In this episode, we’ll look at what makes a bacteria probiotic, some evidence of its benefits, and how to choose the best probiotics for you. Probiotics are one of the most frequent over-the-counter formulas patients are using or are interested in using. Their popularity isn’t isolated to patients either. One review estimates that yearly sales of probiotics will eclipse … [Read more...]
Free and Inspired Radio
From bloated and tired to free and inspired! Welcome to Free and Inspired Radio with Philip Watkins.
The title says it all. This show is all about feeling free and inspired and exploring the many different avenues you can take to get there. Whether it’s deep dives on digestive and mental health solutions or guests who offer their own stories and answers, we hope the podcast can be a guide you can rely on to unlock the agency you have to reach your mental and physical sovereignty.
FIR Episode 29: Three Herbs for Anxiety and Depression
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, we look at some key herbs for anxiety and depression. One study of two hundred and sixty patients with depression showed that up to fifty per cent had tried some form of natural medicine. Seventy-four per cent of mental health sufferers don’t seek professional help. A survey conducted in Iran articulated some common reasons why … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 28: Is the gut the missing link for your hormones?
Women with hormone issues such as premenstrual symptoms like cramping, bloating or unexpected emotional changes typically have gut symptoms at the start or different times during their cycle. "I didn't know there was a connection between my gut and my hormones." In this Free and Inspired radio episode, discover why the link between the gut and hormones may be the missing … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 27: Constipation 101 – Solutions to help if nothing works.
In this episode, we will tackle solutions for the most common digestive symptoms - constipation. We’ll be looking at common causes of constipation, solutions, where you can start, and your options if you have tried the most straightforward solutions. Are you constipated or just having a challenging bowel experience? Most people living with constipation describe the … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 26: Magnesium is deficient for some, essential for all.
When it comes to magnesium and its role in around six hundred different biochemical reactions in the body, essential is an understatement. In this episode, we’re going to break down some of the key reasons magnesium is one of the first interventions when patients initially visit the clinic. Issues with not getting enough magnesium in the diet seem to be ubiquitous … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 25: Can the same solutions still help insomnia post-pandemic?
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, find out what the most recent studies say about how the prevalence of insomnia has changed during and post-pandemic. Learn about the causes of insomnia in general and some solutions that you may or may not have considered. “Coronasomnia,” a phenomenon described in many research articles, is believed to be caused by a variety of … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 24: Can the gut and the brain be the solution to your skin issues?
Would you believe two dermatologists first spoke about the brain, gut, and skin connection in 1930? It’s only recently that the brain-digestion-skin link is helping people break free of their long-standing acne and skin issues. In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip breaks down how the gut, brain and skin interact with each other for either better or … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 23: Is there a link between the gut, brain and chronic pain?
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip explores the connection between your gut, brain and chronic pain. “In my early years of practice, I saw many fibromyalgia patients. From my point of view, the level of debilitation is second to none. One of the critical facets I witnessed then almost fifteen years ago is the need for a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 22: Chocolate and polyphenols – harness the benefits!
Chocolate is healthy, right? This Free and Inspired radio episode will look at how chocolate and its ingredients got their healthy reputation. The Mayans presented what we now know as “hot chocolate” to Emperor Moctezuma II as the “Food of the Gods” by the Aztecs. In fact, the Latin name for chocolate, Theobroma cacao L., means Food of the Gods! Ever … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 21: Is alcohol good for me or not?
Our subject for this week is dedicated to Alcohol awareness month and asks the question “Is alcohol good for me or not?” “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer seems to be a resounding no. It doesn't seem to be good for you at all.” At least based on new emerging research in 2023. “The lead author of a study looking at alcohol and cardiovascular disease, … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 20: Is fibre the missing link in your diet?
In this week’s episode, Philip looks at fibre - one of the most common blind spots in the western diet and asks the following important question: Is this the missing link to improving your diet? Fibre seems almost ubiquitously low across all regions, bar a few, and this makes this episode appropriate wherever you’re listening to this. “The recommendation is the same, … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 19: Cortisol is a friend to all but an enemy to some.
Cortisol, the infamous stress hormone is a friend to all, but an enemy to some. In this Free and Inspired episode, Philip looks at how it affects the body. We’ll also look at the best natural way to harness cortisol so it doesn’t harness you. Cortisol allows your body to deal with stress but may also slow your digestive system, metabolism and suppress your immune … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 18: Can probiotics strengthen my immunity?
“I wondered if probiotics could help strengthen my immunity?” The answer is yes, probiotics can strengthen your immunity. In this Free and Inspired radio episode, we’re getting up to date with how different probiotics might help you build your immune response. Philip also helps you learn more about how the immune system works. For instance, did you know that … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 17: Can probiotics help your brain and mental health?
The answer is yes, probiotics can be beneficial for your brain and mental health. It's essential, though, to understand where the research is at. That's what we're going to be looking at in this Free and Inspired radio episode. Want to read the full breakdown in an e-book? Simply sign up to our newsletter for your free copy or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 16: “I think I need to detox my liver.”
“Everyone’s toxic, your liver is congested, and you must detox for life.” That seems to be the prevailing message doesn’t it? In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip poses the question that just thinking about the liver as a detox organ is missing the point. This episode aims to reframe what many people call detoxification into the reality of the liver’s role, … [Read more...]