This episode reviews an umbrella meta-analysis of randomized trials examining popular diets (Mediterranean, DASH, low-carb, low-fat, high-protein, vegetarian/vegan, low-GI, paleo, intermittent fasting and more) and their effects on weight, BMI, lipids, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and blood pressure.Key takeaways: the Mediterranean diet showed the most consistent benefits with no reported harms, DASH showed some benefit, while many other diets produced short-term or mixed results. Overall evidence quality was often low and highly variable, so the episode emphasizes sustainable, whole-food, plant-forward eating patterns and long-term adherence over short-term fad diets.

Join us in welcoming back Dr. Elizabeth Jackson for an illuminating discussion on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and its distinction from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This episode delves into the hormonal dynamics that lead to PMDD and provides valuable insights into how it differs from PMS, highlighting the psychological and physical impacts on women's lives.We explore lifestyle and medical interventions that offer relief, including the role of estrogen fluctuations and the potential of hormonal therapies. Dr. Jackson emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive management, encouraging listeners to consider lifestyle adjustments and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.Listen in to discover the significance of understanding and addressing PMDD, debunk common myths about menstruation, and gain practical advice for taking control of your hormonal health.

This mindful moment meditation is designed to help you reset habits and manage impulses, every day. In this short guided session, we use the power of mindful breathing to create space between impulse and action. Whether you’re tempted to overeat, endlessly scroll, or reach for quick distractions, this practice invites you to pause, reflect, and choose differently. With each breath, you'll strengthen your ability to respond with intention rather than react automatically. Join us as we take a small but powerful step toward lasting change and more mindful living.

Hello, my name is Dr. Lynn Reid and I want to introduce you to the Aurora Wellness Coaching App. I've created this app really in response to what I was practicing day to day and what I felt patients needed to know, learn and then be able to consolidate. And this is lifestyle medicine. It's about making meaningful change in both small ways and big ways to improve your health, longevity and general happiness.So, Aurora app is about giving you structured guidance, there are daily coaching lessons, reflective journaling, lots of resources and heaps of information to help you guide yourself towards a better healthier future. There is a limited-time only seven day introductory course that allows you to have a bit of a taste of what's available and the different topics that we can cover.After you do the introductory course, you have the option if you want to deep dive into one of the bigger topics like nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, menopause, building good habits, breaking bad habits. And these are all available to you and conveniently wrapped up in one place in the Aurora Wellness Coaching app. Have a look and join us on a transformative journey where we're looking to heal, thrive and empower ourselves towards a really healthy future take care and I look forward to seeing you on there.

In this episode, Dr. Lynne Reed explores the surprising benefits of embracing discomfort in our comfort-driven lives. She delves into how our constant chase for pleasure and avoidance of discomfort can lead to mental suffering. By normalizing slight discomfort, such as delaying gratification or digital disconnection, we can build resilience and find a natural state of contentment. Discover practical techniques to integrate small discomforts into daily life and join Dr. Reed in redefining happiness beyond the cycle of desire and dopamine.

In this enlightening episode of the Aurora podcast, we are joined once again by Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, a renowned expert in women's health. This time, Dr. Jackson tackles the intricate topic of fertility and conception. She offers practical advice for women with both regular and irregular periods, explaining the optimal timing for conception and debunking common myths around fertility. Dr. Jackson provides a formula for identifying the fertility window based on menstrual cycles and discusses the importance of timing and frequency of intercourse. She emphasizes the role of age in fertility and the importance of seeing a gynecologist if conception does not occur within certain timeframes. Highlighting the multifaceted approach to fertility treatment, Dr. Jackson explores various fertility options, from natural conception to advanced medical interventions such as IVF and ICSI. She underscores the significance of seeking professional advice and avoiding unreliable sources of information. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone on the journey to starting a family, offering reassurance and actionable insights into the complex world of fertility.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Liz Jackson, an esteemed obstetrician-gynecologist, joins us to unravel some of the most significant and often misunderstood topics in women's health. From the intricacies of the female menstrual cycle to the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Dr. Jackson offers a detailed exploration of hormonal interplay and how certain conditions can disrupt the natural rhythm. Dr. Jackson shares her extensive knowledge on reproductive health issues, including the role of various hormones during the menstrual cycle, and how conditions like PCOS are diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and discusses the nuances of diagnosing PCOS, especially in younger women and those with varying phenotypes. The discussion further delves into holistic management approaches for PCOS, focusing on metabolic health, mental well-being, and fertility. Dr. Jackson offers practical advice on lifestyle management and treatment options, including the use of medications like letrozole and metformin, and highlights the significance of weight management for improved outcomes. Tune in to gain insights into managing PCOS, understand fertility implications, and discover the latest guidelines and resources that can empower women to take charge of their health. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in obstetrics and gynecology as she dispels myths and provides clarity on complex women's health issues.

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of discomfort in driving personal growth and transformation. Often, our evolutionary instincts push us towards comfort for survival, but in today’s world, excessive comfort can lead to stagnation. By stepping slightly out of our comfort zones into the growth zone, we engage challenges that enhance our capabilities, build resilience, and foster lasting change. Explore how temporary discomfort, whether through starting a new habit or facing tough conversations, can lead to significant personal advancements. Learn to strike the balance between pushing your limits and avoiding burnout, and discover strategies to build mental toughness with self-compassion as your guide.Join us to understand how embracing discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for change in various aspects of life, from fitness routines to professional challenges. Take small steps today and see how they can lead you to a more resilient and empowered self.

Welcome to today's episode where we delve deep into the profound impact of social influences on our habits and behaviors. Discover how surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can drive positive change and growth. Explore the significance of accountability and the strength of human connections. Learn how to create a thriving social environment that fosters positive reinforcement and mutual success. Tune in to uncover actionable strategies to cultivate influential relationships that enhance your personal development journey.

Use this brief guided meditation daily to build the habit of relaxation and stress reduction into your life. Welcome to a serene moment dedicated to finding calm and clarity in the midst of a busy day. This episode invites you to pause, breathe, and realign through a guided meditation. Whether you're feeling stressed or simply need a brief escape, this session is designed to help you reset and recharge. Allow yourself the time to breathe deeply and release tension, focusing on being present. Affirm your state of peace with soothing words and let tranquility wash over you. Step back into your day feeling centered and refreshed.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of metabolism, exploring hormonal regulation, metabolic pathways, and the interplay of insulin and glucagon in maintaining energy balance. Discover how understanding these processes can impact weight management and why conventional dieting methods might not be the answer to achieving long-term wellness. Learn to work with your body's natural mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of whole foods, balanced energy intake, and lifestyle changes for a healthier metabolism.

Join Dr. Lynne Reid as she sits down with Dr. Alice Chang, a consultant psychiatrist, to dive deep into the often overlooked topic of ADHD diagnosis in women. Explore why ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed, the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on women's lives, and the intersection of ADHD with other mental health issues. Discover the challenges women face in getting the right diagnosis, especially in high-pressure environments, and the coping mechanisms they adopt in their personal and professional lives. Learn about the importance of lifestyle adjustments and the role of ADHD in the broader spectrum of mental health. This conversation aims to raise awareness, offer insights into the nuances of ADHD in women, and provide guidance for women who may be seeking answers to their unexplained symptoms and struggles. Click through for references and further reading on this critical issue.   "Females with ADHD: An Expert Consensus Statement Taking a Lifespan Approach" (2020): This article discusses the unique presentation of ADHD in females and emphasizes the need for a lifespan approach to diagnosis and treatment. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women" (2023): This systematic review explores the impact of living with undiagnosed ADHD and the effects of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood for women. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Time After Time: Failure to Identify and Support Females with ADHD" (2023): This study highlights the delays in diagnosis and treatment for females with ADHD and underscores the higher burden of comorbid psychiatric conditions they experience. acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

🎙️ Discover the Power of Exercise on the Aurora Wellness Podcast 🌟 Are you ready to transform your health through movement? In this episode, Dr. Lynne Reid dives deep into the evidence behind exercise and why it’s the ultimate medicine for your body and mind. Here's what you'll learn: ✅ How exercise fits into Dr. Reid's Six Pillars of Wellness – improving social connection, sleep, stress, and even gut health.✅ The jaw-dropping impact of regular movement: reduce cardiovascular disease by up to 30%, type 2 diabetes by 35%, and even combat depression as effectively as antidepressants.✅ Practical, evidence-based tips: build a personalized plan with aerobic and strength training, balance exercises, and easy ways to stay consistent.✅ Why group activities can boost your adherence by 25% and how accountability partners and smart tech make all the difference. Dr. Reid makes it simple, achievable, and empowering to prioritize your health. Whether you're starting with gentle walks or stepping up your game with strength training, this episode is packed with actionable advice to make exercise the cornerstone of your wellness journey. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how exercise can help you live longer, feel happier, and prevent chronic diseases. Let’s get moving! 🌐 Visit drlynreid.com or follow Aurora Wellness for more expert guidance, tools, and programs tailored to YOU. 🏋️‍♂️

The cult of busy has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, but it’s not too late to challenge these societal norms. By understanding the value of rest, prioritising downtime, cultivating mindfulness, and setting boundaries, we can break free from the constant cycle of overwork. True success and fulfilment come not from being perpetually busy but from aligning our actions with our values, nurturing our well-being, and embracing the importance of rest and play.

Social connectedness is essential for our mental, physical, and emotional health. It refers to the quality and depth of our relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and the community. Strong social connections enhance happiness, reduce stress, improve health outcomes, and increase longevity. Despite its importance, barriers such as technology overuse, busy lifestyles, and life transitions can hinder meaningful connections. This talk highlights: What social connectedness is and its role in our lives. Why it is critical for health, including its impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Barriers to connection and how to overcome them. Practical tips to foster social ties in personal, workplace, and community contexts. The role of healthcare and community services in promoting social connectedness. By prioritizing and nurturing meaningful relationships, we can create resilient, thriving communities and lead healthier, happier lives.

Stress is a universal human experience, but it is also a key driver of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and diminished quality of life. The stress response, often referred to as "fight or flight," evolved to protect us from immediate threats, but in the modern world, chronic stress has become a pervasive health challenge. Today, we’ll explore the evolutionary roots of the stress response, its physiological impacts, and evidence-based strategies for stress management

In this episode, we dive into the critical role sleep plays in our health and wellbeing, emphasizing its status as a pillar of lifestyle medicine. We'll explore the recommended sleep duration as advised by the Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, highlighting the nuances in sleep quality and the variability among individuals. The discussion takes us through common sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, and addresses underlying issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia is underscored as the gold standard treatment. We examine the efficacy of sleep restriction, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring, along with the significance of relaxation techniques to break the cycle of poor sleep habits. We also touch on the limitations and risks of pharmacological interventions, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes. Physical activity, stress management, and dietary adjustments are presented as key components for improving sleep quality. Finally, we remind listeners to consult healthcare providers to rule out other medical conditions affecting sleep patterns.

In this episode, we explore the optimal exercise approaches for achieving better health. Emphasizing individualized exercise plans, we discuss how diverse activities such as aerobic, anaerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises can be integrated into everyday life.We delve into the substantial benefits of physical activities, including chronic disease prevention, enhanced bone health, and improved mental well-being. Additionally, the episode highlights the mental health advantages of exercise, especially its impact on depression and anxiety, resilience against stress, and its contribution to increasing life expectancy.Listeners are encouraged to adopt habit-forming strategies to maintain a consistent workout routine, understanding the importance of starting small and gradually increasing exercise intensity. Finally, we provide practical tips for overcoming common barriers to exercising regularly and connecting with community fitness groups for additional motivation and accountability.

The first day of our course delves into the vital role of nutrition in overall health. Today's focus is on integrating evidence-based insights into your diet. Good nutrition is not just the foundation of health; it influences energy, mood, and longevity, and even impacts the environment positively. We begin our journey by emphasizing the importance of fiber in maintaining a healthy gut biome, reducing inflammation, and protecting against diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Prioritizing whole food plant-based options, the aim is to increase your fiber intake to 40-50 grams per day. Discover how unprocessed foods can regulate hunger hormones and manage weight effectively. By swapping processed snacks for nutritious, fibrous options, you'll foster a healthier eating environment. Learn about the significance of pre-loading meals with fiber-rich appetizers and the benefits of narrowing your eating window to enhance metabolic health. This episode also explores broader health implications, underscoring plant-based diets for chronic disease prevention and longevity. Practical challenges and documentation in your journal are encouraged, as are engaging with recommended readings like Fibre-Fuelled and How Not to Diet. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate progress as you transform your dietary habits.

Join Dr. Lynne Reid in this enlightening episode as she delves into the intricate world of habit formation, just in time for the festive season and the new year. With her passion for promoting healthier lifestyles, Dr. Reid introduces her project, Aurora, which emphasizes the power of new beginnings and the potential for lasting change. Explore the fascinating neurobiology and behavioral psychology behind habits, and learn how to harness your brain's reward system to cultivate positive habits while eliminating detrimental ones. Dr. Reid shares insights into the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, reducing toxic substances, and fostering positive social interactions. Discover practical strategies to make good habits stick and bad habits awkward, with actionable tips on setting up your environment, planning ahead, and building a supportive network. Whether you're aiming to eat healthier, exercise more, or improve your stress levels, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to achieving your new year's resolutions and sustaining them beyond January 12th. Tune in to understand the science behind habits and embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.