Fern Britton has spoken candidly about a recent health diagnosis, disclosing she has been managing chronic migraines while continuing to implement lifestyle modifications designed to improve her wellbeing. The television presenter, 68, addressed her health during an appearance on the Postcards From Midlife podcast, where she discussed feeling happier and healthier following several changes to her daily routine.
Fern Britton's Health Journey
Reflecting on approaching her 70th birthday next year, Fern said: 'Well, very recently, I feel that I've somehow stepped back out into the light, you know?' She revealed that multiple factors had contributed to the transformation, including switching to a different hormone replacement therapy and applying testosterone gel on her GP's recommendation. Fern also said she had reduced her alcohol intake, cut back on caffeine and prioritised better sleep after being diagnosed with chronic migraines.
Chronic Migraines Diagnosis
She said: '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?' The broadcaster noted that the symptoms she had been experiencing have improved considerably in recent weeks. 'But all the muzziness has gone, and I haven't had a headache since I started, so it's about six weeks,' she said.
Prioritising Wellbeing
Fern emphasised the importance of prioritising both physical and mental health, adding: '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.'
Dietary Changes and Sugar Reduction
During the same podcast appearance, Fern revealed she had taken a long, hard look at her eating habits after recognising that constant snacking was doing her no favours. She also confessed to developing quite a 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.
Comparison to Smoking
Fern likened her newfound sensitivity to sugary foods to the shift in her 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 very much kind of sensible,' she added.
A New Chapter
The much-loved TV personality, known for her roles on BBC Breakfast, Ready Steady Cook, This Morning and Celebrity Big Brother, said the lifestyle changes have left her feeling considerably better both physically and mentally as she embraces a new chapter in her life.
