Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

Dr Mary Barson sits down with Dr Louise Phillips, a Queensland GP with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what’s really happening with metabolic health in Australia right now. They break down complex topics like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in plain, simple language, and explain why low-carb eating can be a powerful tool for improving your health. Dr Louise also shares insights into the challenges both patients and doctors face, including burnout, and offers practical advice on how to get the most out of your GP appointments and navigate the healthcare system with confidence. If you want to understand your metabolism, make sense of your health, and pick up tips for feeling your best, this episode is packed with helpful guidance.
Dr Louise website: https://lowcarbscripts.com/
Dr Louise available for consultation at Albany Creek Brisbane via https://www.radiusmedical.com.au/
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/getting-better-care-in-a-busy-health-system-with-dr-louise-phillips
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part 2 of this gut health deep dive, Dr Mary Barson continues her powerful conversation with gastroenterologist and microbiome expert Dr Paul Froomes. You’ll discover why the carnivore diet can calm symptoms at first but may harm your microbiome long term, how hidden chemicals in processed foods damage your gut lining, and what that means for inflammation, insulin resistance and chronic disease.
Dr Paul shares clear, practical steps to start healing your gut, from simple food changes to targeted microbiome testing that can uncover the real cause of long-standing bloating, pain and food intolerances. If you have an irritable bowel, feel confused by conflicting diet advice, or have ever been told “it’s just stress”, this follow-up episode will show you what’s really going on in your gut and what you can do about it.
Website links:
Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au
Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes
TikTok: @drpaulfroomes
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-2
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know the trillions of bacteria living in your gut could be contributing to weight gain, bloating, anxiety, and even depression? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson sits down with Melbourne gastroenterologist Dr Paul Froomes — a gut health expert with over 30 years of experience — to unpack the science of the microbiome in plain English. You'll learn why "functional" gut conditions like IBS are very real (not just in your head), how the food you eat directly shapes your gut bacteria, and how a dysbiotic microbiome can make you absorb more calories, crave sugar, and become insulin resistant. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won't want to miss.
Website links:
Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au/
Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes
TikTok: @drpaulfroomes
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-1
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know your gut and brain are in constant conversation - and what they say to each other could be driving your cravings, low mood, and brain fog? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns break down the gut-brain axis in plain English: what it is, why it matters, and how poor food choices, chronic stress, and lack of sleep can throw it off balance. Learn how certain gut bacteria send signals that make you crave sugar - and how to starve them out. Plus, discover simple, science-backed ways to calm your nervous system, reduce cravings, lift your mood, and even support your immune system. If stress or food cravings sometimes feel out of control, this episode is for you.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-gut-the-brain-and-emotional-eating
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what "fibre maxing" actually means — and whether it's helping or harming your gut? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the 2026 social media hype to give you the real science on gut health. You'll learn why not all fibre is equal, how the processed food industry is health-washing its products, and what's actually damaging your gut lining without you knowing. Plus, you'll walk away with simple, practical steps you can take from your very next shopping trip to start building a healthier, happier gut.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-improve-your-gut-health
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.