Advertise on podcast: MedHeads

Metformin is widely used and generally well tolerated, but its side effects extend beyond the familiar stomach upset. This episode explains metallic taste, nasal symptoms, headaches and the longer-term risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can appear as fatigue, numbness or mood changes. It also covers practical ways clinicians manage gastrointestinal effects and the rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis. Persistent or severe symptoms deserve medical review, especially in people with kidney, liver or heart problems.

Your body clock regulates far more than sleep. This episode explains how circadian timing affects metabolism, immune function and cardiovascular health, and why an irregular weekly schedule can create “social jetlag”. Morning light, regular meal timing and a consistent wake time are three practical signals that help synchronise the body’s internal clocks. The evidence also shows why eating and sleeping at very different times across the week can make glucose control and weight management harder.

Ultra-processed food leaves a measurable chemical signature in the blood. This episode looks at the metabolites and fatty acids associated with higher intake, and how those changes relate to inflammatory markers including CRP, interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha. Large population studies also link high ultra-processed food consumption with increased mortality risk. The encouraging part is that blood chemistry can shift when diet changes, making these findings useful for understanding both risk and recovery.

Ibogaine has moved from a banned psychedelic to a serious subject of research into traumatic brain injury, PTSD and opioid dependence. This episode examines what the early clinical evidence shows, including the striking results reported in special operations veterans and the signals emerging from opioid-use trials. It also covers the major unresolved issue: ibogaine can disrupt the heart’s electrical rhythm and requires careful screening and medical monitoring. The science is promising but still developing, and regulatory interest is accelerating faster than the evidence base.

Probiotics are often recommended after antibiotics, but some research suggests they may delay the return of a person’s own gut microbiome. This episode examines direct endoscopy evidence, why many probiotic strains fail to colonise, and how introduced bacteria can compete with the native community during recovery. The evidence is more useful when it is specific. Certain strains can reduce severe antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and may help selected people with IBS or a high risk of C. difficile. For many healthy adults, fibre, varied plant foods and fermented foods have stronger practical support than a general-purpose supplement.

GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can produce substantial weight loss, but much of that weight often returns after treatment stops. This episode explains how these drugs affect appetite, stomach emptying and insulin, why regain reflects biology rather than failed willpower, and what major clinical trials have found. We also examine nausea and gastrointestinal effects, gallstone risk, the thyroid-cancer warning, the practical question of long-term treatment, and early research into alcohol cravings. GLP-1 medicines clearly work while people take them; the harder decision is whether the costs, injections and risk profile fit an individual patient’s long-term care.

Rapamycin, developed to prevent transplant rejection, is now marketed as an anti-ageing drug. This episode explains how mTOR inhibition and autophagy underpin the theory, why mouse studies are impressive, and what the 2025 PEARL human trial actually found. Human evidence remains early: secondary signals may be interesting, but no randomised trial has shown that healthy people live longer on rapamycin. We compare transplant and longevity dosing, review mouth sores, metabolic effects and immune risks, and examine the lack of long-term safety data as telehealth clinics begin prescribing it.

Chlorine dioxide is promoted in MMS protocols as a cure-all, often at concentrations far above drinking-water safety limits. This episode examines the evidence behind those claims, including the only human study, newer laboratory findings, and documented cases of liver failure, respiratory failure and fatal arrhythmias. We explain why the chemistry and dose matter: a concentration strong enough to kill pathogens can also damage human cells and beneficial gut bacteria. The evidence does not support using chlorine dioxide as a medical treatment, and the risks rise sharply at the doses promoted online.

Postpartum haemorrhage kills about 70,000 women each year—one every seven minutes—even though most deaths are preventable. This episode examines why uterine atony causes most cases, how oxytocin and tranexamic acid save lives, and how cold-chain, supply and training failures stop proven treatments reaching women in time. We also unpack the WHO’s updated diagnostic threshold, the MOTIVE treatment bundle, heat-stable carbetocin, and real implementation results from Kenya and South Sudan. The central problem is no longer discovering an effective treatment; it is delivering affordable care consistently when every minute matters.

Dementia has just surpassed heart disease to become the leading cause of death in Australia—a statistic that marks a seismic shift in public health. This powerful video breaks down the latest data from 2024, revealing that over 17,500 Australians died from dementia this year, accounting for 9.4% of all deaths. Meanwhile, heart disease has dropped dramatically due to decades of successful interventions. But here’s the real twist: dementia deaths have soared 39% in just ten years, and unless action is taken, over a million Australians could be living with dementia by 2065. The numbers are even more alarming for women, who make up 62% of all dementia-related deaths.Unlike heart disease, dementia can't be "fixed" once symptoms set in. Prevention is everything—and it starts decades earlier. The video emphasises science-backed strategies like regular physical activity, managing vascular health, maintaining strong social ties, mental stimulation, and quality sleep. These habits don’t just promote general wellness—they’re powerful tools against cognitive decline.If you're in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this episode is a must-watch. Discover how daily choices influence your long-term brain health and why it’s time to bring the same urgency to protecting our brains as we did our hearts.

In Part 2 of this eye-opening series, Dr. Fergal Armstrong dives deeper into the gut-healing powers of authentic sourdough bread—and why it's a game-changer for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, or so-called gluten sensitivity. If you’ve ever been told to avoid bread, this episode will make you rethink everything. Dr. Armstrong breaks down the latest research, including a landmark study from Monash University and Finnish clinical trials, showing how genuine sourdough fermentation—using wild lactobacillus strains like Lactobacillus plantarum—can reduce FODMAPs by up to 90%. These hard-to-digest carbohydrates are the real culprits behind the gas, bloating, and abdominal pain that plague IBS sufferers—not gluten, as many believe. Learn how fermentation time, bacterial enzymes, and acidity work together to transform problematic bread into a digestible staple. Discover why supermarket “sourdough” is often just overpriced regular bread with no real benefit—and how to spot the real deal. Whether you're battling gut issues or just want to eat smarter, this episode delivers the clinical truth behind one of the most misunderstood foods. Tune in and find out how real sourdough might just be the bread you’ve been waiting for.

Why Most “Sourdough” Is a Scam – Doctor Ferghal Explains. Is sourdough bread actually healthy—or just another overhyped wellness trend? In this first episode of a powerful two-part series, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong digs deep into the science behind the sourdough sensation. With artisan loaves taking over bakery windows and Instagram feeds, it's time to separate fact from fiction. Backed by a systematic review of 25 clinical trials, this episode uncovers the shocking truth: nearly half of those studies didn’t even use real sourdough. Dr. Armstrong reveals why so many “sourdough” loaves are nothing more than regular bread with a tangy twist—and how fake fermentation shortcuts rob you of the digestive and nutritional benefits. From improved mineral absorption and lower blood sugar spikes to reduced FODMAPs for IBS sufferers, real sourdough’s potential is massive—but only when done right. Packed with actionable tips for identifying authentic sourdough and avoiding supermarket scams, this video is essential viewing for anyone serious about gut health, blood sugar management, and smart food choices. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or battling IBS, this is the bread intel you’ve been craving. Get the science. Cut through the noise. And discover why sourdough might be more than just a trend.Is sourdough bread truly healthier, or just a trend?

Did you know that one dose of psilocybin can rewire your brain more than any stimulant? In our latest MedHeads episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong breaks down groundbreaking research published in Nature—revealing how psilocybin disrupts and reorganises brain networks with precision. We explore how the Default Mode Network—home of the ego—is shaken up, why that matters for depression and addiction, and how this brain reset could revolutionize mental health treatment. Whether you're a neuroscience nerd or curious about psychedelic therapy, this one's for you. Don't miss the surprising connection between mystical experiences and measurable brain changes! 🔗 Watch now and subscribe for weekly evidence-based insights.#PsychedelicScience #MentalHealth #BrainReset

Antidepressants Ranked: The Best and Worst for Weight Gain and Heart Health.Antidepressants: Life-saving or life-complicating?A massive new study just changed EVERYTHING we thought we knew about antidepressants. It’s not just about treating depression anymore—your medication could be quietly altering your weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and more. In our latest MedHeads video, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong breaks down the metabolic minefield hidden behind common antidepressants, using hard science and real-world advice.Whether you’re on medication or just exploring options, this episode is a must-watch for making informed, personalized choices. Discover which antidepressants have the worst—and best—metabolic side effects, how to talk to your doctor about safer options, and the lifestyle habits that can help reverse harmful changes.⚠️ Your mental health matters. So does your physical health. Watch now and take control.

Want to Be a Doctor? Watch This First.Ever wondered what it really takes to become a doctor? This MedHeads episode breaks it ALL down. Dr. Massimo Battista shares his no-BS journey through ATAR madness, back-to-back degrees, brutal GAMSAT attempts, and the ultimate grind of getting into med school. They dive into the myth of the 99 ATAR, debunk the “easy path,” and reveal the mental toll of juggling GPA, GAMSAT prep, and the pressure to be perfect from day one. Alongside actionable advice for prospective students, this episode sheds light on the emotional rollercoaster and hidden realities behind the white coat. Whether you’re a student, parent, or just curious about the medical field, this episode is packed with real talk, expert mentorship, and raw insights. ✅ Tips for ATAR, GAMSAT, and GPA 💬 Mental health & imposter syndrome 🚀 Best pathway for medicine in Australia 👉 Watch now and level up your med journey! Chapters 00:45 - The Start of a Grueling Journey 01:55 - Why Medicine Is So Competitive 03:30 - The Harsh Realities of a Medical Career 06:00 - Downsides of Medicine: Overworked and Undervalued? 08:50 - What Makes Medicine Worth It? 11:45 - Best Pathways to Get Into Med School 15:30 - Health Sciences vs Biomedicine 18:00 - GPA Pressure: Every Mark Counts 20:45 - The GAMSAT Gauntlet: Tips and Truths 23:00 - Massimo's Final Verdict: Was It Worth It?