The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

It’s the 100th episode of the podcast and today I’m going to be introducing four formulas for lifestyle that everyone should know. This is essentially a super condensed version of everything that I’ve learnt over the past few years of doing the pod, my masters in nutrition, patient experience, and having the opportunity of speaking to people off the podcast too. These formulas cover nutrition, behaviour change, happiness and productivity.Over the past three years we’ve had the privilege of inviting a plethora of guests from bestselling authors, thought leaders across medicine, nutrition, economics, fair-trade as well as inspirational people whose stories have deeply touched me. In the spirit of breadth of conversation, I want today’s episode to cover a range of topics, including: Four lifestyle formulas everyone needs to knowHow to approach health problemsThe two things we can control in lifeHabits to start today The links to books, concepts and people will be found on thedoctorskitchen.com/podcast page so do check them out. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the years you’ll have heard me talking about the Mediterranean way of eating and extra virgin olive oil quite frequently and today on the show I’m delighted to be joined by an expert in all things to do with olive oil and the history of a Mediterranean in general, Dr Simon Poole.Everything you need to know about olive oil is in today's episode. It’s origins, it’s therapeutic uses, its impact on heart and brain health. Its potential anti-cancer and weight maintenance effects. The alchemy of olive oil and food. Today’s podcast was absolutely fascinating .. for me! I learnt so much from Dr Poole who is a Cambridge based GP and is an internationally renowned authority on the science and application of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. He is co-author of the Gourmand Prize winning book The Olive Oil Diet and speaks regularly on the subject of communication and change management in population and individual nutritional health. We talked about the following:What the origins of olive oil areHow the oil is producedIt’s regenerative impact on soil and climate healthDiocles of Carystus and Hippocrates and olive oilThe types of phenols in olive oilOlive and heart healthAlzeihmers and Weight loss with olive oilGrading olive oil and what to look forThe smoking point of olive oilCheck out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Robert Thomas is back on the podcast talking about all things to do with Long COVID and some preliminary results from the UK’s only Covid nutrition intervention trial - The Phyto V study. A randomised double blind placebo controlled trial evaluating the influence of a phytochemical rich whole foods capsule plus a probiotic capsule on clinical outcomes among individuals with covid-19 viral infection. The hypothesis for this study is that starting a nutritional intervention in covid-19 positive patients displaying symptoms could shorten the severity or duration of illness. This may or may not have an impact on Long Covid and there are some anecdotes of benefit, however we can’t say for certain whether it’s useful for everyone.What polyphenols were included in the supplement I hear you ask? The researchers used ones that show promise in other viral illnesses and are found in common foods including: The flavanone polyphenol hesperetin found in citrus fruits; the Anthraquinone derivative aloe emodin found in Aloe Vera; Quercetin, a flavonoid found in, onions, apple, pomegranate and citrus fruits; Apigenin a polyphenol found in parsley, chamomile tea and fruit. Curcumin curcuminoids found in turmeric; ellagic acid found in pomegranate.As a reminder, Professor Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist at Bedford and Addenbrooke’s Hospitals, a clinical teacher at Cambridge University and visiting Professor of Sports and nutritional science at the University of Bedfordshire. He is lead of a Lifestyle and Cancer Research Unit, and is also medical advisor to the website Cancernet.co.uk. Through his amazing work - Prof Robert Thomas has previously been awarded The British Oncology Association’s “Oncologist of the Year” and The Royal College of Radiologist medal. On Today’s podcast you will learn :About the details of the study that is yet to be publishedThe theory behind using a probiotic and a nutrient dense supplementThe tips for covid that are evidence based which could reduce severityThe new study looking at how to potentially enhance the antibody response of the immune system from the vaccine Rather than to try and demonstrate the need for a supplement, what prof hopes to show is that using a polyphenol rich diet may be beneficial to prevent prolonged covid symptoms. The details for the trial and other trials that professor mentions are on theDoctorskitchen.com podcast show notes. We’re doing another podcast dedicated to Robert's new book “How to Live” which I can’t recommend enough, but for that I think it needs its own distinct episode.Please do enjoy this conversation with Professor Robert Thomas and do check out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I chat with Dr Joanna Herman, a Consultant in Infectious Diseases and during the first wave of the Pandemic, she contracted COVID. Despite being defined as a ‘mild’ case, with no risk factors for severe disease, she is still significantly debilitated by symptoms of ‘Long COVID’, and has been unable to return to work as a hospital physician for the past year.  As you will hear on the pod, Joanna is a very well established physician with years of experience. She has taught at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for 14 years, and has been on the Council of the British Infection Association since 2015. She has worked for Médecins Sans Frontières, is a medical writer, and a specialist medical advisor for the BBC programme Holby City. She is also a qualified Ashtanga Yoga teacher.Joanna wrote for The Guardian about her experience with Long COVID which is how I came upon the story. And it was particularly touching for me as Joanna also has the perspective of a doctor as a patient, and her experience has highlighted a system that is struggling to help those with a condition not yet understood.Last year, Joanna set up a yoga group for people who were experiencing significant lung problems following their COVID infection. Combining medical and yoga knowledge, Joanna has helped them learn how to access their lungs and breathe again, and regain their physical pre-viral strength.There are some absolute nuggets of inspiration that I personally found useful during our conversation and I do hope you enjoy this.Check out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m speaking with Professor Danny Altmann from Imperial College about Covid-19 and the post viral syndrome associated with its infection currently referred to as “Long Covid”. Not a lot is known about this chronic condition which for some people is absolutely debilitating, it could affect 500,000 people in the UK or more and we really need to further research this condition and build the infrastructure to tackle it.Professor Altmann heads a lab at the Hammersmith Hospital Campus of Imperial. Key research interests are the immunology of infectious disease including severe bacterial infections, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus. Other projects focus on autoimmune disease including the role of the microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis.Today we refresh our memories about what we know about covid:Danny gives us a quick recap on the immune systemHow the virus enters cells via the ACE-2 receptor which is found on multiple sites of the bodyThe inflammasome, why it’s useful and what goes wrong with covidThe >50 symptoms of long covid including fatigue, headache, loss of attention and SOBThe theoretical mechanisms of long covid – multi organ fibrosis, persistent undetected infection, AI/inflammatory conditionsThe parallels with other post viral syndromes such as EBV and post EbolaDiagnostic uncertainty in MedicineVaccine and VariantsThe different types of AntibodiesCheck out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dementia is the defining disease of our time. In the UK it’s the leading cause of death, almost a million people suffer with it and 1 in every 14 of the population aged over 65. And it’s growing.The most common type is Alzheimers and the treatment? Well there are none. After decades of research and billions of dollars spent, we have a few drugs that mildly improve symptoms but nothing close to a cure. And so when I came across lifestyle measures including diet, exercise and community based interventions that could reduce the risk of getting dementia by 70, 80 or even 90% I had to get Dr. Dean and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai on the pod to talk about their researchThey are a unique husband and wife team on the cutting edge of brain science, are dedicated to educating people on the simple steps to long-term health and wellness through their work as Directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, with patients, as well as through online writing, videos, and books at teamsherzai.comDr. Dean Sherzai is a behavioral neurologist & neuroscientist whose entire life has been dedicated to behavioral change models at the community and population level. Dr. Ayesha Sherzai finished two residencies at Loma Linda University; preventive medicine and neurology. She also holds a master’s in advanced sciences from UCSD and completed a fellowship in vascular neurology from Columbia University. They are also authors of the book, The 30 Day Alzheimer’s Solution.We talk about:How they became interested in brain health and plant based eatingThe prevalence of dementia in the US and UKThe brain as a huge energy and oxygen consuming organTheir community based research in Loma Linda involving over 3000Creating habit loops What you will learn:Why plant forward eating is critical to preventing dementiaSpecific foods that Team Sherzai call out as helpful for the brainThe issues around nutritional science and why this information is taking so long to trickle into medical practiceThe main cells involved in brain health - neurons and glial cellsHow diet, lifestyle and other factors are becoming of top importance amongst the traditional medical community and why prevention is the cureOnly 3% of the genes known to play a role in dementia risk are deterministicHow better brain health supports your immune systemWhy curcumin might actually be something to supplement withOmega 3 fatty acids and whether you can achieve this through dietWhy inflammation effects memoryHow creativity has a bidirectional effect on the brain - this is not just crosswords!Why you do not need to eat a ton of fat to support your brainA lifestyle that supports brain health - exercise, unwinding, stress reduction and communityWhether we should be drinking Alcohol Why we’re on the fence about fishCheck out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined today by Adrienne, a leading wellness professional, TEDx speaker, Podcast Host, Author and marathon runner. Adrienne is the epitome of the modern digital entrepreneur! Ever since I’ve known her she’s been a vibrant ball of energy who’s so motivating. I always feel happier after speaking to her or listening to her on her incredible weekly podcast 'The Power Hour' where she dives into the first hour of the day with guests including Trevor Nelson, Fearne Cotton, Tom Daley (and me). Her new book “Power Hour” is all about How to focus your goals and create a life you love.On today's pod you’ll learn:All about the Power Hour Concept and the Importance of a morning routine How to develop an empowered mindset and focus on achieving personal and professional goalsTop tips to improve sleep, which is the foundation for a fantastic dayHow to develop your own Power HourWe also have quite an honest discussion about excuses and taking control of your situation regardless of what life has thrown at you. I’m sure you’ll find hearing about Andrienne’s journey and story as motivating and inspiring as I do.Check out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I had the pleasure of spending time chatting with my good friend Dr Gemma Newman. GP with over 17 years experience in medicine, whole food plant based advocate and now best selling author of the book “The Plant Power Doctor”, A simple prescription for a healthier you.I’ve known Gemma for a number of years and she is one of the most kind hearted and knowledgeable individuals, not only on the subject of nutrition but also on how to empathise and coach behaviour change with patients. She is a founding member and ambassador for PBHPUK, she has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Through her practice she has come to understand that body, mind and soul are not separate, and that it is only in addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection that we can truly heal, from the inside out.Another passion of hers includes the promotion of no-till conservation agricultural techniques in order to bring health back to our soil and our farming systems, so as to allow healing of the ecosystems that sustain human life. Planetary health is inextricably linked to human health, and she has spoken on this topic to other health care professionals at a debate at Imperial College as well as during the Extinction Rebellion events.Today we touch on a range of these subjects including:Gemma's journey to plant based eatingFood prescriptions and how Gemma coaches patientsBLEND IT - an acronym for behaviour changeHow hard GP life isRegenerative agriculture and the current 6th mass extinction eventEgo and how to detach from one’s perception that the world revolves around themHow Gemma overcame negative events on social mediaDo check Gemma out on social media @planntpowerdoctor and her website gemmanewman.com which is full of fantastic free resources too along with Gemma's book - The Plant Power Doctor which is a super read! All website and social media links are on the show notes page on The Doctor's Kitchen website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health is a hugely complex multifactorial issue with many causes that can have its roots in pain, psychological trauma, childhood and the complexity of family life. But, through the lens of traditional psychiatry, food, inflammation, the importance of gut health and nutrition have largely been ignored. We’ve had some incredible guests on the pod to talk about this subject in the past including Professor Felice Jacka, Dr Uma Naidoo and Dr Ramsey himself. But the magnitude of the problem and the need to address these issues that are responsible for the leading cause of disability worldwide motivates me to continue having these difficult but important conversations on the podcast.Drew Ramsey, MD is a leading innovator in mental health, combining clinical excellence, nutritional interventions and creative media. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia and in active clinical practice in New York City. His latest book 'Eat to Beat Depression'  is perhaps his best yet, which includes a practical guide to how and why food is central to psychiatry and how you can take care of your brain and mood with food.As always, Dr Drew Ramsey brings his unique and humble style of humour, joy and playfulness to what is a difficult topic to talk about, not to understate the subject but to make it more accessible and provide an invitation for more discussion around these subjects. I humbly tip my hat to all the work he’s done and continues to do in teaching both the public and fellow clinicians the value of nutrition in medicine.    I hope you enjoy todays discussionYou can find the recipe Drew made me on YouTube and the Podcast show notes, plus the links to his courses and TED talk at thedoctorskitchen.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the podcast today we have the amazing obesity researcher Dr Nick Fuller who brings together a diversity of skills having held positions in both the industry and academic sectors. His current position as Commercial and Industry Program Leader within the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney involves working with government and industry to identify and develop cost-effective treatments for the treatment and management of obesity and related physical and mental health disorders.He has a proven track record of commercialising research in this field to improve not only the health of Australians but the rest of the globe, and continues to receive significant funding and awards for his work with the Interval Weight Lossprogram. He is also the author of three best-selling books on the Interval Weight Loss program.Nick's work has resulted in policy change in the field of obesity and metabolic disease and his research has been published in The Lancet and JAMA.On today’s podcast you will learn about:The Brain body weight regulation in the hypothalamusWhy we’re geared to protect against weight loss, more than gainThe impact of hedonic influence and how dopamine affects food intakeWhy rapid diet-induced weight loss brings about negative changes to energy storage, appetite & ultimately weight regainWhy people aren’t failing on their weight loss attempts due to a lack of willpower, they are failing due to the biologyHow interval weight loss is a sustainable weight loss programme and why it works alongside lifestyle changesDo check out The Doctor's Kitchen for full show notes and social media links for this and all other podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.