Ask Dr Vincent

Long Story Short + Newsletter Issue #5

Before you get too excited about vodka, I want to share something quite personal first. I used to think I had my health figured out. 10,000 steps a day, decent nutrition, a science background to back it all up. But what I didn’t realise was that knowing isn’t the same as doing, and doing isn’t the same as doing it consistently. So, I thought let me include this Long Story Short episode in this newsletter, where I shared what almost stopped me from starting, why I was wrong about structured training, and how a simple decision to “just give it a go” ended up changing not just my fitness, but my energy, mindset, and daily performance. To be clear, this isn’t about chasing perfection or looking a certain way. It’s about unlocking a version of yourself you didn’t even know you were missing. From training like an athlete to finding unexpected community in a room full of strangers, this episode is a reminder that health isn’t built in one moment, it’s built in the moments you show up. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start, this might be it. Let me know what you think! With my best, Dr Vincent Get full access to Ask Dr Vincent at www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe [https://www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Hidden Crisis in the Lucky Country | The Core Conversation with Sue Karzis

I have joined The Nappy Collective as their official Advocate to lead the fight to eliminate the Nappy Crisis in Australia. This Anti-Poverty Week, which runs from October 12 to 18, The Nappy Collective [https://www.thenappycollective.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22225628159&gbraid=0AAAAADhBKoMxbrhcouR-BZdApoMVrOK54&gclid=CjwKCAjwxrLHBhA2EiwAu9EdM2z70r3hDWiER75bDUWkriE-T-k-V0IbjZzv_QKkGo5oBl848YmGeRoC3hYQAvD_BwE] is aiming to raise $10,000 to continue their work supporting families in crisis. On this special episode of The Core Conversation, Sue Karzis [https://substack.com/profile/398007192-sue-karzis], the CEO of The Nappy Collective, joined me to talk about the amazing work her organisation is doing to help families in Australia. Nappies are not luxury items and most of us are not even thinking that there is an affordability issue around nappies. Unfortunately it is an everyday struggle for thousands of families, many of them are single mothers fleeing domestic violence and often are unhoused. Newborns go through up to 12 nappies daily and the cost can equate to about 9 per cent of a single parent’s income when they are living under the poverty line. One in six Australian kids live in poverty. The Nappy Collective is the only initiative in Australia that directly addresses this issue, and Karzis said that visiting one of the organisation’s 800 charity partners is often “the only thing” available to parents who cannot afford clean nappies. The Nappy Collective works to redistribute their supplies to those in-need areas, but without the funding for transport, it constantly relies on other charities and volunteers to help deliver nappies to struggling parents across the country. For those looking to donate nappies, collection boxes can be found in 850 locations including Baby Bunting stores, childcare centres and even the offices of some MPs. Cash donations also help The Nappy Collective to purchase certain sizes of nappies that are not being donated, which people are desperate for. Parents in need of nappies are urged to check with their local community centre, child health nurse, or support worker, and ask to be connected with The Nappy Collective and support available in their area. Read the 7News coverage on this crisis. [https://7news.com.au/news/nappy-stress-on-the-rise-common-parental-struggle-fuelling-hidden-health-crisis-for-babies-c-20302833] Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Ask Dr Vincent at www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe [https://www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Can Gut Bugs Cause Acne? And Is Your Skin Really a Detox Organ?

Recently I have been inundated by questions about our gut health and skin health, especially acne. The two main questions are around "Your skin is your biggest detox organ," or "Bad bugs from your gut get pushed out through the skin and cause acne." I am so happy that people are curious and I am so proud that you question things that you watched, heard or read on social media when they sound not quite right. So, let’s break it down. The Gut-Skin Connection: What Science Says 1. Gut Inflammation = Systemic Inflammation When your gut is inflamed, be it from processed foods, chronic stress, infections, or an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (the so-called “bad bugs”), it can trigger a domino effect that leads to a condition called systemic inflammation. Essentially, your whole body becomes inflammed and put you in a fight or flight mode. This often shows up on your skin as acne, eczema, or rosacea. 2. Microbiome Imbalance Fuels Acne An imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) disrupts: * Sebum production * Hormonal regulation * Immune responses All of which contribute to acne flare-ups. The gut and skin communicate constantly via what we call the gut-skin axis. 3. Immune System Crosstalk If you are a frequent reader or listener of Ask Dr Vincent, you know that over 70% of your immune system lives in the gut. When your microbiome is out of balance, your immune system becomes reactive. That can mean more inflammation, more flare-ups, and more breakouts BUT not because the bugs are "escaping" but because your whole body is on edge. So why do you need to look after your gut to care for your skin? Let’s be clear. “Bad gut bugs” don’t literally crawl or leak out through your skin. That’s not how the body works. * Acne isn’t caused by microbes physically exiting the gut. * Gut bacteria do not get excreted through your pores. * There’s no direct detox route from gut to skin. Your gut talks to your skin through: * Immune signalling * Hormonal pathways * Metabolic byproducts (like toxins and short-chain fatty acids) So when your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, your skin listens and reacts. That’s why improving gut health with an anti-inflammatory diet, fibre, probiotics, and plenty of hydration often leads to clearer, healthier skin. And, while your skin is your largest organ by surface area, but when it comes to detoxification, our liver and kidneys are the ones doing the heavy lifting Our liver filters blood, neutralises toxins, breaks down alcohol and medication, and transforms harmful compounds into water-soluble forms so they can be safely excreted. Our kidneys remove waste products through urine, handling the byproducts of digestion, cellular activity, and toxins filtered by the liver. Our skin can excrete a tiny amount of waste like urea, ammonia, and salts through sweat, but it’s minimal and not a major detox pathway. Sweating won’t remove bacteria, heavy metals, drugs, or other large toxins in any meaningful way. Don’t get me wrong, your skin is important, but it’s not doing the deep clean. That’s your liver and kidneys' job. TDLR Gut inflammation and microbiome imbalances absolutely affect your skin, but not by “pushing bugs out.” Your liver and kidneys are the real detox powerhouses. Your skin reflects your internal state — it's not your rubbish chute. Take care of your gut, support your detox organs, and your skin will thank you. Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Ask Dr Vincent at www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe [https://www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

What you eat and how you eat

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Ask Dr Vincent at www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe [https://www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

One step at a time - walk your way to health!

We often think we need to go all out, HIIT classes, expensive gym memberships, or intense bootcamps, to improve our health. But the truth is, one of the most powerful things you can do for your body is something almost anyone can do, almost anywhere: walking. Yes, just walking. Here’s why I recommend it to almost everyone. 1. It supports your heart and circulation Walking improves blood flow, strengthens the heart muscle, and helps regulate blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. 2. It helps regulate blood sugar and metabolism Going for a walk after meals, even for just 10 to 15 minutes, can significantly lower blood sugar spikes. This helps with energy levels, reduces cravings, and supports weight management. 3. It boosts mood and mental clarity Walking releases endorphins and helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Many people tell me they think better, feel lighter, and sleep more soundly after making walking part of their daily routine. 4. It’s easy on the joints Unlike high-impact workouts, walking is gentle and sustainable. It strengthens the muscles around your joints, improves flexibility, and helps reduce stiffness, especially important as we age. 5. It gives your brain a break In our overstimulated world, walking without screens or noise can give your brain much-needed time to reset. That mental space often leads to better focus, clearer thinking, and even creativity. As with most things when it comes to our health: it’s not about perfection — it’s about consistency.You don’t need to hit 10,000 steps a day to feel the benefits. Start with what feels manageable. A 10-minute walk after dinner. Taking the stairs instead of the lift. Parking a little further away. These simple habits add up. So if you’re looking for an easy, free, effective way to support your health: walk your way there. One step at a time. Get full access to Ask Dr Vincent at www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe [https://www.askdrvincent.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]