Beyond the Limits | Health and Performance Medicine

Dr. Matt and Dr. Mike explore the crucial topic of early cancer detection and examine whether a blood test can effectively screen for cancer. Revealing evidence behind cancer screening blood tests such as Trucheck, we tackle the pressing question: do they really work and are they worth it?With tests claiming to detect up to 70 types of cancer before symptoms arise, we delve into how these methods work and who can benefit from them. In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.Episode number 24.

Make evidence based decisions with vaccines. Dr Matt and Dr Mike will be revealing evidence and debunking myths around vaccine hesitancy.Measle is re-emerging with vaccination rates plummeting across the country and we explore the reasons for this, the danger and risks this poses, and ultimately what can be done about itIn a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Loneliness: In 2023 the World Health Organisation declared loneliness a global health crisis, highlighting an alarming rise in its rates. In this episode we explore what is causing this crisis and also discuss a three step approach for people to address it personallyHosts Mike and Matt are joined by Amy Perrin, founder of the Marmalade Trust, who delves into the devastating psychological and physical effects of loneliness. Amy was awarded an OBE in 2024 for her dedicated efforts in tackling this crisis, and has previously been recognised in the Independent’s ‘Happy List’ as one of the 50 people making the world a happier place. Join us as we explore how we can confront this growing issue and devise strategies to combat the rising loneliness crisis in our communities. For more information, visit https://www.marmaladetrust.org/In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

How do we achieve high performance? And how best do we share knowledge and experience? From freezing in the face of major trauma in South Africa to soaring over Sydney in a helicopter, Dr Robbie Lloyd is an Emergency Medicine Consultant passionate about the pursuit of high performance. In this episode we explore his passion project - Coffee and Cases - and disagree, without a huge amount of expertise, over the benefits of AI.https://robertlloyd.substack.com/Book Recommendation: Co-Intelligence - Ethan MollickIn a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Given the general level of ignorance of the Beyond the Limits hosts when it comes to anything dentistry related, we're delighted (and relieved) to welcome Dr Anni Seaborne, Head of General Dentistry at Bupa, to shed some light on the topic.What whitening products are most effective? And can they be dangerous? What's the best type of toothbrush? And what about flossing? Anni tackles these questions (and more), Matt reveals he's got veneers, and together we stumble through some terrible puns in the intro.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

VO2 Max is the reserve of the endurance athlete with the smart watch that's worth more than your car, right? Or is it more useful than that? Could this mysterious number may play a more important role, and provide a useful metric into your overall health. Matt (represented GB as a triathlete) and Mike (a slow 5km run every other week) compare notes.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Every 2 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. This week we're joined by Consultant Oncologist Dr Harry Gasper to explore developments in cancer care, raising rates of cancer in the young, and less traditional treatments promoted in some corners of the internet.We also look at the latest study postulating exercise as an effective means of reducing recurrence in bowel cancer, outlined in the article below:https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/01/exercise-better-than-drugs-after-cancer-treatment-international-trial-findsIn a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

We've focused previously on the potential role of Psychedelics in Mental Health, but given the legal status in the UK it's difficult to explore the practicalities of psychedelic therapy.This is where Nigel Pedlingham comes in. Nigel is a plant medicine practitioner and psychedelic coach based in the Netherlands.What does a psychedelic experience look like? Does it work? And perhaps even more importantly, is it safe?If you would like to read more about Nigel's work, his website is https://www.psychedelicselfdiscovery.com/In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Creatine has always been the reserve of gym-lovers and body builders.Does it work? And are there risks?And does this inexpensive supplement potentially have a role in brain health?Mike and Matt investigate.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

You can sleep when you're dead, someone once famously said, but it would be nice to get some kip before then...Dr David Garley of the TheBetterSleepClinic comes on the show to explore the latest developments in sleep medicine, dispelling sleep myths, and giving some golden tips for better quality sleep. Are we all self-sabotaging a good nights sleep? Is wearable tech a positive or a detriment to good sleep? Do sleeping tablets work?Dr Garley can be found through their website: www.thebettersleepclinic.co.ukIn a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Depression is complex, and available treatments are limited and can cause significant side effects.tDCS is a novel treatment that involves stimulating brain cells with a small electrical current from the comfort of your own home.Is there any evidence that it works?Matt and Mike are joined by Dr Kultar Garcha, an NHS GP and global medical director at Flow Neuroscience, to find out more.More information on Flow can be found via their website https://www.flowneuroscience.com/Dr Garcha is on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drkultarsgIf you are a clinician interested in hearing more, you can contact clinical@flowneuroscience.comIn a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

There are thousands of products on the market claiming to transform your skin into that of a Hollywood Celebrity. But do any of these products work? And what myths persist when it comes to skincare?Matt and Mike are joined by Dr Ari Rafiq, a GP and a dermatologist to discuss serums, lasers, lotions, and so much more. In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Excess salt is bad for you, right? That’s what we’re told by the WHO, the NHS and every other 3-letter acronym’d medical organisation out there.But is this actually true?Supplement companies are claiming the opposite - and marketing salt supplements to ‘optimise our health outcomes’Mike and Matt investigate (and try their hand at debating), whilst trying to slip in some terrible salt-related puns.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Hair loss affects a huge number of men and women.Is it inevitable? Can anything be done to avoid it?And what about all the hair loss treatments advertised on TV and social media? Do any of them work? Mike and Matt explore all things hair related, whilst managing to squeeze three puns into the episode title...In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

A 2015 report from Public Health England claimed vaping is 95% safer than smoking. But with 7% of 11-17 year old's currently vaping, what do we know about the risks?Matt & Mike are joined by GP and vaping awareness campaigner Dr Marc Picot to explore the truth.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

The number of women using hormonal contraception is falling. Meanwhile, Natural Fertility Contraception methods are seeing a surge in popularity.What's behind this shift? And does Natural Fertility Contraception work?Matt and Mike - helped in no small part by a hefty dose of nepotism - welcome a special guest to learn about this development, and explore the issues with contraception more generally.In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Melatonin is available in supermarkets in the USA. In the UK, it can only be initiated by specialist doctors.So what's the deal? Is it the answer to poor sleep, jet lag, and even aging? In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Hospital admissions due to lack of vitamins and minerals are soaring, and adverts for vitamins and supplements are all over social media.But what's the evidence for multivitamins?Should we all be taking them every day?In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Mouth taping is being promoted all over social media, claiming to improve everything from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea to your sex life.Are there any benefits?Or is it symptomatic of an epidemic of health fads based on little to no scientific evidence?In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.

Cold water swimming. We all know someone who does it. But does it have any benefits? And are there are risks?In a world of endless health fads and self-help noise, it’s hard to know what to trust.Subscribe to Beyond the Limits, our myth-busting fortnightly podcast, to get clear insights on the latest health trends, wellness fads, and performance medicine breakthroughs.We cut through the confusion so you can be better informed and in control of your health.