The Optimal Health Podcast
Does Your Testosterone Drop When You Become A Dad? This is a topic that gets asked a lot, and it's worrying what actually happens. Do we have lower testosterone when we become a dad? Why? What can we do about it? What do we need to sort it? As always, if you need support with this, drop me a message @olliematthewshealth
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Most people trying to fix their hormones start in the wrong place. They chase supplements, blame stress, or assume sleep is the problem. In reality, true hormonal balance starts in the gut. Without a healthy gut, nothing you do for your hormones will land properly. That is what this masterclass is all about. In this episode, I break down why gut health is the foundation for optimal hormones, steady mood, good sleep, strong energy, and proper detoxification. You will learn the hidden signs of poor gut function, why probiotics often make things worse, and the exact phases you need to follow to...
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Today on The Optimal Health Podcast we have an amazing episode with Dr. Heather Stone. Dr. Heather Stone, DC, one of the leading functional medicine experts, is here to share how you can heal naturally and reclaim your vitality—without relying on Big Pharma. Dr. Stone’s journey began when she was diagnosed with low thyroid and Hashimoto’s. Unable to find effective help, she took matters into her own hands, becoming a doctor and developing her revolutionary Thyroid Transformation Blueprint. This framework has helped thousands of women achieve what once seemed impossible: reversing...
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We go through a throwback episode when this was The Beyond The Champion Show with guests Alex Viada from Complete Human Performance alongside Dr. Mike Israetel from Renaissance Periodization. It is one of the funniest episodes I have recorded, and it is an old but good one. As always, to take the free Optimal Health Test go to now @olliematthewshealth on Instagram @drmikeisraetel on Instagram @alex.viada on Instagram
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Keywords TRT, testosterone, men's health, self-administration, blood work, aromatase inhibitors, holistic health, muscle growth, psychological health, healthcare system Summary In this episode, Ollie Matthews and Dr. Max Draper delve into the complexities of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and men's health. They discuss the dangers of self-administering TRT without proper guidance, the importance of blood work, and the misconceptions surrounding testosterone's role in muscle growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health, including diet and lifestyle...
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In this episode of the Optimal Health podcast, Ollie Matthews speaks with Rob Sharp about men's health, particularly focusing on high blood pressure and the importance of blood work. They discuss the challenges men face in prioritizing their health, the role of lifestyle choices, and the shortcomings of the medical system in addressing root causes of health issues. Rob shares insights on how to effectively manage high blood pressure through nutrition, training, and understanding one's body through blood work. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in health and the...
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Today on The Optimal Health Podcast we have Dave Lee (@iamdavelee) and Dr. Max Draper (@dr_max_draper), two of the leading experts on testosterone replacement therapy and mens' health in general. Dave Lee is a world leading TRT expert who has built an established global following with close to a decade of industry experience coaching clients and troubleshooting men's hormone replacement therapy protocols. Dave has authored three books on TRT, has coaching thousands of men and is a trusted resource of many world leading doctors and practitioners, and has established clinics utilising his...
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Today I interview James Collier () Co founder of Huel, best selling author and Registered Nutritionist who I have been lucky enough to have known for 20 years and have been personally coached by for a bodybuilding show in 2012. We talk about the food systems today, influencers and the problems with unregulated information within the industry, we talk about fad diets and what is truly needed to be healthy and sustainable in a world that is shouting at us 50 different things each day. Buy James' book here - Connect with him on socials and read his substack here Enjoy the show...
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This episode, the first of a new series of The Optimal Health Podcast I talk with Cliff Wilde, a long time mentor and friend. We go through his personal experience with neurological seizures brought on by mould exposure and what to look out for, why a lot of people suffer without realising. We also go into depth about dopamine, ice baths and Wim Hof breathing - is it helping or hindering you? And a lot more about health along the way. Cliff is one of the experts I go to if I need to bounce any ideas off with clients who I am a little stuck on, we have worked together with clients...
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We cover some great topics with Paula Cowell asking Ollie the questions. This was a free session put on at Soul Church Norwich on 16th April 2024 to a small audience. The challenge starts 29th April and you can sign up for free at Some questions included but not in order How does hormone imbalance affect women's health, especially during perimenopause and menopause? What are your thoughts on HRT? What are some common signs of hormonal imbalance that women should be aware of? Can you explain the connection between hormonal balance and weight management in women? What's the most...
info_outlineMost people trying to fix their hormones start in the wrong place. They chase supplements, blame stress, or assume sleep is the problem. In reality, true hormonal balance starts in the gut. Without a healthy gut, nothing you do for your hormones will land properly. That is what this masterclass is all about.
In this episode, I break down why gut health is the foundation for optimal hormones, steady mood, good sleep, strong energy, and proper detoxification. You will learn the hidden signs of poor gut function, why probiotics often make things worse, and the exact phases you need to follow to rebuild your gut for long term hormonal balance.
This is the education most people never get from their GP. It is simple to understand, grounded in functional medicine, and something you can start working on today.
Inside this episode you will learn:
• Why the gut is the control centre for inflammation, nutrient absorption and detoxification
• How serotonin is made in the gut and what that means for your mood and stress hormones
• Why poor gut function disrupts testosterone, thyroid hormones and oestrogen balance
• The gut liver hormone triangle and why detoxifying used hormones matters
• The hidden triggers that destroy gut health, including stress, PPIs, antibiotics, alcohol and low fibre diets
• Why reflux is usually low stomach acid, not high
• Why waking at 2am or 3am is often a gut and blood sugar issue
• The link between gut health, melatonin, and broken sleep
• How inflammation and endotoxins create anxiety, wired tired energy, and night time wake ups
• Why you can have a dysfunctional gut without any digestive symptoms at all
• The real signs of gut dysfunction that show up in hormones, cholesterol, iron and sleep
The three phases of fixing your gut:
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Clean up: antimicrobials, digestive support, bile flow, enzyme support
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Rebuild: glutamine, zinc carnosine, colostrum, short chain fatty acids, DGL
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Re inoculate: targeted probiotics and prebiotics when the gut can actually tolerate them
Most people rush to probiotics first. That is like putting flowers in a dirty vase. Clean the gut first, rebuild the lining, then reintroduce the bacteria.
Practical steps you can start today:
• Eat whole foods, slow down and chew properly
• No scrolling while eating, get your system into a calm state first
• Increase fibre and plant diversity, aim for 30 different plants per week
• Use veggie ice cubes to boost diversity in a simple way
• Eat away from stressful environments like desks or bill paying areas
• Limit snacking and give your gut proper rest periods
• Add fermented foods if tolerated
• Stay hydrated with electrolytes and good quality water
• Increase protein intake to support gut lining repair and hormone synthesis
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol if sleep or digestion is off
Supplements mentioned in this episode
General starting points, not prescriptions
• DGL to soothe the gut
• Digestive enzymes before meals
• Glutamine to support the gut lining
• Magnesium glycinate for deeper sleep or magnesium citrate for bowel motility
The message is simple. Healthy hormones start with a healthy gut. Without fixing this foundation, you will always chase symptoms. If sleep is broken, if motivation is low, if libido has dropped or energy crashes hit you daily, it is time to look deeper.
If you want to explore your own gut health and hormones with functional testing and a proper plan, message me and we can see what is really going on.