https://www.betterhealthwithdrjane.com/

Better Health With Dr Jane, Edinburgh (2026)

16/04/2026

A trend to be cautious of – extreme fasting

Fasting has become increasingly popular, but more extreme approaches are also gaining attention.

While some forms of fasting can be appropriate for certain individuals, extreme fasting is not suitable for everyone and can carry risks.

Prolonged or restrictive fasting can impact:
• Energy levels and concentration
• Hormonal balance
• Blood sugar regulation
• Nutrient intake
• Relationship with food

For some people, it may lead to fatigue, irritability, dizziness, or disordered eating patterns.

Health isn’t about pushing your body to extremes.

It’s about supporting it in a way that is balanced, sustainable, and appropriate for you.

If you’re considering fasting, it’s important to understand why you’re doing it and whether it aligns with your individual health needs.

A personalised, evidence-based approach is always the safest and most effective.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

12/04/2026

What is habit stacking?

Building new habits can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already busy.

Habit stacking is a simple way to make it easier.

It involves linking a new habit to something you already do consistently, so it becomes part of your existing routine.

For example:
• Doing stretches while waiting for the kettle to boil
• Taking supplements after brushing your teeth
• Practising deep breathing while commuting
• Drinking a glass of water before your morning coffee

By attaching a new habit to something familiar, it requires less effort and becomes more automatic over time.

You don’t need to change everything at once.

Small, consistent actions, built into your day, can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

06/04/2026

Myth Busting Mondays – Lifestyle Medicine is about sustainable habits

When we think about improving our health, it’s easy to look for quick fixes.

But real, lasting change doesn’t come from extremes. It comes from what you can do consistently.

Lifestyle Medicine focuses on building habits that are realistic, sustainable, and supportive of your long-term health.

That includes:
• Eating in a way that nourishes your body
• Moving regularly in a way you enjoy
• Prioritising sleep and recovery
• Managing stress effectively
• Staying socially connected

It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about finding what works for you and being able to maintain it.

Because the habits you can stick to are the ones that make the biggest difference.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

30/03/2026

Myth Busting Mondays - Do we all need supplements?

It depends.

As a GP and Health Coach, I see people at both ends of the spectrum. Some are taking multiple supplements without a clear reason, while others may actually benefit from targeted support but are unsure where to start.

Whether supplements are helpful depends on many factors, including your diet, lifestyle, life stage, medical history, absorption, and whether a true deficiency is present.

Supplements are not a replacement for the foundations of health such as sleep, nutrition, movement and stress management. When used, they should be specific, evidence based and appropriate for the individual.

If you are unsure whether supplements are right for you, it is best to discuss this with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional who can guide you safely.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

24/03/2026

Is stress impacting your physical health?

Cortisol is often labelled as a “bad” hormone, but in reality, it is vital for life. It helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function and our ability to respond to stress.

Problems arise not from cortisol itself, but from chronic stress. When stress is ongoing, cortisol levels can become dysregulated, contributing to fatigue, poor sleep, low mood, increased cravings, weight changes and a reduced ability to recover.

As a GP and Health Coach, I see how often people blame themselves for these symptoms, when in fact their body is responding exactly as it is designed to under prolonged pressure.

Supporting stress regulation is not about eliminating stress completely. It is about helping the nervous system feel safe enough to switch out of survival mode.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

09/03/2026

Are detox teas and cleanses actually good for your body?

For the most part, this is about marketing rather than science.

Your body already has an effective detox system through the liver, kidneys and gut. These organs work continuously to remove waste and toxins without the need for teas, juices or restrictive cleanses.

As a GP and Health Coach, I often see people drawn to detox products because they promise quick results or a sense of control. Unfortunately, many of these products are supported by strong marketing but very little scientific evidence.

Feeling lighter or “reset” is often due to short term changes such as reduced calories, dehydration or stimulant effects, not true detoxification.

Supporting your health does not require extremes. Consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, movement and stress regulation are far more effective and sustainable.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

08/03/2026

As it’s International Women’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women I have the privilege of working with and supporting.

As both a GP and Health Coach, I see first-hand the strength, resilience and compassion women bring to so many areas of life. Balancing careers, families, caring responsibilities and their own health is no small task, and yet so many women continue to show up every day with determination and care for those around them.

International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate achievements but also a reminder of the importance of supporting women’s health, listening to women’s experiences and creating spaces where women feel seen, heard and valued.

To all the women navigating busy lives, supporting others and doing their best to prioritise their wellbeing, today is a reminder that your health and your efforts matter too.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

05/03/2026

Is stress impacting your physical health?

Stress is often thought of as something we feel emotionally, but it can have a very real impact on the body too.

When we experience stress, our body releases hormones including cortisol. Cortisol plays an important role in helping us respond to challenges or perceived threats. In short bursts this response can be helpful. However, when stress becomes ongoing, cortisol levels can remain elevated for longer than the body is designed to handle.

Over time, this can begin to affect different areas of physical health.

Some people notice changes in sleep, increased fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Others may experience headaches, muscle tension, digestive discomfort, changes in appetite or feeling more run down than usual.

Long periods of stress can also influence blood sugar regulation, inflammation and overall energy levels.

This does not mean stress can always be avoided, but recognising its impact can be an important step toward protecting your wellbeing. Creating moments of rest, supporting your nervous system through movement, time outdoors, connection with others or simply allowing space to slow down can help the body return to a more balanced state.

If you are noticing ongoing physical symptoms alongside stress, it may be helpful to speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

GP StressAwareness

05/03/2026

Signs of burnout

Burnout rarely appears overnight. More often, it develops slowly after long periods of stress, pressure or feeling that you have to keep pushing forward without enough time to recover.

Many people first notice a constant sense of exhaustion. You may feel tired even after resting, find it harder to concentrate or feel less motivated about things that once felt manageable or meaningful.

Burnout can also show up emotionally. Irritability, feeling overwhelmed by small tasks, losing patience more easily or feeling disconnected from work or daily life are all common experiences people describe.

There can be physical signs too. Headaches, muscle tension, poor sleep, changes in appetite or a sense that your body is constantly in “stress mode”.

Burnout is not a personal failure. It is often a signal that your body and mind have been under sustained pressure for too long.

Recognising these signs early can be an important step. It allows space to pause, reflect and consider what changes or support might help protect your wellbeing.

Sometimes that might mean creating clearer boundaries, allowing more time for rest, speaking openly with someone you trust, or seeking professional support.

If you have been feeling persistently exhausted, overwhelmed or unlike yourself for some time, it may help to speak with your GP or a qualified health professional.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

05/03/2026

Wellness Wednesday

What is one thing you can do this week to be kinder to yourself?

For many people, kindness comes easily when it is directed toward others. We offer patience, encouragement and understanding to friends, family and colleagues. Yet when it comes to ourselves, that same compassion is often replaced with pressure, criticism or the feeling that we should always be doing more.

Being kinder to yourself does not mean ignoring responsibilities or lowering your standards. It means recognising that you are human. It means allowing space for rest, reflection and balance in a world that often encourages constant productivity.

Sometimes self-kindness is something small. It might be taking a short walk outside, giving yourself permission to pause during a busy day, speaking to yourself with the same understanding you would offer a friend, or setting a boundary that protects your energy.

These small moments matter. Over time, they help support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress and build a healthier relationship with yourself.

If you were to choose one small act of kindness toward yourself this week, what might it be?

Wellness does not always come from big changes. Often it begins with small, intentional choices.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

GP

04/03/2026

Here are some of my recent reviews from people who have completed my health coaching course.

It’s always a privilege to support others in making small, sustainable changes that improve their wellbeing. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experience - it truly means a lot.

27/02/2026

Many people delay seeing their GP because they feel embarrassed, worried about being dismissed, or afraid of what they might be told.

As a GP and Health Coach, I see this far more often than people realise. Symptoms are minimised, ignored or pushed aside until they start to interfere with daily life, work or relationships.

Please know this: you are not wasting anyone’s time. Your concerns are valid, and early conversations often lead to simpler reassurance, clearer answers and more effective support.

Seeking help sooner is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of self-care.

If something does not feel right in your body, trust that instinct and speak to your GP. That conversation matters.

Disclaimer:
This content is for general education and wellbeing awareness only and is not intended as individual medical advice. If you have ongoing symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

Better Health With Dr Jane

16/04/2026

12/04/2026

06/04/2026

30/03/2026

24/03/2026

09/03/2026

08/03/2026

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

04/03/2026

27/02/2026

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