ZOE Science & Nutrition

Food writer Carleigh Bodrug and gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz team up to tackle the global crisis of food waste. They reveal that 40% of food is wasted and share how household habits contribute to this problem. Carleigh emphasizes the benefits of using your senses over best-before dates and offers smart meal planning tips to save money while eating healthier. Will explains how freezing bread increases resistant starch, benefiting gut health. Together, they show that simple changes can lead to financial savings and a more sustainable kitchen.

Dr. Sabine Donnai, a longevity clinician and microplastics expert, dives deep into the pervasive issue of plastic in our lives. She explains how microplastics infiltrate our bodies, crossing barriers like the blood-brain barrier. The discussion highlights the health risks associated with chemicals like BPA, including inflammation and hormonal disruptions. Dr. Donnai offers practical strategies for reducing plastic exposure, including dietary changes that support detoxification. Tune in to learn how to navigate a plastic-filled world and protect your health!

Today we’re talking about gynaecological health. Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome are more common than might think. Yet they’re often misunderstood, frequently undiagnosed, and are all too easily dismissed. That’s why it’s essential for us to build a clear understanding of these conditions: How lifestyle factors can influence them, and when it’s time to seek expert care. America’s gynecologist, Dr Jen Ashton, joins me to break down these complex conditions. Helping you to feel more informed and empowered in your own body. 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+ *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Better Breakfast Guide Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here Listen to the full episode here

Professor Tim Spector is a leading scientist in gut health, co-founder of ZOE, and author of "Ferment." In this engaging discussion, he uncovers the health benefits of fermented foods like yogurt and cheese, debunking myths around their effects on the body. Tim shares insights from a Stanford study linking fermented foods to reduced inflammation and improved mood. He emphasizes practical ways to incorporate these foods into daily life and explains the science behind why fermented options are more nutritious and beneficial than we realize.

Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist, explores the fascinating world of immune health. She discusses how the immune system operates silently throughout the body and emphasizes the importance of supporting it with daily actions. Jenna shares the benefits of an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet and its impact on gut health. She also highlights the connection between inflammation, mood, and energy levels. Additionally, Jenna offers practical stress-reduction techniques and breathing exercises to enhance overall well-being.

Spencer Hyman, a flavor expert and co-founder of Cocoa Runners, joins Tim Spector, a renowned epidemiologist and ZOE co-founder. They explore how the food industry exploits flavor to encourage overeating and how learning to savor can promote healthier eating habits. Spencer reveals why we 'taste' with our noses and the significance of mindful eating. They discuss practical tips for slowing down meals and recognizing nutrient-rich foods, making a case for how embracing genuine flavor can enhance our wellbeing.

Prof. Deborah Skene, a leading chronobiologist at the University of Surrey, dives into the impact of circadian rhythms on our health as winter approaches. She discusses how our internal 'master clock' affects sleep, mood, and metabolism, revealing the surprising health risks of misalignment, particularly for night shift workers. Light, especially blue light, plays a crucial role in regulating our body clocks; Skene offers practical tips on maximizing morning light exposure while reducing evening brightness to combat winter blues and maintain our well-being.

Professor Tim Spector, an expert in gut health and personalized nutrition, joins Professor Benjamin Gardner, a behavior-change researcher. They dissect why our seemingly 'healthy' breakfasts leave us tired and hungry. Spector reveals how common breakfast foods cause blood sugar spikes and dips, while Gardner explores why changing these habits is so challenging—it's not just willpower at play. They offer practical insights into better breakfast choices and how to establish healthier routines to kickstart your day.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Marcelo Rivolta, a sensory stem cell biology expert from the University of Sheffield, delves into the alarming rise of hearing loss and its shocking link to a 500% increase in dementia risk. He explains how modern headphones and loud concerts can lead to irreversible damage and emphasizes the social isolation caused by communication loss. Dr. Rivolta also shares groundbreaking research on using stem cells to potentially cure hearing loss, offering hope for future treatments in human trials.

Dr. Andrew Jenkinson, a renowned bariatric surgeon and author, unpacks weight regulation and metabolism's intricacies. He challenges the calorie-counting myth, emphasizing the importance of the body's 'weight set point' controlled by hormones like leptin. Discover how modern diets lead to leptin resistance and the dangers of yo-yo dieting. He provides practical food choices to reset your weight set point, including avoiding sugar and embracing mindful eating. Dive into how sleep and stress influence metabolism for a holistic approach to weight loss.