Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

Did you know your gut and brain are in constant conversation - and what they say to each other could be driving your cravings, low mood, and brain fog? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns break down the gut-brain axis in plain English: what it is, why it matters, and how poor food choices, chronic stress, and lack of sleep can throw it off balance. Learn how certain gut bacteria send signals that make you crave sugar - and how to starve them out. Plus, discover simple, science-backed ways to calm your nervous system, reduce cravings, lift your mood, and even support your immune system. If stress or food cravings sometimes feel out of control, this episode is for you.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-gut-the-brain-and-emotional-eating
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what "fibre maxing" actually means — and whether it's helping or harming your gut? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the 2026 social media hype to give you the real science on gut health. You'll learn why not all fibre is equal, how the processed food industry is health-washing its products, and what's actually damaging your gut lining without you knowing. Plus, you'll walk away with simple, practical steps you can take from your very next shopping trip to start building a healthier, happier gut.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-improve-your-gut-health
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having personally seen how changing food transformed her depressed husband’s and anxious daughter’s lives, speaker, researcher and author Belinda Smith is on a mission to show that nutrition sits at the heart of our physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns talks with Bel, one of Australia’s leading independent voices for children’s health, author of The Lunchbox Effect and founder of The Root Cause. You’ll hear how our kids’ lunchboxes became a snacking trap, how ultra-processed foods affect mood, learning and behaviour, and the simple changes that can protect your child’s mental health without making food a battleground.
The Root Cause
Website: therootcause.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRootCauseAU/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseau/
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/what-should-i-feed-my-kids-with-belinda-smith
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you worried that holidays will ruin your health progress? In this episode, Dr Mary shares her real-life experience of travelling to Japan with kids and how she stayed on track without being perfect. You'll learn how to enjoy holidays without the "all or nothing" mindset that leads to weight gain and regret. Discover practical tips for handling plane food, navigating buffet breakfasts, and making smart choices in unfamiliar food environments. Dr Mary and Dr Lucy bust the myth that you need to choose between having fun on holidays or maintaining your metabolic health. You'll find out how to use a flexible framework that works anywhere in the world, so you can come home without needing a reset or feeling guilty. This episode will help you enjoy your next holiday whilst protecting your health goals.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/stay-healthy-on-holidays-without-missing-out
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 70, Maria thought weight gain, joint pain and exhaustion were just “old age” – until her cardiologist referred her to Real Life Medicine and she discovered powerful hormonal drivers like insulin and leptin resistance were behind her constant hunger and weight struggles, not a lack of willpower. In this episode, you’ll hear how a simple “metabolic reset”, by changing what she ate combined with practical mindset tools helped her lose weight and improve her metabolic hormones. This resulted in switching off the constant food noise, calm her IBS and inflammation, and gain the energy to run around with her grandchildren again. If you feel stuck, scared of “giving up carbs”, or worried it’s too late to change, Maria’s story shows how small doable steps, powerful education and the right support can transform your health and your future at any age.​
Start where you are. Take the next small step.
My Metabolic Action Plan (MyMAP) begins February 14, and doors are closing soon. 👉 Save your spot today
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/its-never-too-late-to-get-healthy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.