In this episode, Sam Cartwright provides a clear and practical overview of inflammation — a natural and essential process that helps the body respond to injury and infection. While acute inflammation plays a vital role in healing, chronic inflammation can become a silent driver of many long-term health concerns. Sam explains how chronic inflammation can contribute to many common conditions, from eczema to migraines, and even changes in mood and energy. Learn how dietary and lifestyle patterns can influence the body’s inflammatory response, and how small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference over time. Sam discusses the foods and environmental factors that may fuel the fire of inflammation, and shares his list of top ten anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet every day, such as colourful fruits and vegetables, omega-3 rich sources, and antioxidant-packed herbs and spices. Inflammation isn’t always visible, but every meal and lifestyle choice is a chance to calm the fire.

In this episode, Sam Cartwright explores the pivotal role of the gut in maintaining whole-body health, examining digestion as a dynamic, multi-system process rather than a simple breakdown of food. Sam explains how compromised gut function can contribute to systemic issues, from inflammation and immune dysregulation to mood imbalances and chronic disease. Through a functional lens, Sam discusses the integrity of the gut barrier, the clinical relevance of leaky gut, and the impact of the microbiome on broader physiological processes. Sam also clarifies the distinctions between food allergies and intolerances, as well as highlights the influence of the gut-brain axis—emphasising how stress and emotional wellbeing can shape digestive outcomes and chronic health. Discover how evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies can complement your practitioner’s recommendations, to support you in optimising digestive function and uncover the powerful connection between your gut and your whole-body health.

The placebo effect is more than just a psychological trick. It is a measurable process where expectations, trust, and context trigger real physiological responses. Placebo interventions can stimulate the release of natural painkillers, influence mood pathways in the brain, and even change how we experience symptoms.