Julia Bradbury has realised the genuine importance of health since being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. After the Countryfile star's recovery, the 55-year-old discloses that she now prioritises self-care above all else, including a wholesome diet, consistent exercise, meditation, and fostering gratitude.

"I've really taken charge of my health," the Dublin-born presenter states. "I want to make sure that I'm in the driving seat, rather than responding to crises."

In addition to her fight against breast cancer, Julia has also grappled with endometriosis since her first diagnosis in 2006. According to the NHS, endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. It's not known what causes endometriosis and there are currently no treatments that can cure it.

"It was quite severe," she said of her experience. "Endometriosis can result in chronic pain in the pelvic region and can be debilitating to women."

The condition required surgical intervention, which she describes as "a big deal" and led to a six-week hiatus from work. Understandably, she opted to partner with Vista Health on their latest campaign, Signs Of Clarity, which seeks to urge individuals not to ignore the warning signs their bodies might be giving them.

Given her past diagnosis of endometriosis, Julia recently had a pelvic MRI via Vista Health to ensure that area was as healthy as possible. She admitted to feeling "slightly anxious" about the scan, due to the chance that the endometriosis - which Julia clarifies has "no cure" - may have returned.

Thankfully, however, the MRI showed her womb to be in good health, but Julia remains grateful for having it examined, advocating for regular body check-ups.

The broadcaster and author had a single mastectomy in late 2021 to extract a 6cm tumour. While keeping a pragmatic perspective on her situation, she has candidly admitted experiencing emotional periods, acknowledging she has "shed tears" during more difficult times.

Julia's present lifestyle focuses on maximising time in nature, accompanied by a "clean eating" philosophy, though healthy practices weren't always fundamental to the former Countryfile presenter's routine, reports The Mirror.

Currently living in London with long-term partner Gerard Cunningham, a property developer, and their three children, Julia follows a diet rich in steamed vegetables, fresh berries and wholesome seeds, while guaranteeing she achieves at least 10,000 steps each day. "I completely changed my diet," she discloses.

"I cut out gluten, I cut out alcohol, I really started paying attention to my hormones. I also increased my fibre content and I've generally reduced my overall inflammation in my body - and I've done that under the guidance of medical professionals."

Nevertheless, Julia, who is mother to 14-year-old son Zephyrus and 11-year-old twin daughters Xanthe and Zena, hasn't always found herself aligned with medical professionals. She recalls instances of feeling disregarded by healthcare practitioners.

At subsequent appointments following her cancer diagnosis, she remembers trying to discuss lifestyle adjustments that could enhance her health, only to encounter "a few rollings of the eyes".

One specific interaction remains vivid in her memory - being told that her diet and drink preferences were insignificant during treatment. The remark left Julia completely astounded.

Thankfully, many medical professionals share Julia's viewpoint and acknowledge the crucial significance of preserving wellbeing through physical activity and adequate nutrition.

Alongside maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Julia shares that ageing has brought an increased confidence that makes her "less afraid" to express her views.

"When you have experience under your belt, I think you do start to trust your instincts more and I also think that you become more of an advocate for yourself," she expands. Research suggests a gender health gap is present in the UK, with medical studies often still predominantly based on male-centric models. Conditions primarily affecting women are significantly under-researched, a circumstance that deeply worries Julia.

"There is no question that women are underserved in the medical world," she asserts. "We tend to wait longer for treatment, we tend to wait longer for diagnosis, and there tends to be fewer drugs available to us for our conditions, because a lot of the testing seems to have been done for male-centred diseases."

Julia seems to have adopted a refreshed outlook on life following her cancer diagnosis, recently musing: "Cancer saved my life in so many ways."

She clarifies: "When I was on the receiving end of those words, 'You have cancer', from that day forward I've viewed every single morning as an absolute blessing. I have a sort of positive affirmation anthem that I've created for myself, to be grateful for all the lovely things in my life, from simply savouring my cup of green tea in the morning, to hugs with my children.

"One of the wonderful things about life is that new opportunities, new people, new experiences open up every day." Amongst these recent ventures is her latest three-part ITV series, Julia Bradbury's Wonders Of The Frozen South, a project she characterises as a long-standing ambition.

"The experience was phenomenal," she enthuses. "To be able to share that with an audience, who have fallen in love with it, is definitely one of those big ticks."