The Real Science of Supplements & Everyday Health | Straight Talking Science Ep. 4 (ft. Anneliese Dressel)

What if chronic pain isn’t simply an injury that hasn’t healed, but a nervous system that has become stuck in a cycle of pain? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington is joined by Dr. Cormac Mullins, consultant pain specialist at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and Cork University Hospital, Clinical Director of PainDoc, and Senior Clinical Lecturer in Pain Medicine at University College Cork (UCC). Together, they explore what chronic pain actually is, why it affects more than 20% of the global population, and what happens when acute pain becomes persistent. From chronic back pain, sciatica and fibromyalgia to nerve pain, MRI scans and spinal cord stimulation, Dr. Mullins explains the science behind chronic pain and the evidence-based approaches that can help people manage it. They discuss why pain can continue long after an injury has healed, how the nervous system can become sensitised, why movement and exercise are important in chronic pain treatment, and why an MRI scan doesn't always explain where pain comes from. The conversation also explores the connection between chronic pain, sleep, mood and mental health, why women are more commonly represented in pain clinics, the role of multidisciplinary pain management, and the risks of relying too heavily on medication or invasive treatments. Dr. Mullins explains why opioids are generally not effective for long-term chronic pain, how tolerance and dependence develop, and where treatments such as nerve blocks, epidural injections, acupuncture, spinal cord stimulation and newer procedures may fit into a patient's treatment plan. Most importantly, this episode looks at how people can move forward with chronic pain without allowing pain to control every part of their lives. Topics covered: • What chronic pain actually is and how it differs from acute pain • Why chronic pain can become a disease process in itself • Chronic back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia and nerve pain • The relationship between pain, movement, fear and deconditioning • Why exercise and movement are important for chronic pain • MRI scans, spinal degeneration and why imaging doesn't always explain pain • The dangers of over-interpreting MRI results • Chronic pain and its connection with anxiety, depression and sleep • Why women are more commonly affected by chronic pain • The biopsychosocial approach to pain management • Peripheral neuropathy and nerve dysfunction • Pain management and multidisciplinary treatment • Nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections • Spinal cord stimulation and emerging treatments • Opioids, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal • Complementary therapies including acupuncture • Evaluating whether a chronic pain treatment is actually working • The future of chronic pain treatment and new technologies Chronic pain isn't a sign of weakness, and living with pain doesn't mean giving up on improving your quality of life. Understanding how pain works can be an important part of learning how to manage it. About Straight Talking Science Straight Talking Science is the podcast from Atlantia Clinical Trials, exploring the science behind better health through practical, accessible conversations with leading experts. Subscribe for more evidence-based conversations covering health, clinical research, nutrition, longevity, medical devices and more.

What if the breakouts, dryness, and wrinkles you've been told to just cover up with makeup are actually signals from your skin that it needs real care, not another 17 step routine? Dr. Doireann O'Leary O'Leary, GP, dermatology specialist, founder of Supplements Made Simple, and health contributor to RTE and Today FM, joins Barry Skillington to cut through the noise and deliver practical, evidence based advice on skin health, common conditions, and what actually works. From acne and rosacea to psoriasis and eczema, from retinoids and red light therapy to collagen peptides and microneedling, this episode breaks down the science behind healthy skin, hair, and scalp care. Doireann O'Leary explains why less is more, why your skin barrier matters more than you think, and why starting with health instead of chasing beauty trends will give you better results every time. Your skin is your largest organ. It's your first line of defense. It regulates temperature, prevents water loss, and plays a critical role in your immune system. When it's healthy, you don't notice it. When it's not, it affects your confidence, your mental health, and your quality of life. The problem is modern skincare has become overwhelming. Social media pushes 12 step routines, miracle cures, and products that promise instant results. People start everything at once, disrupt their skin barrier, and end up worse off than when they started. The solution isn't more products. It's understanding what your skin actually needs, building a simple routine that works for you, and giving your body the tools to function properly from the inside out. Topics covered: What healthy skin actually is and why you shouldn't notice it Why less is more and how too many products disrupt your skin barrier The four core steps: cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen, and add a retinoid Body skin versus facial skin and why your face ages faster Sun damage: is it repairable and how sunscreen reverses aging Common skin conditions: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and when to see your GP Why skin conditions aren't cosmetic and how they impact mental health and confidence Medical misinformation: navigating Dr. Google, TikTok, and social media advice Retinoids explained: retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, and why vitamin A is the gold standard The low slow rule and the sandwich method for starting tretinoin without irritation Red light therapy: does it work, what wavelength matters, and why devices are worth the investment Collagen peptides: how they work, marine versus bovine, and why oral collagen signals your skin Peptides for anti aging: signaling peptides, copper peptides, and Botox in a bottle Microneedling: how it works, why it's great for acne scars, and why derma rollers at home are a bad idea Scalp health: why your scalp is skin and how to treat dandruff and hair loss Hair loss triggers: stress related shedding versus slow thinning and androgenetic alopecia Why people avoid Regain and why it's the most evidence based treatment for hair loss Ketoconazole shampoo: how Nizoral reduces DHT and supports scalp health Oral minoxidil, spironolactone, and finasteride for hair loss in men and women Perimenopause, menopause, and dramatic changes in hair and skin Why men need to take care of their skin and why sunscreen is health, not vanity Red flags in marketing: no nasty chemicals, all natural, plant derived, and why it's meaningless Affordable brands that work: La Roche Posay, Avene, The Ordinary, and CeraVe Non product essentials: sleep, nutrition, stress management, movement, and social connection Why starting with health instead of beauty gives you better results every time Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Listen to Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #

What if the exhaustion, irritability, and overwhelm you've been told to just push through aren't signs of weakness but signals from a nervous system stuck in overdrive? Sinead O'Flynn, registered nurse, nutritional practitioner, and founder of Health4U, joins Barry Skillington to unpack what nervous system regulation actually means, why everyone's suddenly talking about it, and what you can do when stress tips from normal to chronic. From burnout to breathing techniques, from cortisol and weight gain to long COVID and exercise intolerance, this episode cuts through the social media noise and delivers practical, evidence based strategies for recognizing when your body is screaming for help and how to bring it back to balance. Sinead combines nursing, nutrition, and nutrigenomics to help people with complex health issues, and her approach is clear: your nervous system isn't broken. It's just stuck. And you can unstick it. Stress is normal. Your body is designed to go into fight or flight and come back down. The problem is modern life keeps you in that heightened state, and over time, chronic stress wreaks havoc on your gut, your hormones, your sleep, your mood, and your ability to function. The solution isn't about being calm all the time. It's about regulation. It's about adaptability. It's about giving your body the tools to respond to stress and recover from it. Topics covered: Sinead's background combining nursing, nutrition, and nutrigenomics for personalized health care What nervous system regulation actually is and why social media gets it wrong The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: accelerator and brake Why your body is designed to cycle between stress and rest, not stay calm forever What chronic stress does to your body over time: gut health, hormones, inflammation, and more Burnout: recognizing the signs in mothers, professionals, men, and everyday life Why burnout isn't just about work and how suppressed emotions contribute Simple tools to start managing stress: slowing down, deep breathing, and giving yourself permission The role of diet and lifestyle in supporting your nervous system Why stress is normal and when it becomes a problem Debunking nervous system myths: can you reset in five minutes? Do cold showers regulate you? The truth about probiotics, vagus nerve stimulation, and genetic testing Why the vagus nerve is important but not the only thing The gut brain axis: how your gut and brain communicate and why both need support Cortisol, weight gain, and the hormone connection: why it's never just one thing The role of wearables in tracking stress and heart rate variability Supplements: when they help, when they're a waste of money, and why they're not forever Long COVID, exercise intolerance, and post viral illness Why exercise can be harmful if your body isn't ready for it Personalized nutrition and the future of nutrigenomics in Ireland Mindfulness in schools and teaching kids about food, mental health, and eating properly Self assessment: three questions to check if you're stressed or burned out The most misunderstood thing about the nervous system: it's about adaptability, not calm Sinead's books: When Your Body Overreacts When Your Body Whispers Before It Screams Your nervous system isn't broken. It's stuck. And you can unstick it. Stop chasing quick fixes. Stop believing you can reset in five minutes or that cold showers alone will solve everything. Start slowing down. Start breathing deeply. Start giving yourself permission to prioritize your health without guilt. Eat whole foods that support serotonin production. Support your gut and your brain together. Recognize that irritability, overwhelm, and daily tasks feeling enormous are signs your body is crying out for help. Stress is normal. Burnout is not. Your body whispers long before it screams. Learn to listen. Take control. And remember: regulation isn't about being calm all the time. It's about your body being adaptable enough to rise t

Can we slow aging? Can we prevent disease before it starts? And could simple lifestyle changes add years of healthy life? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington sits down with Martin O'Dea, CEO of Applied Longevity Services and founder of the Longevity Summit Dublin, to explore the latest science of longevity, healthy aging, healthspan, and disease prevention. We discuss why aging is the biggest risk factor for chronic disease, how longevity research is changing modern medicine, and what science says about extending not just lifespan—but the number of healthy years you live. Topics include: • Longevity science explained • Healthspan vs lifespan • The biology of aging • Can we slow biological aging? • Rapamycin and metformin for longevity • Cellular reprogramming and Yamanaka factors • David Sinclair, Bryan Johnson, and the rise of longevity research • Biomarkers, wearables, and personalized health • Preventive medicine and disease prevention • The future of anti-aging science and geroscience • Lifestyle interventions that may add healthy years to your life Martin shares practical strategies for improving long-term health, tracking biomarkers, optimizing lifestyle habits, and understanding what the latest aging research means for everyday people. Whether you're interested in longevity, healthy aging, biohacking, preventive healthcare, health optimization, anti-aging research, or the future of medicine, this conversation provides an evidence-based look at where the field is heading. Follow Atlantia Clinical Trials: Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Listen to Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #Longevity #HealthyAging #Healthspan #Lifespan #AgingResearch #LongevityScience #PreventiveMedicine #Rapamycin #Metformin #Biohacking #DavidSinclair #BryanJohnson #Geroscience #HealthOptimization #SciencePodcast

What if the painful periods, mood swings, and chronic fatigue you've been told to just "deal with" are actually signs of something bigger? Professor Siobhain O'Mahony returns to unpack the hidden connections between your gut microbiome, hormones, and the most misunderstood conditions in women's health. From endometriosis affecting 1 in 10 women to polycystic ovarian syndrome impacting 1 in 5, these aren't just fertility issues. They're complex, hormone driven syndromes that disrupt metabolism, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Yet diagnosis takes years, treatment is fragmented, and women are left managing symptoms in isolation. Siobhain reveals why your gut bacteria might be recycling too much estrogen, how insulin resistance drives PCOS, and why fiber isn't just for digestion. This is women's health through the lens of cutting edge microbiome science, and it changes everything. Topics covered: Why women's pain gets split into the wrong boxes and misdiagnosed for years Endometriosis: what it is, why it takes 7 to 10 years to diagnose, and the role of visceral pain Polycystic ovarian syndrome: the insulin resistance connection and why it's not just about fertility Adenomyosis and fibroids: how they differ from endometriosis and why they matter The estrobolome: your gut bacteria that recycle estrogen and why that's not always a good thing How to manipulate your microbiome to support hormone balance and clearance The role of fiber: psyllium husk, oats, flaxseeds, and why not all fiber is the same Why your liver and gut health are critical for managing hormone related conditions The missing research: why women's gut health has been overlooked in favor of vaginal microbiome studies Fembiome: designing microbiome targeted supplements with women, for women The science behind their perimenopause supplement and why clinical trials matter Why women need to be included in clinical research across all life stages The EU endometriosis grant: defining baseline microbiome health before surgery or hormone therapy One symptom women should never ignore: chronic fatigue The question every woman should ask her doctor: could my diet be part of the problem? Why young women and men need to be educated about PCOS and endometriosis in schools How to get involved in women's health research and why your voice matters The bottom line? Women's health is not just about fertility. It's about hormones, metabolism, pain, mood, and the gut microbiome that ties it all together. If you've been told your symptoms are normal or that you just need to push through, it's time to ask better questions. Mind your microbiome, prioritize fiber, support your liver, and don't ignore chronic fatigue. You deserve answers, not dismissal. The science is here. Now it's time to use it. Check out Femmebiome here: https://femmebiome.com/ Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #WomensHealth #Endometriosis #PCOS #GutMicrobiome #Estrobolome #HormoneHealth #SciencePodcast #FemTech #ClinicalResearch