Show Notes
In this episode, we explore the growing evidence connecting gut health, nutrition, mental health and men’s physical wellbeing, including how everyday lifestyle factors can influence long-term gut health outcomes. We’ll look at how diet can support mood, energy, sleep and the gut–brain connection, as well as simple, practical changes men can make to support both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Alice’s biography: Alice Fitzgerald is the CEO of The Gut Foundation, a national health charity focused on research and education, helping people understand their gut health and take action to protect it. She’s a keynote speaker, strategist and storyteller who believes humour, honesty and the occasional swear word are powerful tools for prevention… and she’s not afraid to talk about poo if it helps people live longer.
0:00 – Introduction 2:05 – How did Alice get involved with the Gut Foundation? 4:22 – What is the purpose of the Gut Foundation? 6:15 – Why excess sugar consumption has contributed to bowel cancer in young people 9:45 – Why telling people to stop eating certain foods is unhelpful 11:00 – What can you add to your diet to improve your gut health? 13:35 – How to have effective conversations with men about changing their diet 16:05 – What is the microbiome? 18:00 – What is gut health? 20:00 – How to eat 30 different plants a day 22:30 – The impact of nutrition on the gut-brain connection 25:40 – Should you take probiotic supplements, or is fermented food best? 29:00 – How to use the stool chart to check for signs of bowel cancer 32:45 – What age should people start screening for bowel cancer? 35:45 – What are the common misconceptions about gut health? 37:50 – Should you only buy organic vegetables? 39:30 – Why is there stigma around talking about digestive issues? 42:30 – The role of workplaces in improving gut health 45:20 – The impact of gut health on physical health and sleep 46:35 – How eating kiwifruit provides a triple benefit 48:10 – Why exercise is important for gut health 48:50 – The negative impact of restrictive diet culture on gut health 51:30 – Steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed when changing your diet 54:40 – How your next meal can immediately improve your mental health 57:30 – How exercise improves the diversity of the gut microbiome 1:00:00 – Alice’s one wellbeing practice
Learn more about Alice & The Gut Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-fitzgerald-a0211226/ https://www.thegut.org.nz/
Learn more about Clearhead https://www.myclearhead.com/
More from Clear the air
From social media to diet and gym culture, messages about our bodies and the pressure to look a certain way are everywhere. Over time, these influences can shape how we see ourselves, how we eat and exercise, and even the messages we pass on to the next generation.
Clearhead acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.
Bullying can leave lasting impacts on mental health and feel very personal to the victim, it shapes how people then cope, connect, and work throughout their lives. In this episode, we’ll explore how bullying show up in workplaces, and what truly prevents bullying at a organisational level in the workplace.
Women continue to face unique pressures, balancing professional, family, and social expectations while carrying the often-invisible mental and emotional load. In this webinar, we’ll explore the experiences of women in leadership roles and what organisations can do better to support women into senior roles and maintain their wellbeing.
Bringing out the best in ourselves and others is something many of us strive for - but how do we realistically work towards it, especially in the workplace? In this episode, behavioural psychologist Dr. Scott Geller explores how motivation, Actively Caring for People (AC4P), and evidence-based behaviour-change strategies can support personal wellbeing, leadership, and more connected, high-functioning teams. This episode highlights the role of community and coaching in empowering both ourselves and those around us.