The Proof with Simon Hill

Dr Will Bulsiewicz, a leading authority in gut health, discusses how the microbiome affects metabolism and body weight. Topics include dietary fiber's impact on disease prevention, comparing ketogenic and plant-based diets, increasing dietary fiber intake, and the connection between the microbiome and fat metabolism. Dr Bulsiewicz also shares strategies to boost metabolism and promote brown fat activation.

Episode #274. Join me as I sit down with Dr Joel Fuhrman to explore the Nutritarian diet, a unique approach that emphasises nutritional excellence to prevent cancer, slow aging, and even reverse chronic disease.With insights into reversing chronic illnesses and understanding the balance between caloric and nutrient satisfaction, Dr Fuhrman's perspective offers a fresh take on nutrition. Tune in for a valuable exploration of food as medicine and learn practical strategies to optimise your wellbeing through food choices.Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to Dr Joel Fuhrman and the Nutritarian Lifestyle (00:00) Overview of Dr Fuhrman's Micronutrient-rich Diet and Its Advantages (2:43) The Role of Fibre and Resistant Starch in Diet (9:32) Dr Fuhrman's Personal Introduction to Plant-based Eating (12:08) The Importance of Optimising Omega-3 Consumption (22:42) Understanding DHA and EPA: Do we need them (28:03) Blue Zones (33:33) The Role of Zinc in Diet and When to Think About Supplementation (37:55) A Detailed Examination of the Nutritarian Diet and Its Benefits (43:42) Oils: What do you need to know? (52:27) Comparing Plant-based Proteins to Animal Proteins (58:21) Aligning Protein Consumption with Exercise for Longevity (1:05:09) The Dietary Debate: Plant-sourced vs. Animal-sourced Low-Carb Diets (1:14:30) Addressing Autoimmune Conditions Via Diet (1:18:30) The Influence of Diet on Weight Reduction and Reversing Chronic Illnesses (1:22:03) The Challenge of Educating and Modifying Dietary Behaviours (1:31:33) Overweight and fat distribution (1:35:12) How Weight Reduction Can Be Revolutionary in Reversing Diabetes (1:40:21) The Link Between Sleep Patterns and Eating Schedule (1:46:59) Strategic Eating: Maximising Gains from Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds, and Soups (1:47:52) Underlining Collective Effort for a Healthier Society (1:53:58) Outro (1:56:59) Learn more about Dr Joel Fuhrman and his work at https://www.drfuhrman.com/, where you’ll find resources and opportunities for personalised guidance. You can also connect with him on Instagram, Twitter , Facebook, and YouTube.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.Make sure to head to The Proof website for the full show notes and supporting studies.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 #273. When we think about health and wellness, what usually comes to mind is nutrition, exercise, sleep, or some other tangible metric. But what about love? In this conversation, I sit down with relationship coach Jillian Turecki to hear her insights on the power of a healthy relationship.We discuss: Intro (00:00) Quality of self-love = quality of love life (2:25) Red flags, compatibility, and being "perfect" (7:50) Self-worth and personal responsibility (15:49) Practices for nurturing self-love (24:45) Confidence is key (29:41) Dating and more red flags (36:46) Societal pressures (45:15) Lust and love (51:48) Romantic relationship and loneliness (54:55) What about getting dates in the first place? (59:04) Honesty is king (1:08:56) Declining of marriage rates (1:12:21) Lasting love amidst flaws and imperfections (1:16:38) Attachment styles (1:21:20) Foundation of a successful relationship (1:28:14) Supportive relationship, sex, and stress (1:31:33)\ Porn (1:37:33) Communication mistakes and benefits of therapy (1:42:44) Monogamy and 'alternative' relationships (1:54:13) Why happy relationships lead to longer, healthier lives (2:01:05) Jillian on marriage and motherhood (2:03:56) Outro (2:05:04) Connect with Jillian Turecki on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Visit Jillian’s website to discover more about her work and discover her courses. Make sure to also check out her podcast, Jillian On Love.Make sure to 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 #272. In the quest for an extended lifespan, has science been led astray? Join me as I sit down with Professor Charles Brenner, a leading global expert in NAD biology, to examine the longevity field's claims and controversies.From debunking common beliefs to questioning high-profile opinions, Dr Brenner delivers a refreshingly candid perspective on the science of aging. Tune in to explore why he believes there's no “cure” for aging, the limitations of animal studies, and what the future might hold for this complex field.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Do we have the genes to live beyond 120 years? (3:54) The genetics of extreme longevity (14:18) Longevity in the animal kingdom (18:26) Why do we age, and the realities of extending lifespan (31:22) How long can we live? (39:01) NAD coenzymes and DNA repair (43:49) "Anti-ageing" products (55:17) Conflicts of interest and the integrity of scientific claims (1:01:08) Discovering nicotinamide riboside (NR) (vitamin B3) (1:03:19) Sirtuins as anti-ageing genes (1:09:22) A rebuttal to Drs. David Sinclair and Lenny Guarente (1:19:13) Seeking consensus on the study of human longevity (1:32:57) The information theory of aging (1:43:19) Dr. Charles Brenner's theory of ageing (2:00:28) How to age better (2:03:30) Dr. Brenner on the quality of life (2:09:05) NR supplementation (2:10:09) Moving beyond Yamanaka factors (2:15:02) Outro (2:18:45) Connect with Dr Charles Brenner on Twitter, and visit his website, https://www.brennerlab.net/, for more.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 #271. Have you ever wondered just how much of an effect antibiotics have on your health? Gastroenterologist and gut health expert Dr Will Bulsiewicz returns to the show in this episode, breaking down how antibiotics impact our microbiome and the steps you can take to protect and restore your gut health before, during, and after taking them.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) What are antibiotics? (03:01) Efficacy, prescription, and 'antibiotic scar' (08:26) The healthy gut microbiome (15:58) Effects of antibiotics to gut the microbiome (21:32) Clostridioides difficile (28:30) Do you really need antibiotics? (31:04) High-fibre diet (39:44) Sprouts, lentils, and fermented foods (43:25) Prebiotics and prebiotic supplements (46:30) Probiotics and microbiome recovery after antibiotics (58:06) Who may benefit from taking probiotics? (1:05:00) Foods to limit to avoid dysbiosis (1:07:45) Why do antibiotics cause yeast infections? Do probiotics help? (1:09:35) Antibiotics and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) (1:11:04) Lifestyle changes to boost microbiome recovery after taking antibiotics (1:13:49) Outro (1:18:56) Connect with Dr Will Bulsiewicz on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. Discover more resources and Dr B’s books on his website, theplantfedgut.com, and learn more about supplementation at 38tera.com. Listen to Dr B’s past appearances on The Proof here.My team and I have also put together a PDF of resources for this episode, helping you better understand the science behind this conversation. Download it at theproof.com/drb.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 #270. If you’ve ever been confused by the sea of women’s health misinformation, you’re not alone. Join me as I sit down with Dr Jen Gunter, internationally celebrated OB/GYN and New York Times bestselling author, to dispel disinformation with evidence.We address everything from yeast infections to birth control, compounded hormones, and menopausal hormone therapy. This isn’t just a health masterclass, but also a critical conversation about the misinformation and disinformation that is pervasive in women's health discussions: essential listening for anyone who cares about promoting an equitable health landscape.Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Jen Gunter on Gynecology (2:56) Misinformation vs disinformation (8:11) Western medicine and the truth about supplements (15:16) Tips for discerning online information (20:43) Yeast infection and how to really treat it (29:42) Can diet treat yeast infection? (38:04) Is a vaginal microbiome test necessary? (44:52) Understanding menstruation and contraception (47:47) Challenges for women in their mid-30s after birth control (54:00) Menopause, hormone testing, and symptom assessment (1:01:42) The grandmother hypothesis (1:07:13) Hormone therapy (1:10:32) Bioidentical hormones vs. what's recommended (1:18:02) Alternative treatments for hot flashes (1:26:52) What men need to know and how they can help (1:32:42) Outro (1:39:38) Connect with Dr Jen Gunter on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. For more comprehensive information, you can read Dr Gunter’s two books, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Head to her blog, https://vajenda.substack.com/, for frequent newsletters and articles.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.Looking for more episodes centred around women’s health? Listen to past episodes on this topic 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 complimentaryTwo-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book

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