We're Consuming 5 Grams of Microplastics Every Week
They are in things that you might never have considered.
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This week’s episode is a special one as I sit down, in person, with the incredible Dr. Gemma Newman - who I previously had on the podcast almost three years ago! Known for her compassionate approach to medicine and grounded in expertise, Dr. Newman reflects on her 20 years of medical practice and shares a fresh perspective on what truly makes us healthy. Her answer? It all starts with self-compassion - something that resonates so deeply with everything this show is about.
Our conversation weaves through some of the most important and fascinating topics in health today. From the science-backed benefits of connecting with nature to the pervasive issue of microplastics and their impact on our bodies, Dr. Newman unpacks the science in a way that is both profound and practical. She even introduces her concept of 'electric nutrition,' showing how something as simple as grounding ourselves to the earth can have transformative effects on our wellbeing.
What struck me most during our conversation was how effortlessly Dr. Newman bridges the gap between science and emotion. Whether it’s reframing our internal dialogue, finding gratitude in difficult moments, or embracing rest as the seasons change, her insights remind us that wellbeing is as much about how we treat ourselves emotionally as it is about what we do physically.
This episode is a reminder to slow down, reconnect, and approach our health with curiosity and kindness. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or simply looking for inspiration to care for yourself in a deeper way, I hope you’ll find this conversation as enriching as I did.
About Dr. Gemma Newman:
Dr. Gemma Newman is a Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 16 years. Known as 'The Plant Power Doctor', she has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant-based nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. She is a graduate of the University of Wales College of Medicine and has studied Nutritional Science and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Newman is also a best-selling author and passionate advocate for compassionate, evidence-based approaches to health and wellbeing.
Connect with Dr. Gemma Newman:
Website: www.gemmanewman.com
Instagram: @plantpowerdoctor
Twitter: @PlantPowerDoc
My personal insights and takeaways
The Power of Self-Compassion
"The one thing that will help you in your health journey is a sense of self-compassion."
Reflection: Self-compassion is not just a nice-to-have - it’s fundamental. It helps us to make sustainable health choices as well as reprogram our thoughts and feelings, particularly during times of struggle.2. The Healing Power of Listening
"Usually…if I'm just listening and I'm in the moment, they will usually tell me the answers that they need."
Reflection: Listening can be so powerful and transformative - not just as a skill for doctors but as a universal tool to help others feel seen and empowered.3. Reframing Our Stories
"You are not your thoughts; you are just the person noticing your thoughts."
Reflection: This is a great practical way to separate yourself from negative narratives. By reframing our internal dialogue, we can cultivate a more compassionate and constructive relationship with ourselves.4. Nature’s Healing Touch
"Looking at a horizon is extremely relaxing for the brain."
Reflection: Nature is all around us, but its calming effects are so much more accessible than we realise. From park walks to simply looking out at a distant view, connecting with nature can completely reset our minds.5. Gratitude and Pain
"Gratitude reduces the perception of pain and independently reduces the amount of pain you feel."
Reflection: Gratitude has so much power and influence on how we feel - it can help shift focus and bring relief even in challenging situations. I challenge you to grab a pen and paper, and write down three things you’re grateful for right here, right now.6. Mortality: A Lens for Kindness
"We will all die. Sometimes I think we really need to talk about this more often because I think if we were all more aware of our imminent mortality, we would certainly be kinder to each other and ourselves."
Reflection: Death is an often-avoided topic, and Dr. Newman brings it into focus in today’s conversation. When we acknowledge life’s finite nature, we have a clear invitation to embrace compassion and kindness in our daily lives. It’s a reminder that life's brevity can inspire deeper connections and a greater appreciation for the here and now.7. Healing Through Presence
"Sometimes it just helps to sit with someone, to hold their hand, and to be there quietly."
Reflection: We live in a world that is always doing, but sometimes just being is more than enough. Simply being present with someone during their pain can go a long way in helping their healing.8. The Hidden Impact of Microplastics
"Most of us probably, without knowing it, would consume about a credit card's worth of plastic every week."
Reflection: Microplastics are all around us; they’re in things that we don’t even think about - like teabags and receipts! In this conversation, we talk about the potential health risks of this, and what manageable lifestyle changes we can implement.9. The Role of Vitamin D
"Vitamin D helps cognitive performance, improves balance, and reduces frailty."
Reflection: Beyond its known benefits for bone health, vitamin D is vital for mental clarity and physical strength, especially in later life.10. Living Well Through Love
"We are love, I do believe, at our core."
Reflection: Dr. Newman’s philosophy ties back to her acronym GLOVES (Gratitude, Love, Outside, Veggies, Exercise, Sleep), encouraging us to centre our health practices around love and self-care.
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Let us know what you think of this week’s episode and how you’re kicking off 2025 - I love hearing from you!
I loved our conversation!