Real Health with Karl Henry

Karl and JJ answer listener questions on starting at the gym, choosing between machines and free weights, and finding an exercise routine that works for you. They discuss getting back into exercise after having children, managing weight loss without quick fixes and why sustainable changes matter. They also share practical advice on protein, meal choices, walking, resistance training and finding forms of exercise you actually enjoy. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor John Nolan, director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, to explore the connection between nutrition, eye health and brain health. They discuss carotenoids, the role of colourful foods, and how targeted nutrition may support vision and cognitive function as we age. John also shares insights from his new documentary, A Vision for Vision, and explains what to look for when choosing supplements, including evidence, quality and batch testing. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check our phones dozens, even hundreds, of times a day, often without realising how much they interrupt our attention. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Brendan Kelly, professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, explains why phones are so difficult to put down and the impact constant checking can have on concentration, stress and self esteem. He shares practical ways to build a healthier relationship with your phone, from switching off notifications and creating physical distance to keeping phones out of the bedroom. He also explains why small, sustainable changes are more effective than dramatic digital detoxes. https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media. We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood and motivation, the value of moving more rather than less with age, and simple ways to improve eating habits without calorie counting. We discuss why slowing down eating, using portion plates, and building strength training into weekly routines can improve long term health. The conversation also tackles cardio myths, core training misconceptions, and what really matters for fat loss and ageing well. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health. ­ While much of the conversation around nutrition focuses on weight loss, Orla explains why metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat deserve far more attention. We explore the impact of refined carbohydrates, fibre, cholesterol and blood pressure, and discuss why small daily habits around movement, sleep, strength training and nutrition can have a lasting effect on health as we age. Orla also shares practical advice for reducing health risks without relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes. ­ Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, injuries, sleep disruption, mental health, and long-term disease risk. Dr Luke also reflects on his pioneering work in clubbing medicine and how festival health services in Ireland have dramatically improved over the years. Why you can trust the Irish Independent We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.  ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.