MedHeads

Dr Ferghal and Charmmy delve deep into what constitutes Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions worldwide. Covering the functional disorder's symptoms and diagnosis criteria, this discussion unfolds the complexities of IBS and the 'diagnosis of exclusion' approach, ensuring other severe conditions are ruled out. The dialogue also touches on conditions mimicking IBS symptoms like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even ovarian cancer, underscoring the significance of proper medical assessment. Furthermore, Charmmy discusses dietary strategies, particularly the low FODMAP diet, explaining how it helps manage symptoms by adjusting fibre intake, which impacts the colon. **Learning Outcomes:** 1. Understanding the multifaceted nature of IBS is crucial for effective management. IBS is characterized by symptoms like recurrent abdominal pain and alterations in stool frequency or consistency. Ferghal and Charmmy stress the importance of recognizing these patterns as part of the diagnostic criteria, shaping how both patients perceive their symptoms and how clinicians approach treatment. 2. The discussion around the importance of excluding other severe conditions before a conclusive IBS diagnosis highlights the necessity for comprehensive medical evaluations. Charmmy points out that signs that could indicate diseases like celiac or inflammatory bowel disease must always be considered, reiterating that care in diagnosis can prevent the oversight of potentially life-threatening conditions. 3. The focus on diet, particularly the role of the low FODMAP diet in symptom management, offers patients actionable guidance. Charmmy explains how different types of fibres affect the gut, providing a clear rationale for dietary adjustments that could offer relief to many suffering from this syndrome. 4. The conversation emphasises the vital role of continued collaboration between dietitians and GPs in managing IBS. Through shared examples, Ferghal and Charmmy showcase how interdisciplinary approaches foster better understanding and treatment outcomes, highlighting the integral role dietitians play in the ongoing care process. Whether you're a patient dealing with abdominal discomfort or a practitioner keen on the latest in gut health, this dialogue reveals critical insights into diagnosing and managing IBS effectively. **Actionable Takeaways:** 1. For anyone experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort suggestive of IBS, documenting symptom patterns in relation to diet and bowel movements can provide invaluable insights. Using tools like the Bristol Stool Chart can help in communicating effectively with healthcare providers. 2. It’s advisable for individuals over 50 or with a family history of gastrointestinal diseases to undergo regular screening. Early detection of conditions like bowel cancer can significantly influence outcomes, as discussed by Ferghal. 3. Implementing a low FODMAP diet can be a practical approach to managing IBS symptoms. This diet minimizes the intake of certain carbohydrates that could exacerbate symptoms, potentially offering relief. 4. Maintain open communication with healthcare providers and consider a holistic approach to symptom management that includes dietary adjustments and possible medications. Both speakers highlight the value of personalized care strategies suited to individual symptom profiles.

In this episode of Lifestyle Matters, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and dietitian Charmy Cheng delve into the topic of coeliac disease. They cover the basics of celiac disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, and the lifelong gluten-free diet that's necessary for managing the condition. They explore the challenges of avoiding gluten, discuss the role of gluten in cooking, and highlight the improvements in gluten-free substitutes. The conversation also delves into the impact of celiac disease on different cultures, particularly the Asian community, and addresses key dietary considerations. Finally, they touch upon the risks of micronutrient deficiencies, the importance of regular dietetic checkups, and the need for vigilance in preventing cross-contamination. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on celiac disease and the implications of a gluten-free lifestyle. **Learning Outcomes:** 1. **Understanding Celiac Disease:** Through this episode, listeners will gain a deep understanding of celiac disease, including its causes, symptoms, and long-term effects. By comprehending the complexities of this autoimmune condition, individuals can recognize the signs and offer support to those affected. 2. **Dietitian's Role in Managing Celiac Disease:** Listeners will learn about the vital role of a dietitian in helping individuals manage celiac disease. Charmmy Cheng discusses the process of diagnosing the condition and provides guidance on adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle, essential for those living with celiac disease. 3. **Practical Tips for a Gluten-Free Diet:** This episode equips listeners with practical tips on navigating a gluten-free diet, including advice on identifying gluten-containing foods, cooking at home, and dining out. The detailed insights and recommendations offered by Dr. Fergal Armstrong and Charmmy Cheng provide valuable knowledge for both affected individuals and their support networks. **Actionable Takeaways:** 1. **Seek Professional Guidance:** If you suspect celiac disease, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Engage with a dietitian to receive personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific needs and challenges. 2. **Education is Key:** Educate yourself and others about celiac disease to raise awareness and understanding. By being informed, you can support those with the condition more effectively and contribute to a more inclusive environment. 3. **Cross-Contamination Awareness:** Understand the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen and while dining out. Take proactive steps to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients to uphold a strictly gluten-free diet. 4. **Expand Culinary Horizons:** Embrace diverse gluten-free options available in the market and experiment with alternative flours and ingredients. Enjoy a varied and nutritious diet while navigating the restrictions of celiac disease.

Dr Fergal Armstrong and dietitian Sharmi Cheng discuss the role of dietary modification in helping people deal with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). They delve into the inflammatory nature of MS, its subtypes, associated risk factors, and the impact of diet on managing the condition. The conversation highlights the emphasis on an anti-inflammatory diet for MS, including the importance of whole foods, plant-based proteins, and the avoidance of saturated fats. They explore the Southeast Asian context, discussing recommendations for dietary changes and ingredient substitutions. The episode provides valuable insights into dietary considerations for managing MS and sheds light on the differences between the MS diet and similar approaches, such as the mind diet. Join us as we uncover the crucial role of diet in dealing with MS symptoms. Why listen: In this episode of Lifestyle Matters, Dr Fergal Armstrong and Sharmi Chen delve into the complexities of multiple sclerosis (MS) and discuss the role of dietary modification in managing its symptoms. They explore MS's inflammatory nature and highlight the impact of diet on delaying the onset and progression of the disease. This fascinating discussion provides valuable insights into the link between diet and MS, offering practical advice for those affected by the condition and those looking to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet for overall health benefits. Focus keyword: Multiple Sclerosis Diet Key points: - Understanding the nature of MS: Dr Fergal Armstrong provides a comprehensive overview of MS, explaining its inflammatory nature and the various subtypes of the disease, which empowers listeners with a deeper understanding of the condition. - Link between diet and MS: Sharmi Chen highlights the significance of diet as a complementary treatment for managing MS, emphasizing the role of an anti-inflammatory diet in reducing relapse frequency and delaying progression. - Dietary recommendations: The episode delves into specific dietary recommendations for MS patients, particularly emphasizing the consumption of high-antioxidant foods, plant-based proteins, and omega-3-rich sources while also cautioning against saturated fats found in certain foods. Insight: "The MS Diet has the flavour of an anti-inflammatory diet, emphasizing whole foods and leafy greens while also avoiding saturated fat, offering hope for those managing MS symptoms through dietary interventions." Learning Outcomes: 1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of multiple sclerosis's inflammatory nature and the various subtypes of the disease. - Listeners will develop a deeper understanding of MS, its progression, and the potential impact of dietary modifications on managing the condition. - They will be equipped with knowledge to recognize the key risk factors associated with MS, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

In this episode of "Lifestyle Matters," Dr. Ferghal Armstrong engages in an in-depth discussion with Charmmy Cheng, a dietitian, about the ketogenic diet. They cover the key aspects of the diet, including its emphasis on high-fat, low-carb intake and its potential impact on weight loss, diabetes management, and cardiovascular health. The conversation delves into the pros and cons of the diet, its potential side effects, and the challenges of incorporating it into different cultural cuisines. Providing valuable insights and practical advice, Charmmy highlights the importance of professional guidance in both starting and discontinuing a ketogenic diet. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ketogenic diet and its implications for overall health and well-being.

Matters! In this episode, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Charmmy Cheng delve into the fascinating world of the mind diet – a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Learn about the science-backed benefits of this dietary approach to brain health and gain insight into the specific foods to emphasise and limit for optimal cognitive function. **Key Points:** - Dr Ferghal and Charmmy elucidate the origins of the mind diet, its emphasis on a whole food, plant-based approach with low salt and plenty of olive oil. They discuss the role of the mind diet in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and the slowed brain aging effect. - Charmmy breaks down the ten recommended food types and the five to limit, highlighting the importance of berries for their antioxidants. She also explains the impact of alcohol and the reasoning behind limiting red meat and fried foods. - The significance of metabolic health and the relationship between diet, vascular health, and brain health is discussed, providing a holistic perspective on the mind diet. **Learning Outcomes:** 1. Gain an understanding of the origins and underlying principles of the mind diet and its specific focus on brain health and cognitive function. 2. Identify the ten types of foods recommended and the five to limit in the mind diet, and comprehend the rationale behind these recommendations. 3. Understand the role of metabolic and vascular health in relation to brain health and how the mind diet leverages these connections for overall cognitive well-being. **Actionable Takeaways:** 1. Incorporate more whole grain carbohydrates, vegetables, nuts, beans, and high omega-3 fatty fish into your diet to support brain health and cognitive function. 2. Consider the mind diet’s recommendation to limit red meat, fried foods, full-fat cheese, and pastries for a more brain-healthy dietary approach. 3. Be mindful of the importance of berries as a source of antioxidants and consider their inclusion in your diet for cognitive well-being. 4. Aim for a moderate salt intake and consider lower sodium options when using condiments and sauces for cooking. **Quote:** "The mind diet augments nuts and pushes away red meat, which underscores the link between metabolic health, vascular health, and brain health." - Dr Ferghal Armstrong

In this episode, our host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and guest, Charmmy Cheng, the expert dietitian from The Dietitian's Kitchen, explore the intricacies of the DASH diet and the crucial role of sodium in our daily lives. Dr. Armstrong and Charmmy Cheng discuss the significance of sodium, its impacts on the body when consumed in excessive or insufficient amounts, and its association with conditions such as hypertension. They uncover the details of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and how it can aid in managing high blood pressure. The conversation delves into the specifics of the DASH diet, revealing the ideal food groups, recommended servings, and the challenges of limiting sodium intake, especially in Asian cuisine. They highlight the importance of reading food labels and provide valuable insights for implementing the DASH diet, including practical tips for meal planning and navigating through hidden sources of sodium in packaged and processed foods. Join us as we unravel the complexities of sodium, explore the intricacies of the DASH diet, and gain practical advice on managing sodium intake in our daily diets. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion that could transform the way you approach your dietary choices.

Are you interested in improving your lifestyle through diet? In our latest episode of Lifestyle Matters, we delved into the world of the Mediterranean diet with dietitian Charmmy Cheng. Discover the evidence-based benefits for heart health, diabetes prevention, and even the management of depression. Learn about the key components of the diet, the role of alcohol, and how to adapt it to different cultural cuisines. Find out how simple dietary changes can have a significant impact on your long-term health. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on lifestyle and health on Lifestyle Matters

Dr Barton Jennings and I explore the pillars of lifestyle medicine and its impact on our lungs, especially in the context of lung disease.

'Preconception care is about optimising one's health before trying to get pregnant. This in turn can increase fertility and reduce complications. This week, Dr Debby and I explore the importance of lifestyle factors in preconception care.

Dr Debby and I explore the lifestyle approaches in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome as it is a lifelong condition with long term health implications.

Re- gaining control of our eating habits : This is a 12 week program based on the experience of various dieticians to empower us to eat better and feel better. Re- gaining control of our eating habits : This is a 12 week program based on the experience of various dieticians to empower us to eat better and feel better. The program is usually $149 and Amanda would to offer it to our viewers & listeners for $99. https://moodfoodnutrition.com.au/ During checkout users will be asked if they have a coupon code and this is where they can enter Meducate99 and the discount will be applied.

Lifestyle Matters Can we eat to feel better? There has been increasing research pointing to the impact of our gut microbiome on our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis ( HPA Axis) HPA axis is important in regulating our bodies response to various stressors including physical and psychological stressors. Today Amanda Smyth and I explore this from a mental health perspective. For further information about Mood Food click the link http://moodfoodnutrition.com.au/ The program is usually $149 and Amanda would like to offer it to our viewers for $99. During checkout users will be asked if they have a coupon code and this is where they can enter Meducate99 and the discount will be applied.

Looking for evidence to support the hypothesis that our mood will improve if we improve our diet? The SMILES ( Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle in Lowered Emotional State ) trial investigates this further using the Modi Mediterranean diet. The Modi Mediterranean diet incorporates a slightly higher amount of red meat compared to the regular Mediterranean diet for a a couple of reasons as highlighted in this show

What if we can eat our way to happiness by choosing the right foods? Sounds too good to be true ? There has been a lot of research about how food affects our mental and physical well being, and to date there has been an astounding level of evidence to support this. Meet Amanda Smyth, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian who discusses this with us.

This week Dr Ferghal and I explore ways to improve social connectivity with others. Compassion and communication are great tools to improve social connectivity while pride on the other hand can have a negative impact.

Life is a sports event, for which we need to maintain our function. We are all athletes, but our events may be different, our goals may be different. David Francis, an expert in musculoskeletal physiotherapy explains his rational for coaching people to help them be their best. Today I chatted with David Francis, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist. He discusses how life can be viewed as an AFL football game, and when we are in our fifties and sixties, that is the equivalent of the third quarter. This is the time when we really must pay attention to our health, our nutrition, and our fitness. David uses motivational techniques to get people moving, he believes that when therapy is active it provides more sustained change compared to passive hands-on therapy. People need to be taught how to sit, stand, walk and run. Then and only then can they be expected to achieve their fitness goals. We are all athletes, but our events may be different. For some people the event is being able to do the gardening, for others the goal might be to win a race. It does not matter; the mechanics are the same we are all human. No one is too old or too unfit or too overweight to benefit from David’s coaching style. The key is self-belief an da little bit of coaching.

47% of Australians have had at least one chronic disease. We know very well that many of these diseases, including substance use disorders, are attributed to modifiable lifestyle factors. These factors include the 3Fs and 3Ss: • Fingers – smoking, alcohol, substance use • Feet - exercise • Fork – food • Stress • Sleep • Socialisation However, promoting health behaviour change is not an easy feat. One of the commonly used techniques apart from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Today I spoke with Anita fletcher about interpersonal conflict in the medical profession. How do we deal with it, and who can support us? There are a few basic principles that we need to remember when we are navigating this potentially challenging situation.

I spoke with Anita Fletcher of Stand Out medical careers on interview preparation We speak about the preparation phase, the night before, and understanding the unexpected question.

Social isolation is now increasingly recognised as a risk factor for premature death, like the time when obesity was recognised as a risk factor for premature death decades ago. This week Dr Ferghal and Dr Saveena explore some of the health implications of social isolation. 1 in 3 Australians have experienced loneliness at some stage in their lives and it is rather alarming to know that prolonged loneliness has detrimental effects on our health.