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Dr Xand van Tulleken and Dr Chris van Tulleken are identical twin brothers who work as medical doctors and also present TV shows. They host a BBC podcast called What's Up Docs? where they talk about health, wellness, and how to live better. With so much information about health available, it can be hard to know what advice to follow. The van Tulleken brothers use their podcast to help people understand which health worries are not worth stressing about.

One common concern is microplastics in the brain. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic found in many places, including our clothes, homes, and food packaging. Some scientific studies have suggested that there could be a spoonful of microplastics in our brains, which Dr Chris compared to a couple of Lego bricks. However, the brothers invited Dr Stephanie Wright, an expert, to explain that these studies greatly overestimated the amount of plastic in the brain. The methods used were not reliable, and the real amount is much smaller. The brothers realized that worrying about microplastics is pointless because plastic is everywhere. Even if you try to avoid plastic, it is still in your water pipes and bottles. Dr Chris said he thought about changing his lifestyle to avoid plastic, but now he understands that it is impossible to remove it completely.

Another issue people often worry about is getting enough protein. Protein is important for building and repairing cells, supporting muscles, bones, and skin, and helping the immune system. Many food products now advertise added protein, and people, including Dr Xand's teenage son, often ask about protein intake. Dr Xand points out that companies use 'high protein' labels to sell products, but that does not mean the products are healthier. Some young people eat extra protein to look good at the gym, but this is usually unnecessary and expensive. The brothers recommend focusing on a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and whole foods instead of worrying about protein. They also say there is no evidence that protein powders are more effective than regular food.

The third issue is magnesium supplements. Magnesium is needed for nerve and muscle function, keeping the heart healthy, and controlling blood sugar. On social media, many people promote magnesium supplements as a cure for almost anything. Dr Xand says it is easy to believe that health problems are caused by magnesium deficiency, but most people get enough magnesium from their diet. He advises ignoring the hype from influencers and headlines and trusting that our bodies are getting what they need. Dr Chris adds that doing the podcast has made him want to reassure people who feel anxious about their health. He wants listeners to remember that their bodies are strong and capable. The van Tulleken brothers hope their podcast helps people worry less about these health issues and focus on taking care of themselves in simple ways.