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With an overwhelming amount of health advice available, it can be difficult to determine which information is trustworthy and which concerns are worth paying attention to. Identical twin brothers Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken, both medical doctors and hosts of the BBC podcast *What’s Up Docs?*, aim to clarify some of these common health worries. On their show, they explore conflicting claims about wellbeing and share insights from experts to help listeners cut through the noise.
One topic they addressed is the presence of microplastics in the human brain. The brothers discussed a scientific paper suggesting an estimated quantity of microplastics equivalent to a spoonful inside the brain. Chris likened this amount to “a couple of Lego bricks.” However, Dr Stephanie Wright, an expert they consulted, explained that the study’s methodology likely greatly overestimated the amount of plastic present. While research has shown that microplastics can carry environmental toxins and potentially interact with hormones, the twins concluded that exposure to plastics is so pervasive—found in clothing, homes, and food packaging—that worrying about it on a personal level is futile. Chris noted he initially intended to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding plastic products, but realized that plastics are essentially unavoidable.
Another commonly debated issue relates to protein consumption. Protein plays a crucial role in growth, repair, immune support, and hormone production. Dr Xand acknowledged that many people, including younger individuals like his 16-year-old son, frequently inquire about whether they are getting enough protein. However, he warns that the recent trend of marketing “high-protein” products is largely profit-driven and does not necessarily indicate a healthier choice. The brothers advise that increasing protein intake, especially through costly supplements or powders, is typically unnecessary. Instead, Chris encourages focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods to support physical health and fitness. They emphasize that there is no solid evidence supporting the need for extra isolated protein supplements.
Magnesium supplements also receive significant attention, especially via social media where enthusiasts often promote them as a cure-all. The van Tulleken brothers observed a wave of intense marketing claiming magnesium could solve numerous health problems. However, Dr Xand stressed that magnesium is plentiful in a typical diet and that the human body has evolved to efficiently use the amount absorbed from food, making deficiency concerns uncommon. Rather than getting caught up in hype driven by influencers or sensational headlines, Xand recommends tuning out this noise. Chris added that their podcast aims to ease the anxieties that many people experience around their health, especially in an era dominated by social media. His ultimate goal is to encourage listeners to have confidence in the natural strength and resilience of their bodies
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