Aurora By Dr Lynne Reid

Stress Less

Stress is a universal human experience, but it is also a key driver of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and diminished quality of life. The stress response, often referred to as "fight or flight," evolved to protect us from immediate threats, but in the modern world, chronic stress has become a pervasive health challenge.
Today, we’ll explore the evolutionary roots of the stress response, its physiological impacts, and evidence-based strategies for stress management

The Importance of Sleep, and how to do it better

In this episode, we dive into the critical role sleep plays in our health and wellbeing, emphasizing its status as a pillar of lifestyle medicine. We'll explore the recommended sleep duration as advised by the Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, highlighting the nuances in sleep quality and the variability among individuals.
The discussion takes us through common sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, and addresses underlying issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia is underscored as the gold standard treatment. We examine the efficacy of sleep restriction, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring, along with the significance of relaxation techniques to break the cycle of poor sleep habits.
We also touch on the limitations and risks of pharmacological interventions, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes. Physical activity, stress management, and dietary adjustments are presented as key components for improving sleep quality. Finally, we remind listeners to consult healthcare providers to rule out other medical conditions affecting sleep patterns.

Leaning into exercise for wellbeing and longevity

In this episode, we explore the optimal exercise approaches for achieving better health. Emphasizing individualized exercise plans, we discuss how diverse activities such as aerobic, anaerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises can be integrated into everyday life.We delve into the substantial benefits of physical activities, including chronic disease prevention, enhanced bone health, and improved mental well-being. Additionally, the episode highlights the mental health advantages of exercise, especially its impact on depression and anxiety, resilience against stress, and its contribution to increasing life expectancy.Listeners are encouraged to adopt habit-forming strategies to maintain a consistent workout routine, understanding the importance of starting small and gradually increasing exercise intensity. Finally, we provide practical tips for overcoming common barriers to exercising regularly and connecting with community fitness groups for additional motivation and accountability.

Nutrition - The cornerstone of Health

The first day of our course delves into the vital role of nutrition in overall health. Today's focus is on integrating evidence-based insights into your diet. Good nutrition is not just the foundation of health; it influences energy, mood, and longevity, and even impacts the environment positively.
We begin our journey by emphasizing the importance of fiber in maintaining a healthy gut biome, reducing inflammation, and protecting against diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Prioritizing whole food plant-based options, the aim is to increase your fiber intake to 40-50 grams per day.
Discover how unprocessed foods can regulate hunger hormones and manage weight effectively. By swapping processed snacks for nutritious, fibrous options, you'll foster a healthier eating environment. Learn about the significance of pre-loading meals with fiber-rich appetizers and the benefits of narrowing your eating window to enhance metabolic health.
This episode also explores broader health implications, underscoring plant-based diets for chronic disease prevention and longevity. Practical challenges and documentation in your journal are encouraged, as are engaging with recommended readings like Fibre-Fuelled and How Not to Diet. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate progress as you transform your dietary habits.

Enhance Your Life through the science of Habits

Join Dr. Lynne Reid in this enlightening episode as she delves into the intricate world of habit formation, just in time for the festive season and the new year. With her passion for promoting healthier lifestyles, Dr. Reid introduces her project, Aurora, which emphasizes the power of new beginnings and the potential for lasting change.
Explore the fascinating neurobiology and behavioral psychology behind habits, and learn how to harness your brain's reward system to cultivate positive habits while eliminating detrimental ones. Dr. Reid shares insights into the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, reducing toxic substances, and fostering positive social interactions.
Discover practical strategies to make good habits stick and bad habits awkward, with actionable tips on setting up your environment, planning ahead, and building a supportive network. Whether you're aiming to eat healthier, exercise more, or improve your stress levels, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to achieving your new year's resolutions and sustaining them beyond January 12th.
Tune in to understand the science behind habits and embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The Unsung Hero of Hormones: Progesterone's Vital Role in Your Health

In this episode, we delve into the world of progesterone, exploring its crucial role in balancing the body's hormonal ecosystem. Often overshadowed by its more glamorous counterpart, estrogen, progesterone is the steady force that keeps our systems in harmony.
Progesterone is mainly produced by the ovaries, with the adrenal glands and placenta also pitching in during pregnancy. Acting like the stage manager of the menstrual cycle, it ensures everything runs smoothly, from mood stabilization to immune regulation. Even if you're not planning a family, progesterone plays a vital part in maintaining overall well-being.
Discover how progesterone and estrogen form a dynamic duo, each playing their part in the body's natural rhythm. While estrogen energizes and prepares the body, progesterone steps in to maintain balance, calm the mind, and support a peaceful cycle. This episode highlights progesterone's influence on mood, particularly its role as a natural anti-anxiety agent, and its impact on skin health.
We also discuss the challenges of menopause, where diminishing progesterone levels can lead to increased mood swings and anxiety. The episode emphasizes the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals for hormone treatments, whether for contraception or menopausal symptom management.
Tune in to learn more about progesterone's subtle yet significant contributions to our health and how it partners with estrogen to create a symphony of balance in the body.

Harness your Hormones, Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a powerhouse hormone, often dubbed the "queen bee" of the hormone family, especially when it comes to women’s health. While most people know it as the hormone behind puberty and periods, oestrogen actually has a hand in almost everything – from energy levels and libido to how we age and whether we feel fabulous or fatigued.