrating you properly at all.In this episode:How to know if you need to increase or reduce your sodium intakeAre at-home teeth whitening kits safe and do they actually work?Tips for breast tenderness on HRTCan you cook with extra virgin olive oil or is it just for drizzling?What lifestyle and non-surgical options exist for managing lipedema?Links mentioned in the episode:The Salt Fix by Dr James DiNicolantonioCitizens of Soil extra virgin olive oilGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846More from Liz:Preorder Liz’s NEW book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram
4. The 5 pillars to prevent dementia and stroke – with Dr Partha Nandi
44:07||Season 38, Ep. 4Dr Partha Nandi is a gastroenterologist who wants you to know that the key to preventing stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's might not lie in the brain at all – it lies in the gut. He shares how inflammation in your gut today could be affecting your brain decades from now. And he reveals the five simple pillars that could help you protect your cognitive health for life.In this episode:The gut-brain connection and why it matters for stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson'sHow inflammatory markers in the gut can predict Parkinson'sWhy people with healthier gut microbiomes recover better from strokesThe role of the vagus nerve as the information superhighway between gut and brainDr Nandi's five-pillar approach: purposeful living, diet, movement, spirituality and communityWhich probiotic strains to look forThe importance of fermented foods for reducing inflammationWhy magnesium matters and which type to choose for different needsHow intermittent fasting and mindful eating support gut healthMore from Liz:Preorder Liz’s new book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramMore from Partha:Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain Follow Dr Nandi on Instagram Get in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
3. Caffeine vs adaptogens: how to feel more energised – with Schia Mitchell Sinclair
17:40||Season 38, Ep. 3Always running low on energy? Herbal polypharmacist Schia Mitchell Sinclair says it might be time to kick the caffeine habit, and explore adaptogens instead.This episode is brought to you by The Herbtender. If after hearing this conversation you want to try their supplements and herbal teas for yourself, you can use code LIZLOVES for 20% off your order.Resources mentioned:Rise & ShineFocus & Clarity Perform & Recover Uplift & Revitalise The Herbtender organic herbal teas More from Liz:Preorder Liz’s NEW book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramMore from Schia:The Herbtender websiteFollow The Herbtender on InstagramGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
2. Pilates, walking or weight-lifting – which is best for midlife women?
32:55||Season 38, Ep. 2If you've been wondering whether your Reformer Pilates classes are doing enough for your bone strength, Liz has the answer – plus she settles the debate on full-fat versus skimmed milk and explains why it matters for midlife health.In this episode:Is Pilates and walking enough to protect your bones in midlife?Creatine supplements – safe or damaging for kidneys?Which multivitamins are worth taking and how to avoid bulking agentsFull-fat or skimmed milk – which should you choose?Are chlorinated swimming pools harming your health?How to manage bunions without surgeryLinks mentioned in the episode:Wild Nutrition supplementsSisterly multivitamin powderLiz's supplement masterclassbahé running trainersGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846More from Liz:Preorder Liz’s NEW book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramSome links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
1. Leaky gut, cholesterol and peptides explained – with Dr Mo Enayat
44:45||Season 38, Ep. 1GP Dr Mo Enayat, founder of HUM2N longevity clinic, joins Liz to reveal the science that could transform how your body ages – and why reaching your 120th birthday might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.In this episode:Leaky gut and zonulin testing for autoimmune conditionsCholesterol explained and why statins might not work for everyoneHomocysteine, methylation and methylated B vitaminsThe four drivers of cardiovascular disease beyond cholesterolPeptides explained: BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-CU and ipamorelinStem cell production and regenerative medicineExosomes for skin and hair healthLiving to 120: is it genuinely achievable?Resources mentioned: Patrick Holford podcast episode about Alzheimer's, homocysteine, B vitamins and omegasL-glutamine supplementsMethylated B-vitamins Omega-3 supplementsMore from Liz:Preorder Liz’s new book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramMore from Mo:HUM2N clinicFollow Mo on InstagramGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.
10. Do I still need HRT if I have no symptoms?
27:56||Season 37, Ep. 10Should women take HRT even if they're not bothered by menopause symptoms? It's a question many women ask – especially those with a family history of osteoporosis. Liz shares her take. In this episode: How can I treat bloating and constipation?Are NAD+ and Urolithin A supplements worth taking?What's the best way to fade a facial scar?Should I invest in an air purifier? Do I still need HRT if I have no symptoms?Resources mentioned: Magnesium glycinate supplementsDigestive bittersProbiotic supplementsNAD+ supplementsUrolithin A supplementsFushi Wellbeing rosehip oilSunlighten red light therapy deviceCollagen supplementsVitamin K2 + D3 supplementsOmega-3 supplementsDr Sajjad Rajpar podcast about oestrogen gel and wound healing Balance menopause symptom tracking appGet in touch with a question for Liz:Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.comWhatsApp: 07518 471 846More from Liz:Preorder Liz’s NEW book – How to AgeA Better Second Half Follow Liz on InstagramFollow Liz Earle Wellbeing on InstagramSome links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.