Why your healthy lifestyle is making you unwell – with Sarah Ann Macklin

Age Better with Liz Earle

May 1, 2026 53 mins

About

We have access to more health information than ever before, but for many midlife women, the overwhelm is negatively impacting our wellbeing. Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin talks to Liz about the unhealthy side of modern wellness culture and its effect on our bodies.


They discuss how conflicting advice and constantly changing diet trends create anxiety, and how this has the power to alter how we physically respond to food.


Sarah Ann also explains why she thinks health-tracking wearables should be used with caution, and the steps we can take to quiet toxic self-talk.


In this episode:

·     The connection between mindset and metabolism

·     The dangers of tracking health data with wearables

·     Why perimenopausal women experience ‘sleep shame’

·     How you can trick your hunger hormones

·     Ways to rewire your wellbeing relationship


Links mentioned in the episode:

·     Vitamin D3

·     Creatine

·     Magnesium

·     Omega-3

·     Podcast episode on the Mediterranean diet

 

More from Sarah Ann:

·     Follow Sarah Ann on Instagram

·     Listen to Sarah Ann's Live Well Be Well podcast

·     Pre-order Sarah Ann’s book Healthy Shouldn’t Be This Hard


Get in touch with a question for Liz:

·     Email: podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com

·     WhatsApp: 07518 471 846

 

More from Liz:

·     Order Liz's new book – How to Age

·     A Better Second Half

·     Follow Liz on Instagram

·     Follow Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram

 

Host: Liz Earle

Producer: Anouszka Tate (Fresh Air Production) 

Social Media Manager: Naomi van Geelen

Content Writer: Lucy Parley

Head of Brand: Ellie Smith


Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Policy for more information.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

Episode

38

Date

May 1, 2026

Length

53 mins
  • Why your healthy lifestyle is making you unwell – with Sarah Ann Macklin

    We have access to more health information than ever before, but for many midlife women, the overwhelm is negatively impacting our wellbeing. Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin talks to Liz about the unhealthy side of modern wellness culture and its effect on our bodies. They discuss how conflicting advice and constantly changing diet trends create anxiety, […]

  • Why won't my GP prescribe HRT?

    Getting support for your perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be a struggle, and many clinicians are still inadequately trained in hormone health. Liz talks about the barriers women still face and ways to feel confident requesting HRT. Plus: easy ways to stay hydrated, the benefits of NMN supplements, hair dye for a sensitive scalp and […]

  • Why women's diseases go undetected (and how to spot the signs) – with Meghan Rabbitt

    Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, but symptoms are often missed because diagnostic tools were designed for men. Health journalist Meghan Rabbitt talks to Liz about why medicine has been getting women’s health wrong for decades and how to protect ourselves. They discuss how the differences in the female body require a […]

  • 5 ways to beat bloating and improve gut health

    Midlife bloating isn’t just uncomfortable, it can dent your self-confidence, too. Liz talks about what might be causing it, and shares different ways to tackle the problem by getting your gut health back on track. Plus: lactoferrin for boosting immune health, the pro-ageing discoveries in Liz’s new book, budget-friendly skincare essentials and whether collagen supplements […]

  • Bad hair day? It could be your hormones – with Gustav Fouché

    If you’ve noticed your hair has lost its lustre, or you’re struggling to style it, your hormones could be the culprit. Celebrity hairstylist Gustav Fouché joins Liz to explain what’s happening to our hair during midlife – and how to bring life back to your locks. They discuss how scalp care is as important as […]

  • How to reduce your risk of dementia

    Is it really possible to reduce your risk of getting dementia? Liz discusses the factors that contribute to developing it, and shares the diet and lifestyle changes we can make to protect the brain. Plus: dating after divorce, whether beef tallow is effective as a skincare product, tips to reduce injury when working out and […]

  • How to build muscle after 40 (and why it’s never too late to start) – with Kate Rowe-Ham

    Nothing supports your muscles, metabolism and mood in midlife quite like exercise. Personal trainer Kate Rowe-Ham, founder of Owning Your Menopause, joins Liz to talk about the power of strength training – and how to build your own habits. In this episode, Liz and Kate discuss the changes that happen to our bodies after the […]

  • Diet or skincare – which matters more for ageing skin?

    Can skincare products really turn back the years or is diet more important? Liz explains why what goes in is as important as what goes on, and shares the key ingredients that really make a difference. Plus: supporting muscles and bones without weightlifting, natural remedies for menstrual migraines, the benefits of progesterone and can you […]

  • Hormones or histamine? Understanding your midlife symptoms – with Dr Clare Ashby

    Could your anxiety, brain fog, IBS and itchy skin be signs of something more than midlife hormonal changes? Dr Clare Ashby, histamine intolerance and MCAS specialist joins Liz to reveal the condition that’s often overlooked – and how it can make HRT less effective. In this episode, Liz and Clare discuss how symptoms we might […]

  • Can LED face masks smooth wrinkles (and which colours are best)?

    Have you ever wondered how LED face masks actually work to rejuvenate your skin? Liz shares her thoughts on light therapy and explains how to match your colour to your skin concern. Plus: why smear tests can be more painful after menopause, the difference between sachet and pill vitamins and how Liz organises her wellbeing routine. In this episode: • Why smear tests can be more painful after menopause (and […]

  • Is alcohol doing more damage in midlife than you realise? – with Prof David Nutt

    Most of us know alcohol isn’t ideal for our health. But the specific ways it affects the brain, gut, hormones and our sleep, and why those effects become more pronounced as we age, are less well understood. Leading psychiatrist and neuropsychopharmacologist Prof David Nutt joins Liz to explain exactly what happens in the body from the […]

  • The beauty advice I got completely wrong

    After nearly 40 years researching health, beauty and wellness, Liz has learned that looking well and looking young are two very different things – and that the most powerful beauty advice she ever received had nothing to do with what you put on your skin.   Plus: why period pains can get worse in midlife, […]

  • Can your diet protect your brain from dementia? – with Dr Georgia Ede

    What does your brain want you to eat? Nutritional psychiatrist Dr Georgia Ede joins Liz to explore how our daily diet shapes our mental health, mood and how our brains age – and why some of the advice we’ve long been given might actually be working against us. In this episode: ·     Why high glucose and […]

  • Collagen, seaweed and the nutrients that reverse skin ageing – with Dr Craig Rose

    We spend a fortune on what goes on our skin, but Liz has long believed that what goes in matters just as much, if not more. In this episode, she talks to Dr Craig Rose, marine biologist and founder of Doctor Seaweed, about the nutrients that midlife women are chronically short on, and what that […]

  • Which supplements do midlife women need?

    The supplement aisle can feel overwhelming – and expensive. But in midlife, some really do earn their place. This week Liz shares her non-negotiables, explains why our needs shift as hormones change, and cuts through the noise on what’s worth taking and what isn’t.    Plus: what’s really leaving hair dry and brittle in menopause, easy ways […]

  • Is a 'light deficiency' quietly ageing you faster? – with Professor Glen Jeffery

    One of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing might be something you’ve barely thought about: light. Most of us spend the majority of our time under LED lighting that’s stripped of the very wavelengths our bodies need to function well – and the impact on our metabolism, energy and long-term health is only just […]

  • The one morning habit I'll never give up

    There’s one thing Liz does before coffee, before switching on her phone or starting her morning – and she says it’s the single most powerful reset her body gets all day. Plus: why alcohol wrecks your sleep even if it helps you drift off, and what’s really happening to perimenopausal skin when it suddenly becomes […]

  • How to eat for healthy weight loss and fewer cravings – with Dominique Ludwig

    Maintaining a healthy weight, beating cravings and having energy that lasts all day doesn’t need to be complicated, says clinical nutritionist Dominique Ludwig. She’s back on the show to explain why eating in the right proportions transforms everything from weight management and blood sugar to gut health and mood – and why her simple balanced plate […]

  • How to fix flat or frizzy hair (and why hormones matter)

    Noticed your hair isn’t quite what it used to be? Liz explains why hormones are likely behind it and what you can do – plus she tackles fertility over 40, sun protection for very fair skin, grounding sheets, and breast pain on HRT. In this episode: Are hormonal changes to blame for flat and frizzy […]

  • 5 easy wins to reduce microplastics and forever chemicals – with Dr Sabine Donnai

    Forever chemicals and microplastics have become part of modern life – they’re in our wardrobes, kitchens, dental floss, in the water we drink, even the air we breathe. Dr Sabine Donnai joins Liz to explain why detoxification is just as important as sleep, nutrition and exercise when it comes to healthy ageing, and shares the […]

  • Stress made me age overnight – can I reverse it?

    After a really difficult year, Julie feels like she’s aged rapidly and now seems to catch every cold going. Liz shares why intense stress can make it feel as though we’ve aged years in months – and reassures Julie that the damage isn’t permanent. In this episode: Bridal beauty tips for an inside-out glow Is there […]

  • 7 things longevity doctors do to live longer – with Dr Harpal Bains

    What if you could dial back your biological age – not through expensive treatments or extreme diets – but with surprisingly simple habits that longevity doctors actually use themselves? Dr Harpal Bains joins Liz to reveal the practical strategies that could genuinely add years to your life. In this episode: Why your heart, cells and […]

  • Is blue light from screens wrecking your sleep?

    From blue light blocking glasses to hydrogen water for your mitochondria, Liz shares the science-backed strategies that protect your circadian rhythm and support healthy ageing. In this episode: Is hydrogen water worth it – and are there budget options?  Which supplements should we prioritise in midlife?  Do blue light blocking glasses protect your sleep? How […]

  • How to hit 30 grams of fibre a day in midlife (without the bloat) – with Emma Bardwell

    What could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower inflammation, and make you less susceptible to depression? The answer, says nutritionist Emma Bardwell, is fibre. Emma’s back on the show by popular demand to explain why hitting 30 grams a day could transform everything from weight loss and mood to digestion and glowing […]

  • Should I be eating more salt or less?

    It’s one of the most confusing nutrition debates – should you be eating more salt or less? The answer might surprise you, because it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re cooking from scratch or you’re very active the advice is very different than if ultra-processed foods are part of your diet. Liz explains why salt […]

  • The 5 pillars to prevent dementia and stroke – with Dr Partha Nandi

    Dr Partha Nandi is a gastroenterologist who wants you to know that the key to preventing stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s might not lie in the brain at all – it lies in the gut. He shares how inflammation in your gut today could be affecting your brain decades from now. And he reveals the five simple pillars […]

  • Caffeine vs adaptogens: how to feel more energised – with Schia Mitchell Sinclair

    Always running low on energy? Herbal polypharmacist Schia Mitchell Sinclair says it might be time to kick the caffeine habit, and explore adaptogens instead. This episode is brought to you by The Herbtender. If after hearing this conversation you want to try their supplements and herbal teas for yourself, you can use code LIZLOVES for 20% […]

  • Pilates, walking or weight-lifting – which is best for midlife women?

    If you’ve been wondering whether your Reformer Pilates classes are doing enough for your bone strength, Liz has the answer – plus she settles the debate on full-fat versus skimmed milk and explains why it matters for midlife health. In this episode: Is Pilates and walking enough to protect your bones in midlife? Creatine supplements – safe […]

  • Leaky gut, cholesterol and peptides explained – with Dr Mo Enayat

    GP Dr Mo Enayat, founder of HUM2N longevity clinic, joins Liz to reveal the science that could transform how your body ages – and why reaching your 120th birthday might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. In this episode: Leaky gut and zonulin testing for autoimmune conditions Cholesterol explained and why statins might not […]

  • Do I still need HRT if I have no symptoms?

    Should women take HRT even if they’re not bothered by menopause symptoms? It’s a question many women ask – especially those with a family history of osteoporosis. Liz shares her take.  In this episode:  How can I treat bloating and constipation? Are NAD+ and Urolithin A supplements worth taking? What’s the best way to fade a […]

  • A beginner's guide to running in midlife – with Sabrina Pace-Humphreys

    Award-winning runner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys joins Liz to explain why midlife is the perfect time to start running – even if you’ve never run before. They discuss how running became Sabrina’s lifeline through severe postnatal depression, why two runs a week is enough to transform fitness and bone density through menopause, the truth about pelvic floor […]

  • Can I stop my eyesight from getting worse?

    Struggling to read restaurant menus or road signs? If your eyesight seems to be deteriorating faster than you’d like, listen as Liz explores the supplements and lifestyle changes that might actually help protect your vision. Liz is also answering your questions about at-home microneedling tools, perimenopause, creatine and stubborn teenage acne. In this episode: Is […]

  • Collagen banking, tweakments, and the future of skin ageing – with Alice Hart-Davis

    Beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis joins Liz for an honest guide to non-surgical cosmetic procedures. From biostimulators and polynucleotides to what’s worth the money (and what isn’t), Alice shares 25 years of expertise on what actually works. Resources mentioned:  Learn more about all treatments (and the best practitioners) at The Tweakments Guide NEX peptide skincare One Skin serum […]

  • HRT explained: patches, tablets or gel – and which works best

    From navigating HRT confusion to gut health strategies and the truth about trendy wellness swaps, Liz answers your questions.  In this episode: Mouth taping – can it stop snoring? And does it cause fine lines?  Which type of HRT should I take if I’m exhausted and confused? Collagen supplements and allergies The link between stress […]

  • Food, fasting, and your ageing brain – with Dr Mindy Pelz

    Your brain changes as you age, but Dr Mindy Pelz says that’s not a bad thing. She explains how fasting might be one of the most powerful tools for your ageing brain, which two supplements could make a real difference to both your thinking and your achy joints, why finding purpose matters more than ever […]

  • Protein, fibre and the biohacks women need in midlife – with Rhian Stephenson

    Nutritionist and ARTAH founder Rhian Stephenson joins Liz to explain why biohacking doesn’t need to be extreme – and reveal the simple, powerful fundamentals that actually transform how we feel in midlife. They discuss why most women aren’t hitting their protein targets (and how to frontload your day without relying on powders), and a simple […]

  • How to gently reset health habits in January

    New year, new questions! From gentle New Year resets to supplement timing, Liz tackles your most pressing health questions for the year ahead. In this episode: How to gently reset health habits in January Is the Mirena coil safe with HRT? How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy How do I rebalance my gut after […]

  • GLP-1s, fibre maxing and light therapy: Liz's take on the trends

    Welcome to the newly revamped Age Better with Liz Earle. To kick off 2026, Liz is playing Love It or Leave It – giving her honest verdict on the wellness trends you’ll be hearing everywhere this year. From chrononutrition and fibre maxing to GLP-1 medications, peptide skincare, and the great oat milk debate, Liz cuts […]

  • Why your healthy lifestyle is making you unwell – with Sarah Ann Macklin

    We have access to more health information than ever before, but for many midlife women, the overwhelm is negatively impacting our wellbeing. Nutritionist Sarah Ann Macklin talks to Liz about the unhealthy side of modern wellness culture and its effect on our bodies. They discuss how conflicting advice and constantly changing diet trends create anxiety, […]

  • Rewind Time: “I Took A Naked Photo At 50… And It Changed My Life”

    Today we're revisiting our episode with self love expert Lou Featherstone AKA Lu in Luland. If you have lost yourself in midlife, you need to listen to this. If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to the full episode with Lou Featherstone here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pje5DvRy7rUoc3eyvJfSN?si=bww7hrU5RE-No0eg4eezow #menopause #midlife #midlifecrisis #perimenopause #drnaomipotter

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    The Longevity Expert: These 3 Habits Will Change How Long You Live

    We’re living in a world where many of us will live well into our 80s, 90s, and beyond. But what does that actually look like? Michael Clinton (entrepreneur, author, speaker, and former President of Hearst Magazines) joins Tamsen Fadal for a powerful conversation about what it means to thrive in midlife and how you can […]

  • Eps 410: Always Tired and Inflamed? The Hidden Causes No One Checks with Emily Jacobson

    Even as a practitioner… she couldn’t get to the bottom of her own health struggles. In this episode, I sit down with my client and fellow practitioner, Emily Jacobson, to unpack what happens when even the most knowledgeable women feel stuck in their bodies. We talk about her experience navigating intense fatigue, digestive issues, and […]

  • Aflevering 64 ~ Jeannette Troost (deel 2): Als hormonen je brein overnemen (en niemand ingrijpt)

    Wat begon als verergerende PMS rond haar veertigste, zoals de perimenopauze voor velen van ons begint, eindigt – in het geval van Jeannette Troost – in een medisch, hormonaal en menselijk drama dat nauwelijks te bevatten is. In deze tweede aflevering van het verhaal van Jeannette Troost wordt pijnlijk duidelijk hoe een opeenstapeling van verkeerde […]

  • 62 – How hormones change your brain – Dr Jay Jagannathan

    What if the symptoms women are told are down to stress or hectic lifestyles are actually coming from hormone changes in the brain? In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by board certified neurosurgeon, Dr Jay Jagannathan, for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about the role hormones play in brain health. They explore what’s […]

  • Eat This to Live Longer, Stay Young, and Transform Your Health

    You have more control over your life and future than you think – and it’s sitting on your plate.  If you want to lose weight, feel energized, crush cravings, clear brain fog, calm inflammation, slow aging naturally, enjoy your life, and finally stop feeling confused about what to eat, this episode will change your relationship […]

  • Book Club Meets: Rekindling intimacy in marriage, with Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

    Adam and Jules have been married for 25 years and are stuck in a bit of a rut. Adam stumbles across some old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love, and when they play them… they get to travel back in time to different moments in […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – It's All an Inside Job

    On today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I are exploring the idea that ‘it’s all an inside job.’ Your inner world shapes how you experience everything around you, and your outer world becomes a reflection of what’s happening within.  When you start to notice your thoughts, and how you’re really feeling, something shifts. You respond to […]

  • A New Vision for Women's Health with Meghan Rabbitt

    Looking for the go-to encyclopedia on women’s health? We found it. This week’s guest, Meghan Rabbitt, author of The New Rules of Women’s Health, shares a science-backed roadmap to thriving at every age. Featuring research from 130+ leading female health experts, this comprehensive resource covers hormones, fertility, menopause, chronic pain, and more. This book is […]

  • Why the Menopause Space Feels So Confusing-Internet vs Reality

    The menopause space has exploded, but with all the noise comes a lot of confusion. One expert says it’s cortisol. Another says fasting. Someone else says supplements, peptides, weighted vests, or microdosing GLP 1s. Meanwhile, women are left wondering what actually matters and who to trust. In this episode, I break down why the menopause […]

  • image of woman with dark hair named Mary Claire Haver

    The Holderness Family Gets Real About Perimenopause

    In this episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver sits down with Kim and Penn Holderness, the husband and wife content creators behind the widely popular Holderness Family, bestselling authors, and winners of The Amazing Race Season 33. Together they built an audience of millions by finding the humor in real life, and in this […]

  • Ep. 216 – Fatigue, Focus, Inflammation and Mineral Depletion with Caroline Alan

    In this episode of Not Your Mother’s Menopause, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Caroline Alan, co-founder of BEAM Minerals and author of the upcoming book “The Mineral Reset“. Caroline, known affectionately as “The Mineral Geek,” shares her personal healing journey from debilitating gut inflammation, adrenal fatigue, and chronic infections to vibrant health—all through the power of […]

  • It's Ok to Not Be OK

    In this episode, I open up about how I’ve been navigating the emotional ups and downs of recovery after knee surgery. I share a recent wobble I experienced, and why learning to feel your emotions, rather than push them away, is such an important part of moving through difficult moments. It’s not about getting stuck […]

  • 61 – Living with untreated urinary symptoms

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Penny Pijnenburg for a powerful conversation about genitourinary syndrome , a condition that affects most women but is still rarely talked about. Penny shares her experience of living with severe symptoms for more than 14 years before realising they were linked to perimenopause, and the frustration […]

  • The Tamsen Show podcast image

    Is It the Relationship or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell

    Relationships end at a dramatically higher rate during midlife, and a lot of the time, it’s women who are walking away. But before you decide what this transition means for your relationship, there’s something you need to understand first. In this episode, Tamsen gets honest about what this transition actually does to your closest relationships, […]

  • Eps 409: Where Your Spark Went in Midlife (And How to Get It Back)

    Have you ever caught yourself thinking… “where did that version of me go?” In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many women in midlife suddenly feel flat, foggy, and just not like themselves anymore and why this is not a personality problem. We’re going to connect what’s happening inside your body to what you’re […]

  • Do THIS Every Day to Rewire Your Brain From Stress and Anxiety

    What you learn today will make you forever calmer and more in control of your emotions.  If you’ve ever had a moment where you thought:  “Why does one email, one comment…ruin my day?”  “Why do I always get overwhelmed by the littlest things?”  “Why am I like this?”  This conversation gives you the answer. In […]

  • "You can't be a people pleaser and a leader!" Emma Grede on self-belief and female ambition

    When was the last time you told someone exactly how much you earn? Entrepreneur Emma Grede – who co-founded Good American with Khloe Kardashian – says that when women avoid talking about money, money avoids them. In this chat with Fearne, Emma explains why ambition isn’t a dirty word, and why she wants every determined […]

  • Why won't my GP prescribe HRT?

    Getting support for your perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be a struggle, and many clinicians are still inadequately trained in hormone health. Liz talks about the barriers women still face and ways to feel confident requesting HRT. Plus: easy ways to stay hydrated, the benefits of NMN supplements, hair dye for a sensitive scalp and […]

  • Doctor Not Listening? How To Get A Diagnosis For Menopause

    Not being taken seriously about menopause or HRT? In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed. From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around […]

  • GP Not Listening? How To Get A Diagnosis For Menopause

    Not being taken seriously about menopause or HRT? In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed. From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around […]

Age Better with Liz Earle

I’m on a mission to change the conversation around ageing. Women’s health – particularly as we age – has been underfunded and overlooked for far too long. And frankly, it’s time we pushed back. Through this podcast, I want to share the knowledge and tools that can help you thrive in later life by taking […]

00:00
/
00:00