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Pain doesn’t get nearly enough attention, so it’s great to see chronic pain in midlife as this year’s World Menopause Day theme. So many of us are dealing with aching joints, tight muscles, headaches and night-time cramps, and we often assume it’s just part of getting older. Pain is complicated and there’s no single fix, so get all the help you can from your doctor or physio. But what you eat might also make a difference. Magnesium isn’t a magic cure, but I think it could be a useful part of the jigsaw, because it’s nature’s calmer. I’m always asked about it at my workshops, so I’ve dipped back into the archive to share my chat with Andrew Thomas, founder of Better You, one of my favourite supplement companies. He’s an absolute expert on magnesium, and we talk about the role it plays in muscle relaxation, stress-related headaches, night-time cramps, calming the nervous system and sleep, which is so often the first casualty when we’re hurting. We also discuss why so many of us may be running low, and how to choose between the different forms. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. It really helps more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause.   Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Fibremaxxing is the latest food buzzword, but before we all jump on yet another bandwagon, let’s find out what fibre actually is, what it does for us, and why and how we should be getting it. Food trends come and go, don’t they? It used to be all about low-fat. More recently, carbs became the enemy and lots of people went low-carb. Keto and paleo have been big too, with some people eating very high protein and very few carbs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted that fibre is finally getting its moment. It’s been overlooked for years and it’s incredibly important for our health. But we need to get the balance right to make the most of it and to avoid the risk of bloating and discomfort. To help us, I’ve invited one of my favourite colleagues, Jenny Tschiesche. She’s a nutritionist and best-selling cookbook author, and her latest book, The Ultimate High-Fibre Handbook, could be just what we need. We talk about everything to do with fibre: The different types: soluble fibre, insoluble fibre and resistant starch, their roles and their benefitsWhat to consider if you’re thinking of fibremaxxingHow fibre can support your health in perimenopause, menopause and beyondPractical advice on adding more fibre to your diet using everyday foodsHow to beat the bloat if eating more fibre doesn’t agree with youThis is a real masterclass in the many benefits of fibre, so tune in and find out how to get yourself on track. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. It really helps more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

7 seasons. 750,000 downloads. 3 International Women's Podcast Award shortlistings. To mark the finale of Season 7, I've gone back through 7 years of conversations to bring you 7 of the clips that stopped me in my tracks - and believe me, it was no easy task to choose, because every single guest has been brilliant and they’ve brought such incredible expertise, inspiration and insight to this show.  The topics I’ve chosen range from anxiety, sleep, hair and pelvic health to the invisibility syndrome, bone health and how your mindset can influence your health and wellbeing, plus a fascinating bonus extract exploring the history of women's health and attitudes to menopause across the centuries.  This is a celebration of everything The Happy Menopause has stood for. And if any of these clips leave you wanting more, the full episodes are waiting for you in the back catalogue (and I’ve added links to the show notes), along with a whole lot more besides, covering pretty much every angle of perimenopause and menopause you can think of. Thank you for every single one of those downloads - this one's for you! Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Did you know menopause can affect your feet? From plantar fasciitis and unexpected hard skin to changes in foot shape and structure, hormonal shifts can have a surprisingly significant impact on foot health - and it's something many of us (including me!) have never really thought about. In this episode, I'm joined by registered podiatrist Jubilee Thobejane, who has a special interest in the ways hormonal changes influence foot health, mobility, comfort and recovery. We discuss some of the most common foot problems women experience in midlife, why they happen and - crucially - the practical steps you can take to prevent and manage them. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, noticing changes you can't quite explain, or simply want to understand how menopause may be affecting your feet, you'll find plenty of expert advice, practical solutions and surprising insights to take away from this fascinating conversation. If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Have you ever considered acupuncture to help support you through — and beyond — the menopause? It’s a fascinating option for women at this stage of life, focusing on restoring balance across the body’s different systems — something many of us need during times of hormonal change. This month’s guest is acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner Lily Lai, PhD. With a special interest in women’s health, she guides us through the ins and outs of this ancient therapy - from its origins and how it works, to what the research says about its effectiveness. We also explore how acupuncture may help with a range of menopause-related symptoms, from stress and sleep to overall wellbeing. Along the way, we touch on its broader role in pain management, and discuss emerging insights into how it could support people with ADHD. It’s definitely worth a listen if you’re curious about new ways to support your health during menopause. If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause.  Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

How do you feel about ageing? Have you started to write yourself off, or are you making the most of life? There’s a reason I called this podcast The Happy Menopause, and that’s because I firmly believe this stage of life is our time. Not an ending, but a door opening to a whole new world of opportunity, confidence and empowerment. Building on this notion of grasping life with both hands, I’m joined by Professor Joyce Harper to talk about her inspiring new book Your Joyful Years: Empowering Good Health and Happiness Beyond 50  Drawing on intimate interviews with 50 women, Joyce explores what life can look like beyond menopause and how we can make these years some of the most fulfilling yet. We talk about everything from self-care and health to friendship, purpose and finding the confidence to put yourself back at the centre of your life. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation that challenges the outdated narrative around ageing and reminds us what’s really possible. Are you ready to embrace your joyful years? Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Can you open a jar or do you have to ask someone? Do you carry heavy bags easily or do you expect other people to do the heavy lifting? How physically strong are you? That’s a very important question for women in mid and later life, because the stronger you are, the better your health will be on a number of different levels.  The evidence base is clear – people who lift heavy weights have a much lower risk of the various chronic health issues that we need to take seriously as we get a bit older.  The great news is that it’s never too late to start, and today’s episode very much champions this notion – I’m chatting to physiotherapist, author and strength expert Chris Tiley, who’s the founder of Never Too Old To Lift, a fabulous website and podcast full of excellent resources.  With a background in British ParaSnowSport, Chris has built on his expertise to create Never Too Old To Lift to introduce strength training to people who never thought they’d be able to do it and to inspire them to take their first steps on their journey to strength.  It’s an empowering and insightful chat and I guarantee it’ll make you want to get started! And if you want to make sure you’re fuelling yourself correctly at the same time, the 14-day energy booster programme in my book The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy will get you on the right track for your strength programme. It’s available in all the usual places.  If you’ve found this episode helpful, please do share it with a friend who might benefit. And if you enjoy The Happy Menopause podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts — or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. These small steps make a big difference and help more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Severe period pain? Vomiting? Fainting? It’s not just “one of those things.” These can be symptoms of endometriosis - a condition far more complex than many realise, and which often goes undiagnosed and unsupported, affecting 1 in 10 women.  In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Janice Rymer, consultant gynaecologist, and endometriosis nurse specialist Claudia Tye from Guy’s Hospital, London. Between them, they bring years of clinical experience and research, helping women navigate the many challenges of endometriosis. We discuss what endometriosis is, why it happens, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and how it can change during perimenopause and menopause. We also share self-help strategies and advice on getting the right support. If you’ve ever struggled to understand what your body is telling you - or want to support a loved one with endometriosis - this episode is packed with insight, guidance, and reassurance.   If you’re enjoying The Happy Menopause, please share it with friends and family, leave a 5* review, and don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. Your support really helps others discover the show, because every woman deserves to have a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

How’s the January diet going? By this time of the month, things can often start to unravel, so I’m offering a little bonus episode to help you get things back on track.  This time last year, I chatted to the brilliant Petronella Ravenshear about metabolism, menopause and sustainable weight loss. Petronella is a nutritionist and author of the excellent Human Being Diet, which is an incredibly effective approach to managing your weight, while eating good food and - dare I say it?  - actually enjoying the process! If you haven’t listened to that episode, I’d highly recommend that you check it out – you can find it in Season 6, Episode 11.  But weight loss is such a big topic that I couldn’t resist recording this additional conversation with Petronella, to give anyone who’s struggling this January some extra support tools.  In this episode, we explore: The 3 most common mistakes women make when trying to lose weightPetronella’s 3 top tips for achieving sustainable weight lossPetronella’s advice is practical, insightful, and truly inspiring - I could chat with her all day! I hope this episode gives you the confidence to take the first steps toward lasting, positive change. If you’re enjoying The Happy Menopause, please share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. Your support really helps others discover the show, because every woman deserves to have a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

As we step into a new year, this episode of The Happy Menopause explores what it really means to age creatively – and how we can rediscover joy, confidence and adventure as we grow older. I’m delighted to welcome back Jo Moseley, six years after she first shared her story of breaking down in a Tesco biscuit aisle during perimenopause - a moment that became the catalyst for a powerful midlife transformation. Since then, Jo has become the first woman to paddleboard coast-to-coast across England, written award-winning books, made short films and championed joyful, adventurous ageing. In this warm and inspiring conversation, we talk about the healing power of nature, the confidence that comes from gentle challenges, and why being a beginner can be one of the most liberating things we do in mid and later life. Jo also shares how the outdoors has supported her through grief, heartbreak and major life changes, and why small, consistent steps matter far more than big resolutions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired or stuck at the start of the year, this episode offers reassurance, perspective and practical inspiration. You don’t need to be fearless or fit -just willing to begin, exactly where you are.   If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause.  Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

This is a brilliant follow on to the Alcohol & the Menopause episode from Season 6 Episode 7 with Sarah Williamson, coach and author of Drink Less, Live Better.  We all know how tricky it can be as the Christmas party season gets underway and our schedule fills up with all manner of seasonal celebrations.  In this bonus episode, Sarah joins me again to share some excellent advice and sneaky quick wins on ways to moderate your alcohol intake and still enjoy all your social engagements, during the frantic festivities of December. She shares 7 excellent tips so that no one will even notice that you’re being careful. Not that it’s anyone else’s business, but we all know how awkward peer pressure can be at this time of year! There are some really good ideas here and I guarantee that you’ll find them helpful.  Tune to find out more about stealth ordering, managing rounds, smart drinking options and NO-vember! If you’re a fan of The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family about it, and make sure you click the follow or subscribe button on whichever platform you listen on, to make sure you never miss an episode. It really does make a huge difference to the algorithms which influence the visibility of the podcast, so that more women can find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause.  Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Struggling with bloating, cramping, unpredictable bowels or that sudden dash-to-the-loo urgency? You’re certainly not alone. In this episode of The Happy Menopause, I take a deep dive into Irritable Bowel Syndrome — a condition that affects a huge number of women, and one that often gets worse during perimenopause and menopause. I’ll explain what IBS actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why hormonal changes can make your gut so much more reactive at this stage of life. We’ll look at the gut–brain axis, food sensitivities, FODMAPs, stress, dysbiosis and the key factors that might be driving your symptoms. Most importantly, I share 10 practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies you can start using straight away to calm your digestion, reduce discomfort and feel more confident in your gut again. If you’re tired of feeling bloated, uncomfortable or out of control with your symptoms, this episode is packed with clarity, reassurance and actionable steps to help you feel better. If you love The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family, and don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. It makes a huge difference to the algorithms that decide whether more women get to find the show -  after all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause!  Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

Urinary tract infections — or UTIs — aren’t the most glamorous topic, but they’re incredibly important, and we just don’t talk about them enough. If you’ve ever had one, you’ll know how miserable they can be: the burning, the stinging, those endless trips to the loo, the pain, and that bone-crushing fatigue. They can really knock you sideways. For many women, UTIs become more common — and more stubborn — during perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Helen Lake, a specialist urology nurse, to help us understand why UTIs happen, why they mustn’t be ignored, and what you can do about them — from medical treatments to nutrition and supplements. Helen explains everything you need to know about identifying, understanding, and managing UTIs — and hopefully banishing them for good. We cover the key symptoms, prevention strategies like staying hydrated and double-voiding, why test results aren’t always conclusive, and when antibiotics are needed. We also look at the role of beneficial bacteria, cranberry and D-mannose, vaginal moisturisers, topical oestrogen, and how to advocate for yourself with your GP. If you’ve found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might benefit too. And if you love The Happy Menopause podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a five-star rating and a quick review on Apple Podcasts — or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget to subscribe, so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. These small steps make a huge difference to the algorithm, and help more women find the show. After all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause. Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

What exactly are ultra-processed foods – and could they be making your menopause symptoms worse? Nutritionist and bestselling cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche joins Jackie to unpack the truth about what’s really in our food, how it affects our hormones, mood and metabolism, and why those clever additives can make it so hard to stop eating once we start. Jenny shares simple, practical ways to cut back on ultra-processed foods without the guilt or overwhelm – and explains why the key to thriving through menopause is focusing on real, whole foods rather than calorie counts. Plus, as the author of Air Fryer Cookbook and The Unprocessed Air Fryer, she reveals her favourite time-saving kitchen hacks and why your air fryer might just be the ultimate tool for healthy home cooking. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss about ultra-processed foods is really about, this episode is packed with empowering, down-to-earth advice you can actually use. If you love The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family, and don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe and to give it a 5-star rating on your favourite podcast platform. It makes a huge difference to the algorithms that decide whether more women get to find the show -  after all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause! Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.

October is Menopause Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Lifestyle Medicine — a subject that’s right at the heart of my work as a nutritionist. In this solo episode of The Happy Menopause, I’ll be exploring how simple, sustainable changes in the way we eat, move, sleep, and manage stress can transform your menopause experience. We’ll look at the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, and avoiding harmful substances — and how they apply specifically to perimenopause and postmenopause. From the power of protein for energy, muscle and mood, to the benefits of leafy greens, vitamin C, and phytoestrogens, I’ll share practical diet tips that can ease symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, low mood, weight gain, and poor sleep. But lifestyle medicine is about more than food. We’ll also explore the role of exercise for bone health, cardiovascular fitness and hormone balance, why stress management is so crucial for symptom control, and the sleep strategies that can help you finally get some rest. These small steps don’t replace medical treatments, but they work beautifully alongside them, helping you to address the root causes of symptoms and protect your long-term health. Whether you’re just starting your perimenopause journey, navigating postmenopause, or supporting someone you love, this episode is packed with evidence-based advice to help you feel stronger, more resilient and more in control. If you love The Happy Menopause, please tell your friends and family, and don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. It makes a huge difference to the algorithms that decide whether more women get to find the show -  after all, every woman deserves to have a happy menopause! Check out the full Show Notes for this episode on my website www.well-well-well.co.uk/podcast, where you'll find all the relevant links and references for each guest. Learn how to build your own menopause diet to manage your symptoms with my book The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish. And if you're tired of feeling tired and grappling with brain fog, check out  my new book: The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy; Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. It's available in all the usual places.