The Proof with Simon Hill

Episode #269. Dive into the heart of controversial nutrition studies and discover the surprising complexities behind everyday food choices with Professor Gardner, a respected authority in the field of nutrition science.As we navigate the maze of dietary patterns, this insightful conversation bridges the gap between scientific evidence and practical nutrition, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.We discuss: Intro (00:00) A twin study is in the works (4:06) Plant-based meat vs. red meat (8:53) How to make homemade kombucha (18: 40) Different diets for athletic performance (the SWAP-MEAT trial) (23:02) Feedback from athletes (37:21) Which popular diets are truly heart-healthy? (40:35) How different diets measure up to health guidelines (49:12) Practical insights for doctors and patients (55:07) The truth about low fat, vegan diet (59:36) Controversies vs consensus in nutrition (1:02:45) The food industry and medical institutions (1:10:19) Low-fat & low-carb diets for weight loss (the DIETFITS study) (1:14:30) Sustainable weight loss and GLP-1 agonists (1:28:25) Psychological strategies to make veggies irresistible (1:36:00) The “protein flip”, the academe, and a new book (1:46:09) Outro (1:49:55) Professor Gardner has also shared his homemade kombucha recipe with us. You can find it in this blog post.Connect with Professor Christopher Gardner on Twitter. Head to https://nutrition.stanford.edu/ for more resources and studies, and the Stanford Nutrition YouTube channel for more videos. Listen to past episodes featuring Professor Gardner here.Optimise your health with InsideTracker’s biomarker analysis. Get exclusive access to InsideTracker’s new ApoB test, and a significant discount at insidetracker.com/simon.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high-protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #268. Ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Matthew Nagra, a naturopathic doctor with a passion for plant-based nutrition. Together, we debunk common nutrition myths and bring clarity to some hot topics. Dr Nagra's evidence-based perspective will guide you through the noise, helping you make informed dietary decisions. From understanding biases to breaking down the facts about phytates and gluten, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the nutrition landscape with more clarity and confidence.We discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Matthew Nagra's health journey (3:24) The dangers of misinformation (7:49) Does Matthew Nagra is biased vegan (11:39) Dr. Matthew's approach to nutrition studies (15:00) Does plants are trying to kill us? (18:42) Does unprocessed red meat increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease? (28:20) Are Food Frequency Questionnaires reliable? (38:43) Tucker Goodrich and the seed oil debate (40:16) What oil you should use? (45:40) Vegan diet and nutrient supplementation (48:00) Precision fermentation (57:32) Saturated fat, sodium, and fiber (1:01:39) Fortified soy milk (1:10:36) Do phytates and oxalates rob your body of minerals (1:15:23) Is there a single optimal diet? (1:19:53) Does eating fat make you fat? (1:22:17) Do you burn more fat on a keto diet? (1:22:45) Does a low-carb ketogenic diet is the best to treat type 2 diabetes (1:24:07) Is low fat, vegan diet the optimal way to do a plant-based diet? (1:29:38) Is low-fat vegan diet the best for cardiovascular health? (1:42:20) Protein and resistance training (1:44:06) Should you avoid gluten? (1:51:57) Does Lectins cause a leaky gut? (1:53:42) Outro (1:55:58) You can connect with Dr Matthew Nagra on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. To learn more about Dr Nagra’s work and for other resources, head to his website, https://drmatthewnagra.com/. You can find his previous episodes here.For more insights and dozens of supporting studies, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.Optimise your health with InsideTracker’s biomarker analysis. Get exclusive access to InsideTracker’s new ApoB test, and a significant discount at insidetracker.com/simon.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high-protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #267. Join me for a deep dive into the influence of the gut microbiome on inflammation and metabolic disease. In this fascinating exchange with Dr Suzanne Devkota, we explore the role of the gut in these conditions, shedding light on food allergies, IBD, and obesity. You’ll learn the practical tips you need to nurture a healthy microbiome, as well as gain a better understanding of what we do – and don’t – know about this incredible system.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) The evolving field of microbiome research (02:13) Gut microbe on social media (09:32) Microbiome definition (12:48) Why the focus on gut bacteria? (13:55) Differences in Microbes (16:02) Microbial shifts and adaptations (18:45) Microbes perturbations (21:35) Human microbiome in evolution (23:54) Healthy microbiome and diversity (27:47) Is the microbiome the sole driver of metabolic diseases? (33:05) Dietary patterns and FODMAP intolerance (41:07) Saturated fat and gut health (49:15) Microbiome metabolites and heart disease risk (57:42) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and dysbiosis (1:02:09) Food additives (1:12:29) Supporting the microbiome in IBD (1:15:29) Microbiome's interaction with fat cells (1:16:52) Short-chain fatty acids and appetite regulation (1:29:26) Practical tips for nourishing a healthy gut (1:31:05) Microbiome's interaction with Polyphenols (1:38:43) On supplements and fermented foods (1:39:15) Factors affecting gut health beyond nutrition (1:46:22) Outro (1:50:10) Connect with Dr Suzanne Devkota on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about her research at http://www.devkotalab.com/thelab.Optimise your health with InsideTracker’s biomarker analysis. Get exclusive access to InsideTracker’s new ApoB test, and a significant discount at insidetracker.com/simon.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentaryTwo-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #266. Learn the key pillars for a healthy diet from the world’s most cited nutrition scientist, Dr Walter Willett. In this two-hour exchange, Dr Willett shares the cornerstones of a healthy diet, providing the practical guidance you need to live a long, healthy life.We discuss: Introduction (00:00) Which Foods Should You Eat to Stay Healthy? (04:10) Does the Quality of Foods Matter? (06:39) The Impact of the Average American Diet on Health (08:29) Do We Have Sufficient Evidence on How Nutrition Impacts Our Health? (11:05) Key Tasks/Leaves to Make Healthy Choices (14:03) How Diet Patterns Have Changed from the 70s till Now (15:09) Walter Willet: A Nutrition Story (18:20) Ancel Keys' Research on Fat (19:40) Three Large Observation Studies by Walter Willet and His Team (27:19) Advantages of Large Observation Studies over Randomized Control Trials (32:45) Correlation and Causation in Nutrition (39:15) Food Frequency Questionnaire: Importance of Methods for Measuring Dietary Intake (50:58) Biochemical Analysis in Three Cohort Observations of Walter Willet's Studies (55:18) Are Low-Fat Diets Good for Cardiovascular Health? (1:00:37) Polyunsaturated Fats and Cardiovascular Disease (1:02:21) Benefits of Switching from Saturated Fat to Unsaturated Fats (1:08:31) Is Dairy Bad or Good? (1:09:04) Should You Consume Full-Fat or Low-Fat Dairy? (1:11:29) Daily Recommendation for Dairy Consumption (1:16:03) Can You Be Healthy Without Consuming Dairy? (1:20:42) Confusion Surrounding Unprocessed Red Meat (1:23:00) What is Substitution Analysis? (1:25:55) Insights into the Research Process (1:27:45) Contrast and Exposure in Research (1:29:33) Safe Intake of Red Meat (1:33:02) Is Grass-Fed Beef Good for Me? (1:33:51) Is White Meat Better Than Red Meat? (1:35:57) Fish vs. Legumes: A Comparison (1:36:37) Dietary Cholesterol and Its Impact on Human Health (1:40:08) The Best Diet for a Healthy Life (1:43:28) Outro (1:52:01) To learn more about Dr Walter Willett and read his studies, head to his Harvard Academic Profile. Dr Willett has also published four books; you can find his bestseller, Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating here.Optimise your health with InsideTracker’s biomarker analysis. Get exclusive access to InsideTracker’s new ApoB test, and a significant discount at insidetracker.com/simon.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #265. Escaping an echo chamber and admitting that you have changed your mind ­– particularly when you have a large, engaged audience – is no easy feat. In this conversation, I sit down with Thomas DeLauer to break down some of the existing walls between different dietary camps, opening the conversation around nuance and an open-minded approach.We cover: Intro (00:00) Simon makes assumptions about Thomas DeLauer (5:03) Thomas on working out (6:58) Biohacking (8:37) Cold plunges and saunas (9:35) Thomas DeLauer and alcohol (15:51) Tea or coffee (18:50) Battling and overcoming obesity (20:39) Low-carb vs low-fat diet (31:06) Unprocessed vs. ultra-processed diets (39:04) Benefits of CGM for non-diabetic (47:10) Saturated fat and insulin resistance (52:09) What Thomas and Simon's diets look like (1:02:29) Do we need fibre? (1:10:18) Food intolerances (1:17:40) Changing lifestyle after traumatic event (1:23:17) Strategies for a healthier lifestyle (1:26:15) Calorie Counting and Intermittent Fasting (1:28:26) Thomas DeLauer on Vegan diet (1:35:46) Choosing different diets and finding common ground (1:37:40) Roy Taylor's research on Losing Weight (1:43:47) How Sleep Deprivation affects your diet (1:51:01) Outro (1:56:14) For more insights like the ones shared in this episode, head to Thomas’ YouTube channel or check out his book, Intermittent Fasting Made Easy. You can also connect with him on Instagram and his website, https://thomasdelauer.com/.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Adam Sud, struggling with mental health and addiction, shares his journey of recovery. Topics include substance use disorder, nurturing a child with ADHD, addiction and the fear of judgment, remarkable recovery through nutrition, and a call for a compassionate approach to drug use.

Episode #263. Delve into the complex world of neurodegenerative diseases in this evidence-loaded episode with Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. Unpack the current scientific understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, bust popular food myths related to brain health, and discover actionable lifestyle tips for long-term brain health. Join us on this evidence-based journey that blends science with practical, real-life advice.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Drs. Ayesha and Dean play True or False (04:11) Is amyloid plaque the primary cause of Alzheimer's? (05:47) Whole grains, gluten, and brain health (07:11) Artificial intelligence for Alzheimer's disease (14:11) Drs. Ayesha and Dean on Melbourne (17:11) Is olive oil good for brain health? (20:13) What's the beef with red meat? (24:32) Keeping the brain healthy with omega 3 fatty acids (35:25) APOE4 and omega 3 supplementation (48:27) Cognitive changes in midlife (54:47) Reaction to Dr. Michael Klapper's U-turn on omega 3 supplementation (59:10) Facts on choline (1:02:15) Understanding neurodegenerative diseases (1:07:34) Inheriting frontotemporal dementia: what are your chances? (1:17:40) Lifestyle vs. genetics: debunking myths about dementia risk (1:20:21) Healthy habits for a healthy brain (1:27:56) Close relationships & cognitive resilience prevent dementia (1:36:36) Understanding amyloid plaques and Alzheimer's progression (1:49:50) Amyloid hypothesis under scrutiny (1:59:28) Biomarkers and cutting-edge techniques for Alzheimer's detection (2:06:08) How to prevent cognitive decline (2:20:49) Homocysteine, CRISPR, and the future of personalized medicine (2:23:20) Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease (2:29:12) Depression and anxiety (2:44:36) Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) & Guillain-Barré (2:50:00) Unpacking Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (2:55:146) Outro (3:05:30) To connect with Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai, you can find them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. You can also visit their website, https://thebraindocs.com/, to discover brain health resources and subscribe to their newsletter, a weekly collection of the best evidence on brain health. Make sure to check out their podcast, The Brain Health Revolution, for more audio deep dives.If you haven’t already, make sure to listen to Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai’s past episodes on The Proof, where we delve into a variety of brain health topics. Find the full catalogue here.Make sure to also check out the full show notes for supporting studies and more insights.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentaryTwo-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #262. Discover the science of getting older without getting old in this conversation with Dr Andrew Steele. From understanding what impacts your lifespan to revealing potential future scientific breakthroughs, this episode is an intriguing journey into the world of aging science.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Andrew Steele on aging (01:38) Age-related diseases and lifespan extension (10:47) Genetic factors, lifestyle, and gene editing for longevity (19:18) Could gene editing help solve poor cholesterol? (27:52) Rapamycin vs metformin for longevity (34:21) The need for expert consensus on anti-aging interventions (39:47) Insights on Bryan Johnson's Project Blueprint (47:50) What are senolytic drugs? (51:24) Yamanaka factors: is aging reversible at a cellular level? (1:05:18) The rationale behind reversing aging and the future of interventions (1:17:42) Lifestyle changes that slow the clock (1:25:40) Calorie restriction and longevity (1:32:41) Air quality, smoking, and vaping (1:44:54) Stress, aging, and telomeres (1:51:18) Are there biological reasons why women tend to live longer? (1:59:05) Unpacking the buzz around HRT for men (2:04:14) Environmental impact of extending human lifespan (2:07:23) Outro (2:14:10) Connect with Dr Andrew Steele on Twitter, Instagram, and Mastodon. Make sure to also head to his YouTube channel, where you’ll find videos on the ethics of prolonging lifespan and whether you can become biologically younger. Discover his book, “Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old”, at https://andrewsteele.co.uk/ageless/, and read the free chapter on ethics here.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #261. When it comes to cancer and nutrition, sorting fact from fiction is critical. Join me as I sit down with Dr Krystle Zuniga, an expert in this field, to debunk harmful myths, clarify the role of nutrition during cancer treatment, and empower listeners with reliable, science-based knowledge.Tune in to understand how to navigate dietary choices amidst a cancer diagnosis and to learn how to best support those on their cancer journey. Don't miss this essential conversation – it's time to let go of misinformation and understand the true power and limitations of nutrition.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Krystle Zuniga on cancer and nutritional sciences (01:33) Social media and cancer misinformation (04:35) Can food act as medicine? (07:56) The impact of anecdotes on cancer treatment choices (12:57) Survival rates and shifting trends (16:31) Nutrition priorities during cancer treatment (17:38) Cancer treatment and appetite (20:35) Protein recommendations (22:12) Weight loss and muscle preservation (28:12) Cancer-fighting superfoods (32:55) Detoxing and cleansing trends (36:21) Gut microbiome's role in cancer treatment (38:17) What is immunotherapy? (42:07) The plant-forward diet (44:52) Organic vs conventional produce (48:04) EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 (50:49) Drinks to limit during cancer treatment (55:12) Sugar and starving cancer cells (56:41) Is fasting safe for people with cancer? (1:00:14) Advice for estrogen-dependent cancer (1:03:32) Are there supplements beneficial during cancer treatment? (1:05:27) TIPS: How to eat when you have cancer (1:13:59) How to support someone with cancer (1:17:04)\ Good resources for cancer patients (1:20:48) Health benefits of pomegranate (1:23:21) Outro (1:24:58) To connect with Dr Krystle Zuniga, you can find her on Instagram. Head to her website, https://cancernutritionhq.com, to discover more resources from Dr Zuniga.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

Episode #260. Are you struggling to maintain a healthy weight and navigate the confusing world of diets and weight loss solutions? In this episode, join me as I dive into the science behind eating behaviours, obesity, and the challenges of losing weight with renowned researcher Dr Stephan Guyenet.Discover the different types of eating, the importance of controlling our food environment, and various evidence-based strategies for weight loss. With practical advice and insights from Dr Guyenet, you'll gain a better understanding of the complexities of weight management and how to make informed choices for your health. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation about the widespread issue of obesity and our brain's role in eating behaviours.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) From neurodegenerative disease to obesity neuroscience (01:36) The holiday weight gain (10:38) The problem with excess fat (14:37) 'Personal fat threshold' and diabetes (26:06) Main drivers of type 2 diabetes (31:26) The role of the hypothalamus in weight gain (38:55) Homeostatic vs. non-homeostatic eating (47:29) Genetics and the obesity epidemic (56:50) Models of obesity: carbohydrate -insulin vs. energy balance (1:00:21) The brain and obesity (1:10:34) The protein-leverage hypothesis (1:19:39) Carbohydrates, fat, and the Mediterranean diet (1:24:08) The weight loss puzzle: low carb vs. low fat diet (1:30:10) Foods that promote satiety on fewer calories (1:38:25) GLP-1 agonists (1:43:08) Is weight loss largely dependent on exercise? (1:55:06) Physical activity vs sedentary lifestyle (1:58:40) Mental health and sleep (2:00:28) Expert advice on how to stop overeating (2:05:11) Outro (2:05:59) To connect with Dr Stephan Guyenet, you can find him on Twitter or visit his website, https://www.stephanguyenet.com/. You can also purchase Dr Guyenet’s widely acclaimed book, The Hungry Brain, to learn more about why we overeat and how to overcome this issue. Make sure to also check out Red Pen Reviews, where you can access free expert reviews on nutrition books.Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes.Enjoy, friends.SimonWant to support the show?The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon HillAuthor of The Proof is in the PlantsWatch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/SpotifyConnect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookNourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments GuideDownload my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book