Latest news with #AskDoctorZac
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Is soup actually a remedy to sickness?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores if soup is a great remedy for illness. QUESTION: Hey Dr Zac, everyone says soup is the best thing when you're sick – but is there real science behind it? Do ingredients like garlic, bone broth and ginger actually help immunity, or are we just comfort-eating in disguise? And as a doctor – what would your recipe for a perfect soup look like. One that is so packed full of goodness it would tick lots of health and nutrition boxes? – Luke, 36, Bendigo VIC ANSWER: G'day Luke! Great question – absolutely everyone turns to soup when feeling c**p, but is it just nostalgic comfort … or is something deeper going on? Let's dig into some of the ingredients you talked about. • Garlic Yes, the mighty garlic has some legitimate science backing it. Its compound allicin (the one that makes you smell like a vampire slayer) can boost key white blood cell activity against bugs like cold and flu viruses – even evidence suggesting it might cut your chance of getting a sniffle by two-thirds compared to placebo. A Cochrane review, however, cautions that evidence is scant – only one decent trial supports it – so we can't hang our stethoscopes on it just yet. But it's tasty, so why not? • Ginger This zesty root packs a soothing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant punch – studies point to benefits for digestion, nausea, and potential immune support. It's not magic, but ginger in your soup may help dial down inflammation and give your tummy a break. • Bone broth Ah, bone broth – trend-alert! The hype is real, but so is the scepticism. It's loaded with amino acids like glutamine, glycine, proline – key for gut lining repair – and minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, all essential for a healthy immune response and intestinal barrier integrity. That said, strong human clinical trials specifically on bone broth … are pretty thin on the ground. And there's that tiny risk of heavy metals leaching from long-simmered bones, but worth sourcing wisely. So yes, there is science, but also – some hyperbole. Soup isn't a cure, but it is a comforting, nourishing ally your body will thank you for. Dr Zac's 'daily-super-soup' recipe Here's how I'd construct the perfect immune-boosting, gut-loving, comfort bomb: 1. Rich chicken bone broth base, simmered gently with a splash of vinegar to help pull out nutrients – loaded with glutamine, glycine, proline and trace minerals for gut health and inflammation control. 2. Crushed garlic, pressed and rested 10 minutes before cooking to preserve the allicin that helps immune cells fight viruses. 3. Fresh ginger slices, for that anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory zing. 4. Veggie and herb boost – onion, carrot, celery, kale or spinach – for extra vitamins and antioxidants. These likely play a major role in viral battles, maybe more than the bones themselves. 5. Optional extras: a squeeze of lemon for vitamin C, a pinch of turmeric for added anti-inflammatory action (friendly, but still mild enough for daily love). Simmer until fragrant, ladle into a mug, and sip when sniffly – or any time, because life's too short for boring soup. Stay warm, Luke, and drink up – better days are bowl-by-bowl closer. Cheering you to health, Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
News.com.au
10-08-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Ask Dr Zac: What impact does a mouldy home have on my health?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not thermal receipts are toxic. QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, with all this rain we've been having and the coldness of winter, my rental has started growing mould spots in the bathroom, my wardrobe, pantry, and the corners of my bedroom ceiling. It's giving me the ick. I've been waking up with congestion and headaches, and I've seen TikToks warning about 'toxic mould syndrome' – is that a real thing? Should I be pushing my landlord to fix this ASAP or am I just being dramatic? – Liam, 27, Camberwell, VIC For the best lifestyle coverage in Australia — download the app direct to your phone. ANSWER: Hi Liam, you are absolutely not being dramatic. In fact, your question should be taken seriously by every single renter in Australia this winter. We are in the thick of what doctors (and builders, and plumbers) like to call mould season. The combination of colder temperatures, poor ventilation, and persistent rain is the perfect cocktail for mould to take over your home. Unfortunately, this isn't just an ugly stain on your ceiling. It can absolutely make you sick. Let me be very clear: there is no safe amount of indoor mould. While the popularised idea of 'toxic mould syndrome' is controversial and not formally recognised in Australian clinical guidelines, the health effects of damp and mould are real, documented, and significant. What you're describing – waking up congested, foggy, and headachy – is textbook for what we in the medical world call non-specific upper respiratory symptoms caused by mould spores. These little fungal invaders get into the air you breathe and irritate the lining of your nose, sinuses and lungs. In people with asthma, mould exposure can lead to flare-ups, wheezing, and even hospitalisation. Some forms of indoor mould, particularly the dreaded Stachybotrys chartarum (aka 'black mould'), have been linked to more severe respiratory outcomes. And while the phrase 'toxic mould' has taken off on TikTok, the real risk is more subtle – long-term exposure can cause ongoing sinus infections, worsen allergies, and possibly contribute to chronic fatigue and poor sleep quality. Let's also talk about what you should do, because this isn't something a scented candle and a spritz of Glen 20 will fix. First step: document everything. Take dated photos of the mould patches and record your symptoms. This will help you if you need to escalate the issue. Second: notify your landlord in writing and request urgent remediatio n. Under Victorian tenancy laws, mould is considered a repair issue and landlords are required to address it, particularly if it affects health or safety. Third: do not try to remove mould yourself unless it's a very small patch. Scrubbing large areas without protective gear can actually release more spores into the air. Instead, increase ventilation (yes, even in winter), use a dehumidifier if possible, and close off mouldy rooms when you're not in them. If your landlord drags their feet, contact your state's tenancy authority. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs has resources and enforcement pathways for renters dealing with dangerous living conditions. Let me say this one more time for the people in the back: Mould in your home is not just gross – it's hazardous to your health. And while 'toxic mould syndrome' might not be officially stamped in the medical textbooks just yet, the link between mould exposure and poor health outcomes is well established. So yes, Liam. You should absolutely be pushing your landlord to act immediately. And if they won't? You might want to suggest they come and sleep in your bedroom for a few nights. See how dramatic they feel after waking up with a pounding headache and blocked sinuses. Stay warm and stay dry. – Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
Courier-Mail
20-07-2025
- Health
- Courier-Mail
Huge blood test myth has finally been busted
Don't miss out on the headlines from Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not blood tests are back for you. QUESTION: Dear Dr Zac, I saw a doctor on Instagram saying that getting blood tests can make you more sick, because the more blood you have drawn, it's taking away your immune system? Is that true or just social media pseudoscience? – Amanda, 27, Gold Coast ANSWER: If I had a dollar for every time an 'Instagram doctor' spread weird health advice, I'd be rich enough to launch my own line of overpriced supplements and film it shirtless in a rainforest. Let's get straight to it: The claim that drawing blood somehow removes your immune system is complete nonsense. According to this so-called 'Medical Medium' (who, by the way, says his info comes from a spirit – yes, really), taking blood for tests will make you sicker because it weakens your immune system. That's not just wrong, it's dangerously misleading. Here's why you shouldn't panic if your GP orders a blood test – and why listening to ghost-guided wellness influencers could do more harm than a few millilitres of blood ever could. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY Blood tests don't drain your immune system – just your TikTok feed. Let's bust the myth first: Your immune system doesn't live in your blood like it's floating around in a tiny lifeboat. Yes, some immune cells are in your bloodstream, but they're constantly being produced by your bone marrow and lymphatic system. Drawing a small amount of blood doesn't cripple your defences, it gives your doctor valuable clues to help strengthen them. Standard blood tests typically take about 5–10ml of blood. That's around two teaspoons. The average adult has five litres of blood. You've probably lost more than squeezing a pimple or stubbing your toe in the dark. Even if you get extensive testing done, say 50ml worth, it's still less than 2 per cent of your total blood volume. Your body replenishes that quickly, usually within 24–48 hours. Unless you're a lizard person (or actively haemorrhaging), you'll be just fine. But what about people who feel worse after blood tests? This is where things get a bit nuanced. Some people do feel faint, dizzy or tired after having blood drawn. But that's more to do with how the blood was taken (and whether you had breakfast) than the blood itself. Feeling queasy is often linked to: Vasovagal response (a fancy way of saying your body freaks out at needles), Low blood sugar, or anxiety. These are temporary reactions, not signs your immune system is crumbling. Where did this bizarre idea come from? The quote in question comes from Anthony William, aka the 'Medical Medium'. He claims to hear health advice from a spirit (who apparently skipped immunology class). Is a blood test dangerous? Picture: iStock He's not a licensed doctor, has no formal medical training, and has previously claimed celery juice can cure everything from anxiety to shingles. He's also built a multimillion-dollar wellness empire promoting unproven health advice, often to people who are desperate and vulnerable. That, in my opinion, is the real sickness. Sure, he throws in the odd disclaimer like 'work with your doctor,' but that's like a car salesman saying 'test the brakes' while handing you a steering wheel held on with duct tape. Here's what you actually should do around blood tests If you're sick or dealing with chronic illness, your doctor might want to order blood work to understand what's going on. That's a good thing. The faster you get the right diagnosis, the faster you can get the right treatment. Some basic tips for a smooth blood test experience: • Drink plenty of water beforehand (it makes veins easier to find) • Don't skip meals unless told to fast • If you get dizzy, let the phlebotomist know, they can take extra care • Rest afterwards if needed, and have a snack Unless you've been told to fast, don't skip meals. Picture: iStock That's it. No sage burning or spirit communication required. The only thing scary about blood tests is the fact that some influencers think they're dangerous. Removing 5ml of blood won't wreck your immune system – but believing Instagram pseudoscience just might. Blood tests are safe, essential, and can literally save your life. And if someone tells you otherwise while claiming to get their health info from ghosts, maybe it's time to unfollow. You've got this. Dr Zac Got a question? Email askdrzac@ Follow @DrZacTurner on Instagram Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors. Originally published as Huge blood test myth has finally been busted
News.com.au
20-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Huge blood test myth has finally been busted
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores whether or not blood tests are back for you. QUESTION: Dear Dr Zac, I saw a doctor on Instagram saying that getting blood tests can make you more sick, because the more blood you have drawn, it's taking away your immune system? Is that true or just social media pseudoscience? – Amanda, 27, Gold Coast ANSWER: If I had a dollar for every time an 'Instagram doctor' spread weird health advice, I'd be rich enough to launch my own line of overpriced supplements and film it shirtless in a rainforest. Let's get straight to it: The claim that drawing blood somehow removes your immune system is complete nonsense. According to this so-called 'Medical Medium' (who, by the way, says his info comes from a spirit – yes, really), taking blood for tests will make you sicker because it weakens your immune system. That's not just wrong, it's dangerously misleading. Here's why you shouldn't panic if your GP orders a blood test – and why listening to ghost-guided wellness influencers could do more harm than a few millilitres of blood ever could. Blood tests don't drain your immune system – just your TikTok feed. Let's bust the myth first: Your immune system doesn't live in your blood like it's floating around in a tiny lifeboat. Yes, some immune cells are in your bloodstream, but they're constantly being produced by your bone marrow and lymphatic system. Drawing a small amount of blood doesn't cripple your defences, it gives your doctor valuable clues to help strengthen them. Standard blood tests typically take about 5–10ml of blood. That's around two teaspoons. The average adult has five litres of blood. You've probably lost more than squeezing a pimple or stubbing your toe in the dark. Even if you get extensive testing done, say 50ml worth, it's still less than 2 per cent of your total blood volume. Your body replenishes that quickly, usually within 24–48 hours. Unless you're a lizard person (or actively haemorrhaging), you'll be just fine. But what about people who feel worse after blood tests? This is where things get a bit nuanced. Some people do feel faint, dizzy or tired after having blood drawn. But that's more to do with how the blood was taken (and whether you had breakfast) than the blood itself. Feeling queasy is often linked to: Vasovagal response (a fancy way of saying your body freaks out at needles), Low blood sugar, or anxiety. These are temporary reactions, not signs your immune system is crumbling. Where did this bizarre idea come from? The quote in question comes from Anthony William, aka the 'Medical Medium'. He claims to hear health advice from a spirit (who apparently skipped immunology class). He's not a licensed doctor, has no formal medical training, and has previously claimed celery juice can cure everything from anxiety to shingles. He's also built a multimillion-dollar wellness empire promoting unproven health advice, often to people who are desperate and vulnerable. That, in my opinion, is the real sickness. Sure, he throws in the odd disclaimer like 'work with your doctor,' but that's like a car salesman saying 'test the brakes' while handing you a steering wheel held on with duct tape. Here's what you actually should do around blood tests If you're sick or dealing with chronic illness, your doctor might want to order blood work to understand what's going on. That's a good thing. The faster you get the right diagnosis, the faster you can get the right treatment. Some basic tips for a smooth blood test experience: • Drink plenty of water beforehand (it makes veins easier to find) • Don't skip meals unless told to fast • If you get dizzy, let the phlebotomist know, they can take extra care • Rest afterwards if needed, and have a snack That's it. No sage burning or spirit communication required. The only thing scary about blood tests is the fact that some influencers think they're dangerous. Removing 5ml of blood won't wreck your immune system – but believing Instagram pseudoscience just might. Blood tests are safe, essential, and can literally save your life. And if someone tells you otherwise while claiming to get their health info from ghosts, maybe it's time to unfollow. You've got this. Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
New York Post
02-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
If you drink your coffee at this time, you're doing it wrong
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr. Zac Turner deep dives into the best – and worst – time to drink that cup of coffee. QUESTION: Dear Dr. Zac, I love coffee, but I also know it can be a great stimulant to help me get through the day. Is there a science behind what time of the day I can have a coffee when it is most beneficial to give me that extra bit of zing in my step, whether it's getting my work done, going to the gym, or even staying awake at night during a movie? I'm keen for any information you can give me. – Joel, 33, Gawler SA Advertisement ANSWER: Hi Joel, Let me start with the hard truth: most people are drinking coffee at the absolute worst time of the day — and it's sabotaging their energy without them even realizing it. 5 A doctor has warned that most Australians are drinking coffee in the wrong way, and it can have dire consequences. New Africa – Yes, I'm talking about that beloved first thing in the morning coffee. The sacred moment when bleary-eyed Australians stumble toward the kitchen like zombies hunting for espresso. But here's the kicker — that cup might actually be setting you up for a massive crash before morning tea. You're drinking coffee too early — and here's why that's a problem Advertisement You see, your body already has its own built-in coffee machine. It's called cortisol. Every morning, about 30–60 minutes before you wake up, your body starts pumping this natural energy hormone. By the time you've had a stretch and checked your phone, cortisol is peaking, meaning you're already wired (or should be). 5 Dr. Turner said that drinking coffee in the morning will sabotage your energy. Getty Images/iStockphoto Now here's where it gets messy: if you down a coffee during that cortisol surge, you're stacking caffeine on top of your body's natural stimulation. That might sound like a great energy hack, but in reality, it can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and, over time, tolerance. That means your daily double shot is doing less and less for your focus and mood. And let's not even talk about the stomach dramas. Advertisement Oh, and that midmorning slump? The one that hits like a bus around 10 a.m.? Blame early caffeine. When you drink coffee right after waking, there's hardly any fatigue for it to block — so when the caffeine wears off, you fall off a chemical cliff. 5 When you drink coffee right after waking, there's hardly any fatigue for it to block — so when the caffeine wears off, you fall off a chemical cliff. Getty Images/iStockphoto The smarter time to sip The golden window for your first coffee is 60 to 90 minutes after waking. Why? Advertisement • Cortisol has peaked and is gently declining, so caffeine won't tip you over the edge. • Adenosine (your body's 'tiredness' signal) has started to build, and caffeine can finally do its real job of blocking it. Drink it then, and you'll feel more alert, avoid the crash, and ride the caffeine wave like a pro. But what if you hit the gym early? 5 The golden window for your first coffee is 60 to 90 minutes after waking Adobe Stock Now, Joel — if you're one of those rare people who enjoy exercising at sunrise (can't relate, personally), you can bend the rules. Caffeine before training can boost endurance, motivation, and power output, as long as you slept well. Just go easy on the dose. Even half a cup can do the trick. No sleep? Be warned — early caffeine can block leftover adenosine too soon, setting you up for a post-gym nosedive. Sometimes, training without caffeine helps reset your body's sensitivity and prevents dependency. One more thing … stop sipping after 2 p.m. Advertisement Caffeine has a half-life of about six hours, so that innocent 3 p.m. flat white could still be messing with your sleep at 9 p.m. If you're wondering why you're wired at bedtime after the afternoon cup, now you know. Final word 5 If you drink coffee 60-90 minutes after waking up, you'll feel more alert, avoid the crash, and ride the caffeine wave like a pro. Getty Images Your coffee isn't the enemy — your timing is. Get it wrong and you'll feel anxious, dependent, and crashy. Get it right, and your cup becomes a performance-enhancing, focus-boosting, feel-good tool. Advertisement So next time you roll out of bed and reach for the espresso machine, pause. Let your body wake up naturally first. Then let that coffee work with your biology, not against it. Trust me, Joel — your 10 a.m. self will thank you. Yours in better buzzes, Dr. Zac.
