Regulation, Food Dyes, and Consumer Demand

Dr Jessica Knurick joins me to examine the systems influencing America’s health. We discuss the gap between individual choices and public health realities, the rise of MAHA, and why many proposed solutions fail to address the real drivers of chronic disease.

Jessica breaks down regulation, subsidies and the role of corporations, the truth about food dyes and additives, and why SNAP remains essential for reducing food insecurity and improving health outcomes.

What We Cover

• Jessica’s path into public health communication
• Individual behaviour versus systemic influence
• The MAHA movement and its limitations
• How regulation and subsidies shape our food environment
• What the evidence really shows about additives and food dyes
• Why SNAP matters and the consequences of defunding
• Policies that could genuinely improve child and adult health

A timely and important conversation that brings clarity to a confusing and polarised nutrition landscape.

You can connect with Dr Jessica Knurick on Instagram and TikTok, or visit her website and Substack to explore her work and evidence based insights on public health, nutrition and the systems shaping our wellbeing.

• Intro (00:00:00)
• The Unexpected Moment That Changed Everything (00:01:26)
• The Hidden Systems Behind Your Health (00:09:14)
• Agencies That Protect (or Fail) Public Health (00:18:11)
• The Dietary Guidelines You Thought You Knew (00:20:32)
• “Toxins,” Food Dyes, and the Real Story Behind Processed Foods (00:38:13)
• The Corporate Playbook Shaping America’s Health (00:47:56)
• A Program Millions Rely On… Yet Few Understand (00:57:38)
• The Hidden Battles Over Food Regulation (GRAS, Additives & More) (01:12:16)
• Science Funding, Misinformation, and Who Gets to Shape the Narrative (01:19:25)
• If You Want Better Health in America, Start Here (01:30:24)

This episode is brought to you by:

38TERA

Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.

Function Health

Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States.

Pique Tea

Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Go to Piquelife.com/simon and get 20% off sitewide FOR LIFE plus a complimentary exclusive holiday bundle.

IM8

With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com

AirBnB

Right in the heart of the city, I’ve been hosting a hands-on Airbnb Experience at Little City Farm that’s all about plant diversity, gut health, and delicious food. For more information, or to find other experiences on your next trip, check out airbnb.com/experiences.

BetterHelp

This is a paid advertisement from BetterHelp.

This month, don’t wait to reach out. Whether you're checking in on a friend or reaching out to a therapist yourself, BetterHelp makes it easier to take that first step. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THEPROOF.

Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

• Creator of theproof.com
• Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
• Author of The Proof is in the Plants

Subscribe & Connect:

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Instagram: @simonhill
• Twitter: @theproof
• Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill