Innersight

21/11/2025

Iron deficiency remains one of the most prevalent and frequently under-recognized factors impairing athletic performance. Even athletes who maintain a balanced diet and follow structured training programs may experience symptoms that are mistakenly attributed to overtraining, including persistent fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, cognitive difficulty, poor recovery, low motivation, anxiety and mood changes.

In this clip from Episode 25 of the Innersight Podcast, Dr. Claire Barrett, a senior specialist physician and leading expert in blood health and iron deficiency, explains how iron deficiency presents in athletes and why this population is particularly vulnerable.

She discusses the impact of training on iron metabolism, including elevations in hepcidin, a hormone that temporarily reduces iron absorption, as well as lesser-known sources of iron loss such as microscopic gastrointestinal bleeding and foot-strike hemolysis in endurance sports.

Key topics of the discussion include:
🔹 Primary symptoms of iron deficiency in athletes
🔹 The physiological effects of training on iron regulation
🔹 The significance of hepcidin spikes
🔹 Hidden mechanisms of iron loss during endurance activity
🔹 Indicators that suggest iron testing may be appropriate

For athletes experiencing unexplained fatigue or performance decline, iron status may be an important and often overlooked consideration.

🎥 Watch the full episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/EDenqbIE_Ag

📝 Read more on our blog ➡️ https://www.innersight.co.za/blog

🔴 Subscribe to the Innersight Podcast available on both YouTube, Spotify and Apple, by searching for Innersight Podcast.

20/11/2025

Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, supporting patients and families, and strengthening the fight against one of the most challenging cancers.

Pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms can be vague and appear late. Early detection is difficult, but awareness can save lives.

Know the signs:
• Persistent abdominal or back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Changes in appetite or digestion
• New-onset diabetes without weight gain

Why awareness matters:
Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, largely due to late diagnosis. By spreading the word, encouraging people to know the symptoms and supporting research, we help drive earlier detection and better outcomes.

17/11/2025

This Movember, we’re growing more than moustaches, we’re growing awareness for men’s health issues, in particular prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men's mental health and su***de prevention.

At Innersight, we believe that longevity starts with proactive care. From regular health screenings to open conversations about mental wellbeing, every small step can make a big difference.

Here’s how you can take action this Movember:
✅ Schedule your annual check-up.
✅ Prioritize your mental health. Talk, listen and check in.
✅ Move your body, nourish your mind and support the men in your life.
✅ Consider signing up for our Innersight ONE assessment, a comprehensive health-screening program that includes cancer risk assessments and screening suggestions.

Let’s change the face of men’s health together. 🎗️

We encourage you to watch the following episodes from the Innersight Podcast, which focus on the crucial topic of cancer screening, as well as the fundamental radiology tests used for cancer screening:

🎥 Innersight Episode 5: Unmasking Cancer - The Naked Truth Behind Prevention and Detection ➡️ https://youtu.be/n_7RDF_Ifpk

🎥 Innersight Episode 10: Unraveling the Mysteries of Radiology ➡️ https://youtu.be/Tsn-OA6Bln4

For more information on our program, visit our website ➡️ www.innersight.co.za

14/11/2025

This World Diabetes Day, we’re shining a light on one of the most important health challenges of our time, diabetes, and what we can all do to prevent it.

Diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or can’t use it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and nerves.

🔹Type 1 Diabetes: an autoimmune condition where the body stops producing insulin.

🔹Type 2 Diabetes: far more common, and often linked to lifestyle, metabolic health and genetics.

Global & South African Stats:
🌐 Globally: 589 million adults (20–79 yrs) are living with diabetes - that is about 1 in 10 adults worldwide.

🇿🇦 South Africa: Around 2.3 million adults are estimated to have diabetes (7.2 % prevalence), though other studies suggest up to 4.2 million adults, roughly 1 in 9, may be affected.

Alarmingly, many South Africans remain undiagnosed or undertreated, making early detection and education vital.

(Sources: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), University of Pretoria Diabetes Research Centre, Health-E News)

Before Type 2 Diabetes develops, many people experience insulin resistance, when the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin. The pancreas works overtime to produce more insulin, but eventually can’t keep up and blood glucose begins to rise.

This often coincides with metabolic syndrome - a cluster of risk factors that include:
➡️ Abdominal fat (especially around the waist)
➡️ High blood pressure
➡️ Elevated fasting glucose
➡️ Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
➡️ High triglycerides

Together, these signal metabolic imbalance and a higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. The good news? With the right lifestyle changes, healthy nutrition, regular movement, good sleep and stress management, insulin sensitivity can often be restored, and long-term risk reduced dramatically.

What You Can Do:

1. Know your risk: Family history, age (45+), excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure or cholesterol all increase your risk.

2. Get screened: If you have risk factors or symptoms (thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision), talk to your healthcare provider.

3. Prioritise a healthy lifestyle:
✅ Eat whole, unprocessed foods
✅ Move your body regularly
✅ Manage stress
✅ Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

4. If diagnosed: Monitor blood sugar, work closely with your healthcare team, attend regular check-ups and follow your treatment plan.

5. Support mental wellbeing: Living with a chronic condition can be challenging; reach out, talk openly and find support.

At Innersight, our mission is to help you live not just longer, but better. Diabetes and metabolic dysfunction accelerate ageing and disease risk, but early action, awareness and lifestyle choices can truly change your future health trajectory.

Let’s use World Diabetes Day as a moment to check in with our health, our habits and each other.

For more information, watch Episode 4 of the Innersight Podcast where we delve deep into the world of metabolic disease, uncovering its causes, effects and potential solutions.

🎥 Innersight Episode 4: From Fat to Fit - Demystifying Metabolic Mayhem ➡️ https://youtu.be/bKzdgpT30gA

12/11/2025

If you’re lining up for the 2025 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century on 22 November, you know this isn’t just any ride. This epic route starts in the picturesque town of Swellendam, traversing through Suurbraak and the dramatic climb up Tradouw Pass, through Montagu and Ashton, on to Robertson and Bonnievale, before one final series of climbs back into Swellendam, covering a total distance of approximately 204.5kms and around 2192m of elevation.

This challenging terrain demands more than just training, it demands smart recovery, energy optimisation and support for your body’s performance systems.

At Innersight, we’re ready to help you ride smarter and recover faster with two targeted IV infusion options designed especially for endurance cyclists:

The Full Monty Infusion:
➡️ Improves physical performance
➡️ Reduces inflammation
➡️ Boosts energy levels
➡️ Speeds up recovery time
➡️ 100% absorption

The Elixir:
➡️ Natural energy boost
➡️ Faster recovery
➡️ Enhanced performance
➡️ Immune and cellular support
➡️ Improved blood flow

Whether you’re on the big climbs, battling fatigue in the final kilometers, or looking to recover strongly post‑race, these drips are tailored for you.

Ride smarter, recover faster and tackle every climb with confidence. 🚴

🔵 Book your infusion today by visiting www.innersight.co.za or call us on 021 891 1022.

Limited slots leading up to race day.

InnerSight is a health optimization program. We ask the core question of how you want to feel and function when you reach 80 years of age and then reverse engineer how you need to function today to reach that goal.

10/11/2025

True health care begins long before illness appears. Preventative action through regular screening, balanced nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management, forms the foundation of long-term wellbeing.

By taking a proactive approach, you strengthen your resilience, support healthy aging and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Small, consistent steps toward prevention today can help safeguard your quality of life tomorrow.

Your health is your most valuable investment. Protect it with intention.

07/11/2025

Did you know that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, yet it often goes undetected for years?

In this clip from Episode 25 of the Innersight Podcast, Dr. Claire Barrett, senior specialist physician and leading expert in blood health, breaks down the most common myths about iron deficiency, and explains why waiting until anemia develops could mean missing years of subtle symptoms like:
▶️ Fatigue
▶️ Brain fog
▶️ Reduced energy and performance

You’ll learn:
🔹 Why “normal” blood tests can still miss early iron deficiency
🔹 The crucial difference between iron deficiency and anemia
🔹 Why ferritin levels are the key to detecting low iron stores early
🔹 How outdated “normal” lab ranges can delay diagnosis
🔹 Practical steps to protect your energy and long-term health

Understanding iron deficiency isn’t just for athletes or doctors, it’s for anyone who wants to stay energized, focused and in control of their health.

Let’s spread awareness; someone you know might be struggling with low iron and not even realize it.

🎥 Watch the full episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/EDenqbIE_Ag

📝 Read more on our blog ➡️ https://www.innersight.co.za/blog

🔴 Subscribe to the Innersight Podcast available on both YouTube, Spotify and Apple, by searching for Innersight Podcast.

05/11/2025

A new study found that women around age 72 who managed just 4,000 steps on one or two days a week lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease by 27% and risk of death by 26% compared with women who didn’t hit 4,000 steps on any day. In addition, getting in 4,000 steps three or more days per week cut mortality risk by 40%.

The big takeaway? If you’re finding it hard to aim for 10,000 steps a day, start smaller. One or two days of moderate activity still counts. The total volume of movement matters more than hitting a rigorous daily target.

Walking supports your heart by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, lowering blood-pressure and helping with insulin sensitivity, plus boosting mood and sleep.

Here are some helpful tips:

✅ Set a realistic step goal (e.g 4,000 steps) on at least 1-2 days each week.

✅ Make movement part of your routine, whether it is a brisk walk or running errands.

✅ Track your week rather than stressing about daily perfection.

✅ Always pair with heart-healthy habits including a balanced diet, good sleep and stress management.



Article reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/4000-daily-steps-1-2-days-week-reduce-heart-disease-risk-older-women -focus-on-daily-step-count

03/11/2025

True health isn’t built in a doctor’s office, it’s shaped by the choices you make every single day. The way you eat, move, sleep and manage stress are the pillars of your long-term wellbeing.

Think of every nourishing meal, mindful breath and workout as a deposit into your future health. These daily habits protect, restore and strengthen you far more than any quick fix ever could.

Invest in yourself, because the life you live is the care you give your body.

31/10/2025

In Episode 29 of the Innersight Podcast, Rudy and Shaun chat with Dr. Barbara van der Westhuizen, Cape Town dermatologist and founder of DrBarbaraDerm.co.za about what really keeps your skin resilient over time.

From the importance of regular skin-cancer screening (hint: it matters more than any “anti-aging” cream) to evidence-based, affordable tips for lasting skin health, this episode cuts through the noise with science-backed insights and real-world advice.

No hype, no quick fixes, just expert guidance to help you rethink your skincare for the long run.

🎥 Watch the full episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/IIzuEACGh_k

Subscribe to their informative podcast which is available on both YouTube, Spotify and Apple by searching for Innersight Podcast.

29/10/2025

On World Psoriasis Day, we are joining National Psoriasis Foundation in standing with the 125 million people worldwide living with psoriatic disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that speeds up the skin cell cycle, leading to red, scaly patches, itching and discomfort. Psoriasis affects more than just the skin, it can impact mental health, confidence and quality of life.

This lifelong disease can also increase the risk of comorbidities, including heart disease, diabetes and mental health challenges.

This year’s theme reminds us that understanding and compassion can make all the difference. Let’s break the stigma and support those living with psoriasis.

Follow National Psoriasis Foundation to find resources, support and community to help you live your healthiest life.

Link to more information: psoriasis.org/world-psoriasis-day

27/10/2025

In Episode 28 of the Innersight Podcast, Rudy and Shaun chat with Dr. Johann Lochner, a Somerset West–based periodontist, to explore how oral health connects to your whole body, from your heart to your brain.

Discover:
➡️ How gum disease develops and when to take it seriously
➡️ Who’s most at risk (and what warning signs to watch for)
➡️ Practical steps to protect your gums, and potentially your long-term wellbeing

This episode challenges the idea that oral health is “just about teeth.”
It’s a fresh perspective on why oral health is a cornerstone of long-term wellbeing.

Read the full blog article at the below link:
https://www.innersight.co.za/post/gums-hearts-minds-the-hidden-link-between-oral-health-and-longevity-insights-from-the-innersigh