Sigma Nutrition Radio

Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, an Associate Professor at Columbia University, shares her groundbreaking research on diet and sleep interactions. She discusses how sleep regularity can influence health outcomes and reduce mortality risk. The podcast reveals the bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and dietary habits, emphasizing that restricted sleep can lead to poor food choices. Dr. St-Onge offers practical tips for optimizing sleep through diet, highlighting the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and the importance of meal timing for better health.

Alan Flanagan, an expert in nutrition science, debunks the myths surrounding multivitamin supplementation. He dives into the contentious debate: Are these supplements essential for health, or merely expensive placebos? Flanagan discusses the nuances of nutrient deficiencies, the role of multivitamins in specific populations like pregnant women, and the complexities of achieving dietary adequacy. He emphasizes the importance of context, urging listeners to consider individual dietary needs over blanket recommendations.

Laurin Conlin, an IFBB bikini pro and expert in flexible dieting and mental health, shares her insights into the pitfalls of short-term dieting versus sustainable lifestyle changes. She discusses the critical role of psychology in fitness coaching and how to foster healthier relationships with food. Laurin also addresses the challenges of disordered eating in the fitness community and how social media influences body image. Moreover, she emphasizes the need for personalized coaching approaches that empower client autonomy and facilitate lasting change.

Jillian Lampert, a registered dietitian and PhD in public health nutrition, specializes in eating disorders, particularly within sports and fitness. She discusses the complexities of eating disorders, highlighting how rigid ‘clean eating’ obsessions and diet culture contribute to disordered eating. Dr. Lampert explores the unique pressures athletes face and emphasizes the need for better awareness and systemic change in treatment. She advocates for open conversations and practical strategies to support recovery and healthier relationships with food.

Joe Klemczewski, a renowned nutritionist and author, discusses the complex world of fitness and nutrition misinformation. He emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing credible voices from influencers in the age of social media. The conversation reveals how the obsession with quantifiable metrics in coaching often overshadows human connection. Klemczewski also highlights the importance of educating young consumers to navigate dietary claims and encourages professionals to strike a balance between data and meaningful relationships with clients.

Alan Flanagan, an expert in chronobiology and nutrition, dives into the intricate relationship between IGF-1 and diet. They discuss how IGF-1 impacts growth, metabolic health, and its controversial links to cancer and cognitive decline. Listen in as they explore the challenges of using IGF-1 as a biomarker and the complexities of dietary influences on its levels. Flanagan also unpacks the nuances between total and free IGF-1, and what this means for diet and longevity.

Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology at the University of Edinburgh, dives into the complex world of disordered eating and body image within the fitness industry. She discusses how societal pressures and the overvaluation of leanness can lead to detrimental behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the need for fitness professionals to align their practices with values that promote well-being. Carroll also offers practical advice for cultivating healthier relationships with food, navigating the impact of social media, and redefining success in fitness.

In this engaging discussion, Aisha Shirzai, a neurology expert from Loma Linda University, underscores the importance of lifestyle in Alzheimer's prevention. Patty Barrett clarifies misconceptions about cholesterol management and lipid-lowering medications. Jordan Feigenbaum emphasizes the profound benefits of exercise for longevity. Mohamed Allo sheds light on hypertension prevention, while Alan Flanagan examines the nuanced health impacts of red meat. Alice Lichtenstein, a nutrition authority, discusses the evolution of dietary fat research and its implications for heart health.

In this discussion, Alex Thomas, President of the Sports Nutrition Association, sheds light on the often-overlooked professional standards vital for sports nutrition practitioners. They dive deep into legal risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding scope-of-practice guidelines to avoid severe repercussions. Alex shares insights on navigating insurance complexities and ethical dilemmas in nutrition advice, particularly for elite athletes. The conversation highlights the necessity of aligning with professional organizations to promote safe, evidence-based practices within the industry.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Javier Gonzalez, a Nutrition and Metabolism expert at the University of Bath, dives deep into carbohydrate metabolism and its significance for both athletic performance and metabolic health. He shares insights on how glucose dynamics affect exercise, explores the pros and cons of ketogenic diets, and explains the importance of personalized dietary approaches. Listeners will learn about reactive hypoglycemia, the effects of carbohydrate intake on sports performance, and recent research addressing long-term health outcomes.