Fern Britton has shared a candid update on her health and wellbeing as she prepares to enter a new decade of her life. The television presenter, 68, revealed she has been dealing with chronic migraines while making lifestyle changes to improve her wellbeing.
Health Diagnosis and Lifestyle Adjustments
Speaking on the Postcards From Midlife podcast, Fern discussed feeling happier and healthier after several adjustments. She said: “Well, very recently, I feel that I've somehow stepped back out into the light, you know?”
The changes included switching to a different hormone replacement therapy and using testosterone gel on her GP's advice. She also reduced alcohol consumption, cut back on caffeine, and focused on improving sleep after being diagnosed with chronic migraines.
Understanding Chronic Migraines
Fern explained: “I was also recently diagnosed with chronic migraines. But they're not like migraines, so I don't know. It's just that I used to get a very fuzzy head and headaches, but nothing that would put me to bed, you know?”
She noted that symptoms had improved significantly in recent weeks. “But all the muzziness has gone, and I haven't had a headache since I started, so it's been about six weeks,” she said.
Prioritising Wellbeing
Fern stressed the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing: “I think, for everybody, wellbeing in your bonce and in your body is the best thing, and everything else comes as a bonus. I'm not interested in trying to live longer. I don't want to do that; I just want to live.”
Her comments follow previous discussions about major dietary changes and their impact on her weight loss journey. During the podcast, she revealed reassessing her eating habits after realising frequent snacking was not beneficial.
Reducing Sugar Intake
Fern admitted developing a strong sweet tooth over the years. “I realised how much sugar I was consuming. I’m addicted to sugar and, funnily enough, if you’re not eating doughnuts, biscuits, cake or jam, it makes you feel a lot better. So now, if I eat sugar, it’s too sweet for me because I used to be able to tolerate an awful lot,” she said.
She compared her reduced sugar tolerance to her changed attitude towards cigarette smoke: “And like cigarettes as well, I used to be able to tolerate anybody smoking in my face, but now it’s like, ‘Stop it’. Apart from that, it was all very sensible.”
The TV favourite, known for BBC Breakfast, Ready Steady Cook, This Morning, and Celebrity Big Brother, said these changes have helped her feel better physically and mentally as she enters a new chapter of life.
