Food Junkies Podcast

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, a Stanford-trained neurologist and migraine expert with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Barrett shares her professional insights and personal journey with migraines, exploring their genetic basis, root causes, and treatment options. This comprehensive conversation covers everything from diet and hormonal influences to toxins and integrative medicine approaches. Dr. Barrett founded Migraine Relief Code, an online platform offering integrative tools for migraine sufferers, and has a popular 2023 TED Talk on migraines. She advocates for addressing migraines early, focusing on root causes rather than just masking symptoms. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Migraine Basics and Misconceptions: The key differences between migraines and tension headaches. Why many people with migraines are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Understanding "migraine brain" and the importance of early intervention. Root Causes of Migraines: Nutrients: How deficiencies in essential nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin D impact brain health. Gut Health: The link between leaky gut, inflammation, and migraine triggers. Toxins: How environmental toxins impair mitochondria and contribute to chronic pain. Hormones and Adrenals: The role of stress, cortisol depletion, and hormonal fluctuations in migraines. Diet and Lifestyle Tips: The importance of balancing blood sugar to reduce migraine frequency. How processed foods and sugar impact migraines and mimic addictive eating patterns. Why a ketogenic or whole-food, plant-based diet may help manage symptoms. The role of alcohol and endocrine disruptors in triggering migraines. Integrative Approaches to Treatment: Biohacking tools are used to monitor and shift the body from "fight or flight" to recovery mode. Why a personalized recovery plan addressing underlying issues is critical. The benefits and limitations of medications, injections, and other pharmaceutical treatments. Research and Future Directions: The emerging role of genomic research and precision medicine in migraine treatment. How toxins and processed foods contribute to broader neurological conditions. Follow Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett: Website: Migraine Relief Code Free Migraine Masterclass YouTube Channel: Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett Download her eBook: The Food Code Referenced Topics: Watch Dr. Barrett's 2023 TED Talk on migraines. Learn about genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their impact on migraine genetics. Explore her online courses for navigating precision medicine and migraine recovery. Let's Connect: Email: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Follow Sweet Sobriety for updates on workshops, conferences, and recovery tools. Thank You for Listening! We're grateful to have you on this journey. Remember: Recovery is about progress, perseverance, and connection. You've got this! 💪 The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

Episode Highlights: Happy New Year from Molly and Clarissa! 🎉 A discussion on their focus words for 2025: Flourishing (Clarissa) and Emanation (Molly). Reflections on how these guiding concepts shape their personal and professional goals for the new year. Main Topic: Slips vs. Recurrence in Recovery Clarifying terminology: Slip, lapse, recurrence, and relapse—what they mean and why language matters in addiction recovery. The role of compassion: How self-compassion serves as a tool for growth and a buffer against shame. Identifying signs of vulnerability: Subtle indicators that may lead to slips or recurrences and strategies to recognize and address them early. Empowering recovery: Practical steps to take after a slip and how to differentiate it from a recurrence. Key Takeaways: Recovery isn't linear, and slips are not shameful Language matters. Terms like "recurrence" or "return to use" can reduce shame and empower recovery. Support systems, self-compassion, and curiosity are essential tools in navigating challenges. Recovery is about resilience and learning, not perfection. Mantras for Recovery: Perseverance over perfection. Consistency over intensity. Compassion over criticism. Resilience over regret. Learning over guilt. Connection over isolation. Empowerment over temptation. Listener Call-to-Action: Share your feedback or topic suggestions for Clinician's Corner! Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com. Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for next month's Clinician's Corner and join the conversation on important topics in food addiction recovery. Resources Mentioned: Marty Lerner's "So What, Now What" approach. John Kelly's research on recovery and remission timelines. Let's Connect: Email: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com Follow Sweet Sobriety for updates on workshops, conferences, and recovery tools. Thank You for Listening! We're grateful to have you on this journey. Remember: Recovery is about progress, perseverance, and connection. You've got this! 💪 The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this episode, CJ sits down with Sarah Hood, a Community Nurse from England, to explore her journey into the field of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction. With over 25 years of medical experience across England, Italy, Belgium, Kuwait, and Dubai, Sarah has witnessed countless patients struggling with food-related behaviors while also battling her own challenges with sugar dependency. Sarah shares the pivotal moment that changed her life—a chance encounter with a book at an airport that set her on the path to recovery and fueled her passion for helping others facing similar struggles. With a deep appreciation for the complexities of the recovery journey, Sarah discusses how sharing, community, and understanding physiology have played a critical role in overcoming personal challenges and supporting others on their road to healing. Join us for this inspiring conversation about the power of awareness, connection, and science in the fight against food addiction. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.

Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, Dr. Padda explains how understanding and addressing meta-inflammation can unlock new pathways for treatment and recovery. Dr. Padda is a board-certified expert in anesthesiology, interventional pain, addiction, obesity, chronic pain, and metabolic health. His comprehensive knowledge bridges cutting-edge science and practical solutions for food addiction recovery. Key Topics Covered: Meta-Inflammation: How chronic low-grade inflammation impacts multiple systems, leading to conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and food addiction. Leptin Resistance: Why excess fat mass leads to a diminished satiety response, systemic inflammation, and chronic pain – and how to reverse it through dietary and lifestyle changes. The Role of the Vagus Nerve: How this critical communication highway between the gut and brain influences mood, inflammation, and cravings, with practical tips for stimulation and optimization. Processed Foods and Inflammation: The dangers of excess omega-6 fats, MSG, and their role in dysregulating the gut microbiome, leading to issues like leaky gut, cravings, and poor mental health. Practical Solutions: Tools like omega-3 supplementation, intermittent fasting, improving gut health, and leveraging vagus nerve stimulation to manage and reduce inflammation. Emerging Tools: Insights into innovative AI technology developed by Dr. Pada's team for real-time metabolic health tracking and its applications in clinical settings. Dr. Padda's Key Takeaways: Move After Meals: Engage your muscles (especially quads) to improve insulin sensitivity. Avoid Processed Foods: Minimize omega-6 intake, eliminate vegetable oils, and prioritize whole foods. Eat for Satiety: Focus on high-protein, low-carb meals to maintain healthy leptin levels. Mind Your Gut: Cultivate a healthy microbiome through prebiotics, probiotics, and avoiding antibiotics when possible. Harness Lifestyle Tools: Incorporate vagus nerve stimulation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and even clinical tools like auricular stimulation, to optimize metabolic and neurological health. What's Next for Dr. Padda: Dr. Padda shares his work on AI-driven tools for monitoring and improving metabolic health. These innovations are poised to transform healthcare by providing real-time feedback and personalized recommendations for improving patient outcomes. Signature Question: When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Dr. Padda emphasizes the importance of avoiding processed foods and recognizing nutrition as a cornerstone of health. Connect with Dr. Padda Website: https://painmd.tv/ Join the Conversation We'd love to hear your thoughts! Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Website: www.foodjunkiespodcast.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda to explore the fascinating concept of meta-inflammation and its role in chronic pain, obesity, and addiction. Dr. Padda shares his unique journey and extensive expertise in addressing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation through a sound nutritional approach. Episode Highlights Understanding Meta-Inflammation What is meta-inflammation, and how does it connect chronic pain, obesity, and addiction? The role of the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health. Food Addiction and Dopamine How processed foods hijack our dopamine systems for profit. Why hyper-processed foods like high-fructose corn syrup and seed oils contribute to addiction and inflammation. Chronic Pain and Inflammation The relationship between metabolic inflammation and the durability of pain treatments. How the overuse of narcotics impacts the body's natural endorphin production and worsens pain. The Gut-Brain Connection Why the gut is the body's "primary brain" and how gut health influences emotional well-being and addiction. The impact of gut microbiome imbalances, leaky gut, and hyper-processed foods on inflammation and addiction. Historical Context of Processed Foods The origins of food subsidies and how they shaped today's processed food landscape. The harmful effects of seed oils and trans fats on metabolic and vascular health. Key Takeaways Food is Addictive by Design: Hyper-processed foods are engineered to trigger dopamine release, reinforcing addictive behaviors. Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio: Balancing this ratio can reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and curb cravings. The Role of Meta-Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is at the root of many conditions, including food addiction, and addressing it requires a holistic approach. Gut Health is Key: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Processed Foods and Profit: The food industry manipulates ingredients, such as increasing the fructose levels in sweeteners, which drives addiction and metabolic disease. Next Episode Stay tuned for part two, where we explore solutions to meta-inflammation, including dietary strategies, reducing processed foods, and restoring gut health to combat food addiction. Connect with Dr. Padda Website: https://painmd.tv/ Join the Conversation We'd love to hear your thoughts! Email us at foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Website: www.foodjunkiespodcast.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Rhona Epstein, a licensed psychologist, food addiction counselor, and author, to explore the intricacies of food addiction recovery. Dr. Rhona shares her personal journey from battling bulimia and food addiction as a teenager to finding recovery and dedicating her life to helping others overcome similar struggles. With deep vulnerability, Dr. Rhona dives into the critical role of community, spirituality, and self-compassion in recovery. She emphasizes the importance of understanding food addiction as an emotional and physiological issue, unpacking the dynamics of family, shame, and cultural pressures that often contribute to the cycle of addiction. Through relatable anecdotes and practical advice, Dr. Rhona inspires hope and provides actionable steps for listeners, whether they are in recovery themselves, supporting a loved one, or working in the field of addiction. Key Takeaways: The Role of Community: Dr. Rhona highlights how recovery groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect, find hope, and realize they are not alone in their struggles. Family Dynamics and Food Addiction: She shares insights on how childhood experiences and family relationships can shape food addiction, offering advice for parents and individuals navigating these challenges. Finding the Right Food Plan: Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Dr. Rhona discusses the importance of trial and error in finding a food plan that works for each individual's unique needs. Rewiring the Brain: Practices like mindfulness, spiritual exploration, and consistent self-care can help create lasting change in one's relationship with food. Shame and Self-Compassion: It is crucial to address the deep-seated shame many feel about their bodies and eating behaviors. Dr. Rhona underscores the need for self-kindness and dismantling negative self-talk. Spirituality as a Tool for Healing: From her own experience, Dr. Rhona explains how faith, surrender, and spiritual practices can be transformative in recovery. Memorable Quote: *"Surrender isn't about losing control—it's about trusting that letting go of what no longer serves you can lead to something better." – Dr. Rhona Epstein Resources Mentioned: Dr. Rhona Epstein's Books Dr. Rhona's Website The Satisfied Experience with Dr. Rhona Connect with Us: Website: https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/ YouTube Subscribe to the Podcast Next Episode: Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll dive deeper into the science with another incredible expert! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this powerful episode of the Food Junkies podcast, host CJ Nguy sits down with Samantha Wendt, a Certified Master Herbalist and Certified Food Addiction Mentor, to discuss her incredible journey of recovery. Samantha opens up about her struggles with bullying, trauma, and sugar addiction and how these challenges impacted her health and well-being. Through holistic healing, spiritual growth, and unwavering determination, Samantha transformed her life, reclaiming her health and purpose. This episode is packed with raw vulnerability, valuable insights, and inspiring lessons on the importance of nourishing both body and soul. It's a heartfelt reminder that transformation is possible with the right mindset, support, and determination. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.

This week on Clinicians Corner, Molly and Clarissa are diving into one of the most challenging times of the year for anyone in food addiction recovery: the holidays. With family pressures, social obligations, travel stress, and tempting food everywhere, it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we've got strategies to help you thrive this season! 🎧 Catch Key Takeaways: • Boundary Scripts: Learn how to redirect tricky conversations with ease. Example: "I'd rather not talk about politics today—how about your travel plans this year?" • Pre-Event Planning: Show up prepared! Eat a satiating meal beforehand and bring your own recovery-friendly options if needed. • Exit Strategies: Permission to leave early? Granted. Have a plan for when enough is enough. • Combatting Social Pressure: Flip the narrative! Share the positive benefits of your recovery instead of focusing on restrictions. Example: "Eating this way has given me so much energy and clarity—I feel amazing!" • Self-Care and Community: Recharge with solo rituals, mindful walks, or virtual support gatherings. Connection doesn't have to be in-person to be meaningful. • Navigating Travel: Pack your recovery toolkit with snacks, know your options, and keep expectations realistic. Travel doesn't have to derail your progress. 🎁 Bonus Resource: We've created a FREE 23-page Holiday Guide packed with strategies, scripts, and science-backed tools to help you navigate the season with confidence. Sign up at Sweet Sobriety to access it! Sign Up for Sweet Sobriety Free Resources: https://www.sweetsobriety.ca/register The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

Dr. Neal D. Barnard, MD, FACC, is an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). He has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients. Dr. Barnard has authored more than 100 scientific publications and 20 books for medical and lay readers, and is the editor-in-chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students. As president of PCRM, he leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. His research contributed to the acceptance of plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2016, he founded the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as a model for making nutrition a routine part of all medical care. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Barnard received his M.D. degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the same institution. He practiced at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York before returning to Washington to found PCRM. Dr. Barnard has hosted four PBS television programs on nutrition and health and is frequently called on by news programs to discuss issues related to nutrition and research.

In this epsiode CJ interviews Alicea about her journey in food addiction and recovery. Alecia is a free spirit with an authentic and infectious energy. Her genuine nature draws people in, and her unwavering support makes them an invaluable mentor. Alecia's unique perspective and creative approach to life inspire those around them to embrace their true selves. With a heart full of compassion and a mind full of wisdom, she guides others on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. Together they emphasize the importance of community, support, and self-compassion in their healing processes. They also share their experiences with weight management, menopause, and different diets, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to recovery and the importance of understanding one's body and its changes. Lastly, they discussed the significance of routine, discipline, and patience in making changes towards a healthier lifestyle. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet Enough." If you're considering personalized assistance, CJ, a Certified Addiction Professional specializing in Food Addiction, is here for one-on-one coaching. Reach out to CJ at cjnguy@myfoodaddictioncoach.com Interested in sharing your recovery story on our show? We'd love to hear from you! Please email FJRecoverystories@gmail.com If you find inspiration in recovery narratives, you won't want to miss the Food Junkies Podcast. Check it out at https://www.foodjunkiespodcast.com/.