Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health

Underactive Thyroid. What your GP didn't have time to explain

Have you been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and found yourself confused by conflicting advice online? Perhaps you’ve heard that T3 is the “active” thyroid hormone, wondered why you’re prescribed thyroxine (levothyroxine), or been tempted by thyroid supplements, private testing, or claims that conventional treatment is missing something. In this episode, I cover how thyroid hormones work, why thyroxine remains the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, why T3 isn’t routinely measured, and where much of the confusion around thyroid health comes from. Topics covered include: * The difference between T4 and T3 * Why levothyroxine is usually prescribed * Why T3 isn’t routinely tested * How thyroid blood tests are interpreted * Thyroid supplements, selenium and zinc * Why some people still feel unwell despite treatment * The role of fatigue, sleep, menopause and other health conditions * How to approach thyroid information online with a critical eye If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting messages about thyroid health, this episode will help you understand the basics and make sense of the conversation. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health or treatment, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Fish Oil Supplements: Helpful, Harmful or Hype?

Fish oil used to be seen as universally “good for the heart.” Then suddenly the headlines said it might be dangerous. So what’s actually true? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP Lynette Ewart explains what recent fish oil studies really showed, why different heart conditions matter, and why nutrition science so often gets reduced to simplistic headlines. A practical, evidence-based guide to making sense of the confusion — without the hype.

Is cortisol really wrecking your health?

Cortisol has become the internet’s favourite explanation for almost everything. Poor sleep? Cortisol. Weight gain? Cortisol. Waking at 3am? Cortisol. Tired all the time? Apparently also cortisol. But what does cortisol actually do, when is it genuinely a medical problem, and how much of the online conversation is misunderstanding mixed with marketing? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP and strength coach Lynette Ewart explains what cortisol really is, why the wellness industry became obsessed with it, and what people often miss when they blame stress hormones for everything. This isn’t a “stress doesn’t matter” episode. It absolutely does. But the internet version of cortisol has drifted a long way from reality. In this episode: * What cortisol actually does in the body * Why cortisol rises normally during stress * The difference between chronic stress and true cortisol disorders * Why “hormone imbalance” is often used as a vague catch-all term * The problem with random online hormone testing * Why sleep, recovery, activity and overall health still matter more than hacks No hacks. No supplements being pushed. Just a calm, evidence-based explanation from clinic reality. You can also watch the video version on the  Prescription Strength YouTube channel

Your Environment Is Shaping Your Eating More Than You Think

Most people think their eating habits come down to discipline. I don’t think that’s true. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I talk about one of the biggest things people overlook when they’re struggling with food, weight, or health habits: their environment. Because whether it’s the food in your cupboards, the people around you, your stress levels, your routine, or simply what’s constantly within arm’s reach, your environment quietly shapes your behaviour all day long. And if you’re relying on willpower alone while surrounded by things working against you… that’s a very difficult battle to win. In this episode, I explore: * Why eating habits are rarely just about motivation * The hidden influence of your home and daily surroundings * Why “nothing has changed” often isn’t actually true * How modern environments make overeating incredibly easy * The difference between blame and understanding * Simple ways to make healthier choices feel easier without relying on constant self-control A short, practical episode about why behaviour makes a lot more sense once you stop viewing it as a personal failing. The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube.

My weight is going up but nothing has changed.

If your weight is creeping up and you’re convinced nothing has changed—you’re probably right. But that doesn’t mean nothing has changed. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I break down why weight gain in midlife often feels confusing and unfair. We cover: * Why weight gain tends to happen in seasonal spikes, not a straight line * How muscle loss (and body composition changes) quietly shifts the rules * The reality of busier lives, less movement, and more sitting * Why sleep and recovery matter more than you think This isn’t about blame or “trying harder.” It’s about understanding what’s actually going on so you can decide what’s worth changing. No hacks. No shortcuts. Just the basics—done properly.