
Lou Mudge
Lou Mudge is a Health Writer for Future Plc, working across Coach, Fit&Well, Live Science, TechRadar, T3 and Tom's Guide. Based in Bath, UK, she has a passion for food, nutrition and health. She's eager to demystify diet culture in order to make health and fitness accessible to everybody, and is a champion of sustainable training and eating practices.
Multiple diagnoses in her early 20s sparked an interest in the gut-brain axis, and the impact that diet and exercise can have on both physical and mental health. She was put on the FODMAP elimination diet during this time and learned to adapt recipes to fit these parameters, while retaining core flavors and textures, and now enjoys cooking for gut health.
Lou enjoys wild swimming, hiking and horse riding. She particularly loves Snowdonia, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Peak District national parks for these activities, but can also be found jumping in her local river after a long day at work in the summer. She is a keen gardener and grows a lot of her own food organically, using permaculture and companion planting principles. She tries to eat locally sourced, ethically raised meat and get as much of her protein as possible from vegetarian sources. Good sleep practice, meditation and journaling have been a big part of Lou’s journey with health as tools for the improvement of overall quality of life.
Latest articles by Lou Mudge

Multiple sclerosis: Symptoms, management and research
By Bahar Gholipour last updated
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a number of potential symptoms.

Brain training probably won't reduce Alzheimer's risk — here's why
By Lou Mudge published
Science suggests "challenging the brain" won't prevent Alzheimer's disease.

6 interesting effects of oxytocin
By Lou Mudge last updated
It might be known as the "love hormone", but there are many different effects of oxytocin.

9 heart disease risk factors, according to experts
By Lou Mudge published
It's the leading cause of death in the United States, but what are the top heart disease risk factors?

Is love at first sight real?
By Lou Mudge published
Experts suggest the phenomenon is just an illusion.

Is 'lucky girl syndrome' trending on TikTok just old-school magical thinking?
By Lou Mudge published
The "lucky girl syndrome" trend may be another foray into the realm of magical thinking.

Heart disease: Types, prevention and treatments
By Joe Brownstein last updated
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and encompasses a range of conditions. But are there ways to avoid it?

What is sleep hypnosis and does it really work?
By Lou Mudge published
Sleep hypnosis could be a potential therapy for sleep disorders, but more research is needed.

Why does heartbreak hurt so much? Science has the answer
By Lou Mudge published
Research explains why the pain of heartbreak isn't just in the mind.

Why are heart attacks more common in winter? A cardiologist explains
By Lou Mudge published
Colder weather can trigger a number of physiological changes that may increase the risk of a cardiac event.

Choline: Sources, benefits and deficiency
By Lou Mudge published
Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a role in metabolism and brain development.

Panic disorder: Causes & symptoms of panic attacks
By Kim Ann Zimmermann last updated
REFERENCE Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks, that can trigger physical symptoms.

Sleep apnea: Symptoms, causes and treatments
By Rachael Rettner last updated
Sleep apnea is a condition in which people experience pauses in breathing, or shallow breathing, during sleep.

What is a circadian rhythm?
By Lou Mudge published
A circadian rhythm refers to a person's sleep-wake pattern over 24 hours.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Causes, symptoms & treatment
By Kim Ann Zimmermann published
People with generalized anxiety disorder experience constant feelings of anxiety that affect their everyday life.

Here's why your pelvic floor is so important
By Lou Mudge published
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that supports the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs.

Depression: Causes, symptoms and treatments
By Bahar Gholipour published
REFERENCE Depression can affect people of all ages, races and socioeconomic classes.

What are superfoods?
By Christopher Wanjek published
So-called "superfoods" may have health benefits, but no more than other nutritionally dense foods.

Why are some people more motivated than others?
By Lou Mudge published
Certain chemicals in the brain may influence motivation.

Do New Year's resolutions really work?
By Lou Mudge published
January might be a good time to set a new goal.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?
By Lou Mudge published
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, but what are they and what foods contain them?

Gut health: What is it and how does it affect your body?
By Lou Mudge published
Reference Gut health isn't just about good digestion. Here's why it's essential for overall health.

Best multivitamin for women: Support your daily routine at every life stage
By Lou Mudge published
Stay well this winter with the best multivitamin for women.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.