Natural Health Simplified

Vitamin B3, or niacin, has well established links to supporting your energy levels. But it also plays a fascinating role in the health of your skin. To explore the role of vitamin B3 in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about this interesting vitamin, the foods you can find it in, and who may be most prone to being deficient. Find out more by listening to the Natural Health Simplified Podcast ‘Getting under your skin with vitamin B3'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Often described as being the window to the soul, the eyes are one of the most important and complex organs in the body. They play a crucial role in helping us judge distance, depth, speed and danger, and in a unique relationship with the brain help us to identify and understand the world around us. To understand the key structures of the eye, as well as the nutrients that can help us maintain eye health, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta. Find out more about the role of some well-known, and some less common, nutrients, and how they can help us to support the health of these precious organs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having been the subject of numerous international studies, the Mediterranean Diet has become synonymous with healthy living. To unpack the elements of the Mediterranean Diet and some of the research that supports its use, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about the key elements of the diet. Find out more about the foods that can help you lead a healthier life and how you can incorporate them into your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With research suggesting that, globally, running has grown significantly over the past 10 years, we discuss the importance of supporting our muscles and energy needs in order to enjoy this popular form of exercise. To explore some options that may help, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about the role of three key ingredients, as well as some general handy hints and tips for runners. Find out how you can support your passion for running, or any sporting activity by listening to the Natural Health Simplified Podcast ‘Keep on running.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 2 billion cups of coffee consumed globally every single day, it's worth investigating the potential health impacts of this increasingly popular beverage. To explore the fascinating subject of coffee in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about how the way we prepare our coffee can have a varying range of effects on our health. Grab a cup and take a listen now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The feeling of being ‘stressed out' is one that many people are familiar with. Juggling busy work lives with equally demanding routines at home, and in our private lives, means stress is increasingly becoming a part of our normal lives. The need to help us manage this stress has therefore, never been as topical. To explore the role of the herb Ashwagandha in helping us adapt to stress in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about this fascinating herb. Find out more about its adaptogenic properties, and its connection to cortisol – also known as the stress hormone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whilst severe zinc deficiency is rarely seen in Australia, inadequate intake is not uncommon in industrialised countries, with the most significant risk seen in vegetarians. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Bobby Mehta as they discuss the importance of zinc in supporting a healthy body and learn about some exciting new insights into zinc's potential role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent studies have shone a light on some interesting potential links between vitamin D and health conditions such as clinical depression, diabetes, and the health of the human gut. To explore vitamin D in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about the latest insights into vitamin D and highlights factors that can lead to suboptimal levels of this increasingly important nutrient. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B vitamins have a range of well established benefits when it comes to leading a healthy life. While many people know of their role in energy production, some of their effects on the nervous system, are less widely known. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun, and Bobby Mehta as they unpack some of the latest research and explore some fascinating facts about B vitamins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, various factors have been shown to impact longevity positively. 'Blue Zones', where people tend to live healthier and longer lives, have been identified in various locations worldwide. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Bobby Mehta as they discuss the experiences of people living in Okinawa, Japan, and take a look at some amazing new research looking at the impact of green spaces on all-cause mortality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know that breastfeeding mothers require more calories than their non-breastfeeding counterparts. But exactly which nutrients are the most beneficial during breastfeeding, and how do they help? Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Bobby Mehta as they answer these questions and more while discussing nutrients for healthy breastfeeding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a wealth of research behind the safe use of nutritional supplements throughout pregnancy. In this episode, join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Bobby Mehta as they look at the nutrients that warrant consideration and how they can make a difference to both the mother and the growing baby's health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With research suggesting that a large proportion of Australian women don't plan their pregnancies, we discuss the importance of healthy preconception and the necessary steps to improve fertility and support wellbeing during pregnancy. To explore preconception care in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun speaks to podcast host Bobby Mehta about the four key components for a healthy path to pregnancy. Find out more about the role of lifestyle factors, dietary factors and the right mindset in supporting fertility and conception – the building blocks for a healthy pregnancy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when the only place you can exercise is at home? How can you set yourself up for success and keep motivated? Pam Stone talks to Adrian Dyson, a strength and conditioning coach, who shares his top tips for keeping motivated and staying in shape from the comfort of your home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all had a little muscle stiffness or mild joint pain at one time or another. We may put it down to just getting older, but you don't just have to live with it. Join Blackmores Institute's Pam Stone and Natalie Elliott as they discuss 5 proven ingredients to help reduce those niggles to get you moving again. Boswellia, curcumin, glucosamine sulphate, fish oil and magnesium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The importance of good strength and the health of our hardworking skeleton is undeniable. However, it can be easy to forget that our bones are made up of living tissue and require good nutrition and care to thrive. Join Blackmores Institute's Pam Stone and Natalie Elliot as they investigate four foundational strategies to support bone health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Omega-3s are one of the most widely studied nutrients in the world with the science confirming oceans of evidence to support its health benefits for all ages and life stages. Join Blackmores Institute Director Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss how omega-3s support pregnancy, infant development, arthritis, brain, eye and heart health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Omega-3s are known to support a healthy cardiovascular system, brain function, eye health, joint pain, skin and even mood. These essential fatty acids might be swimming in health benefits, but dose and format play a critical role. Join Blackmores Institute Director Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they break down omega-3s, when we need them and why its about more than just fish oil. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all understand the benefits of time management, but have you considered how managing your energy levels can support your wellbeing? Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss a number of energy-boosting strategies you can add to your day, as well as some energy zappers to avoid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we learn more about the human microbiome, scientists are starting to better understand the starring role probiotics can play in our health and wellbeing. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they look at a range of health issues and the science-backed strains of probiotics best suited to help manage them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Probiotics have grown in popularity over recent years with every pharmacy, health food store and naturopathic clinic now seeming to be recommending them. But what are they? Can we take probiotics while we are on antibiotics? With the different types of probiotics listed on labels, how do we choose? Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they answer these questions and more while discussing the ABCs of probiotics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most would agree that sleep and wellbeing go hand in hand, however, many of us have struggled with either getting to sleep or staying asleep from time to time. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss science backed natural remedies and simple lifestyle tips that can help you to get a good night's sleep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exhausted, overwhelmed, and finding it difficult to perform at your best? You may be experiencing burnout. As symptoms can build up gradually, it's easy to miss the signs. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss what to watch out for, and three well-researched natural medicines to help you get back on track. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a fast-paced changing world, stress is something familiar to many of us. Stress can increase our alertness, energy and motivation, but problems can arise if we don't allow enough time for rest and recovery. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss practical tips to help our bodies adapt to stress in a healthy way, including support from five natural health solutions that are scientifically proven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got a cold? The common cold usually lasts between 7-10 days and while usually not too severe, it's often very uncomfortable. In this episode we talk about natural options to help you feel better and get better. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss effective natural remedies to, calm a cough, soothe a sore throat and clear your nose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to help our kids do better against the common cold, but how can we tip the scales in their favour? In this episode, we take a look at how probiotics and herbs like pelargonium and echinacea can help. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they look for simple, child-friendly and parent-friendly tips to put into practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that some kids can get up to ten colds a year? Whether it's one time, or many, we all want to help our kids do better against the common cold. In this episode, we'll look at how good nutrition can support our children's immune system function, and where the gaps might be. Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone will offer simple, child-friendly tips and discuss the ingredients zinc, iron and vitamins C and D. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest, there's no fun in catching a cold. Or could it be something else? There's no shortage of theories about how to deal with a cold, so it can be a challenge to separate fact from fiction. Join Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone as they discuss the difference between allergies, flu and cold symptoms and explore if chicken soup, going out in the cold or exercise can have any influence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Food as medicine” is an appealing idea, but what does that mean and can we use food to support a healthy immune system function? Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun and Pam Stone share some simple science-based tips to add immune power to our diet such as ABC: almond, berries & broccoli, citrus fruits & cauliflower; while avoiding common vitamin robbers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herbal medicines are very popular and have been used for generations in many cultures, but where's the evidence? To explore this topic in more depth, Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun discusses the different types of evidence and popular herbs, such as echinacea which originated from North America, Andrographis from India, Astragalus from China, pelargonium from South Africa, and garlic from our kitchen cupboard. They also provide simple tips for using these herbs to support immune system function. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diet is one of the most important ways to support our immune system function, and a healthy balanced diet should provide adequate nutrients for our general health and wellbeing. But is there more to it and is a good diet always good enough? Blackmores Institute Director and author Lesley Braun discusses when lifestyle or life stage may call for nutritional upgrade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can nutrients promote immune system health? We've heard about vitamin C, but what does the evidence say and what else is recommended to help keep our immune function in good shape. Blackmores Institute Director and author, Lesley Braun speaks to Pam Stone about vitamins C and D and the minerals zinc and selenium and explains their role in healthy immune system function. They also share some practical tips on how to get the most from these nutrients in our food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take charge of your health and wellbeing with Natural Health Simplified. Join author Lesley Braun and her team at Blackmores Institute as they cut through the noise to provide simple science-based strategies to help you live a healthier life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.