The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

Dr. Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist with a knack for blending science and storytelling, dives into the role of the immune system in aging. She discusses how inflammation can be a double-edged sword in health, the importance of immune adaptions through life stages, and how lifestyle choices impact our longevity. Macciochi shares insights on nutrition, supplements, and the significance of social connections in promoting health. Her fresh perspective encourages proactive immune support for better aging.

Seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse. A lot of people are feeling it now.It’s common to reach for antihistamines without really thinking about it. They definitely have their place and can be really helpful when symptoms are bad. But taking them every day is something we still don't fully understand, especially when it comes to long-term effects.If you deal with allergies for months each year, it’s worth pausing and exploring strategies that might be more sustainable.Many healthy habits that support overall health can also help manage inflammation, immune function and allergy symptoms. They’re not always as quick as taking a capsule, but they can make a real difference over time.In this episode, I'm sharing:Why seasonal allergies seem to be getting worseThe role and potential risks of antihistamines5 daily habits that could ease allergy/hay fever symptomsQuick note about nettle: I didn't find much strong research, but that doesn't mean it couldn't help some people. It just shows how much more there is to learn.SourcesAntihistamines: Sue et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024. PMID: 38935035.Vitamin D: Malik et al. European Respiratory Journal. 2015 Dietary diversity: Nakamoto et al. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019Fibre: Sdona et al. Clinical and translational allergy. 2022Polyphenols, chlorophyll, quercetin, vitamins C, D and E: Pellow et al. Complement Ther Med. 2020Fruits & vegetables: Kusunoki et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2017 | Oh et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2020Probiotics: Ried et al. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022Ginger & curcumin: Yamprasert et al. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 | Wu et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016Saline rinse: Wang et al. Allergologia et Immunopathologia. 2020Steam inhalation: Vathanophas et al. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2021 🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I’m talking all about protein - why it matters, how much you really need, and how it could be the missing piece in your approach to health.I’ll dive into: 🍳 Why protein is essential for everything from muscle maintenance to hormone production 🌿 The link between increased protein intake and menopausal health ⚖️ How eating more protein can prevent unwanted weight gain 🥣 Why I believe getting enough protein and fibre at breakfast is one of the smartest moves you can make for long-term health and longevity 🚨 The signs and symptoms of low protein intake, and how to spot them before they affect your energy, immunity, or mood 👥 Who’s most at risk of under-consuming protein, and how to make simple, sustainable changes🥩 What is the best quality protein sourceWhether you’re navigating menopause, trying to improve energy levels, or just want to eat in a way that supports your body as it ages, this episode is packed with practical tips and grounded in science.Grab the new book Healthy High Protein here.🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan📷 Follow on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Amrita Vijay, a scientific advisor specializing in diet and the gut microbiome, reveals fascinating insights into the role of omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics in gut health. She explains the surprising benefits of omega-3s for enhancing microbiome diversity and the critical need for a varied diet. Dr. Vijay also emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant dietary changes and discusses the power of naturally fermented foods. Tune in for evidence-based strategies to optimize your health through nutrition!

Dr. Nick Norwitz is a researcher and expert in ketogenic diets and lipid metabolism, currently studying at Harvard. In this conversation, he dives into the controversies surrounding saturated fat and heart disease. The discussion reveals surprising insights about cholesterol and the ketogenic diet's effects on metabolic health. Nick shares his personal health journey with IBD and how keto transformed his life. They also explore the importance of personalized nutrition, the complexities of health biomarkers, and the need for nuanced discussions in dietary science.

Today I’m joined by personal trainer Sophie Waplington to break down one of the biggest concerns for plant-based eaters: getting enough protein and maintaining strength.We tackle common fears around plant-based eating, including:🥩 "Am I getting enough protein without meat?"💪 "Will I lose muscle if I switch to a plant-predominant diet?"💰 "Is plant-based eating too expensive or complicated?"Together, we explore the science of protein quality, practical meal-building tips, and effective training strategies to support muscle health and strength.We discuss:Complete proteins & amino acid profilesPDCAAS & DIAAS scores – Are these metrics actually useful?The leucine threshold & muscle gain – Is it harder to reach with plant-based protein?Protein layering – The best plant-based combos for a complete amino acid profileHow much protein per meal? – Ideal targets and what it looks like on a plate🏋️‍♀️ Resistance Training & Muscle StrengthWhy strength training is essential for overall healthPre- and post-workout nutrition on a plant-based dietDoes protein timing really matter for muscle gain?🍽️ What Does This Look Like in Real Life?How to start increasing protein intake on a plant-based dietCommon mistakes when transitioning to plant proteinHow to add more protein to meals like pasta, curries, and stir-friesSophie Waplington is a celebrated plant-based chef, content creator and a highly sought-after fitness expert. Sophie's influence spans the globe with a dedicated fan-base of over 1 million followers. Sophie is steadfast in her mission: to prove that plant-based cuisine can be delicious, nutritionally- robust and protein- packed. Grab her new book Sophs Plant Kitchen here!Double Chocolate Cookies!🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan📷 Follow on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining the discussion is Professor Leigh Breen, a leading expert in muscle health and aging from the University of Birmingham. He emphasizes the importance of strength training for older adults, debunking myths about inevitable muscle loss. Leigh shares key exercises like squats and planks that help maintain strength and functionality. He also discusses the essential role of protein intake for those over 50, as well as the benefits of exercise beyond muscle health, such as improved cognitive function and metabolic control.

In a thought-provoking discussion, neuroscientist TJ Power explores how a high-protein breakfast can boost brain health. Professor Kausik Ray shares critical insights on cardiovascular wellness and the importance of understanding cholesterol numbers. Dr. James Kinross dives into the gut microbiome's complexities, highlighting fiber's role in maintaining gut health. Lastly, Dr. Emily Leeming emphasizes the significance of diverse, whole foods and sheds light on menstrual health awareness. Together, they provide actionable strategies for a healthier lifestyle.

Is ‘organic’ worth it or just clever marketing? We’ve all been there, standing in the supermarket, holding two identical-looking apples and wondering if the price difference is actually doing anything for our health. And if we want safer food, how do we push for a system where pesticide-free isn’t just for those who can afford organic? Today, I’m asking these big questions to Nick Mole from PAN UK.We’ll dive into:What pesticides are and why they’re used?Whether washing fruit and veg actually removes themAnd if organic is worth it and if so, which ingredients are the most important to go organic?This is a scary topic that goes beyond food, and where you may find a lot of people on the internet making definitive claims about the harms of pesticides and GMO, the honest answer to a lot of these questions is unfortunately … we don’t know.But from what we do know, I think we can all afford to be more pragmatic, skeptical and aware, particularly when it comes to the “cocktail effect”, as we get into later.Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) is the only UK charity focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens. Nick joined PAN UK in 2007, having previously worked as a campaigner for the Environmental Investigation Agency. He leads on PAN’s national policy work, undertaking research, analysing data and gathering evidence to support the organisation’s calls to government, regulators, policy-makers, industry and retailers to reduce the impacts of harmful pesticides to both human health and the environment.  🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan📷 Follow on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast explores the rising obsession with high protein diets and challenges common misconceptions about protein intake. Listeners learn why protein guidelines might be too low and how increasing protein can boost brain and metabolic health. The hosts discuss the balance between animal and plant-based proteins, emphasizing the importance of protein quality. Practical tips for including protein in meals are shared, alongside the benefits of whole food sources versus processed options. Culinary creativity is also encouraged, making healthy high-protein meals exciting!