In this episode of The Savvy Patient, cohosts Dr. Gillian Goddard and Erin Stein debunk fad diets and explore what the science actually says about healthy eating. We discuss the problems with extreme diets, the limitations of diet studies, and why short-term weight loss doesn't necessarily lead to long-term health. For so many reasons, typical diets and fads are not sustainable. Most dieting strategies lack evidence. We highlight the DASH and Mediterranean diets as the two eating approaches with the strongest evidence, particularly for improving blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, and overall metabolic health. A healthy diet doesn't need to be extreme: eating mostly whole foods, getting enough fiber, limiting highly processed foods and excess sugar, staying hydrated, and making gradual, sustainable changes are more important than following a perfect diet. Bottom line: Forget the quick fixes. The best diet is one that supports your health and that you can realistically maintain long-term.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

Caring for both aging parents and growing children can feel like being stuck in a sandwich — squeezed from both sides. In this episode of The Savvy Patient, cohosts Dr. Gillian Goddard and Erin Stein discuss the reality of navigating midlife while stuck in the “sandwich” phase—simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising growing children or adolescents. We explore how this dual responsibility creates intense pressure from both sides, disproportionately placing an invisible load of caregiving, stress, and labor on women. The conversation dives into the emotional and physical toll of this phase, offering validation along with practical strategies to manage responsibilities, alleviate stress, and navigate the emotional strain.

References:

Gillian mentions the podcast This is So Awkward with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennet, https://lessawkward.com/podcast-this-is-so-awkward-2/

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

Losing hair? Don't panic—we’ve got you covered! In this episode of The Savvy Patient, cohosts Erin Stein and endocrinologist Dr. Gillian Goddard break down everything you need to know about the hair on your head—focusing on why hair falls out, how to distinguish normal shedding from true scalp hair loss, and what medical treatments actually work. Dr. Goddard explains the biology of the hair growth cycle (Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen) and clarifies that shedding every day is completely normal. Temporary hair shedding caused by telogen effluvium is also normal—and you may be surprised by common stressors that trigger it such as pregnancy or anesthesia. We review more serious, non-reversible forms of alopecia before tackling the common androgenic (female and male pattern) hair loss, genetics, and evidence-based treatments, detailing the pros and cons of minoxidil, injections, and red-light therapy. Get the real facts, cut through the marketing noise, and keep your scalp healthy.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com

Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.