Love At First Science Episode 89, Part 1 - Healing, Genetics and the Nervous System with Tom Nikkola
What if everything you thought was broken in your body could be rebuilt?
That is the lens through which strength coach and health educator Tom Nikkola lives his entire life.
In this episode of Love at First Science, Tom shares the story that shaped his philosophy: being diagnosed with childhood leukemia, undergoing years of invasive treatment and still walking away with optimism, curiosity and a fascination for how the body heals.
Tom explains how his early experiences fuelled a lifetime pursuit of understanding the human body, from pre-med studies to corporate roles in nutrition and metabolic testing, and eventually to his coaching platform Vigor Training. We explore the core principle that underpins his work: when you give the body the conditions it needs, it has an astonishing ability to repair, adapt and strengthen.
This conversation moves from Tom's personal story into practical science, including:
Why a flexible nervous system is one of the most powerful markers of resilience
How weight training helps you shift between sympathetic and parasympathetic states
The fundamentals of the MTHFR gene, methylation and why so many people feel unwell without knowing why
Why diet, stress management and sleep matter more than most people realise
Tom breaks down what MTHFR actually is, how it affects detoxification, mood and energy, and which nutritional and lifestyle strategies truly help. He explains why methylated B vitamins are essential for many people, where folate appears in food, and why leafy greens and high protein diets remain foundational. He also shares why overtraining, poor sleep and high stress often exacerbate symptoms.
Whether you are navigating your own health challenges, supporting clients or simply curious about how physiology shapes wellbeing, Part One offers grounded, compassionate science with immediately usable insights.
Stay tuned for Part Two where we continue the discussion and go deeper into hormones, metabolism, testing, detoxification and Tom’s signature philosophy for long term health.
About Tom
Tom Nikkola is a seasoned strength and conditioning coach and nutrition strategist with over 23 years of experience in the fitness industry. After serving as Senior Director of Nutrition and Weight Management at a major fitness company, he left the corporate world to build something of his own.
Tom’s mission is to cut through health noise and bring sustainable, no-nonsense fitness and wellness solutions to people with busy lives. He emphasises strength training, good nutrition, recovery and realistic habits - helping clients build strength, resilience, clarity and vitality for the long haul
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