Episodes

6d ago

This episode centers on the critical gap in nutrition education within medical training and efforts to bridge it. Guest Akash Patel, a medical student who led a pilot nutrition curriculum, discusses why doctors receive little formal training in nutrition despite poor diet being a major driver of disease. With diet-related conditions (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) contributing heavily to morbidity and healthcare costs, the conversation highlights a pivotal push to better equip physicians in nutritional knowledge and counseling. Patel's work comes at a turning point: there are now calls for standardized nutrition competencies in medical education (e.g., a recent JAMA consensus) and a growing recognition that improving doctors' nutrition literacy could enhance patient care and public trust. But at the same time, medical programs already have a huge workload and little space is available for appropriate training. Others state that nutrition shouldn't fall within the remit of doctors. So how do we reconcile all this? While this episode focuses on the United States context, the concepts apply to other countries, as it outlines both the challenges and the emerging solutions for closing the nutrition training gap in medicine. Timestamps [03:21] Akash Patel's background and interests [05:22] Current state of nutrition education in medical schools [07:55] Akash's pilot program and initial findings [13:37] Challenges and considerations for curriculum integration [15:11] Effective curriculum design for nutrition education [23:38] Debating the role of nutrition education in medical training [29:00] Practical scenarios and the role of doctors [33:58] Advice for implementing nutrition education initiatives [38:15] Future directions in nutrition and medicine [43:07] Key ideas segment Links & Resources Go to episode page (with studies listed & linked) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Instagram: @withakashpatel @dannylennon_sigma @sigmanutrition

Dec 9

Never before has there been greater access to information about nutrition and health. But never before has there been such a low barrier to being seen as an "expert". There are large numbers of people getting information from, and basing their health decisions on, people who don't have direct expertise in the field in which they are talking about. Moreover, some promote the lack of domain expertise as a feature, not a bug. They claim that those that were conventionally seen as domain experts are either brainwashed, lazy in their thinking, or outright corrupt. And the solution is instead to look to those with a fresh perspective that can illuminate us on the "truth". In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss this "death of domain expertise", how it plays out online, and its ramifications for people's ability to get good information. Note: This episode was originally published as an exclusive episode for Sigma Nutrition Premium subscribers. If you wish to get more Premium-only episode or read study notes to our episodes, you can subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Timestamps [03:21] The manufactured collapse of expertise [09:58] Understanding domain specific expertise [15:10] Cross domain expertise and its limits [33:07] The illusion of learning from popular podcasts [38:26] The problem with self-proclaimed experts [46:11] The challenge of identifying true expertise [50:39] The impact of institutional distrust [56:30] Navigating the information landscape Links Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Mentioned books & studies: Tom Nichols – The Death of Expertise Jonathan Haidt – The Righteous Mind Ionnidis, 2018 – The Challenge of Reforming Nutritional Epidemiologic Research

Dec 2

This is a Premium-exclusive episode of the podcast. To listen to the full episode you need to be subscribed to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Each year, the conversations on Sigma Nutrition Radio aim to examine the ideas that shape how we understand nutrition, health, and human behavior. This episode brings together the key insights from those discussions, revisiting the most important themes, emerging evidence, and shifts in understanding from the past year. Across topics such as dietary guidelines, ultra-processed foods, sleep, metabolism, environmental exposures, and the psychology of eating, this review distills what the science actually shows and what remains uncertain. Whether you have followed throughout the year or are tuning in for the first time, this episode provides a concise synthesis of what truly mattered and what these ideas imply for how we interpret nutrition science moving forward. Timestamps [02:23] Christopher Gardner, PhD – How dietary guidelines are shaped, misused, and what the evidence really supports. [13:10] Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD – The bidirectional relationship between sleep quality, circadian timing, and diet. [20:03] Duane Mellor, PhD – Rethinking ultra-processed foods: mechanisms, misconceptions, and policy realism. [29:26] Samuel Dicken, PhD – The UPDATE trial and what nutrient-matched processing tells us about satiety and intake. [35:37] Ian Mudway, PhD – Microplastics, pollution, and why evidence must outrun public fear. [43:46] Martin Caraher, PhD – The financialization of food systems and its impact on inequality and diet quality. Related Resources Go to the episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Nov 25

We take a look at critical thinking in science and healthcare, examining how we often fall prey to cognitive biases, emotional reasoning, and flawed thinking. Drawing from six different experts in their respective fields, the episode explores why we sometimes believe we are being rational when in fact our conclusions aren't truly evidence-based. The discussion spans what genuine evidence-based practice means, how domain expertise matters, and how factors like identity, beliefs, and emotions can derail objective reasoning. Timestamps [02:56] Dr. David Nunan on evidence-based medicine [15:30] Dr. John Kiely on translating research into practice [26:10] Dr. Gil Carvallo on emotion and decision making [30:10] Dr. David Robert Grimes on webs of belief [37:18] Dr. Matthew Facciani identity and belief formation [42:31] Dr. Alan Flanagan on domain-specific expertise in nutrition science Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub

Nov 18

How should we think about diets that claim to optimise both human and planetary health? Can a single "reference diet" really balance the complex trade-offs between nutrition adequacy, chronic disease prevention, and environmental sustainability? These questions have gained renewed attention with the release of the 2025 update to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet. The original 2019 report proposed a mostly plant-based dietary pattern designed to improve population health while staying within planetary boundaries. But since then, new data have emerged—on nutrient requirements, disease risk, and environmental modelling—that complicate many of the original assumptions. What does the updated evidence actually say about the health impacts of eating in line with this framework? How have the environmental projections changed? And what do these evolving targets mean for individuals, policymakers, and researchers trying to translate broad sustainability goals into practical dietary guidance? These are some of the questions explored in this episode of Sigma Nutrition, which examines the 2025 EAT-Lancet update, its scientific foundations, and what it reveals about the intersection of nutrition, health, and planetary sustainability. Timestamps [01:46] Focus on the 2025 EAT-Lancet report [02:27] Overview of the Planetary Health Diet [03:13] Comparing 2019 and 2025 reports [03:40] Dietary recommendations and nutrient targets [04:14] Health and environmental impacts [09:12] Scoring methods and dietary patterns [27:00] Mortality and chronic disease outcomes [40:01] Type 2 diabetes [44:13] Neuroimaging and cognitive outcomes [49:48] Conclusions and practical implications [58:55] Key ideas segment ( Premium-only ) Links & Resources Go to episode page (with links to studies) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Report: EAT-Lancet

Nov 11

Ultra-processed foods have become central to the way we eat and to many of the challenges we face in public health nutrition. They dominate supermarket shelves, shape population diets, and often appear as the prime suspect in rising obesity and metabolic disease rates. But beyond the label itself, what exactly makes these foods problematic? Is it their nutrient composition, their texture and palatability, the rate at which we consume them, or the broader environments that make them so accessible and appealing? The debate around ultra-processed foods sits at the intersection of metabolic science, behaviour, and policy. It raises uncomfortable questions about how food systems evolved to prioritise convenience and profit, and what it might take to meaningfully change that trajectory. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Hall joins the podcast to examine the evidence from controlled feeding studies and population research, exploring what we really know about ultra-processed foods, overeating, and how we might begin to fix the food environment. Timestamps [04:24] Dr. Hall's background and career [06:47] Ultra processed foods and health [15:10] Mechanisms behind ultra processed foods [27:00] Healthy ultra processed foods: a possibility? [30:43] Minimizing ultra processed foods in different cultures [33:03] Policy and regulation for better food quality [44:26] The importance of pilot studies in policy implementation [49:10] Future of food and sustainable diets [51:50] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Links & Resources Go to episode page (with links to studies) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course X: @KevinH_PhD @NutritionDanny Book: Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us Previous episodes with Dr. Hall: #429, 376, 165, 88

Nov 4

This is a Premium-exclusive episode of the podcast. To listen to the full episode you need to be subscribed to Sigma Nutrition Premium . What exactly are "antioxidants," and why do they get so much hype? We often hear that blueberries, dark chocolate, and red wine are healthy because they're packed with antioxidants – but is the story really as simple as "more antioxidants = better health"? In this episode, Danny explores the true role of antioxidants in the body, challenging simplistic narratives. Are antioxidants magic molecules that single-handedly prevent aging and disease? Or is the reality more nuanced, with context and balance being key? We delve into these intriguing questions to clarify what antioxidants are, how they work, and what the current consensus tells us about using them for health. Antioxidants are frequently credited as the reason why colorful fruits and vegetables are beneficial. Yet, as past Sigma episodes on polyphenols have noted, the benefits of those plant foods aren't primarily due to direct antioxidant effects. Here we untangle common misconceptions (e.g., "antioxidants = health, always"), distinguish between different types of antioxidants, and explain why simply taking high-dose antioxidant supplements isn't a guarantee of protection – and in some cases might even backfire. By the end, health professionals and science-savvy listeners will understand the diverse roles of antioxidants, the importance of balance, and how to apply this knowledge in practice. Timestamps [01:27] Understanding antioxidants [04:19] The role of free radicals [08:43] Endogenous antioxidant systems [09:58] Dietary antioxidants [16:03] Polyphenols and their impact [24:28] Health benefits of polyphenols [27:39] Antioxidants in cognitive function [36:47] Practical takeaways on antioxidants Links & Resources: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to the episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Become a member of Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course See all our other Recommended Resources Instagram: @sigmanutrition X: @NutritionDanny

Oct 28

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a groundbreaking tool in obesity treatment. In this episode, Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (an obesity specialist) explains how these medications are now yielding unprecedented weight loss outcomes in people with obesity. The discussion centers on GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide: how they work, how much weight loss they can produce, and why they represent a paradigm shift in obesity management. Importantly, the conversation addresses practical aspects of using these drugs, including managing their side effects and optimizing patients' diet and lifestyle while on therapy. This topic is of great significance to nutrition science, clinical practice, and public health. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition that has proven difficult to treat with lifestyle changes alone. The advent of GLP-1 agonists offers new hope by inducing weight loss levels previously seen only with surgical interventions. Understanding these medications is crucial for healthcare professionals: it enables evidence-based prescribing, proper patient counseling on diet and side effects, and integration of medication with lifestyle interventions. Discussing safety and long-term use is vital, as millions more patients might use these drugs in coming years. From a public health perspective, GLP-1 agonists prompt debates about access and cost, given their high price and life-changing potential. Timestamps [03:25] Conversation with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky begins [05:24] Mechanism and types of GLP-1 medications [07:55] Efficacy and weight loss results [16:53] Common side effects and management [22:57] Muscle loss concerns and clinical insights [28:09] Addressing nutritional concerns with GLP-1 medications [29:38] Exploring potential benefits beyond weight loss [33:48] Marketing and misconceptions around GLP-1 [36:59] Public health and accessibility issues [43:25] Future research [46:16] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Vineyard – Dr. Nadolsky's Virtual Clinic (US) Instagram: @drnadolsky @sigmanutrition Related episodes: 460: Dr. Priya Sumithran – Body Fat Regulation, Pros & Cons of Weight Loss Interventions, and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists 324: Fatima Cody Stanford, MD – Obesity Treatment & Weight Bias 395: Prof. Carel Le Roux – Current Thinking in Obesity Treatment

Oct 21

Public nutrition policy plays a critical role in shaping population health through laws, guidelines, and programs that influence what people eat. In this episode, Emily Callahan, an expert in nutrition policy, talks about why public nutrition policies often fall short and what "success" looks like. They discuss how evidence-based nutrition interventions can stall due to political or practical barriers, and explore examples ranging from federal food assistance programs to sodium reduction initiatives. Crucially, they address how to evaluate if a policy has worked and highlight emerging strategies (like integrating "food as medicine" into healthcare) that offer hope for better outcomes. This conversation is highly relevant for researchers, clinicians, and nutrition professionals, as it underscores the importance of policy in addressing nutrition challenges at the population level and examines how to design effective, data-driven policies for public health impact. Timestamps [05:09] Understanding public health nutrition policy [08:44] Examples of public nutrition policies [21:27] Challenges in implementing nutrition policies [31:24] Evaluating the success of nutrition policies [34:58] Sustainability and political viability of health policies [38:07] Food Is Medicine: a promising policy target [44:50] Medically tailored meals: evidence and implementation [48:55] The MAHA commission report and its implications [56:42] Future directions in nutrition policy [01:04:49] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course JAMA Commentary: The MAHA Commission Report and Diet-Related Diseases in Youth – Mozaffarian, Callahan & Frist, 2025 Mozafarrian et al., 2024 – "Food Is Medicine" Strategies for Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Health Equity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review Tufts' Food Is Medicine Institute

Oct 14

Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most consistently supported ergogenic aids in sports nutrition research, yet its underlying mechanisms and real-world applications remain widely misunderstood. More recent developments have focused on how to optimise both the timing and formulation of supplementation. The "individualised ingestion timing" approach has emerged as a practical strategy, recognising that the time-to-peak blood bicarbonate concentration varies considerably between individuals. Similarly, novel formulations are being explored to address issues with gastrointestinal distress and practicality of dosing. These include topical approaches such as sodium bicarbonate lotion, and commercial products like Maurten's "Bicarb System." In this episode, Prof. Lewis Gough joins to discuss the latest evidence on sodium bicarbonate and performance, its mechanisms, novel delivery systems, and the key directions for future research. Dr. Lewis Gough is a Professor of Nutrition and Physiology at Birmingham City University. He is globally recognized for his research on sodium bicarbonate supplementation in sport, and his work spans applied sport and exercise nutrition, exercise metabolism, acid–base balance, and fatigue. Timestamps [03:12] Professor Gough's academic journey [06:29] Mechanisms of sodium bicarbonate and historical perspective on lactate [11:21] Sodium bicarbonate's role in performance [22:45] Individual responses to sodium bicarbonate [26:53] Timing strategies for sodium bicarbonate [32:38] Individualized approach to sodium bicarbonate timing [36:47] Traditional vs. novel delivery methods [44:27] Practical recommendations for athletes [51:18] Future research directions [01:02:08] Key Ideas segment Resources Go to episode page (w/ links to relevant studies) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course See all of Sigma's "Recommended Resources"

Oct 7

In this episode, we explore the concept of chronotype, which reflects an individual's biological circadian timing and how it manifests in preferred sleep–wake patterns. Understanding chronotype is important because it differs from simple diurnal preference, which may be shaped by lifestyle or psychological factors rather than biology. We examine how chronotype is measured, from gold-standard laboratory methods to validated questionnaires used in field studies. The discussion also highlights the importance of accounting for sleep debt when estimating true biological timing. Finally, we consider the limitations of consumer devices and the practical implications of assessing chronotype in real-world settings. Timestamps [02:02] Understanding chronotypes [06:26] Measuring chronotypes [15:12] Genetic and environmental influences on chronotypes [28:34] Health implications of chronotypes [52:21] Practical applications Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Become a member of Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Related previous episodes: 495, 470, 469

Sep 30

Creatine is best known as a sports supplement for enhancing muscle strength and high-intensity performance. But could it also improve brain health and cognitive function? Or are such claims overhyped? If creatine can support brain health, it could have implications for aging, neurodegenerative diseases, concussion recovery, and mental fatigue. In this podcast episode, Professor Eric Rawson discusses what current science says about creatine's effects on the brain, including memory, executive function, and protection against neurological stress. Professor Rawson provides context on how creatine works in the body, why the brain might benefit, and what evidence exists so far. Eric Rawson, PhD is Professor and Chair in the Department of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science at Messiah University. For over twenty years, his research has centered on the interplay between nutrition and skeletal muscle, notably investigating how creatine supplementation affects both muscle and brain function. Timestamps [03:14] Understanding creatine: biochemistry and history [07:55] Creatine supplementation and muscle performance [09:35] Creatine and brain health: emerging research [14:03] Measuring brain creatine: challenges and techniques [19:58] Cognitive benefits of creatine supplementation [26:23] Evaluating the evidence: caution and promise [30:45] Mega dosing and brain health protocols [32:04] Creatine for brain health: context matters [38:54] Creatine for brain injury and aging [51:25] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Links to related studies (see Related Resources section)

Sep 23

Energy expenditure is one of the most fundamental yet often misunderstood aspects of human physiology. A central question is whether there is a ceiling to how many calories we can burn, and what happens when activity levels approach that limit. Grasping these dynamics is essential for health professionals and researchers, as energy balance directly influences body weight regulation, metabolic health, and athletic performance. Emerging research shows that our bodies regulate calorie burn not in a fixed manner, but through adaptation and compensation, revealing that the "calories in vs. calories out" model is far more dynamic than it may first appear. In this episode, we revisit key insights from experts such as Dr. Herman Pontzer, Dr. Brent Ruby, Dr. Mark Hopkins, Dr. Eric Trexler, and Dr. Chris Melby. These perspectives cover how the body adapts to different levels of physical activity, the metabolic adjustments during weight loss (often called adaptive thermogenesis), and the concept of energy flux in weight maintenance. Note: This episode is one of our Premium-exclusive episodes. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Otherwise, you can hear a preview of the episode on the public feed of the podcast. Timestamps [03:36] Contrained model of energy expendiure [12:33] What is the ceiling of human energy expenditure? [13:05] Reconciling energy intake and expenditure [13:32] Variability in metabolic rates [15:16] Adaptive thermogenesis and weight loss [18:37] Metabolic adaptation explained [31:51] Energy flux and weight maintenance Resources Subscribe to Premium Go to sigmanutrition.com Article: The "Calories In, Calories Out" Confusion: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Energy Balance Included episodes: 208 – Herman Pontzer, PhD | Constrained Energy Expenditure Model & Evolutionary Biology of Energy Balance 124 – Brent Ruby, PhD | The Human Ceiling of Energy Expenditure 299 – Mark Hopkins, PhD | Compensatory Eating & Activity Energy Expenditure 377 – Herman Pontzer, PhD | Metabolism, Mitochondria & Measuring Energy Expenditure 484 – Eric Trexler, PhD | Is Metabolic Adaptation an Illusion? 318 – Chris Melby, DrPH | Impact of Energy Flux on Weight Management

Sep 16

Recently a new trial was published in Nature Medicine comparing the effect of ultra-processed versus minimally processed diets. Specifically, the UPDATE trial compared these two diets in the context of a healthy dietary pattern (in line with the UK's EatWell Guide). This eight-week randomized, crossover trial generated a lot of discussion and was largely seen as being a really useful addition to the evidence base, and providing answers to some previously unexamined questions. In this episode the study's lead author, Dr. Samuel Dicken, explains the background context for the UPDATE trial, provides an insight into its execution, and puts some of the results in context. There is also a discussion about the current state of evidence more broadly and the leading hypotheses around the mechanisms that drive the observations seen with consuming ultra-processed foods. This episode is particularly noteworthy because it provides fresh evidence on an important question: does following dietary guidelines with minimally processed foods confer extra benefits over following the same guidelines with ultra-processed foods? Timestamps [02:48] Interview with Dr. Samuel Dicken [03:08] Background and research interests of Dr. Samuel Dicken [04:31] Details of the update trial [09:48] Trial design and methodology [15:45] Results and findings of the update trial [18:46] Secondary outcomes and craving control [25:43] Hypotheses and mechanisms behind UPF effects [40:28] Policy implications and future research directions Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Study: Dicken et al., 2025 – Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial LinkedIn: Samuel Dicken X: @SamuelDickenUK

Sep 9

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Facciani explores how social psychology influences health beliefs and the spread of misinformation. The conversation delves into why people adopt certain nutrition or health beliefs so strongly, how identity and group membership shape our interpretation of evidence, and what makes us susceptible to false or misleading health claims. Dr. Facciani's interdisciplinary background (spanning neuroscience, psychology, and sociology) allows him to offer a unique evidence-informed perspective on these issues. The episode centers on understanding the social forces behind health-related attitudes and how we might improve communication and critical thinking in the face of rampant misinformation. This topic is highly relevant for health professionals and researchers because misinformation about nutrition, health, and medicine can lead to poor decisions, vaccine hesitancy, or harmful fad diets. By understanding the psychological drivers that cause people to cling to unscientific beliefs, practitioners can better address patients' concerns and correct false claims. Matthew Facciani is a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Notre Dame in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. He is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in neuroscience and psychology and holds a PhD in sociology. His research focuses on media literacy, misinformation, social networks, political polarization, identities, and artificial intelligence. Timestamps [01:41] Interview start [06:57] The role of identities in belief formation [16:01] Health attitudes and political identities [25:28] Improving dialogue and addressing misinformation [31:59] Does fact-checking work? [35:41] Media literacy and pre-bunking [44:03] Optimism and pessimism for the future [52:28] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Matthew's book: 'Misguided' Matthew's academic publications Recommended episode: #365: David Robert Grimes, PhD – Conspiracy Theories & Bad Information: Why Are We Susceptible?

Sep 2

Dairy is often treated as a single food group, yet milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter can have very different effects on health. Some evidence links yogurt to favourable outcomes, while butter is known to raise LDL cholesterol. And then there's the paradox of cheese: high in saturated fat, but not consistently associated with higher heart disease risk. These complexities raise the question of whether the "dairy matrix" (the combination of nutrients and food structure) explains why not all dairy acts the same. In this episode, Prof. Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier, a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian, is on the show to examine what recent trials and large population studies tell us about dairy foods and cardiometabolic health. The discussion covers blood lipids, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and how guidelines should interpret this evolving evidence. Timestamps [02:18] Interview start [09:38] Dairy consumption and type 2 diabetes [16:06] Dairy and cardiovascular disease [21:42] Dairy, blood pressure, and hypertension [25:56] Dietary guidelines and dairy [43:30] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Website: sigmanutrition.com Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Referenced studies linked here

Aug 26

They're in our oceans, our air, our food, and now even in our bodies. Microplastics, once a distant environmental issue, have become a topic of urgent relevance in medicine, public health, and nutrition. The idea that tiny plastic particles are circulating through the food chain and accumulating in human tissues has sparked headlines, speculation, and concern. But how much of this fear is grounded in solid science? And how much is still unknown? As the research into microplastics rapidly grows, so too does the confusion. Claims range from the plausible to the alarmist, yet the real picture is far more complex. What does current evidence actually tell us about the health implications of microplastic exposure? How do we weigh these emerging signals against the backdrop of other environmental threats we understand much better? And how should scientifically-minded practitioners think about this issue, especially when patients begin asking questions? This is a conversation that calls for clarity, nuance, and a rigorous look at what we know versus what remains speculative. In this episode, Professor Ian Mudway, an environmental toxicologist, discusses the current scientific understanding of microplastics and human health. Timestamps [03:31] The public's fascination with microplastics [08:35] Defining microplastics and nanoplastics [11:35] Environmental presence of microplastics [14:54] Human exposure to microplastics [18:23] Challenges in measuring microplastics [21:38] Public perception vs. scientific reality [27:08] Challenges in microplastic research [29:53] Environmental impact and human health [33:08] Complexities of plastic additives [40:34] Future directions in microplastic research [48:09] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Gresham College YouTube lectures Go to sigmanutrition.com

Aug 12

In this episode, performance nutritionist Daniel Davey discusses how his approach to elite sports nutrition has evolved over his career. Davey reflects on his decade working with top Irish teams (Dublin GAA/football and Leinster Rugby) and how stepping away from those environments led him to rethink the role of a nutrition practitioner. The central theme is a shift from a traditional prescriptive model, where the expert provides meal plans and quick solutions, to a philosophy centered on athlete empowerment, education, and long-term habit development. Davey emphasizes that true high performance is achieved not by spoon-feeding athletes every nutrient, but by cultivating their independence, adaptability, and ownership of the process. This episode delves into practical strategies for fostering that ownership, such as encouraging self-reflection, building a supportive "nutrition culture," and focusing on sustainable habits over short-term fixes. This discussion is highly relevant to nutrition science and clinical practice because it addresses the often-overlooked behavioral and cultural aspects of dietary change. Health professionals will recognize parallels to coaching clients in any setting: the importance of engaging individuals in their own nutrition planning, the value of reflective practice, and the balance between providing support and encouraging autonomy. Timestamps [02:38] Interview start [07:29] Empowering athletes [12:36] Challenges and reflections [16:53] Practical applications and philosophy [23:33] Building sustainable habits [28:00] Empowering decision-making through clarity [30:03] The importance of consistency and planning [31:47] Leadership and team dynamics [34:38] Personal growth and overcoming challenges [40:27] The concept of non-negotiables [52:31] Key ideas segment Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course See Sigma's Recommended Resources Daniel Davey's previous appearences on the podcast: go to episodes 306 and 194

Aug 5

Nutrition science plays a pivotal role in shaping public health advice, but the influence of industry funding on research has become a pressing concern. In this episode we want to examine whether we can trust nutrition studies funded by food and beverage companies, and how you can discern study credibility. The discussion is highly relevant in today's landscape, where conflicts of interest and bias in research are under scrutiny amidst debates on sugar, processed foods, and diet recommendations. By exploring how industry sponsorship might skew results or interpretations, this episode speaks to broader issues of scientific trustworthiness and evidence-based policy in nutrition and public health. In this episode, we take a look at some recent publications that showed how study results and reporting differed significantly depending on if industry had funded the study or not. We delve into how this happens. As most often it is not a case of data fabrication or corruption, but rather how bias leads to studies being designed and reported differently. We walk through some examples, as well as highlighting some industry-funded studies that didn't provide a "pro-industry" result and conclusion. The hope is that the episode allows you to understand why this is a problem, how to spot it, and how to know if you can trust the results of an industry-funded study. Timestamps [00:36] Alan's upcoming study [04:47] Discussion on industry funding in nutrition research [15:06] Case study: industry influence on red meat research [30:43] Case study: artificial sweeteners and industry influence [36:37] Case study: sugar industry's role in research [38:06] Critical appraisal of industry-funded studies [51:58] Case study: when industry-funded study results can be trusted [01:01:51] Guidelines for assessing research quality [01:07:14] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join Alan's Alinea Nutrition Research Hub Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Recommended episode: #472: Compared To What? – Understanding Food Substitution Analysis & Adjustment Models Studies mentioned: López-Moreno et al., Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 Jun;121(6):1246-1257 Tobias, 2025 – You are what you don't eat Mandrioli D, Kearns CE, Bero LA (2016) PLOS ONE 15(3): e0230469 Schillinger et al., Ann Intern Med. 2016 Nov 1;165(12):895–897 Schmidt et al., 2021 – The impact of diets rich in low-fat or\ full-fat dairy on glucose tolerance and its determinants: a randomized controlled trial Schmidt et al., 2021 – Impact of low-fat and full-fat dairy foods on fasting lipid profile and blood pressure: exploratory endpoints of a randomized controlled trial

Jul 29

In recent years "Zone 2 training" has gained immense popularity in fitness and health circles, often being proclaimed the "best" cardiovascular training for metabolic health. Zone 2 training is sustained, low-intensity exercise below the lactate threshold that is commonly employed by many elite level endurance athletes, with a variety of proposed performance benefits. This led to interest from health-conscious folks about its ability to improve markers like VO2 max and mitochondrial function, which are associated with better health outcomes and longevity. Prof. Brendon Gurd, an exercise physiologist at Queen's University, is the co-author of a recent review published in Sports Medicine that examined some of the claims made around zone 2 training and health in the general population. This episode looks at whether the evidence truly supports Zone 2 as a uniquely effective training zone or if this hype has outpaced the research. These insights help professionals and individuals make evidence-based recommendations and avoid unintended negative consequences of following certain ideas. About The Guest Dr. Brendon Gurd is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University, where his research focuses on exercise physiology and skeletal muscle adaptation. His work explores how different intensities and types of exercise influence mitochondrial content and function in muscle tissue, with the goal of understanding how to optimize health and performance through training. Timestamps [03:23] Discussion with Professor Brendan Gurd [05:56] Zone two training: Mechanisms and misconceptions [10:56] Practical applications and recommendations [22:16] Research gaps and future directions [35:47] Key ideas segment (Sigma Nutrition Premium) Links to Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course List of Sigma's Recommended Resources Review paper: Storoschuk et al., 2025 – Much Ado About Zone 2: A Narrative Review Assessing the Efficacy of Zone 2 Training for Improving Mitochondrial Capacity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the General Population Lecture Slides: Prof. Brendon Gurd – Is Zone 2 the optimal intensity for inducing mitochondrial adaptation?

Jul 22

Fructose has often been labeled a uniquely damaging nutrient, blamed for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. But does fructose truly have unique harmful effects or are the risks associated with it related to context and quantity? The episode explores how fructose is metabolized in the body, why it gained a reputation for being problematic, and what the scientific evidence says about fructose in our diets. You will gain insight into why fructose was singled out in the past (e.g., its unique pathway in the liver and lack of insulin response), and how newer studies put those concerns into context. It covers important nuances for practitioners and health-conscious individuals, especially given public confusion and fear around fructose (even in fruit). Guest Information Dr. Scott Harding, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research explores the complex interactions between diet, metabolism, and chronic disease, with a particular emphasis on the metabolic effects of dietary sugars (especially fructose), the role of fats and phytosterols in lipid metabolism, and how public health policies like sugar taxation influence population health outcomes. Timestamps [02:58] Dr. Harding's academic background [08:45] Fructose metabolism in detail [12:51] Fructose in diet and public health [23:07] Current research [29:53] Identifying biomarkers for fructose overconsumption [31:12] Fructose impact on health [40:58] The food matrix [45:10] Personalized nutrition and future research directions [54:06] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Related podcast episodes: #476, #468, #155 See Sigma's "Recommended Resources"

Jul 15

Vitamin A is often one of the less-discussed micronutrients in relation to bone health, taking a back seat to nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Yet this fat-soluble vitamin plays a fundamental role in skeletal development, remodeling, and mineral homeostasis. It influences gene expression in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and contributes to the regulation of bone turnover throughout the lifespan. But what makes vitamin A particularly interesting, and controversial, is that its effects on bone appear to follow a double-edged pattern. While it's essential for bone formation, several large epidemiological studies have suggested that chronically high intakes of preformed vitamin A may actually increase the risk of osteoporosis and fracture, especially when consumed as retinol from supplements or high-liver diets. And yet, the picture is not so clear-cut. This raises compelling questions: Is the concern over vitamin A and bone health justified, or is it a case of context-dependent risk? Can vitamin A, when combined with adequate levels of D and K, actually support bone strength? And are there thresholds above or below which risk increases? In this episode, we explore the human evidence on vitamin A and skeletal health, looking not only at fracture outcomes and bone mineral density data, but also at nutrient interactions, mechanistic plausibility, and the implications for supplement use in well-nourished populations. Note: This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so you will only hear a preview on this public feed. Timestamps [00:23] Vitamin A and bone health: an overview [02:50] Forms of vitamin A: retinol and carotenoids [04:16] Mechanisms of vitamin A in bone physiology [17:52] Nutrient interactions: vitamin A, D, and K [31:03] Practical takeaways and recommendations Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Go to Sigma Nutrition.com Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Jul 8

The idea that saturated fat might be harmful to our health has sparked controversy for decades. In recent years, counter-narratives have surged: suggesting that concerns over saturated fat were overblown, that LDL cholesterol doesn't matter, or that the original diet-heart hypothesis has been debunked. These claims have become especially popular in online wellness spaces and certain dietary communities, often wrapped in compelling but misleading rhetoric. So what does the best available evidence actually say? And how should we think about saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk in the current day? In this wide-ranging interview, originally recorded for the Chasing Clarity podcast, Alan and Danny explore the scientific consensus around saturated fat's impact on blood lipids, why LDL and apoB are central to atherosclerotic disease, and how dietary patterns can meaningfully reduce risk. Importantly, they also address some of the most persistent myths and half-truths that fuel confusion, from flawed interpretations of the Seven Countries Study to misrepresentations of newer meta-analyses. Timestamps [03:41] How do we know saturated fat impacts LDL-C? [05:28] Metabolic ward studies and key findings [11:13] The Keys equation and subsequent research [17:17] Epidemiology and long-term studies [31:48] The Seven Countries Study [44:25] Understanding the impact of saturated fat on blood lipids [47:23] Historical and research perspectives on saturated fat [50:43] Practical dietary strategies for improving blood lipids [53:48] The Portfolio Diet and other dietary interventions [58:07] The role of pharmacology in managing blood lipids [01:00:58] Addressing misconceptions and common claims [01:13:57] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Related episodes to add to your podcast queue: 532, 525, 515, 493, 481, 439

Jul 1

To what extent can maternal nutrition during pregnancy influence a child's later cognitive or behavioural development? While genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to neurodevelopmental outcomes such as ADHD and autism, growing attention is being paid to the potential role of prenatal exposures, including dietary patterns. Yet, evidence in this area remains limited, and causality is difficult to establish. One recent study aimed to explore this question by analysing how maternal diet quality during pregnancy (specifically, adherence to a Western-style dietary pattern) related to neurodevelopmental outcomes in children assessed clinically at age 10. In this episode, Dr. David Horner discusses the findings from this prospective cohort study, the use of metabolic markers to complement dietary data, and the implications for future research into modifiable prenatal risk factors. About The Guest Dr. David Horner is a researcher in maternal nutrition and cardiometabolic health, based at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is also a qualified medical doctor from Queen's University of Belfast. His research is driven by a keen interest in modifiable determinants of health, aiming to better understand and improve health outcomes. Having worked as a medical doctor for 2 years in the UK, in 2017 Dr. Horner then moved to Copenhagen, where he completed a Master's in Global Health and a PhD examining the impact of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy on child health. Timestamps [02:47] Introduction to the study [07:08] Strengths and findings of the study [21:17] Genetic factors and gene-environment interactions [25:42] Metabolomics and potential mechanisms [30:12] Interpreting the study's findings [38:03] Future research directions [42:50] Key ideas segment (Sigma Nutrition Premium) Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course See Sigma's "recommended resources" list Email: david.horner@dbac.dk Study: Horner et al., 2025 – A western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence David's LinkedIn post about the study (with discussion in the comments)

Jun 24

For decades, dietary guidelines—and the Food Pyramid in particular—have been at the center of heated debates and considerable controversy. These guidelines have often been accused of being influenced by industry interests, oversimplifying nutritional nuance, or even directly contributing to rising obesity and metabolic disease rates. In this episode, we critically assess common claims surrounding the Food Pyramid, including whether it was truly shaped by vested industry interests, if it encouraged harmful dietary shifts toward excessive carbohydrate and sugar consumption, and whether the subsequent health outcomes seen at the population level can be fairly attributed to these guidelines. Additionally, we evaluate the role of the sugar industry in funding key studies and publications, examining the implications such conflicts of interest may have had on nutritional science. Drawing on historical context, rigorous examination of scientific evidence, and an evaluation of how nutritional recommendations have evolved, this discussion aims to clarify misunderstandings, highlight legitimate criticisms, and separate fact from persistent myths regarding dietary guidance and its implications for health. Timestamps [01:37] Common claims and narratives [03:15] Historical context of dietary guidelines [21:57] Sugar industry influence on dietary research [36:17] The mcgovern report [40:49] Misconceptions about dietary guidelines [44:28] Changes in food supply and consumption [58:15] Critiques and conflicts of interest [01:06:47] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Links & Resources Go to episode page (with linked resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Do you want to be skilled in reading nutrition studies? Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub MASS Research Review - latest training and nutrition research relevant to strength trainees Examine is the best online database for looking at the evidence of diets, foods and supplements on a range of health outcomes.

Jun 17

Inflammation has become a nutrition buzzword, often used in extreme or misleading ways. This episode aims to clarify what inflammation is, how it relates to diet and health, and whether specific foods truly provoke inflammatory responses in the body. The episode provides a nuanced, evidence-based look at inflammation and diet. It explains the difference between acute and chronic inflammation, outlines the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in disease, and emphasizes that overall dietary patterns – rather than any single food – are what influence our inflammatory status. Commonly demonized foods (such as sugar, wheat, and dairy) are scrutinized, and the conversation debunks myths about them being uniformly "inflammatory." In this episode, Danny takes a look at what the scientific evidence actually shows about anti-inflammatory diets. Note: This is a Premium -exclusive episode. Timestamps 01:06 Understanding Inflammation: Basics and Biomarkers 04:02 Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation 14:21 Biomarkers of Inflammation 22:51 Dietary Patterns and Inflammation 34:53 Specific Foods and Nutrients Impacting Inflammation 47:01 Practical Takeaways for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet 51:30 Conclusion Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Related podcast episodes: 329: Diet & Inflammation 353: James Hébert, ScD – Dietary Inflammatory Index Sigma Statement: Nutrition & Immune Function The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) – Hébert et al., 2019

Jun 10

GLP-1 receptor agonists have changed the landscape of obesity treatment, offering levels of weight loss once thought unattainable without surgery. But what happens after the weight is lost? And can we really talk about success without talking about maintenance? While much of the public discourse fixates on dramatic weight loss numbers, the harder question is what comes next. Can lifestyle interventions alone sustain weight loss after GLP-1 cessation? How do metabolic adaptations and behavioral relapse factor in? And what does the data actually show about relapse rates, nutritional adequacy, and lean mass preservation when using these medications? In this episode, Danny sits down with Tara Schmidt, dietitian at the Mayo Clinic, to examine the intersection of pharmacology and behavior in long-term weight management. Tara Schmidt is a registered dietitian and an instructor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic. As the lead dietitian for the Mayo Clinic Diet, she provides guidance rooted in evidence-based principles. She hosts the Mayo Clinic On Nutrition podcast and co-authored The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight Loss Medications Edition. Timestamps [05:17] Understanding weight loss maintenance [08:44] Defining success in weight loss maintenance [11:54] Predictors of maintenance: self-monitoring and behavioral strategies [23:37] Pharmacological interventions: GLP-1 receptor agonists [31:06] Dietary considerations for those taking GLP-1 RAs [37:07] Addressing misconceptions about weight loss drugs [42:48] Final thoughts and takeaways [48:49] Key ideas (Premium-only) Links/Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Visit sigmanutrition.com

Jun 3

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that often flies under the radar, despite being vital for hundreds of enzymes and transcription factors involved in immunity, antioxidant defense, and DNA repair. A surprisingly large segment of the population may not get enough – an estimated 10% of U.S. individuals consume less than half the recommended zinc intake, putting them at risk of deficiency. In this episode, Prof. Emily Ho discusses how even mild zinc insufficiency can impair immune function, promote chronic inflammation, and accelerate aspects of aging. She delves into the concept of "inflammaging" – the chronic, low-grade inflammation that develops with age – and explains how inadequate zinc status can aggravate this process. The conversation also highlights emerging research on zinc's role in DNA integrity and how restoring zinc levels can reverse certain damage, underscoring zinc's broader significance in healthy aging and disease prevention. Overall, this episode provides a deep scientific look at why maintaining adequate zinc status is crucial for immune resilience and mitigating age-related inflammatory and oxidative damage. About the Guest Emily Ho, PhD is the Director of the Linus Pauling Institute and professor in the College of Health at Oregon State University. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which nutrient status and healthy foods affect the initiation and/or progression of chronic diseases such as cancer. Her work has helped drive dietary requirements and recommendations for micronutrients such as zinc for communities with susceptibility to poor nutrition. Timestamps [02:10] Interview begins [03:58] The roles of zinc [06:31] Zinc deficiency and insufficiency [14:26] Prevalence and risk factors of zinc deficiency [21:12] Zinc and age-related inflammation [29:39] Zinc's impact on chronic diseases [31:20] Practical advice on zinc supplementation [41:14] Final thoughts Related Resources Go to episode page (includes related research) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Linus Pauling Institute (LPI) Website Micronutrient Information Center Top 10 Micronutrients for Healthy Aging Webinars on LPI YouTube

May 27

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the commonly held belief that protein is the most satiating macronutrient. It's an idea that shows up frequently in both clinical guidance and popular nutrition discourse: if you want to feel fuller, eat more protein. But how robust is that claim when you drill into the details of the evidence? To explore this, Alan and Danny examine the complex interplay between protein intake, satiety, and energy intake. We look at both historical and recent literature, including work from Kevin Hall's group, that raises important questions about how much of protein's supposed appetite-suppressing effect is due to the protein itself versus other influential variables—such as eating rate, food texture, and energy density. This is an important topic, not just for academic curiosity, but for its practical implications. If our assumptions about protein and satiety are oversimplified or overstated, that has knock-on effects for how we design diets aimed at appetite regulation, weight management, or obesity prevention. So whether you're a researcher, a clinician, or simply someone interested in understanding the mechanisms behind how we eat, this episode aims to provide clarity on where the science currently stands—and where it might be leading. Timestamps [03:18] The impact of protein on satiety [04:49] Historical context of protein and satiety [07:30] Mechanisms of protein-induced satiety [16:31] Research methods and measurements [21:39] Studies on protein and satiety [27:51] Analyzing specific studies [35:51] Understanding high protein meals and their effects [37:31] Acute vs. chronic effects of high protein intake [45:59] Other meal characteristics [53:21] Real-world implications of protein intake [01:01:19] Summarizing the impact of protein on satiety Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to episode page Related studies: Fazzino et al., Nature Food , volume 4, pages144–147 (2023) Weigle et al., Am J Clin Nutr . 2005 Jul;82(1):41-8 Smeets et al., J Nutr. 2008 Apr;138(4):698-702 Blatt et al., J Am Diet Assoc . 2011 Feb;111(2):290-4.

May 20

Global food systems have been increasingly subjected to financial speculation, leading to adverse consequences for growers, consumers, and public health. But what are the systemic vulnerabilities that impact food security, equitable access to nutritious food, and the broader socio-political frameworks influencing these outcomes? Understanding the financial mechanisms shaping food production and distribution is highly relevant for health professionals, policy makers, and researchers concerned with nutrition, equity, and global health systems. This episode urges a critical re-evaluation of current food policies and invites consideration of more ethical, resilient approaches to safeguarding food systems. Professor Martin Caraher is Emeritus Professor of Food and Health Policy at the Centre for Food Policy, City St. Georges, University of London. His research encompasses food poverty, food security, the role of food aid, and the broader implications of food systems on public health. Timestamps [01:12] Financialization of food: an overview [05:27] Speculation and its impact on food prices [13:10] Global food security and policy responses [17:20] Corporate concentration in food systems [34:03] Potential solutions and future directions Related Resources Go to episode page Prof. Caraher's Recommended Reading List Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Episode #344: Prof. Martin Caraher – Food Poverty & Food Aid Provision X: @MartinCaraher and @NutritionDanny

May 13

Seed oils have recently become a hotly debated topic in nutrition, fueled by sensational claims on social media. In this episode, the central theme is examining whether seed oils are truly harmful or if they've been unjustly demonized. The discussion tackles prevalent claims – that seed oils drive inflammation, oxidation, and chronic disease – and compares them against the current scientific evidence. This is highly relevant to nutrition science and clinical practice today, as many patients and practitioners are encountering conflicting information about vegetable oils. By exploring the origins of seed oils, their biochemical effects, health outcome data, and the misinformation ecosystem, the episode aims to clarify how omega-6 rich seed oils fit into a healthy diet and what evidence-based guidelines say. Timestamps 01:00 Understanding terms: PUFA, Linoleic Acid, Omega-6 05:20 Do seed oils cause inflammation? 12:44 Omega-3 and omega-6 16:43 Inflammatory markers and linoleic acid 19:22 Oxidation and cooking oils 26:25 Refining processes and health concerns 30:32 Health outcomes and polyunsaturated fats 35:18 Evidence cited by anti-seed oil proponents 43:48 Conclusions Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Sigma Statement: Seed Oils on Trial: Is the Panic Justified? Related podcast episodes: 502: Sydney Diet-Heart Study – Is Linoleic Acid Causing Heart Disease? 504: Vegetable Oil vs. Saturated Fat – Analysis of the LA Veterans Study 505: Oslo Diet-Heart Study: Cholesterol-lowering Diets & Cardiovascular Events 329: Diet & Inflammation

May 6

In this Quack Asylum episode, Danny and Alan critically examine the claims surrounding "detoxification protocols" – specialized diets, cleanses, or supplements marketed to eliminate toxins from the body for better health. The central theme is whether these detox plans actually improve health outcomes or if they're built on pseudoscience and fear. Many alternative health proponents argue that modern life exposes us to countless toxins that accumulate in our bodies, causing chronic diseases, and thus we must undergo periodic detox regimens to cleanse ourselves. There is genuine concern about environmental pollutants and chemicals – indeed, numerous substances in our food, water, and air can be harmful at sufficient doses​. Nutritional science also recognizes that certain nutrients (e.g. vitamins, antioxidants) play roles in the body's natural detox pathways. However, there's a large gap between acknowledging real toxic exposures versus endorsing commercial "detox" diets or products. Many people, including health professionals, encounter patients or clients interested in detox plans, so understanding the science (or lack thereof) behind these claims is important. Timestamps [03:20] Claim 1 – Mark Hyman [06:10] The purpose of today's episode [08:22] Claim 2 – Chris Kresser [11:30] Detoxification Pathways in the Body [25:46] Glutathione, heavy metals and other nutrients [50:30] Do nutrients support detox pathways [55:20] Unhinged claims: Mold and mycotoxin toxicity [01:04:54] One more unhinged claim [01:09:10] Conclusions Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Go to episode page Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Apr 29

Emulsifiers are a ubiquitous component of the modern food supply, found in everything from salad dressings and dairy products to pastries and sauces. Traditionally regarded as safe by regulatory agencies, emulsifiers play a vital role in enhancing the texture, stability, and shelf-life of countless processed foods. Yet, in recent years, emerging research has prompted a reevaluation of this assumption, raising intriguing questions about whether regular consumption of these additives might have previously overlooked health consequences. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested possible associations between higher emulsifier intake and chronic health issues. Concurrently, mechanistic research has provided some biological pathways through which emulsifiers could disrupt gut health. This episode aims to critically examine the scientific literature surrounding dietary emulsifiers, differentiating credible evidence from speculation, and outlining what can—and cannot—be concluded about their potential risks. Timestamps [01:18] Emulsifiers in food: definition, function, and common uses [05:15] Regulatory approval and traditional safety evaluations [09:32] Epidemiological studies on emulsifiers: nutriNet-santé cohort [14:55] Emulsifiers and cardiovascular disease risk [26:12] Emulsifiers and type 2 diabetes risk [30:01] Emulsifiers and cancer risk [35:05] Mechanistic insights: emulsifiers, gut health, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [47:15] Practical recommendations and clinical implications Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page (with study links) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Apr 22

Nutrition is increasingly being considered as a modifiable factor that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. While severe deficiencies in certain nutrients are known to have dramatic effects, there is growing interest in the potential impact of more subtle insufficiencies — particularly during critical windows such as pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. In conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum condition (ASC), questions have been raised around whether specific nutrients may play a role in cognitive performance, attention, or learning. Could low choline intake be a contributing factor to altered brain function? Are individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions more likely to have different nutrient needs or metabolic profiles? And how might practical dietary strategies fit into a broader management approach? In this episode, Dr. Emma Derbyshire discusses the evidence on choline and other brain-related nutrients in the context of neurodiversity. Timestamps [02:02] Guest background [05:38] Choline: what it is and why it matters [07:26] Research challenges: measuring choline and study design issues [10:49] Maternal intake: choline's role in fetal brain development [14:24] Choline & neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASC, dyslexia) [17:14] The choline gap: intake vs. requirements [23:05] Supplementation: adequacy vs. excess and safety concerns [25:05] Food sources: choline in the diet & intake planning [30:14] Nutrition as a tool in ADHD and dyslexia management [38:45] Other key nutrients (omega-3s, iron, iodine, magnesium, water) Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Book: Nutrition for ADHD and Dyslexia: Unlocking the Potential for Learning and Wellbeing Dr. Derbyshire's website: https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/

Apr 15

This is a segment from one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Questions Answered in This Episode [02:00] Why does the Mediterranean diet emphasize monounsaturated fats over polyunsaturated fats when the latter seem more beneficial for heart health? [08:48] What dietary patterns or foods best support strength and recovery in premenopausal women, especially on a plant-based diet? [20:33] Are there specific foods or supplements that help regenerate or protect connective tissue in conditions like EDS? [28:39] What does the current evidence say about the keto diet during cancer treatment, and are there specific cancers where it might be beneficial? [43:31] What are the biochemical processes behind fat loss, including fat mobilization, transport, and any potential short-term cardiovascular risks? [59:48] What is the most effective system for organizing, structuring, and retrieving accumulated knowledge over time? [1:10:37] Do you agree with Dr. Tom Dayspring that a significant percentage of people are hyper-absorbers of dietary cholesterol, making food cholesterol impactful for them? [1:14:35] Is consuming 2g of protein per pound of body weight safe if calorie intake is high and well-balanced? Links Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to sigmanutrition.com

Apr 8

The intersection of nutrition, dermatology, and skin health is an area of growing interest, yet one that remains riddled with misinformation and oversimplified claims. The influence of dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and lifestyle factors on conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin aging has been widely debated, with varying levels of evidence supporting different interventions. While some nutritional strategies may play a role in optimizing skin health, the challenge lies in distinguishing practical, evidence-based approaches from overstated or anecdotal claims. A significant issue in this space is the naturalistic fallacy—the belief that diet alone can replace medical treatments, or that conventional dermatological interventions should be avoided in favor of "natural" approaches. This has led to widespread vilification of certain foods, such as dairy, gluten, and sugar, despite a lack of strong supporting data. Similarly, supplements and probiotics are often promoted with broad claims, while their actual efficacy is highly context-dependent—varying based on individual nutrient status, disease severity, and baseline dietary intake. In this episode, Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and researcher in nutritional dermatology, joins Danny Lennon to explore the current state of evidence in this field. Guest Information Dr Thivi Maruthappu MA PhD FRCP ANutr is a consultant dermatologist, nutritionist and leading researcher. As the UK's first and only dual-qualified dermatologist and nutritionist, her pioneering expertise bridges the gap between diet and skin health. Dr Thivi continues to work in the NHS and has her own practice based at London's renowned Cleveland Clinic. Dr Thivi studied Medicine at Oxford University and completed Dermatology training in London. She undertook a PhD to understand the links between our skin and internal health and this research featured in top tier scientific journals. She is one of a handful of dermatologists to have completed training in severe eczema and psoriasis during a fellowship at St John's Institute of Dermatology, London and achieved a Certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford Medical School, USA. Timestamps [02:52] Start of interview [03:37] Dr. Maruthappu's background and expertise [05:57] Sunscreen and skin health: myths and facts [12:15] Effective skincare ingredients [16:07] The role of nutrition in skin health [20:25] Dairy and skin conditions [24:10] Collagen supplements: do they work? [27:45] Probiotics for skin health [31:35] Research outcomes and challenges [35:20] Practical applications in clinical practice [43:05] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Dr. Maruthappu's website

Apr 1

Discussions around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their role in public health have gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for categorizing and regulating these foods due to their potential negative health effects, others argue that such classifications can oversimplify the issue and detract from more actionable dietary changes. In this episode, Dr. Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and researcher, joins us to explore the complexities of the UPF debate. Rather than dismissing the concept outright, Dr. Mellor emphasizes the importance of nuanced discussion, bridging the gap between research findings and practical, evidence-based dietary guidance. Throughout this conversation, we unpack the broader implications of ultra-processed foods in the food system, consider how added fat, salt, and sugar contribute to public health challenges, and explore realistic approaches for dietary improvements. Guest Information Dr. Duane Mellor, PhD is a registered dietitian, academic researcher and science communicator. Dr. Mellor is currently working in clinical dietetics, working to support people, families and carers living with diabetes. Previously Dr. Mellor worked in medical education at Aston University, holding the position of Associate Dean for Public Engagement in the College of Health and Life Sciences. After initially working in the areas of clinical trials, Dr. Mellor's other research interests focused on improving nutrition and health by working with communities to celebrate their heritage through food and help tackle barriers resulting from societal inequalities. Timestamps [03:02] Interview start [06:39] Understanding the NOVA classification [09:53] Potential pitfalls and policy implications [14:52] Food science and technology perspectives [20:47] Challenges in food classification [26:13] Health equity and policy considerations [42:31] Communication and public perception [50:30] Final thoughts and advice [51:15] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Paper: Mellor, 2024 – The role of food science and technology in navigating the health issues of ultra-processed foods Go to sigmanutrition.com

Mar 25

In the realm of health psychology, our understanding of eating behaviors extends beyond mere physiological hunger cues. Research indicates that factors such as learned associations, cultural influences, and individual perceptions play pivotal roles in shaping our dietary choices. Recognizing this complexity is essential for developing effective dietary interventions that move beyond simplistic recommendations, acknowledging the intricate web of cognitive, emotional, and societal factors at play. A significant discussion within nutrition science centers on the regulation of eating patterns, particularly the balance between internal cues and external structures. While intuitive eating emphasizes responding to one's internal hunger signals, studies suggest that these signals are often influenced by external factors such as distractions and learned behaviors. An alternative approach, known as "pinned eating," proposes structuring meals around fixed times and contexts. In this episode Prof. Jane Ogden, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Surrey, discusses these concepts and some of the research her group has carried out. Guest Information Professor Jane Ogden is a distinguished health psychologist at the University of Surrey, with over three decades of experience in researching eating behavior, weight management, and women's health. She earned her PhD from the Institute of Psychiatry in London in 1990 and has since contributed extensively to the field through her research and publications. Throughout her career, Professor Ogden has authored several influential books, including "Health Psychology: A Textbook," now in its seventh edition, and "Thinking Critically about Research." Her work is widely recognized, leading to her receiving an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Buckingham in 2022. Timestamps [02:01] Interview start [02:41] Understanding eating behaviors and influences [10:33] Integrating psychology into nutrition practice [13:58] Pinned Eating [16:46] Critique of Intuitive Eating [21:30] Eating behaviors and hunger as a perception [26:34] Taste preferences and acquisition in children [29:10] Cultural and contextual meanings of food [33:25] Disgust and food presentation [35:29] Health communication and obesity [44:28] Future research in health psychology [47:23] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Go to Sigma Nutrition website Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Study: Ogden et al., 2020 – The impact of intuitive eating v. pinned eating on behavioural markers: a preliminary investigation

Mar 18

Sleep is one of the most critical yet often overlooked components of health, performance, and overall well-being. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt circadian rhythms, impair glucose metabolism, and alter hunger signals, leading to increased food intake, reduced insulin sensitivity, and other undesirable outcomes. In this episode, we bring together expert discussions from some of the leading researchers in sleep science, to explore what defines high-quality sleep, the mechanisms behind sleep regulation, and the factors that influence sleep-wake cycles, from light exposure to psychological stress. Timestamps Note: Full episode only available on Sigma Nutrition Premium . [02:14] The importance of sleep duration and timing [05:32] Exploring sleep intensity and architecture [07:50] Defining good quality sleep [12:46] The two process model of sleep regulation [19:06] What is sleep? [24:47] Socioeconomic factors and sleep [34:30] The impact of blue light on sleep [47:10] Wake drive and sleep pressure [52:44] Stress, anxiety, and sleep [58:27] Common sleep disorders [01:06:26] Sleep and eating behavior Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Episodes referenced: 38: Dan Pardi, PhD 316: Michael Grandner, PhD 209: Amy Bender, PhD 433: Greg Potter, PhD 328: Meeta Singh, MD 536: Ian Dunican, PhD 61: Kirk Parsley, MD

Mar 11

There is research suggesting that industrialization has significantly altered the composition of our gut microbiota, with certain microbial species now absent in many industrialized populations. Given the known associations between gut microbiome diversity and health, researchers have begun investigating whether restoring lost microbial species and adopting dietary patterns similar to those of non-industrialized populations could lead to measurable health benefits. In a newly-published study, the investigators aimed to explore whether L. reuteri could be successfully reintroduced into the microbiome through the "Restore Diet" and whether such a shift would result in improvements in key cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. One of the authors, Dr. Anissa Armet, is on the podcast to discuss this area and both the potential and limitations of microbiome restoration efforts. Timestamps [03:48] Interview start [08:45] Understanding gut microbiome restoration [11:44] Challenges in microbiome research [21:03] Study design and objectives [43:23] Key findings and results [47:46] Future research directions [01:04:04] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Links Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Free Book: The NiMe Diet: Scientific Principles and Recipes Paper: Cardiometabolic benefits of a non-industrialized-type diet are linked to gut microbiome modulation Dr. Armet's free, open-access High Protein Cookbook for Muscle Health During Cancer Treatment

Mar 4

Every five years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are updated based on the latest scientific evidence to help shape national nutrition recommendations. A panel of experts was assembled to review the existing research, evaluate new findings, and provide recommendations that will inform the next edition of the guidelines. One of the committee members involved in this process is Professor Christopher Gardner, a leading nutrition scientist at Stanford University, who joins us to share key insights from the committee's work. In this discussion, Professor Gardner provides an inside look into how the committee evaluated dietary patterns, the role of plant-based proteins, and the ongoing debate surrounding ultra-processed foods. He explains the rigorous process of reviewing scientific literature, the challenges in translating research into policy, and the critical role of health equity in shaping the recommendations. By exploring these themes, this episode aims to provide clarity on the scientific foundation behind the upcoming dietary guidelines. Whether you're a nutrition professional, researcher, or someone interested in how dietary recommendations are formed, this conversation sheds light on the key discussions shaping the future of nutrition policy. Timestamps [03:38] Interview begins [07:18] The rigorous process behind formulating dietary guidelines [12:10] Key questions addressed and major findings from the report [25:41] Identifying nutrients of concern and refining dietary patterns [33:39] The importance of health equity in dietary recommendations [36:04] Reassessing dairy's role in different population groups [41:05] Shifting the focus towards plant-based protein sources [47:52] The debate on ultra-processed foods and public health implications [58:24] Key Ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Previous episode with Prof. Gardner: Episode 223

Feb 25

Understanding the complexities of diet-disease relationships requires a nuanced approach to nutritional science. Unlike other scientific disciplines, nutrition research often grapples with the inherent challenges of studying dietary patterns and nutrient intakes in free-living populations over long periods. The cumulative effects of dietary exposures, combined with the necessity to control for confounding factors such as total energy intake and population-specific dietary habits, highlight the need for rigorous study designs and careful interpretation of findings. Despite their utility, these methods are often misunderstood or misrepresented in public discourse. Addressing these misunderstandings requires a clear communication of key principles underpinning nutritional science, including the role of cumulative exposure, the importance of contextualizing absolute and relative risks, and the necessity of evaluating the long-term effects of dietary patterns. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these essential ideas, equipping readers with the tools to critically appraise the evidence and engage meaningfully with the ongoing conversation around nutrition research. Timestamps [03:26] Understanding nutrition science: core concepts [06:01] Standards of proof in nutrition research [19:39] Unique challenges in nutrition research [26:30] High vs. low exposure in nutrition studies [34:34] Challenges in nutrition randomized control trials [39:29] Understanding null by design in nutrition trials [41:58] The importance of temporal relationships in diet and disease [43:55] Relative risk vs. absolute risk [57:16] The role of substitution and adjustment in nutrition studies Related Resources Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Episodes referenced: 531: Correlation, Causation & Cliché 478: Exposures in Nutrition – Why They're Crucial to Understand 511: Null By Design – When "No Effect" Doesn't Mean No Effect 378: Nutritional Epidemiology 472: Compared To What? – Understanding Food Substitution Analysis & Adjustment Models

Feb 18

This episode focuses on the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, and women's health, with a particular emphasis on managing complex conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Registered dietitian Marjorie Nolan Cohn shares insights from over two decades of clinical practice, highlighting the importance of addressing foundational health behaviors—such as adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrient-dense dietary patterns—before introducing targeted interventions like supplementation. Marjorie explores the nuanced relationship between body weight, metabolic health, and fertility, while addressing misconceptions around weight loss as a primary health goal. The episode examines the role of long-term, individualized care in improving symptoms and outcomes for women experiencing significant menstrual-related challenges. Practical considerations for practitioners, including strategies to build trust, identify key barriers, and provide holistic support, are outlined alongside the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to improve care quality. Marjorie Nolan Cohn is a registered dietitian with a Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition Science from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is the Clinical Director of Berry Street, a company providing virtual in-network nutritional counseling to people across the US. Timestamps [04:32] Beginning of the interview [08:39] The role of nutrition in fertility [13:40] Understanding PCOS and endometriosis [16:28] Barriers to accurate women's health diagnoses [19:03] Exploring diet and lifestyle strategies [23:28] Addressing challenges in women's health and nutrition [39:01] Closing remarks and final takeaways Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Guest website: Berry Street

Feb 11

Over the past couple of decades, renowned researcher Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge has uncovered fascinating links between how we sleep and what we eat, revealing how these two lifestyle factors influence energy balance, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function. In this episode we'll explore Dr. St-Onge's findings on sleep regularity and its association with reduced mortality risk, providing actionable insights for optimizing your lifestyle. With a focus on combining rigorous methodologies and controlled dietary interventions, her research sheds light on the complex mechanisms connecting sleep, diet, and metabolic health. Timestamps: [03:39] Dr. St-onge's academic journey and evolution of her research interests [07:03] Overcoming methodological challenges in sleep and nutrition research [10:20] The importance of sleep regularity for health [15:44] Exploring the bidirectional connection between diet and sleep [23:40] Unpacking the mechanisms linking diet to sleep quality [37:33] Practical recommendations for optimizing sleep and diet Links: Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Article: How Sleep & Nutrition Interact – Alan Flanagan, PhD Go to episode page

Feb 4

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements have long been a topic of both scientific inquiry and public debate. While they are often marketed as convenient solutions for achieving nutritional adequacy, their true value remains contentious. Are these supplements essential insurance policies against nutrient deficiencies, or are they merely expensive placebos? Importantly, how should we weigh their potential benefits against the lack of robust evidence for long-term health outcomes such as reduced mortality or chronic disease risk? These questions demand a nuanced exploration, grounded in the context of specific populations and individual needs. Ultimately, the role of multivitamin supplements cannot be assessed in isolation but must be viewed through the lens of context and specificity. How do we balance the biological plausibility of benefits against the variability of individual diets, the presence of fortification policies, and the challenges of achieving dietary adequacy in certain life stages? These considerations invite a more thoughtful and less binary discussion about whether, when, and for whom multivitamins are a worthwhile addition to the diet. Timestamps [00:22] The debate on multivitamins: worthless or beneficial? [00:53] Rationale behind multivitamin use [04:04] Modern nutritional adequacy and multivitamins [07:10] Evidence supporting multivitamin use [23:39] Long-term health outcomes and multivitamins [41:43] Cognitive outcomes [50:18] Pregnancy and multivitamin use Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Shaun Ward Article: Multivitamin Madness: There's More to Life than Death Studies mentioned: MacPherson et al., 2013 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Jenkins et al., 2021 meta-analysis COSMOS trial – Vyas et al., 2024 analysis of three substudies Loftfield et al., 2024 – Multivitamin Use and Mortality in 3 Cohorts Blumberg et al., 2017 nutritional adequacy paper

Jan 28

While the fitness industry often emphasizes short-term goals such as rapid weight loss or aesthetic improvements, a growing body of evidence highlights the importance of fostering long-term habits for health and wellbeing. Understanding how psychological frameworks intersect with physical health behaviors is key to empowering clients and overcoming the challenges posed by rigid dieting practices or the influence of social media culture. Bodybuilding and fitness culture serve as both a microcosm and an extreme example of the challenges faced in this space. As the boundaries between physique sports and general fitness blur, many enthusiasts adopt unsustainable habits without fully understanding their long-term implications. How can fitness professionals effectively guide clients toward intrinsic motivations and healthier relationships with food and exercise while balancing the reality of external pressures? In this episode, Laurin Conlin offers her insights based on her coaching experiences, as well as formal training in exercise sciences and mental health counselling. Dr. Eric Trexler co-hosts the episode with Danny Lennon. Timestamps [05:41] Challenges in dieting and coaching practices [09:58] Bridging physical and mental health through coaching practices [13:15] Recognizing and navigating disordered eating behaviors in fitness clients. [22:01] The physiological and psychological challenges in physique sports. [34:52] Fitness culture and social media influence [37:19] Misunderstanding intuitive eating [41:23] Using motivational interviewing and reflective listening to guide clients [52:13] Integrating mental health practices in fitness and nutrition coaching [62:13] Key Ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Sports Nutrition Association Get research reviews from Dr. Eric Trexler and collegues

Jan 21

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors represent complex, multifaceted challenges that affect individuals across all demographics, yet they remain widely misunderstood and under-recognized. These issues often extend beyond the stereotypical images associated with eating disorders, touching everything from rigid "clean eating" obsessions to the normalized extremes of diet culture. At the heart of these behaviors lies a disruption in one's relationship with food, often fueled by societal pressures, unrealistic body ideals, and a pervasive focus on aesthetics over health. While these challenges are tenacious, recovery and improved relationships with food are possible with the right interventions, resources, and awareness. In this episode, Danny talks to Dr. Jillian Lampert, a registered dietitian with a PhD in public health nutrition, with a speciality in eating disorders and disordered eating. Timestamps [02:56] – What are eating disorders? a breakdown of core concepts [05:15] – Beyond stereotypes: the widespread impact of eating disorders [14:41] – Disordered eating in sports and fitness: risks and realities [19:41] – Guidance for practitioners: recognizing and addressing red flags [22:50] – Barriers in treating eating disorders: challenges and solutions [43:50] – Advocacy and systemic change: the future of eating disorder care Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to episode page The Emily Program Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action (EDC) National Alliance for Eating Disorders

Jan 15

In a world flooded with information, discerning fact from fiction in fitness and nutrition has never been more challenging—or more important. The rise of social media and democratized science has given everyone a platform, but not all voices are equal. How do we navigate a landscape where influencers with massive followings wield the same credibility as seasoned experts? Why do pseudoscientific trends gain traction while nuanced evidence gets lost in the noise? In this episode we also dive into the evolution of coaching, examining how the obsession with quantifiable metrics has shifted the focus away from human connection. How can professionals balance the drive for scalable success with the need for meaningful client relationships? And what lessons can we draw from decades of shifts in the fitness industry to stay resilient amid rapid societal and technological changes? Timestamps [04:33] Eric's personal journey and influence [06:08] Evolution of bodybuilding coaching [10:32] Challenges in interpreting scientific research [17:35] Historical trends in diet and nutrition [25:49] Information overload and misinformation [43:07] Understanding fractional counting in hypertrophy [44:24] Challenges in communicating scientific concepts [47:27] The psychology of persuasion [49:07] The role of marketing in science communication [54:46] Balancing data and intuition in coaching [01:03:59] Navigating the future of nutrition coaching [01:08:34] Building trust and connection with clients Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Dr. Helms' MASS Research Review is a monthly publication that includes easy-to-read breakdowns of the latest training and nutrition research

Jan 8

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) has emerged as a hot topic in health and nutrition discussions, often linked to longevity, cancer risk, and metabolic health. On one hand, IGF-1 is essential for growth, repair, and metabolic regulation; on the other, it is sometimes associated with disease processes, including cancer and cognitive decline. For those intrigued by the intersection of nutrition, biomarkers, and disease prevention, IGF-1 offers an opportunity to explore how science grapples with these complexities. Claims about manipulating IGF-1 through dietary changes — whether by reducing protein or adopting fasting protocols — are common. But does the evidence support these claims? If you're curious about IGF-1 and the relationships between diet, disease, and healthy aging, in this Premium-exclusive episode Danny and Alan discuss this fascinating topic. To listen to the full episode, subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Timestamps [02:21] IGF-1 and Diet: Examining the Relationship [09:15] IGF-1 as a Biomarker: Challenges with Sensitivity and Specificity [11:54] IGF-1 and Cancer Risk: Insights and Complexities [25:51] IGF-1 in Aging: Cognitive Function and Longevity Considerations [43:38] Key Takeaways: IGF-1, Diet, and Practical Advice Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Murphy et al., 2020 – observational and Mendelian randomization analyses

Jan 1

Fitness pursuits can bring various benefits. However, within the modern fitness industry there is a complex interplay of body image ideals, societal pressures, and disordered eating behaviors. Research continues to illuminate how certain practices and messaging within the industry—such as the overvaluation of leanness or the impact of social media personas—can fuel body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. For fitness coaches and enthusiasts alike, this raises important questions: What defines success in fitness? How can individuals engage in training and nutrition without falling into harmful traps? And how can professionals align their practices with values that support long-term well-being for themselves and their clients? In this episode, Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology, explores these questions in depth. Drawing on her academic work and personal experiences, she discusses the implications of fitness industry norms, the challenges of online coaching, and practical steps for fostering healthier relationships with food and body image. Timestamps [01:15] Defining disordered eating and body image [03:47] Motivations behind this research [05:37] Impact of the fitness industry on body image [08:29] Challenges and misconceptions about body image [14:26] Physical capital and pressures on fitness professionals [18:20] Consequences of harmful fitness industry messaging [35:04] Positive changes and gaps for future research [40:16] Practical advice for professionals and individuals Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Michelle's website Michelle on Instagram: @michellecarroll1 Disordered Eating Informed – Course

Dec 23, 2024

Healthspan, healthy ageing, and chronic disease are pivotal topics in today's health discourse, emphasizing not just the length of life but the quality of those additional years. Focusing on healthspan means striving for a longer period of life free from disease and disability, which is increasingly important as global life expectancies rise. Healthy ageing involves adopting lifestyle habits that promote physical, mental, and social well-being throughout the lifespan, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Addressing chronic diseases risk requires a proactive approach centered on prevention and early intervention. By prioritizing healthspan and healthy ageing, individuals can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, leading to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs. Sigma Nutrition Radio has consistently addressed these critical themes across many episodes. In this episode, we go back over some of the best episodes of 2024 in this area, including discussions on Alzheimer's, cholesterol-lowering medications, impact of exercise, and the debate about red meat. Timestamps (03.12) Alzheimer's: Genetic susceptibility vs. modifiable factors (14.59) Heart disease: the "risk factor, disease, event" framework (22.10) The strength of evidence we have for the impact of exercise on mortality and longevity (28.23) Why high blood pressure is so problematic (37.23) Where do we see risk for unprocessed red meat? (48.34) The evolution over the years of dietary fat research (53.20) Claims about the proposed risks of consuming seed oils (56.16) How does fat quality impact heart disease risk? (60.35) History of Portfolio Diet research for reducing LDL-C Episodes referenced: 512: Alzheimer's Disease – Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai 525: Cholesterol-Lowering Medication – Dr. Paddy Barrett 524: Strength & Fitness Levels for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk & Promoting Health Ageing – Jordan Feigenbaum, MD 527: How to Prevent & Treat Hypertension – Dr. Mohammed Alo, DO 528: Is Unprocessed Red Meat Problematic for Our Health? 532: Dietary Fat: Evidence vs. Misinformation – Alice Lichtenstein, DSc 515: Does Dietary Fat Quality Causally Affect Atherosclerosis Risk? – Jacob Christensen, PhD 507: Does a Higher Portfolio Diet Score Reduce Heart Disease? – Andrea Glenn, PhD Links: Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to episode page

Dec 18, 2024

Navigating the complex and often underemphasized requirements of professional standards, legal considerations, and insurance can be challenging for sports nutrition practitioners and personal trainers. Many professionals, especially early in their careers, may overlook or minimize these responsibilities, focusing primarily on the practical and enjoyable aspects of helping clients achieve their goals. However, staying informed and adhering to these standards is not only essential for providing ethical, competent service but is also crucial for minimizing liability. Ignoring or misinterpreting scope-of-practice guidelines and insurance limitations can leave well-meaning professionals exposed to significant legal and financial risks that could have lasting consequences on their careers. In this episode, Alex Thomas joins Danny Lennon and Eric Helms to discuss the essential, if often overlooked, responsibilities that define a successful and resilient career in sports nutrition. Together, they explore best practices for insurance, scope of practice, and the importance of aligning with professional organizations that provide educational and legal support. Timestamps [01:57] The SNA Introduction [03:31] The importance of professional standards [09:58] Legal consequences and real-world examples [15:23] Insurance and scope of practice [23:27] Navigating the gray areas in nutrition practice [30:51] Legal risks in nutrition advice [34:50] Ethical dilemmas and referral networks [36:53] Emerging trends and risks in nutrition services [48:49] Becoming a competent sports nutrition professional Links Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Sports Nutrition Association

Dec 10, 2024

Carbohydrate metabolism and metabolic health have become central themes in the science of nutrition, with questions about fuel utilization, the impact of different diets, and the potential of ketone supplements driving new research. As researchers continue to uncover how the body adapts to various energy sources, there are emerging insights into how glucose tolerance, glycogen utilization, and even ketogenic diets influence not only physical performance but also long-term health outcomes. Understanding how the body responds to different energy sources, particularly in relation to carbohydrate restriction, brings crucial context to popular nutrition strategies and the potential benefits—or trade-offs—they offer. In this episode, Professor Javier Gonzalez joins to discuss these topics in detail, exploring the latest findings on how dietary choices affect athletic performance, chronic disease risk, and the mechanisms underlying metabolic adaptations. You will gain insight into topics like reactive hypoglycemia, carbohydrate oxidation, and why individualized responses to diet matter. Timestamps [01:36] Understanding carbohydrate metabolism [06:33] The role of glucose in metabolic health [09:59] Exercise and glucose dynamics [17:35] Carbohydrate intake and athletic performance [25:03] Diet impact on exercise and metabolism [30:44] Pre-workout carbohydrates and reactive hypoglycemia [35:31] Recent study: Ketogenic diet vs. sugar restriction [41:09] Future research directions in metabolic health [45:07] Ketone esters and their role in exercise performance [49:22] Carbohydrate metabolism and common misconceptions Links Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Paper: Ketogenic diet but not free-sugar restriction alters glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, peripheral tissue phenotype, and gut microbiome: RCT

Dec 3, 2024

Appetite and satiety are fundamental concepts shaping how we eat, why we feel hunger, and what keeps us satisfied after meals. From the biological signals sent by our gut to the psychological influences of food cues, understanding these processes can provide valuable insights into how we manage our food intake. In this episode, we delve into the interplay between hormones, food properties, and external factors that regulate appetite and fullness, exploring how these mechanisms work together—or sometimes fail—in modern eating environments. We will examine fascinating topics such as the satiety cascade, sensory-specific satiety, and the impact of nutrient composition on hunger regulation. This episode also highlights how individual differences, such as satiety phenotypes, shape eating behavior, offering a nuanced perspective on the science of satiety. Whether you're interested in applying these concepts to your diet or supporting others in managing hunger, this discussion offers practical takeaways grounded in scientific evidence. To listen to the full episode, subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Timestamps [02:22] Understanding appetite and satiety [07:28] Biological mechanisms behind hunger regulation [10:57] Sensory and psychological cues affecting food intake [26:54] Nutrient composition and its influence on satiety [43:11] Practical strategies for managing hunger Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Nov 26, 2024

In the realm of nutrition science, individual differences are more profound and impactful than many realize. For decades, we've developed dietary recommendations with a "one-size-fits-all" approach, assuming that most people respond similarly to specific nutrients. But Dr. Martin Kohlmeier, a pioneer in precision nutrition, challenges this very notion. How might an individual's genetic makeup alter their need for certain nutrients? With advances in nutrigenetics, we're beginning to see how personalized nutrition could bridge long-standing gaps in dietary efficacy. Dr. Kohlmeier's work highlights fascinating examples, from the APOE4 gene's influence on cholesterol metabolism to variations in folate metabolism that could affect everything from heart health to birth outcomes. As Dr. Kohlmeier explains, precision nutrition is not simply about adding genetic testing to a wellness regimen. Instead, it requires rethinking nutrition research from the ground up—ensuring studies capture these individual variations and that public health policy moves beyond broad averages. With genetic testing now more accessible than ever, could commercial pressures and oversimplified testing derail the science before it even gets going? In this episode, we dive deep into the potential and pitfalls of precision nutrition, exploring the future of personalized dietary advice and the road to truly individualized health. Timestamps [02:33] Introduction of Dr. Martin Kohlmeier and his background [05:10] Rethinking assumptions in nutrition science [07:42] The role of genetic variations in nutrient responses [13:15] Practical examples of genetic impact on nutrition [22:55] Misinformation and commercial misuse in nutrigenetics [29:48] Case studies: cholesterol sensitivity (APOE4) and folate metabolism (MTHFR) [41:03] Public health implications and the need for tailored research [49:27] Future directions and the path forward for precision nutrition Links Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Kohlmeier, 2023 – One size does not fit all: on the need for categorical stratification in nutrition science, practice and policy

Nov 19, 2024

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ocular nutrition with Professor John Nolan, exploring how specific nutrients can play crucial roles in preserving eye health, improving vision and supporting cognitive function. With age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting millions globally, Professor Nolan sheds light on groundbreaking research showing how certain carotenoids—natural pigments found in plant foods—could impact eye health and perhaps even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. But what are these compounds exactly, and why are they so impactful? Through in-depth clinical studies, Nolan has identified optimal nutrient formulations that could bridge the gap in conditions as diverse as macular degeneration and cognitive decline. He makes a compelling case for why the timing and quality of these interventions could matter as much as diet itself. Finally, this episode goes beyond individual health to consider public health implications, particularly the need for better regulation in the supplement industry and enhanced nutritional education for medical practitioners. Timestamps [01:20] Professor Nolan's academic journey and early inspirations in vision science [02:12] Groundbreaking research on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [04:24] How carotenoids contribute to eye health and disease prevention [07:27] Expanding from eye research to exploring brain health connections [16:23] Overcoming challenges in developing effective nutritional supplements [20:57] The role of preventative nutrition in eye and cognitive health [27:28] Key findings from major human trials on carotenoids and vision [33:37] Evidence linking carotenoids to cognitive health and aging [42:53] Practical insights for medical practitioners on using nutrition for eye health Links: Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Caretenoid supplement mentioned by Prof. Nolan: MacuPrime

Nov 12, 2024

In the world of sports nutrition, understanding how different supplements and nutrients impact not just physical performance but also cognitive function is rapidly gaining traction. Athletes are constantly seeking that competitive edge, and while many are familiar with the benefits of carbohydrates and caffeine for energy and focus, there's much more at play. Emerging research is highlighting the roles of compounds like creatine and omega-3s, not only for muscle recovery but also for brain health, particularly following traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Beyond the usual suspects of performance nutrition, intriguing compounds like theacrine and tyrosine are entering the conversation. With potential cognitive effects that range from improved focus to faster decision-making, these supplements have sparked interest but also raise questions. How strong is the evidence behind these claims, and where do we draw the line between scientific promise and practical application? How do we apply the science in real-world settings where perfect data may not exist? This episode addresses these questions via the insights of Professor Shawn Arent of University of South Carolina. Timestamps 01:44 – Dr. Arent's key areas of research 04:03 – Defining and understanding cognitive performance in athletes 09:31 – The impact of carbohydrates on cognitive function and decision-making 29:00 – Protein, amino acids, and their role in cognitive function under stress 34:17 – How caffeine enhances cognitive performance: decision-making and reaction time 42:00 – Comparing the effects of theacrine and caffeine on cognitive and physical performance 44:48 – How caffeine dosing impacts sleep and recovery 46:55 – Theacrine, dynamine, and emerging supplements in sports performance 57:56 – Nicotine's potential cognitive benefits and the associated risks for athletes 01:04:56 – Creatine and omega-3s: their roles in brain health and concussion recovery 01:13:05 – Navigating the challenges of applying research to real-world practice Links: Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Get research reviews from Dr. Eric Trexler and collegues

Nov 5, 2024

When discussing cardiovascular health, few topics stir as much debate as cholesterol, particularly in relation to low-carb and ketogenic diets. Recently, there's been significant attention given to a proposed model that suggests high LDL cholesterol may not pose the same cardiovascular risk in certain individuals, specifically those labeled as "lean mass hyper-responders." This raises important questions: Is it possible that high cholesterol might not be dangerous for everyone? Or are we witnessing a dangerous misinterpretation of the science? In this episode, we break down the ideas behind the "lipid energy model" and explore how it has been framed in the context of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets. While proponents claim this model sheds light on how some people can have elevated LDL without increasing heart disease risk, critics warn that miscommunication and oversimplification of these ideas are leading many down a dangerous path. With real-world health decisions hanging in the balance, it's crucial to carefully examine what the science truly says about cholesterol, inflammation, and heart disease. Join us as we dive into the evidence with Dr. Gary McGowan. We'll dissect what the current research supports, what remains speculative, and how social media has amplified both the promising and problematic aspects of this model. If you've ever wondered about the impact of high cholesterol on heart disease risk in the context of ketogenic or low-carb diets, this episode is essential listening. Timestamps 02:27 What are the "Lean Mass Hyper Responder" phenotype and the "Lipid Energy Model" 27:29 Looking at recent publications and the "KETO Trial" 47:06 Public communication and misinterpretation 51:18 Clinical implications of diet-induced dyslipidemia 55:14 Responsibility in scientific communication 57:30 Real-world examples of poor communication or misinterpretation 01:13:27 Ethical concerns with the promotion of the model 01:25:59 Final thoughts Related Resources Go to episode page Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Find Dr. McGowan at: Triage Method Instagram: @drgarymcgowan Papers discussed in this episode: Norwitz et al., 2022 – The Lipid Energy Model: Reimagining Lipoprotein Function in the Context of Carbohydrate-Restricted Diets Norwitz et al., 2021 – Elevated LDL Cholesterol with a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet: Evidence for a "Lean Mass Hyper-Responder" Phenotype KETO Trial: Budoff et al., 2024 – Carbohydrate Restriction-Induced Elevations in LDL-Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis

Oct 29, 2024

Fasting has gained immense popularity as a dietary approach, but what does the scientific evidence say about its health benefits? Studies have explored how fasting might influence metabolic markers, energy expenditure, and even aging. However, while fasting shows promise in some animal models, translating these effects to humans is less clear. A key part of the debate centers on whether fasting offers unique health advantages or whether its benefits stem primarily from reduced calorie intake. Time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting protocols show promise in regulating appetite and reducing energy intake, potentially leading to weight loss. But, when calories are controlled, does fasting still improve health independently? This episode explores the evidence to determine if fasting confers metabolic advantages over non-fasting diets. In addition, we'll take a look at its impact on behavioral patterns and ask if that could play a pivotal role in promoting better health outcomes. To listen to this episode in full, subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Timestamps: [00:54] Defining fasting [03:44] Historical context and early research [08:01] Mechanisms and claims of fasting [18:15] Types of fasting protocols [22:18] Time-restricted eating and chronobiology [28:29] Energy expenditure and behavioral changes [36:53] Fasting vs. weight loss: independent benefits [41:47] Health markers and weight loss outcomes [43:37] Muscle mass concerns during fasting [47:31] Animal models vs. human studies [51:29] InterFAST study insights [01:00:37] Behavioral vs. metabolic changes [01:11:25] So what do we know? Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to the page for this episode

Oct 22, 2024

Body image and self-worth are deeply intertwined concepts that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Many people believe that changing their physique is the key to improving their body image, but is it really that simple? This connection between appearance and self-esteem raises important questions about how we define confidence and whether our sense of worth should be tied to how we look. Our relationship with food plays a crucial role in how we view ourselves. While some see food as fuel, others attach much more significance to their eating habits, often linking dietary choices to discipline, success, or failure. But what happens when these beliefs become too rigid? Understanding how our perceptions of food and body image are shaped is essential for navigating the balance between health, happiness, and personal fulfillment. Physique change, often seen as a positive goal, can bring about unexpected psychological impacts. Pursuing a leaner or more muscular body might boost temporary feelings of confidence, but could it also reinforce negative patterns of thought? In an episode co-hosted with Dr. Eric Trexler, Danny talks with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro in order to tackle some of these concepts and questions. Timestamps: [04:54] Start of conversation [06:40] Defining body image and self esteem [12:26] Relationship with food and weight controllability beliefs [20:38] Impact of body composition on body image [27:40] Challenges in changing body image perceptions [34:43] Influence of coaches on client body image [41:57] Screening for disordered eating [51:50] Ethical responsibilities of fitness professionals [54:53] Improving body image without physique change [61:02] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Links: Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Get more of Dr. Trexler's research analysis with the MASS Research Review Related previous episodes: See episodes 484 and 367

Oct 15, 2024

Some suggest that, since individual lifts or short-duration efforts don't rely heavily on glycogen, carb intake might not be critical for strength athletes. If glycogen depletion isn't a pressing issue, could athletes thrive on lower-carb diets without sacrificing performance? Or could there be overlooked benefits to having greater carbohydrate availablily in those sessions? In strength sports and resistance training, do carbohydrates play an important role or not? Are carbohydrates really necessary for resistance training? How does training volume, intensity and goals impact the carbohydrate requirement? In this episode, Dr. Cliff Harvey and Dr. Eric Helms offer their perspectives on this interesting and practically important issue. Timestamps: [00:03:40] Do carbohydrates have a role in resistance training? [00:12:23] Do individuals respond differently? [00:18:25] Recent research insights [00:35:08] Carbohydrate "sensing" and performance [00:47:17] How to think about carbohydrate needs [00:54:06] Changing views on nutrient timing [01:06:37] Ketogenic diets and muscle gain [01:22:02] Dietary patterns and health – Are macronutrients that important? [01:31:42] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Links: Subscribe to Premium for study notes and transcript Receive the email newsletter for free Join the waitlist for our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Sports Nutrition Association Get more of Dr. Helm's research analysis with the MASS Research Review SigmaNutrition.com

Oct 8, 2024

Omega-3 fatty acids are often viewed as beneficial or, at worst, neutral supplements when it comes to supporting cardiovascular health, lowering triglycerides, and offering anti-inflammatory effects. Much of the focus in recent years has centered on understanding how significant these benefits are, particularly for heart health, with many studies highlighting the potential for omega-3s to play a positive role in reducing cardiovascular risk. However, an emerging concern has complicated the conversation around omega-3 supplementation. Several large trials, including the REDUCE-IT and STRENGTH trials, have suggested that omega-3 supplementation might be linked to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate. These findings have sparked debate over whether omega-3s could contribute to this potentially serious heart condition, leaving clinicians and health-conscious individuals uncertain about the safety of these supplements. However, not all the research supports this elevated risk. This discrepancy raises important questions about how we interpret the data from various studies, the design of those trials, and whether other factors might be influencing these results. Understanding this issue in depth is crucial for making informed decisions about omega-3 supplementation and its potential risks and benefits. In this episode we walk through the studies and the key points to consider. Timestamps: 00:30 Updates on Alan's upcoming study 05:06 Atrial Fibrillation and Omega-3 14:52 RCTs and AFib: Key Studies 29:14 Meta-Analyses and Dose-Response 46:46 Practical Implications and Recommendations 53:53 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only) Links: Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page

Oct 1, 2024

This is an "ask me anything" (AMA) episode with Dr. Stephan Guyenet, an expert in obesity neuroscience and eating behavior. This episode was originally published on Sigma Nutrition Premium . If you're interested in subscribing to Sigma Nutrition Premium, then check all the details here . Questions Answered: [04.27] If we surgically remove adipose tissue, do leptin levels suddenly drop? How would this impact hunger over time? [06.56] How does chronic energy restriction (or following a crash diet) affect long-term appetite regulation? [13.21] How do anorexia and pronounced obesity defy the rules of metabolic compensation? [24.12] Why do some SDRIs (serotonin–dopamine reuptake inhibitors) reduce hunger/appetite? [28.02] Can an algorithm really decipher someone's "ideal weight? [33.08] Could the "brain microbiome" impact appetite regulation and/or obesity? [35.34] In our current environment, are the only efficacious interventions drugs and bariatric surgery? [46.01] What should we make of claims by Gary Taubes about insulinogenic foods? [52.37] Is there a maximum duration someone should spend in fat loss (or weight gain) phases? [53.43] Why do some people struggle to gain weight? Links: Join our newsletter Subscribe to Premium View our recommended resources

Sep 24, 2024

Questions Answered in This Episode [02:28] Caffeine metabolism and individual variation. [14:47] High-sodium electrolyte supplements & recreational trainees. [32:55] Is a "too low" BMI a problem? [41:38] Are claims about vegan diets being nutritionally insufficient overblown? [51:33] Familial hypercholesterolemia & further lipid-lowering [58:05] Menopause, resistenace training and progressive overload [01:11:56] Does body weight matter if someone has healthy behaviours? This episode is one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Otherwise, you can hear the first question on the public feed of the podcast. Links: Subscribe to Premium Enroll in our course, Applied Nutrition Literacy Learn more about Sigma Nutrition

Sep 17, 2024

In the world of combat sports, optimizing performance extends beyond physical training and nutrition—sleep plays a critical role. Maladaptive sleep behaviors, such as inconsistent sleep schedules and inadequate sleep duration, can significantly impair an athlete's performance by reducing cognitive function, reaction time, and recovery ability. Understanding these impacts is crucial for athletes and coaches seeking to enhance performance through more effective sleep strategies. One of the key challenges combat sports athletes face is managing the effects of shift work and irregular event timings, which often conflict with typical training schedules. What are some strategies to mitigate these challenges, such as adjusting sleep schedules in advance? And what are the implications of jet lag for athletes traveling to major competitions? While technology offers valuable tools for tracking sleep, there are potential drawbacks, including reliance on inaccurate data or the psychological effects of constant monitoring. By educating athletes and coaches on best practices for sleep, they can make informed adjustments to training regimens, ultimately enhancing overall performance. In this episode, sleep scientist Dr. Ian Dunican discusses his work related to understanding and improving sleep behaviors in combat sports athletes. Timestamps: 01:43 Introduction to the Episode 04:38 Discussion on Recent Research Paper 09:52 Sleep Behaviors in Athletes 13:11 Questionnaire and Study Findings 20:38 Common Sleep Disorders in Athletes 33:23 Impact of Training Schedules on Sleep 34:25 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 41:17 Phases of Training and Their Importance 42:31 Understanding Chronotypes and Sleep Habits 45:19 Wearable Devices and Sleep Tracking 53:05 Practical Advice for Coaches and Athletes 59:03 Travel, Jet Lag, and Sleep for Athletes Links: Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to episode page (with links to studies in this episode) Dr. Dunican's course (20% off with code MELIUS20) Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Subscribe to Premium

Sep 10, 2024

To many, meta-analyses are seen as a research tool that is often regarded as the pinnacle of evidence in nutrition science. But is this accurate? What exactly makes a meta-analysis reliable or flawed? How can we distinguish between a well-conducted study and one that might mislead even the most well-intentioned reader? In this episode, through three concrete examples, we explore the fundamental principles of meta-analyses, focusing on key aspects such as study selection, heterogeneity, and effect sizes. We discuss how these elements can significantly impact the conclusions drawn from a meta-analysis and what you should look out for when interpreting their results. Whether you're a nutrition professional, a researcher, or simply someone interested in the science behind dietary guidelines, this discussion will help you navigate the often murky waters of meta-analytic research. Timestamps: 05:14 Understanding Meta-Analyses 12:11 Example 1: Dairy Consumption and Health 39:06 Example 2: Meta-Analysis on Carbohydrate Intake 54:59 Example 3: Meta-Analysis on Intermittent Fasting 01:02:44 Challenges in Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Fasting 01:13:56 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only) Links: Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Meta-analyses discussed in the episode: Example 1: Dairy Consumption and Health Example 2: Meta-Analysis on Carbohydrate Intake Example 3: Meta-Analysis on Intermittent Fasting Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Sep 3, 2024

The debate between animal-based and plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has garnered significant attention, especially concerning their impact on cardiovascular health. As PBMAs become increasingly popular, questions about their nutritional profiles and long-term health implications have emerged. Are these alternatives genuinely healthier than traditional meat, or do their highly processed nature and high sodium content undermine potential benefits? This discussion is crucial as dietary choices increasingly influence public health policies and consumer behaviors. Dr. Matthew Nagra's recent review in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology sheds light on these issues by analyzing the nutritional differences between PBMAs and meat. The review highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of PBMAs, such as lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, alongside higher fiber content. However, the review also points out the significant variability in PBMAs' nutritional content, raising questions about standardization and consumer guidance. Understanding these differences is key to making informed dietary decisions and shaping future food industry practices. With growing consumer interest and public health implications, several pertinent questions arise: How do different PBMAs compare in their nutritional impact? What role does food processing play in their health outcomes? How can consumers make the best choices given the variability in PBMAs? In our discussion, Dr. Nagra will cover all these details, providing a comprehensive look at the current state of PBMAs and their role in a healthy diet. Timestamps: 01:59 Introducing Dr. Matthew Nagra 10:48 Nutritional Profiles of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives 14:39 Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Review Findings 21:17 Public Perception and Criticisms 25:10 Practical Advice for Choosing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives 34:29 Future Research Directions 43:51 Key Ideas Segment ( Premium-only ) Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Aug 27, 2024

In the ongoing exploration of weight loss strategies, the timing of food intake has emerged as a fascinating area of study. While traditional advice often focuses on what we eat, growing evidence suggests that when we eat could also play a crucial role in weight management. This concept, known as chrononutrition, examines how our body's internal clock influences the metabolic processes associated with food intake. Could adjusting meal times offer a new pathway to effective weight loss? Recent research has delved into various hypotheses, including the energetic hypothesis, which proposes that meal timing can impact energy expenditure and intake. Studies have shown that consuming more calories earlier in the day could potentially enhance weight loss, independent of total daily calorie intake. This intriguing possibility has led scientists to investigate the mechanisms behind these effects, such as the thermic effect of feeding and diurnal variations in metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms could transform our approach to dietary planning and obesity management. Dr. Alan Flanagan will be covering all the details in this episode, where he explores the latest evidence on meal timing and its impact on weight loss. He will dissect key studies, challenge prevailing assumptions, and provide a comprehensive analysis of the energetic hypothesis. Join us as we navigate the complexities of chrononutrition and uncover whether altering the timing of our meals can truly make a difference in our weight loss journeys. This episode is a Premium-exclusive episode. Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium to listen to the full episode. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to Sigma Nutrition Website

Aug 20, 2024

The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on chronic disease risk has been a topic of considerable interest and research. The VITAL trial, which assessed the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 supplements on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, provided insightful findings. Additionally, numerous other supplement trials have examined different dosages and formulations of omega-3s, yielding mixed results. Some trials have highlighted significant benefits, while others have shown minimal impact, leading to ongoing debates in the scientific community. Reconciling this evidence base requires a nuanced understanding of the study populations, dosages, and specific health outcomes investigated. The variability in results can often be attributed to differences in trial design, such as whether the focus was on primary or secondary prevention, the baseline dietary intake of participants, and the specific types of omega-3 supplements used. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making informed recommendations about omega-3 supplementation for chronic disease prevention. In this episode, Professor JoAnn Manson will delve into the complexities of omega-3 research, discussing the VITAL trial in detail, comparing it with other significant studies, and providing insights into how to interpret and reconcile the diverse findings in the context of chronic disease risk. Timestamps: 03:21 The VITAL Trial Explained 05:39 Biological Mechanisms and Observational Studies 07:25 Primary vs. Secondary Prevention 10:47 Key Findings from the VITAL Trial 13:39 Subgroup Analyses and Future Research 19:58 Dosage Considerations and Risks 23:47 Impact of Omega-3 on Chronic Diseases 32:18 Nuances in Omega-3 Research 44:27 Future Research Directions 48:54 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only) Links: Subscribe to Premium Go to episode page Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Aug 13, 2024

In the realm of nutrition science, few topics have sparked as much debate and evolution in understanding as the impact of dietary fat on cardiovascular health. Dr. Alice Lichtenstein, a renowned expert in nutrition and cardiovascular disease, brings clarity to this complex field. Her extensive research at several prestigious institutions has been pivotal in shaping contemporary dietary guidelines. Dr. Lichtenstein delves into the journey from early observational studies that linked high-cholesterol diets to cardiovascular risk to more nuanced insights emphasizing the types of fats consumed. The discussion highlights the critical shift from merely reducing total fat intake to replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, reflecting the latest evidence-based recommendations. Furthermore, the conversation addresses the variability in individual responses to dietary changes and the ongoing debate over the most accurate biomarkers for assessing cardiovascular risk. Dr. Lichtenstein also tackles the pervasive issue of nutrition misinformation and underscores the necessity of robust, evidence-based public health guidelines. This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of whole dietary patterns, the importance of examining food choices in context, and the role of public health policy in fostering healthier eating environments. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how dietary fat influences health and the critical considerations for future nutrition research and recommendations. Timestamps: 03:15 Dr. Lichtenstein's Academic Background 05:47 Evolution of Dietary Fat Research 14:47 Understanding Cholesterol and Lipoproteins 23:47 Dietary Patterns and Public Health 29:51 Seed Oils & Nutrition Misinformation 34:06 Future Directions in Nutrition Research 47:11 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only) Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

Aug 6, 2024

In the realm of nutrition science and health, understanding the intricate relationship between various factors and health outcomes is crucial yet challenging. How do we determine whether a specific nutrient genuinely impacts our health, or if the observed effects are merely coincidental? This intriguing question brings us to the core concepts of correlation and causation. You've likely heard the adage "correlation is not causation," but what does this truly mean in the context of scientific research and public health recommendations? Can a strong association between two variables ever imply a causal relationship, or is it always just a statistical coincidence? These questions are not merely academic; they are pivotal in shaping the guidelines that influence our daily lives. For instance, when studies reveal a link between high sodium intake and hypertension, how do scientists distinguish between a mere correlation and a true causal relationship? Similarly, the debate around LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease hinges on understanding whether high cholesterol levels directly cause heart disease, or if other confounding factors are at play. Unraveling these complexities requires a deep dive into the standards of proof and the different models used to assess causality in scientific research. As we delve into these topics, we'll explore how public health recommendations are formed despite the inherent challenges in proving causality. What methods do scientists use to ensure that their findings are robust and reliable? How do they account for the myriad of confounding variables that can skew results? By understanding the nuances of these processes, we can better appreciate the rigorous scientific effort that underpins dietary guidelines and health advisories. Join us on this exploration of correlation, causation, and the standards of proof in nutrition science. Through real-world examples and critical discussions, we will illuminate the pathways from observational studies to actionable health recommendations. Are you ready to uncover the mechanisms that bridge the gap between scientific evidence and practical health advice? Let's dive in and discover the fascinating dynamics at play. Timestamps: 01:32 Understanding Correlation and Causation 03:54 Historical Perspectives on Causality 06:33 Causal Models in Health Sciences 14:53 Probabilistic vs. Deterministic Causation 30:52 Standards of Proof in Public Health 36:44 Applying Causal Models in Nutrition Science 58:54 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only) Links: Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Related episode: 343 – Understanding Causality in Nutrition Science

Jul 30, 2024

Regression to the Mean (RTM) is a statistical phenomenon where extreme values on one measurement tend to move closer to the average on subsequent measurements due to natural variability. In this Premium-exclulsive episode , Danny gives an explanation of this concept with some examples in nutrition research. Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page

Jul 23, 2024

The concept of "learning how to learn" focuses on meta-learning, which involves improving one's own learning strategies. Instead of just absorbing information, meta-learners refine the skills that make learning itself more effective. Cognitive science supports various learning strategies by exploring how the brain processes information. Techniques such as spaced repetition, active recall, and interleaving can improve long-term retention and understanding. Improving abilities in specialized areas, like reading and interpreting research, involves strategic approaches. Similarly, becoming more knowledgeable about nutrition requires staying updated with the latest research and critically evaluating findings to boost proficiency and confidence in the field. In this podcast episode, Scott Young discusses these themes, offering insights from his work on learning optimization. He shares practical methods for improving learning efficiency, particularly in reading research and expanding knowledge in nutrition. Scott's expertise provides a valuable framework for enhancing cognitive abilities and achieving more effective learning outcomes. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM Scott Young's Website SigmaNutrition.com Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Related Episode: #188: Barbara Oakley, PhD – How to Learn, Study & Get Better With Science Timestamps 02:13 Introduction to Topic 04:41 Conversation with Scott Young Begins 06:56 Insights on Learning and Cognitive Science 12:42 Effective Learning Strategies 20:27 Overcoming Mental Barriers 31:14 Effective Teaching Strategies 35:14 The Importance of Feedback in Learning 38:52 Optimizing Your Learning Environment 44:29 Translating Complex Information for a General Audience 52:32 Key Ideas (Premium-Only) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM

Jul 16, 2024

In episode 529 of Sigma Nutrition Radio, we discuss all things related to cholesterol, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and dietary fat. The discussion extensively covers the impact of LDL cholesterol and ApoB on atherosclerotic plaque progression, cardiovascular events, and the benefits of early LDL lowering interventions, particularly through the use of PCSK9 inhibitors alongside statins. We address misconceptions prevalent in the low-carb and carnivore communities, dissect claims regarding saturated fats, and elucidate why atherosclerosis predominantly affects arteries and not veins. The episode sheds light on the nuanced mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism, the significance of different lipid particles, and the limited dietary impact on LP(a) levels. Comprehensive evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for dietary patterns and cardiovascular health interventions are provided, offering clarity on these complex topics. Note: This discussion is hosted by Simon Hill, and originally appeared as an episode of The Proof podcast. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Episode with Professor Chris Packard Timestamps: 07:19 Understanding Cholesterol and Lipoproteins 14:35 The Role of ApoB in Cardiovascular Risk 25:10 Atherogenic Lipoproteins and Their Impact 37:42 Causal Pathways and Biomarkers in Heart Disease 47:02 Understanding Residual Risk and Triglycerides 49:46 Paul Saladino's Claims on LDL and Metabolic Health 01:03:01 Addressing Concerns About Lowering Cholesterol 01:16:16 The Importance of Early Intervention in Cholesterol Management 01:23:36 The Future of Cholesterol Management and Gene Editing 01:28:24 Atherosclerosis in Arteries vs. Veins 01:36:08 Dietary Interventions to Lower ApoB Levels 01:47:55 Modifying Keto Diet for Better Health Outcomes 01:56:33 Plant-Based Diets and Fat Consumption 02:05:10 Understanding Lp(a) and Its Impact on Health Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jul 9, 2024

The consumption of red meat, specifically the distinction between unprocessed and processed varieties, has been a subject of considerable debate in nutritional science and public health. There is a fair amount of confusion and lack of clarity surrounding this issue. While the harmful effects of processed meat are well-documented and less controversial, the evidence concerning unprocessed red meat is less consistent. This inconsistency often leads to a gray area in scientific discussions and public perception. In examining unprocessed red meat, we encounter a spectrum of claims, including minimal evidence of harm, context of overall diet and mechanistic concerns. Epidemiological evidence shows varied health outcomes related to red meat consumption across different populations. These variations underline the importance of defining and measuring "high" and "low" intake levels accurately in research. The challenges in nutrition research, including methodological flaws in meta-analyses and the rapid dissemination of simplified study results, can impact public health recommendations. Misinterpretations can arise from comparisons within narrow intake ranges or from studies failing to specify absolute intake levels. This podcast episode's goal is to clarify existing evidence, acknowledge areas needing further research, and explore why this topic is significant in the broader context of nutrition science, aiming to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to make nuanced and effective dietary recommendations. Links: Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Want to advance your understanding of nutrition science? Check out our course . Go to episode page for this episode Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM Timestamps 01:00 Introduction to the issue 03:16 Processed vs. unprocessed red meat 05:54 Health guidelines and recommendations 06:56 Epidemiological evidence and dose thresholds 09:55 Biological mechanisms and plausibility 21:00 Criticisms and misinterpretations in research 40:42 Substitution analyses and dietary patterns 46:37 Mendelian randomization and genetic studies 56:31 Effect modifiers and confounders 01:13:18 Key Ideas Segment (Premium-only)

Jun 25, 2024

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a silent yet prevalent health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Often going unnoticed until significant damage has been done, hypertension can lead to severe cardiovascular complications if not properly managed. Mechanistically, the causes of hypertension are complex, involving both genetic and lifestyle factors. The management of hypertension presents multifaceted challenges, encompassing both pharmaceutical treatments and lifestyle modifications. From a prevention and management standpoint, understanding the interplay between genetics and lifestyle is crucial. This raises several important questions… To what extent do genetic factors contribute to hypertension risk compared to lifestyle choices, and how does this interaction influence disease progression? What role does lifestyle play in managing hypertension, and is there evidence supporting the influence of specific dietary patterns and nutrients, particularly sodium and potassium, on blood pressure control? How do exercise and physical activity impact blood pressure, and what types of exercise are most beneficial for individuals with or at risk of hypertension? What are the main categories of antihypertensive medications, and how do these drugs work to lower blood pressure? What are the potential side effects, and how should clinicians decide on the best treatment approach for individual patients? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mohammed Alo, a board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine specialist, who will help us understand the intricacies of hypertension and how it can be effectively controlled. Links: Go to episode page dralo.net/ Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Timestamps: 03:28 Dr. Alo's Background and Expertise 08:40 Understanding Blood Pressure and Its Implications 10:26 Causes and Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure 12:42 Lifestyle Modifications and Treatment Options 30:26 Medications for Blood Pressure Management 38:34 Combination Therapy and Patient Variability 43:11 Debunking Myths About Sodium and Blood Pressure 57:29 Exercise and Lifestyle Interventions

Jun 18, 2024

Food science and behavior are intimately connected. One critical but often overlooked facet of this connection is food texture and its substantial impact on eating behavior and energy intake. Food texture encompasses characteristics such as hardness and structure. It categorizes food into liquids, semi-solids, and solids, each with a wide range of textures—from dry and crispy to elastic and more substantial. This classification deeply affects how we consume food. The time it takes to chew and swallow a food item can vary greatly based on its texture. Different textures can also influence the speed at which satiety signals are triggered. Eating rate is a highly individual trait, stable over time, and consistent across different contexts. Some people are naturally slower eaters, while others consume food quickly. This variance can have significant implications for energy intake and body weight. In this episode, Dr. Marlou Lasschuijt, an assistant professor in the Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour group at Wageningen University, discusses the above topics and their implications. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium (for study notes and transcripts) Go to episode page The Restructure Project Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis Timestamps: 00:14 Introduction 00:47 Dr. Lasschuijt's Research Focus 04:23 Understanding Food Texture and Eating Behavior 06:37 Impact of Food Texture on Satiation and Eating Rate 16:55 Applications and Innovations in Food Science 18:31 Unanswered Questions 25:34 Practical Recommendations 27:00 Current and Upcoming Research Projects

Jun 11, 2024

Cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly statins, play a pivotal role in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) concentrations, which are causal markers in atherosclerosis development. The efficacy of these medications is well-documented, with numerous clinical trials demonstrating substantial benefits in reducing cardiovascular events and improving overall mortality rates. Despite the robust evidence supporting the benefits of cholesterol-lowering medications, there are various misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding their use. One common myth is that these drugs are unnecessary for those without overt cardiovascular symptoms, ignoring the preventative benefits for at-risk individuals. Concerns about side effects, such as muscle pain, liver damage, and cognitive impairment, are often exaggerated. While side effects are possible, they are typically mild and manageable. Regular monitoring and adjustments by healthcare providers can help mitigate any adverse effects, ensuring that the benefits of reducing LDL-C and apoB far outweigh the risks. In this episode, preventative cardiologist Dr. Paddy Barrett discusses the different types of lipid-lowering medications, their mechanisms of action, the side effects that may occur, and the misconceptions about the drugs that are unfortunately widespread. Timestamps: 00:14 Introduction 03:26 Dr. Barrett's Background 04:50 What is "Lipid Lowering"? 05:30 Overview of Lipids and Atherosclerosis 09:58 Setting Targets for Lipid Levels 15:52 Medications for Lowering LDL and ApoB 20:12 Statins: Types, Effects, and Side Effects 35:38 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions 42:47 Future of Lipid Lowering Therapies Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM drpaddybarrett.com Dr. Barrett's Substack Book: Heart. An Owner's Guide Receive our free weekly email: the Sigma Synopsis

Jun 4, 2024

When aiming for healthy aging and reducing chronic disease risk over the lifecourse, exercise, specifically a combination of resistance training and cardiorespiratory fitness, has a fundamental role to play. In addition it can mitigate age-related declines and support independence in later years. A strong evidence base exists showing the benefits of increased strength and cardiorespiratory fitness on a range of important outcomes related to lifespan and healthspan. But some intriguing questions remain, such as: How strong is strong enough? At what point do we maximize the benefits of exercise? How "fit" do we need to be? Is simple participation enough or do we need a true training adaptation? How can this actually be implemented in practice so that it is doable? In this episode, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum shares his insights on this topic and offers advice on how we can increase our probability of a long healthspan, through exercise interventions. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page Join Sigma's email list Barbell Medicine Timestamps: 04:40 Dr. Feigenbaum's Journey and Barbell Medicine's Mission 05:57 Defining and Achieving Healthy Aging 10:37 The Impact of Exercise on Health and Longevity 28:52 Strength Training: How Much is Enough? 38:43 Muscle Mass vs. Strength: What Matters More for Health? 47:18 The Paradox of Muscle Mass vs. Strength 49:05 Designing an Effective Strength Training Program 01:01:27 Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Importance and Assessment 01:06:19 Optimizing Cardio Training: Intensity and Volume

May 28, 2024

Contemporary society is witnessing a growing interest in, and embracing of, plant-based diets. Numerous athletes are now gravitating towards such dietary choices, motivated by concerns for health, performance or ethics. Consequently, coaches, nutritionists, and other fitness experts find themselves increasingly tasked with guiding athletes who adhere to plant-based diets. For coaches and trainers, understanding the possible impacts of these dietary preferences on athletes' objectives is paramount, as is devising dietary plans that optimize their performance. This episode discusses the scientific and practical aspects of supporting athletes who have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and diet. Links: Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to episode page - See related episodes Subscribe to Sigma's email newsletter

May 21, 2024

The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) stands as a cornerstone in nutritional research, offering valuable insights into dietary patterns and habits over a specified period. Despite its widespread use and established utility, the FFQ has not been immune to criticism, much of which arises from a misunderstanding of its purpose and inherent limitations. At its core, the FFQ is designed to assess the frequency and quantity of food consumption, aiming to capture long-term dietary behaviors rather than precise intake levels. Researchers employ it to investigate relationships between diet and various health outcomes, such as chronic diseases or nutritional deficiencies. However, critics argue that its reliance on self-reported data introduces biases and inaccuracies, leading to potential misestimation of nutrient intake. Additionally, some detractors question the FFQ's ability to capture sporadic or infrequent dietary choices accurately. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that the FFQ serves a specific purpose within the realm of nutrition research. While there are no doubt limitations, its strength lies in its ability to capture habitual dietary behaviors over an extended period. Moreover, researchers employ various strategies, such as validation studies and data adjustment techniques, to enhance the FFQ's reliability and validity. In this episode, world-leading nutrition epidemiologist Dr. Deirdre Tobias discusses the development of the FFQ, the key concepts that are crucial to understand, common criticisms of the FFQ, and how we should evaluate the utility of this tool. Links: Go to episode page (guest biography, links, etc.) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Interested in improving your ability to read nutrition research? Take a look at our course Applied Nutrition Literacy Join the Sigma Nutrition newsletter

May 14, 2024

Links: Subscribe to Premium (15% off this week!) Download detailed study notes and episode transcript Go to episode page About This Episode: "Personalized nutrition" has been promoted as an approach that will improve people's health by prescribing them specific dietary recommendations based on their own genetic and phenotypic data. The premise is that given we each respond differently to foods, having general dietary recommendations may be doing many people a disservice. And by using an array of personal data, it is now possible to give unique diets that improve health. The early and interesting findings of research in this area was met with much fanfare, and indeed, many companies are now offering commercial direct-to-consumer services based on genetic and physiological testing, followed by "personalized" dietary prescription. Such testing may include genetic tests, microbiome testing, glucose monitoring data, and more. This data is then fed into machine learning algorithms to prescribe dietary recommendations. However, do the marketing claims match the current evidence? Does the "proof" it works that is often cited, actually back up the claims? Do personalized nutrition diets actually lead to improved health outcomes over generic, conventional dietary recommendations? Do personalized nutrition diets lead to better outcomes than standard dietetic/nutrition practice? To answer these questions, we go through the main studies cited in favor of personalized nutrition being superior to typical dietary advice, and see if they indeed support the claims. So is personalized nutrition superior to standard dietary advice? Let's find out… Note: This was originally a Premium-exclusive episode. If you'd like to get more episodes like this, subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium .

May 7, 2024

The relationship between coffee and health is complex, encompassing areas like blood lipids, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, anxiety, and depression. Coffee has an interesting nutrient profile and contains diverse bioactive compounds that influence metabolism. Coffee has a potential impact on cardiovascular disease risk, with mechanisms that highlight potential benefits and some concerns. There may be an impact on blood pressure and blood lipid, but there are important nuances to this. Some research suggests that moderate intake may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with some mechanisms proposed for the observation. Coffee's effects on anxiety, depression, and sleep are common talking points and worthy of addressing. The context of the consumption and the individual in question will dictate the likely effects. Ultimately, coffee's effects on health are influenced by various factors, warranting personalized approaches to consumption. In this episode, Simon Hill puts some questions to Danny Lennon about the impact of coffee on our health. Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium See Sigma's recommended resources Join the Sigma email list Simon's website: The Proof

Apr 30, 2024

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Join the Sigma email list Go to our recommended resources About This Episode: Have you ever wondered how exercise affects our appetite and energy intake? While we know that single bouts of exercise can create a short-term energy deficit, do they also influence our hunger levels? And what about long-term exercise training? Could it modify our appetite in ways that help us better control our weight? Recent research suggests that exercise may indeed play a role in appetite regulation. Could exercise modify the subjective and homeostatic mediators of appetite in ways that enhance our feelings of fullness after a meal? One of the most fascinating aspects of this research is the variability in responses between individuals. Why do some people experience changes in appetite and energy intake after exercise, while others don't? Could factors like adiposity, sex, or habitual physical activity levels play a role? In this episode, Dr. James Dorling of the University of Glasgow helps us delve into the evidence surrounding how factors like adiposity, sex, and habitual physical activity modulate our responses to exercise in terms of appetite, energy intake, and appetite-related hormone responses. About The Guest: Dr. James Dorling is a lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Glasgow. Dr. Dorling's research is broadly focused on three areas: (1) the impact of nutrition and physical activity interventions on obesity-related endpoints and biomarkers of aging; (2) the regulators of appetite and eating behaviours; and (3) the changes in appetite and eating behaviours in response to health interventions. During his PhD, he studied the effects of acute exercise and obesity-related single nucleotide polymorphisms on appetite and appetite-related hormones. Following this, Dr. Dorling joined Pennington Biomedical Research Center where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher. His postdoctoral research principally focussed on the influence of calorie restriction and physical activity on weight, markers of aging, and eating behaviours.

Apr 23, 2024

In a world flooded with claims, advice, and recommendations on how to extend our lifespan, the buzz around various diet approaches, supplement regimens, and lifestyle hacks is deafening. But amidst the noise, one must pause to ponder: Are these claims rooted in science? And perhaps more crucially, are we even asking the right questions or pursuing the correct goals in our quest for longevity? Join us in our upcoming podcast episode as Danny delves into these intriguing questions. Rather than getting lost in the sea of trends and fads, Danny offers his insights on the essential inquiries we should be making. Discover how to shift our focus towards the core factors that genuinely enhance our chances of leading longer, healthier lives. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking exploration into the science and philosophy behind longevity. Links: Subscribe to Premium Go to SigmaNutrition.com

Apr 16, 2024

Acronyms & Terminology: NHS - National Health Service (UK) CAMHS eating disorder unit - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service Tier 4 Services - CAMHS services are organized through a tiered system. Tier 4 is the highest on the hierarchy and relates to highly specialized or inpatient services. NG Feed - nasogastric (NG) tubes MDT decision - multidisciplinary team (MDT) decision-making CBT-E - Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - a "transdiagnostic" treatment for all forms of eating disorder including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other similar states​. ARFID - Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding or eating disorder in which people avoid eating certain foods, or restrict their diets to the point it ultimately results in nutritional deficiencies. SSCM - Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) is a psychotherapy comprising a clinical management focus addressing anorexia nervosa (AN) symptoms and a supportive therapy component. Links: Subscribe to Premium Go to episode page About This Episode: When exploring the landscape of eating disorder treatment and research, several crucial topics emerge, each shedding light on different aspects of this complex field. Firstly, the practice of nasogastric feeding under restraint raises ethical questions and considerations. How do healthcare professionals navigate the balance between ensuring adequate nutrition and respecting the autonomy and dignity of patients? What are the potential implications and risks associated with this practice? Progress in understanding and treating eating disorders has evolved significantly over the years, yet challenges persist in translating research findings into effective clinical practice. How can advancements in genetics, neurobiology, and psychology inform more personalized and holistic treatment approaches? What barriers hinder the implementation of evidence-based practices within healthcare settings? An essential aspect of eating disorder treatment is understanding what "recovery" truly means. Beyond weight restoration, what factors contribute to a meaningful and sustainable recovery journey? How can healthcare professionals support individuals in achieving their unique goals and aspirations for recovery? Improving services and introducing better treatment options requires a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in eating disorders. How can healthcare systems prioritize patient-centered care and tailor interventions to meet the diverse needs of individuals affected by eating disorders? What strategies can be employed to address systemic challenges and foster positive change within healthcare settings? In addressing these questions and navigating the complexities of eating disorder treatment and research, expertise and insights from seasoned professionals are invaluable. In this episode Helen West, an Advanced Specialist Eating Disorders Dietitian with over 12 years of clinical experience, discusses her experience and understanding of these areas. With her extensive background and expertise, Helen offers valuable perspectives in tackling these critical topics within the realm of eating disorder treatment and research.

Apr 9, 2024

Links: Course: Applied Nutrition Literacy Subscribe to Premium Go to episode page (study links, bio, etc.) About This Episode: There has been much debate about the role of nutritional reductionism in research. This approach generally aims to study diet's effects by breaking down the intricate web of dietary factors into smaller, more manageable components. But critics have asked does this approach truly capture the full picture of nutrition's influence on our well-being? In an attempt to help answer research questions there has been a proposal for the use of "nutritional geometry", a framework that delves into the multidimensional relationships between nutrients and their effects on organisms. Within this framework, the protein leverage hypothesis emerges, proposing that our bodies prioritize protein intake and adjust food consumption accordingly. But how does this theory fit into the broader spectrum of nutrition science, and what implications does it hold for understanding and managing our diets? Additionally, as aim to do better nutrition research, we are met with philosophical questions that challenge traditional reductionist views. Is it enough to simply dissect foods into their nutrient components, or do we need a more holistic understanding of dietary patterns and their impact on health? In this episode, Prof. David Raubenheimer and Dr. Jonathan Sholl discuss the need to have an approach where science meets philosophy, and where reductionism meets synthesis. And we dive into ideas they have proposed that make a defense of some aspects of reductionism.

Apr 3, 2024

Links: Enroll in our new course! Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Sigma Nutrition is ten years old this week! Over this time, I'm grateful for a wealth of insights garnered from interviews with some of the brightest minds in the field of evidence-based nutrition science. Through these conversations, I've come to understand the critical underpinnings of scientific thinking, the importance of honing our critical appraisal skills, and the crucial distinction between accurate dissemination of information and misleading "half-truths".

Mar 27, 2024

Links: COURSE: Applied Nutrition Literacy Episode page About This Episode: Navigating the vast landscape of research literature, particularly in the realm of nutrition science, presents numerous challenges for readers seeking to extract meaningful insights. Before diving into research papers, individuals should have a precise understanding of the specific questions they seek to address. Without this clarity, there is a risk of wasting time on irrelevant studies or misinterpreting findings. Furthermore, the selective approach to sourcing research is crucial. With countless studies available, employing heuristic strategies to filter out irrelevant ones and prioritize those aligned with research goals is essential. Effectively reading nutrition studies requires a nuanced understanding of statistical concepts and methodologies used in various studies. Developing this understanding can be challenging, especially for individuals without a background in statistics or research methodology. How can individuals effectively navigate the vast volume of research literature to find studies relevant to their interests or research objectives? What are some common pitfalls to avoid when reading and interpreting nutrition science research? What role do external influences, such as media coverage or recommendations from experts, play in shaping perceptions of research findings? Are there specific strategies or tools that people can use to streamline their research process and optimize their time spent reading research papers? In this episode, we discuss all these issues. Course syllabus: Applied Nutrition Literacy

Mar 19, 2024

Questions Answered in This Episode: [01:22] Do "low-carbers" need less vitamin C? [14.56] If you were to advise a company to establish solid workplace health fundamentals, what would you tell them? [26.20] Which compounds typically found in animal products would be interesting to supplement for health and performance purposes in vegan/vegetarian populations? [40.09] In omega 3 supplementation studies it isn't common to see a baseline measurement of omega 3 index. Why? [44.10] What is your process for preparing for a podcast and choosing topics? [49.53] Based on the current understanding, what is the most ideal diet for people to eat? [55.26] Is there any evidence that otherwise healthy people should be consuming Omega 3 supplements? This is a preview of is one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed.

Mar 12, 2024

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium See recommended resources Receive the Sigma email newsletter About This Episode: The question of whether dietary fat quality causally affects atherosclerosis risk has been a subject of extensive research and debate within the field of nutrition and cardiovascular health. Atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in arteries, is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Traditionally, dietary fat has been implicated in contributing to atherosclerosis, with a focus on reducing overall fat intake. However, recent studies have shifted the focus towards the quality of dietary fats rather than their quantity. Not all fats are created equal, and researchers are now paying closer attention to the types of fats consumed in the diet. Saturated fats, commonly found in animal products and some tropical oils, have long been associated with increased cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, and fish, have been linked to potential cardiovascular benefits. Research suggests that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats may have a positive impact on blood lipid profiles and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, genetic factors and individual responses to different fats may play a role in how dietary fats impact atherosclerosis risk. In this episode, Dr. Jacob Christensen discusses the research in this area and some conclusions about whether we can say dietary fat quality causally increases atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This includes looking at the relationship between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and ASCVD, the link between dietary fat quality and LDL particles, and then finally the relationship between dietary fat quality, LDL particles, and ASCVD. About the Guest: Jacob J. Christensen is a clinical dietitian and researcher at University of Oslo. His research interests include cardiovascular diseases, lipid metabolism, nutrition, genomics and data science.

Mar 5, 2024

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Join the Sigma mailing list Sigma's Recommended Resources About This Episode: There is a lot of interesting research going on related to plant-derived fatty acids, owing to their potential to help improve health and provide sustainable alternatives to other sources of healthy-promoting fatty acids. In addition to work looking at the long-investigated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), some research is now starting to look at more novel fatty acids like stearidonic acid (SDA), and pinolenic acid (PLA), each presenting unique structures and potential benefits within various plant sources. One intriguing focal point is Ahiflower oil, a distinctive source that harbors both ALA and SDA. In this episode, Dr. Ella Baker of the University of Southampton discusses some of the science behind plant-derived fatty acids, offering a deeper understanding of their distinctive qualities, conversion pathways, and the captivating interplay between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dr. Baker's research to date focuses on the metabolism, functionality, and underlying mechanisms of action of plant-derived fatty acids. Her interests include novel plant-derived fatty acids and exploring the effects on membrane structure and function.

Feb 27, 2024

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Sigma's recommended resources Join our email newsletter for free About This Episode: Kidney stones, crystalline deposits formed within the kidneys, present a formidable challenge to individuals grappling with their debilitating effects. These mineral accumulations, though small in size, can inflict significant pain and discomfort as they navigate through the urinary tract. Understanding the nuances of dietary management and treatment for kidney stones is crucial for those seeking relief and prevention. What makes this subject particularly intricate is the diversity of kidney stones – a mosaic of compositions ranging from calcium oxalate to uric acid. Recognizing that not all kidney stones are created equal, dietitians and renal specialists tailor their recommendations to address the specific nature of the stones, unveiling a spectrum of dietary strategies that aim to alleviate symptoms and impede the recurrence of these insidious formations. In this episode, specialist renal dietitian Deepa Kariyawasam brings us through the main causes of kidney stones, the potential dietary interventions, and how to guide individuals toward personalized pathways for kidney stone management.

Feb 20, 2024

Acronyms: RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance AI = Adequate Intake UL = Tolerable Upper Intake Level EAR = Estimated Average Requirement About This Episode: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a set of nutrient reference values, developed in the US, that are used to assess and plan the nutrient intake of healthy individuals. They provide guidelines for the recommended amounts of various nutrients to maintain health and prevent deficiencies or excesses. Different countries may have their own sets of dietary reference values or guidelines that serve similar purposes but may be named differently. DRIs include several different reference values: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) Adequate Intake (AI) Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) DRIs play a crucial role in nutrition and public health for several reasons. DRIs provide specific recommendations for the intake of essential nutrients, helping individuals and health professionals understand the amounts needed to maintain good health. By establishing RDAs and ULs, DRIs help prevent nutrient deficiencies and toxicity, ensuring that individuals consume an appropriate range of nutrients. Governments and health organizations use DRIs to develop public health policies, nutrition programs, and guidelines for food fortification to improve the overall health of populations. For nutrition professionals, understanding DRIs is essential as it forms the basis for assessing and planning dietary recommendations for individuals and populations. Note: This episode is one of our Premium-exclusive episodes. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Otherwise, you can hear a preview of the episode above or on the public feed of the podcast. Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Feb 13, 2024

Links: Go to episode page (with episode resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Get the Sigma email newsletter See Sigma's recommended resources About This Episode: Alzheimer's disease has a profound impact on individuals, families, and societies worldwide. As a progressive neurodegenerative disease, it not only robs individuals of their cognitive abilities but also places an immense emotional and economic burden on caregivers. Mechanistically, the causes of Alzheimer's are incredibly complex and not fully understood. And in terms of treatment, the landscape appears challenging. Drug discovery efforts for dementias, including Alzheimer's, have faced setbacks, leaving a void in effective treatments. Consequently, attention has shifted toward preventive strategies, including dietary patterns. From a prevention standpoint, both genetics and lifestyle should be considered. Which throws up many interesting questions… To what extent do genetic factors contribute to Alzheimer's risk compared to lifestyle choices, and how does this interaction influence disease development? What role does lifestyle play in Alzheimer's risk, and is there evidence supporting the influence of specific nutrients on cognitive health? How do diet patterns impact Alzheimer's risk? Are there discernible risk differences associated with specific dietary choices, and how do these interact with genetic factors, such as the ApoE genotype? In this episode, Drs. Ayesha Sherzai and Dean Sherzai are on the podcast to answer these questions and discuss this topic in more depth. About The Guests: Dr. Ayesha Sherzai is a neurologist and co-director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University, where she leads the Lifestyle Program for the Prevention of Neurological Diseases. She completed a dual training in Preventative Medicine and Neurology at Loma Linda University, and a fellowship in Vascular Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University. She is also a trained plant-based culinary artist. Dr. Dean Sherzai is co-director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. Dean trained in Neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed fellowships in neurodegenerative diseases and dementia at the National Institutes of Health and UC San Diego. He also holds a PhD in Healthcare Leadership with a focus on community health from Andrews University.

Feb 6, 2024

Links: Go to episode page (with episode resources) Subscribe to Premium Receive the Sigma Nutrition newsletter About This Episode: Numerous nutrition studies present findings of "no effect," but interpreting such results requires caution. A null finding, indicating an absence of impact from a nutrient or exposure, may not necessarily suggest a lack of effect overall. Instead, it could stem from issues related to the study's design, the nature of the exposure, or participant characteristics. We've often referred to such studies as being "null by design" . These studies, often termed "null by design," may yield inconclusive results due to insufficient contrast in exposure levels to reveal a significant effect size. Additionally, participants' baseline nutrient status or intake can contribute to false negatives. For instance, if a study provides a nutrient to individuals already replete in that nutrient, it may lead to an erroneous conclusion. This phenomenon can be understood by considering the bell curve of activity for a nutrient. Moreover, a lack of methodological rigor can generate 'false negatives.' If previous literature indicates associations between high intake of a specific food or nutrient and certain outcomes, a study comparing levels of intake well below that threshold may produce a misleading result. Some challenges arise from an overly reductionist perspective. In disease processes, reductionism simplifies diseases to a single primary source at the cellular and molecular level. This perspective assumes that if a nutrient shows a relationship with health or disease outcomes at a population level, its biological activity should manifest in isolation. However, applying such assumptions to exposures like diet may not be tenable. In this discussion, we delve into the concept of "null by design" and present three specific studies with null findings, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation.

Jan 30, 2024

Links: Go to episode page (with supporting links/resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Crushing Comparisons course About This Episode: Social comparison theory, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s, posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. This theory suggests that people engage in social comparisons to evaluate their abilities, opinions, and attributes, often choosing relevant others for comparison. In the realm of body image and self-perception, social comparison theory becomes particularly pertinent, as individuals tend to assess their own bodies in relation to societal ideals and the bodies of others. This process of comparison can have profound implications for body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating patterns. This raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of social comparison theory on body image and eating behaviors. In this episode, Shannon Beer explores these questions and offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between societal influences, individual perceptions, and the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. About The Guest: Shannon Beer is a registered nutritionist, health and confidence coach and certified Compassionate Mind Training facilitator. Shannon works with people aiming to improve their health through facilitating lasting behaviour change in their approach to diet, exercise and body image. She has developed a coaching framework that applies motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and acceptance and commitment therapy-aligned processes in a client-centered alliance toward their own values-based goals.

Jan 23, 2024

Questions Answered in This Epsiode: [02:16] How would you implement a calorie surplus for "bulking" in healthy trainees without compromising their health markers? [15:25] If you were to advise someone with a heavy workload and busy schedule on how to establish the 80/20 of a healthy lifestyle, what would you tell them? [24:36] Is coconut oil good or bad? What about claims that it cures cancer, Alzheimer's, etc.? [33:25] In the circumstance in which an individual has a normal ApoB yet an elevated LDL particle number, which value is more representative of risk? [41:39] Should you supplement in order to reach 100% of RDA for micronutrients? [46:35] Are raw oats a good ingredient to add to smoothies? Do they need to be cooked? [51:58] Is there any research supporting whether or not diet really impacts oral thrush? [55:21] Is there any benefit to supplemental collagen? Note: This is a Premium-exclusive "ask me anything" episode. You can access the full episode as a Premium subscriber. Join here .

Jan 16, 2024

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Sigma's recommended resources Bite Me Nutrition – Australia Instagram: @jonosteedman @dannylennon_sigma About This Episode: There is no shortage of misleading, confusing and even dangerous nutrition information on the internet. And, unfortunately, much of it can sound very convincing and appealing to people who wish to improve their health. The result can be that they may end up ironically doing the opposite. At an individual level, dietitians and medical practitioners end up having to work with patients who have heard incorrect information or who have been following poor advice. What issues does this present? What is the most productive way to help patients and clients in this situation? How can we help give better information while also listening and caring for the patient? To discuss such questions, dietitian Jonathan Steedman is on the podcast to share his experiences and approaches to spreading evidence-based information in a palatable and productive manner. About The Guest: Jonathan Steedman is an Acredited Practising Dietitian (APD) in Australia. He currently works with patientes via telehealth services. He is well-known on social media for explaining confusing nutrition topics in a way that is understandable and engaging for the general population.

Jan 9, 2024

Links: Go to episode page (with study links) Subscribe to Premium Sigma's recommended resources Get our weekly email newsletter About This Episode: Insufficient energy availability can significantly disrupt normal hormonal, metabolic, and physiological processes, prompting the body to initiate a coordinated response aimed at conserving energy. While commonly viewed as beneficial for weight loss and managing cardiometabolic conditions in the current obesity epidemic, chronic energy deficiency in the context of modern sports and exercise nutrition is linked to adverse health outcomes and diminished athletic performance. Nevertheless, the evidence regarding the negative impact of energy deficit on physical capacity and sports performance is not entirely clear. Although severe energy deficiency can impair physical capacity, it's noteworthy that humans can enhance aerobic fitness and strength even in the presence of significant energy deficits. Strikingly, many elite athletes compete at the highest levels despite displaying evident signs of energy deficiency. This raises intriguing questions about how the human body adapts to energy deficits, challenging conventional views on the relationship between energy availability and athletic prowess. To discuss some potential reasons for this ability to maintain peak physical performance while suppressing energetically demanding physiological traits, researcher Dr. Jose Areta of LJMU is on the podcast to discuss his work in this area. About The Guest: Dr. José Areta currently works as a lecturer in Sports Nutrition and Metabolism at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at LJMU. José's primary interest is in the area of training-nutrient interactions in humans. In other words, he investigates how to manipulate ingestion of carbohydrates, fat and protein around training to optimise physical performance and health. The outputs of his research have not only expanded the knowledge of the field but had significant impact and influence on determining current dietary recommendations and practices world-wide. His work has provided novel insights in relation to the amount, timing, quantity and distribution of carbohydrates, fat and protein and dietary supplements around training. Over the last few years José has been developing his research in the area of the endocrinological, metabolic and physiological effects of energy restriction, in which he is currently growing his research team and capability.

Jan 2, 2024

Links: Episode page (with study links) Subscribe to Premium Join Sigma email newsletter About This Episode: The Portfolio diet is a nutritional approach that has garnered attention for its ability to reduce blood lipids and thus improve cardiovascular health. While past intervention trials have demonstrated significant reductions in blood lipids, a critical aspect often overlooked is the long-term impact, both in terms of adherence and disease outcomes. A recent study aimed to address this by looking at disease risk across three cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study I, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The study made use of a Portfolio Diet Score (PDS), a comprehensive metric that evaluates the diet's efficacy based on specific components. These components include positive rankings for plant proteins (especially from legumes), nuts and seeds, viscous fiber sources, phytosterols (mg/day), and plant monounsaturated fat sources. Conversely, the PDS negatively ranks foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Glenn, the lead author of this study, discusses the intricacies of the research, providing insights into its findings and shedding light on how these findings resonate within the broader landscape of literature.

Dec 26, 2023

This episode is one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers. To listen to the full 90 minute episode, you'll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Otherwise, you can hear a preview of the episode here. Full List of Questions: [01:50] How should one interpret the systematic reviews done by Hooper et al that report no association between modification or reduction of saturated fat intake with cardiovascular mortality, total mortality, non-fatal MI? [22.10] Given most people don't meet them, are public health targets for fruit and vegetables too high? [29.10] What is the role of homocysteine in heart disese? Is it causal? [40:45] Monounsaturated Fat: Good, Bad or Indifferent? [50:13] Is there evidence to suggest an upper limit for BMI, where even individuals with a 'healthy' body composition would be at elevated risk? [59:32] Where does the current research stand on the impact of diet on brain health? [01:08:48] Based on recent findings, do we have to throw out previous research on diet's impact on the gut microbiome?

Dec 19, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with links to studies) Subscribe to PREMIUM Join Sigma's email newsletter Sigma's Recommended Resources About This Episode: Navigating the intricate landscape of sports nutrition is one that constantly evolves and challenges our understanding of optimal athletic performance. The delicate balance between advancing research and ensuring practical applicability in the high-speed realm of sports nutrition is a perpetual struggle. Decision-making is difficult, especially when faced with a scarcity of evidence. It's a challenge that resonates with many professionals in the field, prompting reflections on the art of making informed choices in the absence of conclusive data. In this episode, Dr. Andy Kasper, PhD shares his experiences and research in the field of elite sports nutrition. Dr. Kasper, a PhD in Nutrition and Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University, currently spearheads the Performance Nutrition department at Newcastle United Football Club. His illustrious career spans across elite football, rugby union, and rugby league, with notable stints at clubs like Chelsea, Fulham, Derby, England Rugby Union, Sale Sharks, London Irish, and Wasps, to name a few. A prolific contributor to academic publications, Dr. Kasper's insights have not only shaped the scientific landscape but have also directly influenced the nutritional strategies employed by top-tier athletes. Our conversation will traverse a myriad of topics, from the transformative changes witnessed in sports nutrition to invaluable advice for practitioners navigating this intricate terrain. We'll also delve into the delicate balance between advancing research and ensuring practical applicability in the fast-paced world of sports nutrition. Dr. Kasper will shed light on the Paper-to-Podium Matrix, a concept that bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and their real-world implementation in the pursuit of athletic excellence.

Dec 12, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with study links) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our email newsletter About This Episode: The Oslo Diet-Heart Study was one of the earliest randomized controlled trials to explore the relationship between diet and heart disease. It aimed to investigate the impact of dietary interventions, specifically the reduction of saturated fat intake and an increase in polyunsaturated fat intake, on cardiovascular health. The Oslo Diet-Heart Study involved 412 men who had already suffered a myocardial infarction 1-2 years before the start of the intervention. Despite some known limitations, the Oslo Diet-Heart Study played a role in shaping early understanding on the relationship between dietary fat, cholesterol levels, and heart disease. Subsequent research and larger studies have contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors influencing cardiovascular health. In this episode we discuss why this trial is important in the history of diet-heart research and how it connects to other seminal work in the field.

Dec 5, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with study links) Receive Sigma's email newsletter Subscribe to PREMIUM - get study notes to this episode About This Episode: In 1959 a landmark clinical trial, often referred to as the LA Veterans Study, began with the aim to investigate the effects of replacing dietary saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats, on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes. This was an eight-year clinical trial in 846 domiciled male veterans in the US. The diets between the control and experimental groups differed by saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat (particularly linoleic acid) content, but were similar in calories and total dietary fat. The findings of the study suggested that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat was beneficial for reducing heart disease risk. However, the study also reported an unexpected increase in non-cardiac mortality in the intervention group, which raised concerns. In this episode, we discuss why the LA Veterans Study was such a seminal trial and what we can learn from it.

Nov 28, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to Premium Learn more about Sigma Nutrition About This Episode: The Lyon Diet Heart Study (LDHS) is often cited as one of the pivotal studies that helped establish the Mediterranean diet as a recognized and recommended dietary pattern for cardiovascular health. A clinical trial conducted in Lyon, France, the LDHS showed significant reduction in cardiac death could be achieved in secondary prevention patients using a dietary intervention. Conducted between 1992 to 1996, the study involved 605 participants who had previously experienced a heart attack (myocardial infarction). LDHS showed an incredible 75% lower risk of cardiac death in these patients. This remarkable reduction was unexpected and led to considerable attention from the medical and scientific communities. LDHS is interesting to dig into for several reasons. First, it's clever methodology was able to account for some challenges of doing nutrition research. Second, the dietary intervention, whilst named as a "Mediterranean diet", should perhaps be considered differently. In this episode, Alan and Danny dig into all the details, highlighting some important lessons we can take from LDHS.

Nov 21, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with study links) Subscribe to Premium Past episodes referenced: Episodes 493, 481 & 317 Further reading: How Diet Influences Heart Disease Risk About This Episode: The Sydney Diet-Heart Study was a clinical trial conducted in the 1960s and 1970s that aimed to examine the hypothesis that reducing saturated fat intake in the diet would lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. However, it really only gained attention after a more recent re-analysis by Ramsden et al., which in recent years has been used as supporting evidence for the idea that increased polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), and specifically linoleic acid, in addition to reduced saturated fat intake, can increase heart disease risk. This was based on the findings that substituting linoleic acid in place of saturated fat increased all-cause, CVD and CHD mortality. This is of course counter to prevailing consensus and guidelines in this area, which routinely show reduced risk on replacing SFA with PUFA. Could this trial undermine the common conclusions that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat decreases heart disease risk? In this episode Alan and Danny discuss some of the crucial aspects to understand about this study and what it means for what conclusions can be made about the impact of PUFA broadly, and linoleic acid specifically, on our health.

Nov 14, 2023

Note: This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so in order to listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . About This Episode Nutritional epidemiology has faced strong criticism over time. While some of the methodological limitations are fair, often there are criticisms that are misguided and inaccurate. In this episode, Danny touches on a few examples of the misunderstandings of the field and how such claims can be addressed in a more accurate manner. Links: Subscribe to Premium Go to episode page See recommended resources Receive weekly emails from Sigma

Nov 7, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with study links) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive emails from Sigma Nutrition Sigma's Recommended Resources About This Episode: The field of research exploring sex differences in exercise response has yielded intriguing findings, shedding light on the complex interplay between biology, physiology, and training adaptations. One of the fundamental areas of investigation pertains to sex disparities in strength, power, and hypertrophy. Historically, it's been well-established that males, on average, exhibit greater absolute strength and muscle mass compared to females. This discrepancy often traces its roots back to inherent physiological distinctions. However, when it comes to responses to strength and hypertrophy training, the narrative becomes more nuanced. Research indicates that, when individuals of both sexes follow matched resistance training protocols, the relative improvements in strength and hypertrophy are quite similar. So, do women need to be trained differently than men? The answer, it appears, is not as much as one might assume. The principles of progressive overload, specificity, and other training fundamentals remain constant. While individualization is key, the idea of drastically distinct training guidelines based on sex lacks compelling empirical support. The guest in this episode, Dr. David Nolan, is a researcher in the area of sex differences in exercise response, and has looked at the influences of menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in female athletes on their performance. In this episode, we discuss the research to date, and what this means practically for athletes and coaches.

Oct 31, 2023

Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM to get study notes to this episode Go to episode page to see background detail & links See our recommended resources for further learning Previous episodes referenced: SNP17: Is Personalized Nutrition Superior to General Nutrition Advice? 414: Will Machine Learning Overtake Traditional Nutrition Research Methods? 469: Chrononutrition – New Findings & Updated Views About This Episode: To mark the 500th episode of the podcast, Danny and Alan take a look at some of the current outstanding questions in nutrition science, what areas have largely been resolved, and how their own thinking has evolved and changed over time. This brings them into areas such as personalized nutrition, ultra-processed foods, time-restricted eating, salt & health, and the difference between being "evidence-based" and "reference-based". We Discuss: Outstanding questions in nutrition science Personalized nutrition Ultra-prosessed foods (UPFs) Diet-Microbiome-Health Omega-3 Fatty Acids Largely resolved questions Sodium & CVD risk TRE/TRF Macronutrient breakdown & weight loss Evolution in our thinking Epistemology at the forefront "Reference-based" to evidence-based Reading research: understanding "highest quality evidence"

Oct 24, 2023

Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM Go to episode page (with further reading links) Receive our weekly emails About This Episode: Sensory cues, comprising taste, smell, texture, and appearance, serve as the initial drivers that influence our food preferences and liking for particular items. These sensory cues can be both inherent, such as the natural sweetness of fruit, and learned, as in the association between a particular aroma and a favorite dish. One crucial aspect of this research is delving into how sensory properties of food, like texture and taste, contribute to our choices and consumption patterns. Food texture, for example, plays a key role in determining how quickly we consume a meal, with softer textures often being associated with faster eating rates. Sensory intensity and palatability are also central themes in this research. Moreover, research into dietary fat reveals intriguing phenomena like "fat blindness," where the ability to discriminate different levels of fat diminishes as taste intensity increases. Understanding these relationships can help shed light on factors contributing to overeating and potential avenues for behavior modification. To give us a better insight into this field of research, Professor in Sensory Science and Eating Behavior at Wageningen University, Prof. Ciarán Forde, is on the podcast to discuss these ideas.

Oct 17, 2023

Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM Go to episode page Learn more about the podcast Sigma's recommended resources About This Episode: PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) is a landmark clinical trial conducted in Spain. The study made a huge splash due to the rarity in nutrition of having large RCTs with hard endpoints. In addition, it had results of a large magnitude; showing a 30% reduction in cardiovascular events. But the study did face criticisms and controversies over methodological issues, including randomization procedures at certain centers, ultimately leading to a retraction of the original paper and a re-analysis. Participants in the PREDIMED trial were randomly assigned to one of three groups: A Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil. A Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts). A control group following a low-fat diet. Despite the issues it still ends up being an incredibly useful source of data. In this episode we discuss the findings from PREDIMED, some of the potential limitations, and where it sits among the wider Mediterranean Diet literature. Note: This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so in order to listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium .

Oct 10, 2023

Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM Go to episode page (with linked studies) Receive the weekly Sigma email newsletter Recommended resources About this Episode: The PROPEL (Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana) trial was a cluster-randomized weight loss trial, specifically tailored to address the pressing health concerns of an underserved population in Louisiana, where obesity rates have reached alarming levels. The core of the intervention comprises a pragmatic, high-intensity lifestyle-based obesity treatment program, thoughtfully designed to be integrated within primary care settings. Over a 24-month duration, this multi-component weight loss program is delivered by skilled health coaches who are embedded in primary care clinics, with the aim of instigating substantial and sustainable weight loss outcomes. In this study, 803 participants were enrolled, of whom 67% identified as Black and 84% as female, thereby ensuring a diverse representation. The research design randomized 18 clinics, allocating them equally into two groups: usual care and an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI). The usual care group continued to receive their customary primary care, serving as the benchmark against which the ILI's efficacy will be measured. In this episode we have the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the PROPEL trial and gain insights from one of its lead researchers, Dr. John Apolzan of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Oct 3, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to PREMIUM Recommended resources Receive Sigma's free email newsletter Learn more about the podcast About This Episode: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) have been widely employed in nutrition research to assess dietary intake patterns among study participants. However, debates surrounding the reliability of FFQs have persisted both inside and outside the academic community. These debates primarily revolve around issues related to measurement error, recall bias, and the appropriateness of FFQs for diverse populations. One prominent concern is the potential for measurement error in FFQs. These questionnaires rely on self-reported data from participants, which can introduce inaccuracies due to memory limitations and social desirability bias. Participants may not accurately recall their food consumption frequencies and portion sizes, leading to imprecise estimates of nutrient intake. Recall bias is another critical issue in the reliability debate. Participants may selectively remember or misreport the consumption of certain foods or nutrients, leading to an overestimation or underestimation of actual dietary intake. Two concepts are crucial to understand: validity and reproducibility. FFQs are validated by cross-referencing the FFQ data with other dietary assessment tools (or other methods). It's also important to consider if an FFQ gives reproducible results when used on multiple occasions. When we ask "are FFQs reliable?", we must first understand the conceptual exposure of interest: average intake over time. Second, we must consider what nutrients we are looking at. And third, in what population. In this episode, Danny & Alan discuss the reliability of FFQs and how to have a deeper, more accurate understanding of their use. They take a look at valid critcisms of FFQs, as well as some of the more ill-informed criticisms.

Sep 26, 2023

Links: Subscribe to Premium Sigma recommended resources Learn more about the podcast About this episode: In 1985 a paper titled "Sick Individuals and Sick Populations" was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. The paper, authored by eminent epidemiologist Geoffrey Rose, can be considered as seminal and important because it brilliantly raised the concept of the "prevention paradox" and challenged traditional approaches to public health and preventive medicine. The paper's insights have had a lasting impact on how we understand and approach population health interventions. And it raised many contentious public health issues, which are still debated and relevant today. The ideas have very important implications for how we can tackle diet-related diseases in meaningful ways. In this episode, Danny and Alan discuss the central themes of the paper, why they are so crucial to understand, and what this means for our understanding of diet and chronic disease prevention.

Sep 19, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to PREMIUM Get our free weekly emails Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Radio About This Episode: The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC) stands as a seminal and pioneering research endeavor within the domain of epidemiology and cancer prevention. Conducted in Finland, the study aimed to examine the potential protective effects of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and beta-carotene supplementation against the occurrence of various cancer types, particularly lung cancer, among male smokers. Initiated in the early 1980s, the study's comprehensive design, rigorous methodology, and its focus on a specific high-risk population have contributed significantly to the understanding of the interplay between dietary antioxidants and cancer risk. The ATBC study was founded on a growing body of evidence suggesting the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the deleterious effects of oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are recognized as contributors to carcinogenesis. The selection of male smokers as the study cohort was strategically significant, given the heightened susceptibility of this group to lung cancer and other malignancies due to the synergistic action of smoking and oxidative stress. The study's rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled design ensured a high degree of scientific rigor, minimizing biases and confounding factors that might influence the outcomes. One of the primary reasons for the study's seminal status is its contribution to the understanding of the complex relationship between antioxidants and cancer risk. While the study did not find a significant reduction in lung cancer incidence among the intervention group receiving alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplements, its findings spurred critical discussions within the scientific community. The neutral or inconclusive results underscored the intricate nature of carcinogenesis and highlighted the limitations of simplistic cause-and-effect interpretations in the context of cancer prevention. Moreover, the ATBC study contributed to a shift in research paradigms, prompting scientists to explore broader dietary and lifestyle factors that influence cancer risk beyond single-nutrient interventions. In this episode we discuss the three most important publications from the study, with a specific look at what crucial lessons they teach us about the nuances, challenges, and unique aspects of nutrition as a scientific field.

Sep 12, 2023

Links: Episode page with extra resources Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our free weekly emails Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Radio About this Episode: The field of circadian biology has long been associated with regulating diurnal physiological processes, notably the sleep-wake cycle. However, recent advances have unveiled a broader role for circadian clocks across various tissues, including skeletal muscle. Within this context, the investigation of circadian clocks within the skeletal muscle milieu has emerged as a frontier of scientific inquiry. These intrinsic timekeeping mechanisms exhibit multifaceted regulatory capacities beyond mere temporal synchronization. This episode delves into the implications of "circadian clocks" operating within skeletal muscle tissue, with the esteemed Prof. Karyn Esser as this week's guest. Her pioneering work has been instrumental in understanding the interplay between circadian rhythmicity and muscular physiology.

Sep 5, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with study links & resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our weekly newsletter More episodes on cholesterol & heart disease About This Episode: The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) was a groundbreaking clinical trial conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. Its main objective was to investigate the relationship between various risk factors and the incidence of heart disease. The study aimed to determine whether modifying risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking, could lead to a reduction in cardiovascular events. The trial spanned several years, with participants being followed up for a period of approximately six years to assess the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. The primary outcome measures included coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and overall mortality. The MRFIT trial yielded several important findings that have significantly influenced our understanding of cardiovascular health and prevention strategies. In this episode we take a look at why this is such seminal research, as well as the contribution of one of the greatest researchers ever in the field, Jeramiah Stamler.

Aug 29, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources for this episode) Subscribe to PREMIUM Join the Sigma email newsletter Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Radio About this Episode: One of the most important and influential papers in nutrition science is one by Ancel Keys and his colleagues that was published in The Lancet in 1957. This seminal paper examined the relationship between dietary fat intake and serum cholesterol levels. The researchers investigated how different types of fats in the diet affected cholesterol levels in a series of their previous tightly-controlled dietary experiments.. Those studies involved feeding the participants various diets with different compositions of fats. The researchers analyzed the participants' blood samples to measure changes in serum cholesterol levels in response to dietary changes. The most important aspect of this paper is the presentation of the 'Keys Equation'; a predictive equation for the impacts of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, and dietary cholesterol, on blood cholesterol levels. Crucially, the Keys Equation identifies the importance of the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats in the diet; known as the 'P:S ratio'. It showed that the P:S ratio is the most important dietary factor impacting blood cholesterol levels. And specifically that saturated fats increase total and LDL cholesterol twice as much as polyunsaturated fats lower them. The findings of this study were significant in highlighting the potential impact of dietary fat subtypes on serum cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. It contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that high serum cholesterol levels, particularly due to a diet rich in saturated fats, were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this episode, as part of our new series taking an in-depth look at seminal nutrition studies, we go through this influential paper from Keys, Anderson and Grande.

Aug 22, 2023

This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so here you'll only hear a preview. In order to listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . About This Episode: It has been clearly demonstrated that elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), or perhaps more specifically pro-atherogenic lipoproteins, is causal in atherosclerosis development in humans. One crucial concept within this is that the risk relates not only to the magnitude of elevated LDL-C, but the duration of exposure. Thus, the role of LDL-C in driving atherosclerosis is referred to as a "cumulative, integrated exposure over the lifecourse" . But, what exactly does this mean? In this episode, Danny discusses the cumulative exposure model of LDL-C in atherosclerosis, the evidence supporting it, and the implications of this for the "debates" that get raised in relation to LDL-C (or apoB-containing lipoproteins) and heart disease. Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM See more episodes on heart disease and lipids Receive the free Sigma email newsletter

Aug 15, 2023

Links: Resources and info for this episode Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's weekly email newsletter About This Episode: Losing at least 5% of one's initial body weight is associated with improvements in glycaemic control, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and other positive outcomes. Due to these reasons, it is typically recommended that individuals classified as overweight or obese should engage in effective weight loss interventions. However, despite the potential for clinically significant weight loss through these interventions, weight regain is a common occurrence. This can be attributed to a combination of low adherence to weight control strategies and compensatory physiological mechanisms that influence weight regain. Consequently, this may result in a cycle of losing and regaining weight over the long term, which is commonly referred to as "weight cycling." There are concerns regarding the potential harm to health and increased risk of chronic diseases associated with weight cycling. Some mechanisms have been proposed, such as the loss of lean mass during weight loss periods that is not regained when weight is regained. However, the evidence supporting the harmful effects of weight cycling on health is incomplete and many unanswered questions remain. In this episode, we will examine the evidence published to date and draw evidence-based conclusions regarding the impact of weight cycling on long-term health.

Aug 8, 2023

Links: Episode Resources Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our weekly newsletter About This Episode: There has been interest in, and debate about, how protein intake impacts metabolic health, particularly in relation to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. Recently, there has been interest in higher protein intakes as an intervention in diabetes, owing to a variety of potential mechanisms. For example, the satiety value of protein, the promotion of insulin secretion by protein, and imapcts on incretin hormones. However, others have warned against high protein intakes. With some going as far as to claim high, or even moderate, protein intakes can lead to insulin resistance or negatively effect beta-cell function. In this episode, we look at the research typically cited in support of such claims, and dig into the details. We consider the overall evidence in this area to answer the question 'do high protein diets cause insulin resistance or increase diabetes risk?'.

Aug 1, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our free weekly emails About This Episode: The management of type 2 diabetes has long been a challenge, but a new study conducted by researcher Mark Lyngbaek and his colleagues has the potential to add important considerations to the approach to treatment. Titled the "DOSE-EX" randomized clinical trial, their study uncovers the impact of exercise and weight loss on beta-cell function, a key factor in diabetes progression. DOSE-EX is a four-armed randomized trial involving 82 individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into four groups: standard care, calorie restriction, calorie restriction with exercise three times per week, and calorie restriction with exercise six times per week. Over a span of 16 weeks, the researchers assessed the effects of these interventions on beta-cell function using various indicators. The study's findings are incredibly interesting, demonstrating that exercise in combination with diet-induced weight loss leads to a substantial improvement in glucose-stimulated beta-cell function. Importantly, the results indicate the importance of considering both: a) the exercise dose, and b) the methodology of assessing beta-cell function, when evaluating intervention effectiveness. In this episode, Dr. Lyngbaek will elucidate the implications of these findings for the management of type 2 diabetes. We will explore the potential of exercise as a therapeutic tool, its optimal dosage, and the considerations for integrating it into individualized treatment plans. About The Guest: Dr. Mark Lyngbæk is a physician, currently in an introduction position at the Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine 2 at Holbæk Hospital, and also a PhD student at the Centre for Physical Activity Research at Rigshospitalet. His research has looked at exercise, beta-cell function and type 2 diabetes. He is supported by a research grant from the Danish Diabetes Academy, which is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant number NNF17SA0031406). The Centre for Physical Activity Research is supported by TrygFonden (grants ID 101390, ID 20045, and ID 125132). Subscribe to PREMIUM

Jul 25, 2023

Links: Subscribe to PREMIUM Episode page Receive Sigma emails About this Episode: We've just released a lengthy 'ask me anything' episode, where Dr. Alan Flanagan addressed specific listener questions, over on the Sigma Nutition Premium feed. In this episode, you'll hear one detailed answer from that AMA, in which Alan discusses the concept of "causal risk factors". This is a term that is regularly mentioned on the podcast, and has a very specific and important meaning. This episode will give you an in-depth understanding and comfort with the term, which will enhance your future understanding and learning. If you wish to hear the other 10 questions Alan answered, you can subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium here .

Jul 18, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Receive Danny's weekly emails Twitter: @NutritionDanny Subscribe to PREMIUM About This Episode: In the UK, there is a threefold higher incidence of type 2 diabetes in UK African and Caribbean (AfC) communities, compared to the general population. And ethnic inequalities in type 2 diabetes treatment and outcomes have been documented. And so addressing these inequalities is an urgent healthcare priority in the UK. Differences in outcomes relate to physiological differences as well as pragmatic issues and structural barriers. Professor Louise Goff has done pioneering work in relation to both aspects. Prof. Goff's research has highlighted ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology between those in UK African and Caribbean groups and white Europeans. This means that typical screening for diabetes may not be as useful for AfC communities, in addition to treatments not being as appropriate. In addition, there are noted differences in engagement with diabetes education services and self-management advice. This may be due to the fact that the delivery of information is not culturally relevant to those in AfC communities. And so diabetes structured education programs have been found to be less successful in people from minority ethnic groups. Prof. Goff has attempted to address this by developing a culturally tailored self-management education and support program for type 2 diabetes in black-British adults. This program, called the Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) program, has initially been trialed with local Black African and Caribbean communities and healthcare providers in South London. In this episode, Prof. Goff discusses the ethnic differences in diabetes pathophysiology and the other factors underlying the inequalities in diabetes outcomes in black African and Caribbean communities. Go to episode page (with resources)

Jul 11, 2023

Links: Episode page (with links to resources) Receive Danny's weekly emails Subscribe to PREMIUM About This Episode: The topic of whether hunger and satiety are affected by the time of day has generated considerable interest within the nutrition research community. Researchers have been particularly intrigued by the potential influence of circadian rhythms on caloric intake throughout the day. Initially, a number of studies proposed that consuming high energy intakes in the morning could lead to significantly greater weight loss compared to evening consumption. And while much attention was placed on the hypothesis that differences in expenditure were the cause, more recent research has called that into doubt. And so, it is crucial to consider the possibility that other factors may be contributing to the outcomes observed in the intervention trials. In recent years, a series of papers has suggested an alternative explanation; the impact of time-of-day energy intake on appetite and hunger. In this episode, Alan and Danny take a look at the current evidence related to this connection between time-of-day, appetite, and energy intake. And then, from that, what does this mean for how calorie distribution may affect dietary intake, body composition and health.

Jul 5, 2023

Links: Join notification list for book pre-orders Go to episode page (w/ resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: "Weight cutting" is a common practice in weight-class based sports. And typically, combat sport athletes have reported cutting the largest amounts of weight for competition. The concept of cutting weight is based on the assumption that a size advantage gives a performance advantage in combat sports. And by getting into a lower weight class than their "normal" weight, athletes can enjoy an advantage (or, more accurately, not be at a disadvantage). The decrease in weight from an athlete's habitual weight to their weight-class limit typically has two phases: a chronic weight loss phase (gradual dieting to lose fat mass), and an acute weight loss phase (rapid declines in weight due to losses of water, glycogen and gut residue). To discuss the science, practical application and dangers of weight cutting strategies, performance dietitian Jordan Sullivan is on the podcast. Jordan has been the performance dietitian for several years to Israel Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski, Leon Edwards, Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and many other well-known names. And he is the co-author, along with Danny, of the new textbook 'Making Weight: The Ultimate Science Based Guide to Cutting Weight for Combat Sports'.

Jun 27, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Receive Danny's weekly emails Subscribe to PREMIUM Twitter: @NutritionDanny Instagram: @dannylennon_sigma About This Episode: Peaks in blood glucose (or "blood sugar spikes") are commonly highlighted as something harmful to health. And, of course, an excessively high blood glucose response to a meal can be problematic, or at least indicate there is a problem. However, elevations in blood glucose after eating are a normal physiological response. And "bad" blood glucose responses are those that stay high for a prolonged period; i.e. after elevating, they don't return to normal within an appropriate period of time. But now many normoglycemic people are worrying about normal blood glucose responses, due to information that portrays even moderate elevations in blood glucose as harfmul. To add to the confusion, people are looking at standardized cut-off thresholds for diabetes and pre-diabetes, and mistakenly using them to label their own response to eating as measured by a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device. When it comes to normoglycemic people, there is still a grey area in relation to how much of a glucose spike is a cause for concern. And given that there are still open questions that evidence has not fully answered yet, there is room for different interpretations of how to answer this question. So what actually is a blood glucose peak that is "too high"? Is it 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL)? 10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dL)? 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)? Or do we even need to think about this once standard measures (e.g. HbA1C) are normal? To discuss this interesting area, Dr. Mario Kratz and Dr. Nicola Guess are on the podcast to offer some perspectives and their conclusions from the current evidence base. Blood Glucose Unit Conversions: 1.7 mmol/L = 30 mg/dL 7.0 mmol/L = 126 mg/dL 7.8 mmol/L = 140 mg/dL 9.0 mmol/L = 162 mg/dL 10.0 mmol/L = 180 mg/dL 11.0 mmol/L = 198 mg/dL 11.1 mmol/L = 200 mg/dL

Jun 20, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's weekly emails Subscribe to PREMIUM About This Episode: Menopause is commonly associated with hormonal changes and physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood changes, sleep issues, and weight gain. Based on anecdotal reports, another interesting question emerges: what is the potential impact of menopause on appetite? As women undergo this transformative phase, many report fluctuations in their food intake and body weight, raising the question: Does menopause alter appetite? Understanding the relationship between menopause and appetite is of great significance, as it can potentially provide insights into the mechanisms behind weight gain and obesity risk that often accompany this stage of life. Furthermore, comprehending the factors that contribute to changes in appetite during menopause could aid in the development of tailored interventions and strategies to support women's overall health and well-being. In this episode, we delve into the research to see if we can unearth any answers. What studies have been done? What results do we see? What conclusions does this allow us to make? And what does future research need to do in order to provide better answers?

Jun 13, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's weekly email Twitter: @NutritionDanny Instagram: @dannylennon_sigma About This Episode: Note: This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so in order to listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Low-carbohydrate diets come with a list of reported benefits, and research does show benefit for a number of different outcomes. However, many influencers and advocates of low-carb diets routinely add commentary that is misleading, incorrect, and possibly dangerous. This has led to us highlighting such incorrect information on this podcast before and pushing back against central claims of the "big names" in the "low-carb community". However, low-carbohydrate diets can indeed be a viable dietary pattern for people who wish to consume a healthy diet… provided they meet a few criteria. In other words, it is possible to consume a low-carb diet that still largely fits in with the evidence we have on healthy dietary patterns. In this episode, Danny discusses what health outcomes may result from low-carb diets, and what distinguishes a "healthy low-carb diet" from an "unhealthy low-carb diet". This includes some pragmatic tips for nutritionists, health professionals and consumers, who are choosing to use a low-carbohydrate diet.

Jun 6, 2023

Links: Episode page with resources Subscribe to PREMIUM MASS Research Review About This Episode: Metabolic adaptation refers to the process by which the body adjusts its metabolism in response to changes in energy intake or body mass. This adjustment can occur in both directions, meaning that the body can increase or decrease its energy expenditure in response to changes in energy intake or body weight. When someone consumes fewer calories than their body requires for energy, the body will respond by slowing down its metabolism to conserve energy. This can make it harder to lose weight and maintain weight loss over time. Conversely, when someone consumes more calories than their body needs, the body will increase its metabolic rate in order to burn off the excess energy. There are several open debates in science about metabolic adaptation, including the actual magnitude of it, its relevance to weight loss, what measurement methods should be used, and the mechanisms underlying the contributory factors. Some people have framed metabolic adaptation as so significant that it makes weight loss attempts futile. While others, including in research, have referred to metabolic adaptation as an "illusion". So what do we actually know about this concept and what is the pragmatic significance of it? To discuss the nuances of the topic, Alan and Danny are joined by Dr. Eric Trexler, who has published on this topic and has followed recent publications closely. About The Guest: Dr. Eric Trexler is Director of Education at Stronger By Science, where he co-hosts the SBS podcast. He also is one of the four contributors to the MASS Research Review . Eric has a prolific background in exercise science research, with more than 30 publications to his name by the time he completed his PhD at UNC-Chapel Hill. --- Subscribe to PREMIUM

May 30, 2023

Links: Episode page (with links to studies mentioned) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's free weekly email About This Episode: The benefits of consuming a higher fiber diet have been consistently demonstrated in nutrition research. Epidemiology clearly shows that higher intakes, compared to lower intakes, leads to a risk reduction for a range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. And based on this epidemiological evidence, most dietary guidelines recommend dietary patterns that provide adults with 30-35g of dietary fiber per day. However, what do we know about intakes beyond this? Do we continue to see benefit in a linear fashion? Is there a ceiling to benefit? At what level would we see "optimal" benefit or the greatest magnitude of risk reduction? The ability to answer such questions is hampered by the fact it's difficult to find cohort studies where the "high" fiber level is high enough to relate to this issue. However, there have been some controlled studies looking specifically at "very high" intakes, i.e. those far above current recommendations. In addition, there are some populations where habitual dietary intake gives a fiber intake far above the typcial intakes in Western cohorts. So in this episode we go through this data to try to see what we can conclude about this fascinating question of 'what are the health effects at very high fiber intakes?' New to Sigma Nutrition? Learn more about us here .

May 23, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's weekly email About This Episode: In the last couple of decades, carbohydrates have experienced an increasing amount of negative campaigning. In general, the main argument is that carbohydrates have been viewed as the root cause for obesity, diabetes and several other diseases including heart disease and behavioral disorders. However, there can often be a lack of appreciation that not all carbohydrates are equal in their health effects. Beyond this, now there has even been confusion as to whether high fiber diets with whole grains are good for you or bad. This is mostly a result of strong claims made by people with large online followings and promoting specific diets. What does the best evidence tell us about different carbohydrate types and impacts on health outcomes? Should carbohydrates be viewed as inherently harmful? How solid is the evidence on whole grains, legumes and other high-fiber carbohydrate-rich foods? To help us tease through the science in this area, in this episode we get some answers from nutrition epidemiologist, Dr. Andrew Reynolds. About the Guest: Dr. Andrew Reynolds is a nutrition epidemiologist working with achievable lifestyle and environment change in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He primarily conducts randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. Much of his work is to inform evidence-based dietary or clinical guidelines, policy, and food reformulation. Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's weekly email

May 16, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's free weekly email About This Episode: "Personalized nutrition" has been promoted as an approach that will improve people's health by prescribing them specific dietary recommendations based on their own genetic and phenotypic data. The premise is that given we each respond differently to foods, having general dietary recommendations may be doing many people a disservice. And by using an array of personal data, it is now possible to give unique diets that improve health. The early and interesting findings of research in this area was met with much fanfare, and indeed, many companies are now offering commercial direct-to-consumer services based on genetic and physiological testing, followed by "personalized" dietary prescription. Such testing may include genetic tests, microbiome testing, glucose monitoring data, and more. This data is then fed into machine learning algorithms to prescribe dietary recommendations. However, do the marketing claims match the current evidence? Does the "proof" it works that is often cited, actually back up the claims? Do personalized nutrition diets actually lead to improved health outcomes over generic, conventional dietary recommendations? Do personalized nutrition diets lead to better outcomes than standard dietetic/nutrition practice? To answer these questions, we go through the main studies cited in favor of personalized nutrition being superior to typical dietary advice, and see if they indeed support the claims. So is personalized nutrition superior to standard dietary advice? Let's find out… Note: This is a Premium-exclusive episode, so in order to listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . However, you can listen to a preview here.

May 9, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with further resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Get Danny's weekly email, the Sigma Synopsis About This Episode: While it has long been acknowledged that high intakes of saturated fat can increase risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to their impact on blood lipids, there are some who question the association between saturated fat and heart disease. Specifically, they may state that the evidence for this association is weak or non-existent, typically by pointing to some commonly cited studies that show null associations between saturated fat and CVD outcomes. On this basis, they may conclude that there is no basis to aim to limit saturated fat intake to current recommended levels or that reducing saturated fat intake will not actually improve health outcomes. In this episode, Alan and Danny look at the four most commonly cited publications showing a null association, highlighting some key issues. Beyond that, they look at a number of other lines of evidence on saturated fat that allows one to come to a confident answer on this question. So does reducing saturated fat intake to recommended levels actually reduce heart disease risk? Let's discuss…

May 2, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM Receive Danny's free weekly emails About this Episode: The beneficial impact of a high-fiber diet is something that has been promoted in nutrition for a long period of time. But there remain a variety of interesting questions to researchers, practitioners and the general public alike. How much fiber do we actually need? What are current fiber recommendations based on? What outcomes have the strongest evidence for benefit? Should we have targets for fiber sub-types? Are some types of fiber "better" than others? Do functional fibers added to food products still retain the benefits we see with dietary fiber? To help get to some evidence-based answers on these issues, our guest in this episode is one of the researchers at the forefront of dietary fiber research for decades, Professor Joanne Slavin.

Apr 25, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's free weekly email Description: Blood glucose responses play a crucial role in maintaining good health, and any abnormalities in glucose regulation can lead to several chronic conditions. Diabetes is one such disease that results from a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. There has been debate about what exactly constitues a "healthy" and "unhealthy" blood glucose response. While it is suggested that unhealthy blood glucose responses are characterized by erratic and unpredictable "spikes" in blood glucose levels, sometimes vague terminology leads to people worrying about normal blood glucose responses. This may be particularly related to the increasing prevalence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices that allow individuals to track their glucose levels in real-time. While these devices can be helpful for people with diabetes to manage their glucose levels, they can also lead to unnecessary concern and anxiety about small, normal glucose elevations. In recent years exciting advances have been made in diabetes remission research. And off the back of that, more research has looked at various dietary interventions that could either directly impact remission, or act as an adjuct to other interventions. In this discussion with Dr. Nicola Guess, we discuss a range of topics related to glycemia, diabetes, and diet. This includes the potential for high-protein interventions, what utility CGMs actually have, what to make of diabetes remission trials, and future directions for the field.

Apr 18, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (w/ resources) Get Danny's weekly emails Subscibe to Premium Description: Understanding the concept of an "exposure" is a critical aspect to nutrition science literacy. The 'exposure of interest' refers to the variable or factor that is being studied to determine its relationship with a particular health outcome. For example, in a study examining the relationship between diet and heart disease, the exposure of interest may be a particular nutrient or food group, such as saturated fat or red meat consumption. But when reading research we need to be able to critically examine the levels of an exposure and ask were these suitable for the research question at hand. For example, is there a sufficiently wide contrast in the exposure between the groups being compared? How do the reported levels of intake relate to what we know about this exposure from the wider literature? Much has been made of the many 'null' associations found in nutrition epidemiology. But in many cases, these may be accounted for by looking at the exposure contrast or absolute intakes in those studies. Something we referred to as "null by design". In this episode, Danny and Alan go through the most crucial aspects to understand about the exposure of interest in nutrition, hopefully leading to an enhanced understanding of interpreting nutrition research.

Apr 11, 2023

Links: Episode page with related links Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Receive Danny's free weekly email Description: Substantial evidence shows that a high intake of saturated fat in the diet has the potential to significantly raise LDL-C and ApoB-containing lipoproteins in many people, and in turn increase their risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, people may raise what seems to some contradictory evidence, or what is sometimes thought of as a paradox: the impact of full-fat dairy on CVD risk. This paradox arises because given the saturated fat content of full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, we typically don't see the same impact on blood lipid profiles. In addition, epidemiology can often show such foods in a favourable light. And the dairy fat story gets more interesting when we look at evidence showing there is a huge difference in the impact of consuming different dairy foods (e.g. butter vs cheese/yogurt). So this leads to many questions that people rightly ask, which we aim to address in this episode. Questions such as: Why doesn't increased dairy consumption lead to same increases in CVD risk as other saturated fat sources? Do results from full-fat dairy studies prove that saturated fat isn't a problem? What is it about cheese/yogurt that makes it different to butter? How do low-fat and full-fat dairy compare? Diets including/excluding dairy: how to compare? Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Apr 4, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Receive our free weekly emails Introduction: Discordance between low-density lipoprotein particle (LDL-p) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) occurs when the levels of these two biomarkers do not match up as expected. Discordance between Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is similar, except rather than counting just LDL particles, ApoB is a measure of the numbers of lipoproteins that have an ApoB attached. Discordance between ApoB and LDL-C can lead to either an underestimate or overestimate of ASCVD risk. And therefore there may be important implications for someone who does have discordance. Additionally, it is such cases that suggest that a measurement of ApoB may provide additional information beyond traditional lipid measures in assessing a person's cardiovascular risk. Recent work from researchers at Liverpool John Moores University has investigated whether discordance is associated with certain dietary patterns. In this episode, one of the researchers involved, Dr. Ian Davies, is on the podcast to discuss this work in addition to wider questions in the diet-lipids-CVD field that remain to be answered.

Mar 28, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (w/ resources) Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive Danny's free weekly email Description: Fructose is a type of sugar that is commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and many processed foods. In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion and debate about the impact of fructose on health, with some claiming that it is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. However, these claims are often at odds with what the scientific literature actually says. One of the most common claims about fructose is that it is inherently "bad" for health, and that consuming too much of it can lead to a wide range of health problems. This idea has been popularized in many popular diet and health books, and has led to a widespread fear of fructose among the general public. However, many of these claims are based on outdated or oversimplified research, and do not reflect the complex reality of how fructose interacts with the human body. Another common claim about fructose is that it is uniquely responsible for the current obesity epidemic, and that reducing fructose intake is the key to weight loss and better health. While it is true that excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages can contribute to weight gain and other health problems, the idea that fructose is uniquely responsible for these issues is not supported by the scientific evidence. In fact, many studies have found that total sugar intake, rather than fructose specifically, is the most important factor in the development of obesity and related health problems. In this episode we discuss the unique aspects of fructose metabolism, why some studies appear to show unique harm of fructose, and the implications of this for dietary choices. Go to episode page

Mar 22, 2023

Links: Go to episode page Subscribe to Premium Sign-up for our free weekly email: The Sigma Synopsis Description: The idea of food addiction has gained a lot of attention in recent years, as obesity rates continue to rise around the world. Many people struggle with overeating and find it difficult to resist certain foods, leading to a cycle of guilt and shame. The concept of food addiction suggests that there may be a biological explanation for this behavior, and that certain foods may be especially "rewarding" to the brain, leading to a kind of addiction. To help look at the evidence in this area, our guest in this episode is Dr. Charlotte Hardman, who is a leading researcher in the field of appetite and obesity. Dr. Hardman's research focuses on the psychological and biological processes that contribute to overeating and obesity. She is particularly interested in the concept of "food addiction," which suggests that certain foods may be addictive and lead to compulsive overeating, similar to substance addiction. In this podcast, we will explore the latest research on food addiction with Dr. Hardman. We will delve into the evidence for and against the idea of food addiction, as well as discuss the potential implications for public health and policy. Join us as we explore this fascinating topic and learn more about the complex relationship between food and the brain.

Mar 17, 2023

Questions Answered in this AMA [00:03:01] Mechanisms that keeps weight stable over time? [00:11:52] Semaglutide: Game-changer? Weight regain? [00:30:42] How to further lower LDL-C? Can I avoid statins? [00:43:52] Glyphosate: A cause for concern in food? [00:48:30] High caffeine intake is making me sweat more. What's going on? [00:55:16] Should I avoid non-organic meat? [01:00:08] Is there evidence on iron and zinc co-ingestion for anemia of prematurity? [01:03:09] "Carni-nutrients": Can vegan diets cause brain issues due to lower choline, creatine and taurine? [01:12:10] Are energy drinks bad for us? [01:17:43] What are some resources for doctors and patients that simply explain obesity & treatments? This is an episode exclusive to Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode you'll need to subscribe . However, you can listen to a preview here.

Mar 13, 2023

Links: Go to episode page (with links & resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Receive our free weekly email, The Sigma Synopsis About This Episode: Often claims are made recommending that people should aim to keep peaks in blood glucose low in terms of both magnitude and frequency. And while many claims about blood glucose "spikes" are incorrect or purposefully exaggerated to grab attention, there are some reasonable and interesting hypotheses put forward in relation to blood glucose variability and excursions. For example, interesting questions have been raised in relation to the impact of blood glucose excursions in seemingly normoglycemic and/or healthy people. In this episode, we look at three specific elements of this: average blood glucose, glucose variability, and glucose peaks. All in the context of people without prediabetes or type diabetes, who have typical blood glucose measures in the 'normal' range. Specifically, we look at three hypothesized recommendations made elsewhere: "The lower you average blood glucose (HbA1C) is better, even if already in normal range" "The more you can minimize glucose variability, the better." "Minimizing the number of glucose "peaks" is important, even if they don't meet the threshold for hyperglycemia" Can normoglycemic people benefit from further reducing these measures? Let's take a look…

Mar 7, 2023

Links: Episode page (with more links) Subscribe to Premium Introduction Depression is a common disorder and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Diet has been one area that has been suggested in playing a role; from potential for exacerbating symptoms to being a treatment. And while some associations have been noted, many claims far exceed what (little) evidence exists. Online it is common to see people claiming certain diets can treat depression or that certain foods will improve outcomes. However, does the evidence match such claims? In trials that have been published on diet-depression, there has been considerable media attention and fanfare around some results. For example, the SMILES trial published out of Australia. However, some have raised considerable concerns about the interpretation of such findings. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile is on the podcast to discuss what we currently know about diet and depression, what issues exist with current studies, and why many nutrition-mental health studies are being incorrently interpreted.

Feb 28, 2023

Links: Subscribe to Premium Go to this episode's page (with links) Live event: London - March 18th Receive 'Sigma Synopsis' emails Description: When thinking about the effect of eating or not eating a certain food or nutrient, we can't consider this in isolation. Meaning, we need to evaluate the impact within the context of what such an inclusion/exclusion does to an individual's overall diet pattern. Thinking about this concept, the phrase "compared to what?" has been colloquially used. And while this is an important idea, there has been some misapplication of this principle. In nutrition science, this is related to the concept of food or nutrient "substitution". And this concept is crucial to understanding the issues that can arise in nutrition studies, particularly when it comes to single food analyses in nutritional epidemiology. This concept of substitution is quite intuitive in controlled feeding studies. However, it is not as obvious when considering nutrition epidemiology studies. As noted by Ibsen & Dahm (2022): "Whereas studying the effects of eating one food instead of another is typically explicit in interventional study designs, it is often implicit and sometimes hidden in analyses of observational studies." However, in nutrition epidemiology substitution is still happening, but it typically emerges as a consequence of adjustment models . In nutritional epidemiology, it is essential to adjust for confounders. E.g., one vital adjustment is often for total calorie intake. However, when our exposure is a specific food/nutrient, we must think about confounding by other foods. So knowing what, and how, a study is adjusting for variables helps us interpret it better. In this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon discuss these crucial ideas of food substitution, adjustment models, and "compared to what?". Go to this episode's page (with links)

Feb 21, 2023

Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium Live Event: London, UK Receive the Sigma Synopsis emails About This Episode: Does sodium lead to calcium losses? Do high-salt diets harm bone health? At what thresholds could there be an impact? Does any of this change our recommendations around salt/sodium intake? Thanks to Sigma Nutrition Premium subscriber Kate Wall for submitting a question in the member's area that inspired this episode. Kate asks: "Salt can impact calcium excretion in the urine and it is said that a high salt diet can increase risk of osteoporosis as it draws calcium from the bone and excretes it. How much of an impact does dietary salt intake actually have on bone health and how high would salt intake have to be for this to be a concern? Obviously high salt intakes are not something to aim for in general, but just wondered if this was a mechanism that could remove meaningful amounts of calcium in a way that I should be advising around this in those that we work with as nutritional professionals. Thanks!" So in this episode, Danny and Alan look at some of the evidence in this area to see if there are impacts that have pragmatic implications for nutrition and medical professionals, as well as health-concious people.

Feb 14, 2023

Links: Subscribe to Premium Episode page Description: Nutritionists, dietitians and other health & fitness professionals face many challenges when attempting to help their clients and in understanding what approaches are best in a given situations. There are often discussions around improving client adherence to dietary recommendations. However, sometimes we need to think deeper about this topic. Is there really just a tool to fix this? Or could the problem be the recommendations themselves? Similarly, while quantifying dietary intake in terms of calorie and macronutrient amounts can be useful in some cases, it's clear that this isn't the best approach in many cases. So for coaches aiming to help athletes or those with body composition goals, how do we use "non-tracking" approaches effectively? This episode brings you a roundtable discusssion between three accomplised and insightful nutrition professionals; Dr. Eric Helms, Dr. Zoya Huschtscha, and Mackenzie Baker. In the episode we discuss the above-mentioned topics and more.

Feb 7, 2023

Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium Live event in London, UK Description: Meal timing has been a popular, and at times controversial, topic of interest in nutrition. Despite much speculation over the years as to potential advantages to specific meal timing or meal frequencies, for many outcomes there seems to be little pragmatically meaningful difference. For example, when accounting for calorie and macronutrient intake, there is little to no effect of meal timing on body composition, blood pressure, and energy expenditure. However, just because there is little evidence for the importance of meal timing in relation to those outcomes, this should not be interpreted to mean there is no impact of meal timing on all health outcomes. One area where meal timing may be an important factor is in relation to glucose tolerance and glycaemic control. For example, it has been consistently shown that eating at 'biological night' leads to worse postprandial glucose responses. And this could be particularly important for those with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Some of the most influential work in this area has been done by Marta Garaulet's lab at the University of Murcia. One of the central aspects they have published on has been the interaction between food timing and melatonin levels, and how this in turn affects glucose tolerance and cardiometabolic markers. In this episode, Danny and Alan discuss the topic of meal timing and glucose tolerance, using a recent study from Garaulet et al. to highlight some important concepts.

Jan 31, 2023

Research in the field of 'chrononutrition' has continued to grow in the past couple of years, with some important studies being published in recent times. Chrononutrition is a research area that looks at the relationship between temporal (time-related) eating patterns, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health. While past podcast episodes have covered various aspects of chrononutrition, the latest research has added important pieces to the puzzle and has lead to both Alan and Danny updated their views on certain sub-topics. In this episode, we look at recent research (including that from the Big Breakfast Project) and how understanding and conclusions from the field have shifted over time. Dr. Flanagan also gives some insight into the important chrono work published in the UK, which his dotoral work contributed to. Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium Live event: London

Jan 24, 2023

There is almost universal agreement that excess added sugar in the diet is detrimental to health. However, much of this negative health impact clearly relates to the ability of high sugar intakes to drive excess calorie intake and fat accumulation, which cause health issues. But what about situtaions of where there is not a calorie surplus (hypercaloric diet) or weight gain? Some people claim that sugar is inherently damaging. While others push back and claim sugar is only a problem in the context of a hypercaloric diet. So which position is more accurate? What evidence do we have? In this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon take a look at situations of eucaloric (or even hypocaloric) diets, and what impact sugar has. Specifically, they investigate: in a situation where someone is not overconsuming calories or gaining weight, what health impacts do added sugars have? And if there are these calorie-independent effects, at what thresholds do they occur? Links: Episode page (incl. all links) Live event: London, UK - March 2023

Jan 17, 2023

This episode brings you a "debate" between Danny Lennon and Dr. Jackson Peos on the utility of intuitive eating. Specifcally, they make a case for and against, respectively, for the position: "Intuitive eating can be recommended eating approach for those with fitness and/or physique goals". This episode is a Premium-exclusive episode, so you'll need to be a Premium subscriber to listen to the full discussion but you can hear a preview here. Links: Subscribe to Premium Live event: London, UK - March 2023 Buy UEBC 22 Replay

Jan 10, 2023

Iron is an important nutrient for athletes, given that it is used for oxygen transport and energy production. However, research on athletes often reports a relatively high prevalence of iron deficiency. Common symptoms of low iron status like lethargy, fatigue and negative mood states are naturally of concern to athletes. But there is also the potential for low iron to directly impact work capacity. Therefore, maintaining adequate iron status (and knowing the signs of iron deficiency) is crucial for athlete health and performance. In this episode, Professor Pete Peeling of the University of Western Australia discusses the role of iron in performance, iron deficiency in athletes, the impact of exercise-induced inflammation, and other important issues. Links: Episode page Live event: London, UK - March 2023

Jan 3, 2023

Iron deficiency is a prevalent issue. Worldwide, it is the leading nutritional deficiency. And although there is lower prevalence in high-income countries, a significant number of people are still affected. Iron deficiency may be a result of too little iron coming in (i.e., via diet choices or low absorption), or from excess losses (e.g., commonly from blood losses). Understanding how these can impact iron status is crucial for both accurate diagnosis and treatment. In relation to dietary iron, the source of iron is a common talking point, as there are two forms of iron that we can consume. Heme iron is found in meat, fish, and poultry, while non-heme iron is found in plant foods. It is known that heme iron is more readily absorbed than non-heme iron. However, there is much more to this story that makes things complicated. To discuss some of the nuances of iron bioavailability, absorption, and metabolism, leading expert in the area Professor Paul Sharp of King's College London is on the podcast. Prof. Sharp discusses crucial aspects of dietary iron sources, bioavailability, supplementation, and impacts in the body. Links: Episode page (with links/resources) Subscribe to Premium Live event: London, UK - March 2023

Dec 27, 2022

Iron is involved in a whole range of biological processes and a consistent supply of iron is crucial for cellular turnover. But despite iron being an essential mineral for human function, it is highly toxic to cells and tissues if present at high levels. Therefore an intricate and tight regulation of iron is necessary. If iron status gets too low, iron-deficiency anaemia can result. In such situations there is a shortfall in hemoglobin production, which leads to a range of issues in the body. So how is iron status measured? Which biomarkers are most useful? Where can errors in diagnosis occur? What problems arise with iron deficiency? And what problems occur with iron overload? In this episode, these questions (and more) are put to Dr. Austin Baraki, a practicing Internal Medicine physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Texas. This episode is the first in a three-part series on iron. Links Episode page & relevant links Subscribe to Premium Live event in London

Dec 20, 2022

The current food environment is continuously highlighted as a problem for public health. And so there is a strong focus in both public policy and research circles to determine which strategies could lead to a healthier food environment. One potential strategy that is widely recommended by public health experts is the use of fiscal/taxation policies to decrease the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. By making unhealthy foods and beverages relatively more expensive than healthy foods and beverages it is hoped that this would alter the composition of the average diet in a favorable manner. This is based on economic theory and evidence showing that most foods are relatively price "inelastic". This means that increases in the prices of particular foods can be expected to lead to reductions in the purchase of those foods. But there have also been some concerns raised about the potential effectiveness of strategies aimed at taxing a certain nutrient (e.g. sugar) or a group of foods. There are worries that such policies wouldn't lead to healthier diets; with people either not changing behavior or just substituting in other processed foods that industry has formulated to avoid a specific nutrient tax. So what does the current evidence say? With a number of countries having implemented a range of taxes or health levies, what lessons can we learn from these? And what does the best public health nutrition currently tell us about the likely effectiveness of different policies or interventions? To get to some evidence-based answers, Dr. Kathryn Backholer, an Associate Professor at Deakin University, is on the podcast to discuss the current state of the evidence on various taxes and levies on different nutrients and unhealthy foods. Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium Live event in London

Dec 13, 2022

In October 2022, Ruddick-Collins et al . published results of an RCT looking at the impact of different calorie distributions across the day. This study was from the 'Big Breakfast Study' project, primarily from the University of Aberdeen. In this study, 30 subjects underwent two 4-week calorie-restricted diets that were matched for calories. One diet was "morning-loaded", meaning that daily calories were distributed as 45% at breakfast, 35% at lunch, and 20% at dinner. The other was "evening-loaded", with an opposing calorie distribution; i.e., 20% at breakfast, 35% at lunch, and 45% at dinner. The trial received a lot of commentaries online after it was published. However, much of it lacked sufficient context, nuance, and understanding of the implications. In this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan, who was one of the researchers involved in some of the work of the Big Breakfast Study, gives an insight into the recently published paper by Ruddick-Collins et al., and highlights some important aspects to be aware of. This is an episode exclusive to Sigma Nutrition Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode and access the transcript, you must subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Links: Subscribe to Premium Links to mentioned studies

Dec 6, 2022

In this episode, the Sigma team explores the question: "Do vegan diets increase the risk of depression?" This is a question that emerges from a few different places. First, it's common to hear such a claim from proponents of largely animal-based diets. Some reference is often made about how vegan diets can, at best, worsen symptoms or, at worst, even cause depression. Or conversely, they may state that moving away from a plant-based diet will improve mental health outcomes, including depression. And while all of those specific claims aren't within the scope of this episode, such claims do get people wondering if a plant-exclusive diet is actually a cause of various mental health ailments. But is there a basis for such claims? In this episode, we explore the evidence from two ends: 1) research related to the proposed mechanisms by which a vegan diet could cause problems, and 2) outcome data looking at the impact of such diets. Links: Subscribe to Premium Episode notes page Live event: London, UK (early bird ends Dec 19)

Nov 29, 2022

Links: Show notes page (incl. study links & related episodes) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Live event in London, UK About this episode: Over the past decade, the increasing uptake and acceptance of the Nova food processing classification system has placed focus on one of the categories in Nova; ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are products created from deconstructed (and recombined) food components, usually with the goal of creating a highly palatable, convenient, and profitable product. This typically means such products are high in nutrients of content (e.g. sugar, sodium, saturated fat, etc.). But in addition, they have other characteristics that may make them detrimental to health, particularly when they replace unprocessed or minimally processed foods in the diet. There is now clear evidence showing that when such products make up a large proportion of the diet, such a dietary pattern has negative health effects. However, there are still many unanswered questions and many debates within nutrition science about how to best classify UPFs, to what degree they need to be limited, whether some can be beneficial, and what to do with policy going forward. To offer one perspective on this issue, Associate Professor of Food Politics and Policy at the University of Melbourne, Dr. Gyorgy Scrinis, is on the podcast to discuss his work in the area. While we have discussed the problem of reductionism in nutrition science previously on the podcast, Dr. Scrinis' use of the term 'reductionism' does differ a bit from the way others use the term. For example, he suggests that nutrition science has been too reductive even at the food-level and dietary-pattern level. His work on ultra-processed foods and the Nova classification system has attempted to understand the technological and corporate character of ultra-processed foods, the power of food corporations, and how food corporations shape and capture nutrition science for the purposes of promoting and defending their products.

Nov 22, 2022

Research has shown that food marketing strongly impacts children's eating behaviour. Marketing influences food purchase requests, purchases, and preferences. And the evidence of a relationship between food marketing exposure and obesity meets epidemiological criteria for causality. The evidence suggests that the impact of food marketing is a function of both exposure to the marketing message and its persuasive power. What does the current evidence tell us about the exact effect of marketing on food choices? And beyond that, what strategies are likely to yield the best results in terms of mitigating the harms of food marketing on eating behaviour, particularly in children and adolescents? To help answer these questions, subject area expert Prof. Emma Boyland is on the podcast to discuss what is currently known. Links: Episode page, resources & links Subscribe to Premium

Nov 15, 2022

Never before has there been greater access to information about nutrition and health. But never before has there been such a low barrier to being seen as an "expert". There are large numbers of people getting information from, and basing their health decisions on, people who don't have direct expertise in the field in which they are talking about. Moreover, some promote the lack of domain expertise as a feature, not a bug. They claim that those that were conventionally seen as domain experts are either brainwashed, lazy in their thinking, or outright corrupt. And the solution is instead to look to those with a fresh perspective that can illuminate us on the "truth". In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss this "death of domain expertise", how it plays out online, and its ramifications for people's ability to get good information. This is a Premium-exclusive episode. To listen to the full episode and access the transcript, you must subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium. Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium

Nov 8, 2022

Obesity increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases and negative health outcomes. And trials where a sufficient amount of weight loss is achieved show health improvements. However, despite the "straightforward" nature of causing weight loss through a hypocaloric diet, it is clear that most people who lose weight will regain some or all of the weight. This is a result of both the physiologic control of intake and expenditure (i.e. homeostatic regulation by the body to avoid staying at a lower body or fat mass), and environmental factors. Diet-induced weight loss is followed by a number of hormonal change that encourage weight regain. So how do we tackle this problem? In this episode, Dr. Priya Sumithran discusses this physiologic control of body mass, in addition to environmental and behavioural factors that make weight loss maintenance difficult. Dr. Sumithran also discusses what this means for setting weight loss targets, choosing the correct intervention, and looking to non-weight-centric approaches for certain individuals. We also discuss the evidence on GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, such as Semaglutide, as a treatment for obesity. Links: Episode page Subscribe to Premium Sigma live event - Berlin Sigma recommended resources

Nov 1, 2022

The endocrine system plays a central role in growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and physical well-being throughout life. Hormones interact in complex networks, orchestrating a range of critical functions. Over the life course, we experience various changes in hormone levels, fluctuations, patterns, and actions. Additionally, lifestyle factors and disease processes can impact the levels and functions of hormones. In this episode, Dr. Nicky Keay, a medical doctor with expertise in the field of exercise endocrinology, is on the podcast to discuss a variety of endocrine-related issues, including: hormone diurnal variation, bone health, amenorrhoea, HRT, perimenopause, and thinking about hormones and aging. Links : Episode page Subscribe to Premium Sigma live event in Berlin Sigma recommended resources

Oct 25, 2022

Stable isotopes have been used as tracers in human nutritional studies for many years. But what are they? Why do we use 'tracers' in nutrition studies? And what are some practical examples? A chemical element can have different forms or 'isotopes.' These different isotopes have the same atomic number and position in the periodic table but have different atomic masses and physical properties. An isotope that is not radioactive is said to be 'stable'. In physiology and metabolism research, stable isotopes are used as 'tracers.' As the name implies, it allows us to 'trace' the fate of compounds, thus giving a very detailed insight into the metabolism of nutrients and the regulation of many disease processes. In this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan explains what stable isotope tracers are, how they are used to answer nutrition science questions and some examples that you may come across. This is a 'Nutrition Science Explained' episode. These episodes are exclusive to Sigma Nutrition Premium. To listen to the full episode and access the transcript, you must subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium .

Oct 18, 2022

Given the negative consequences of consistent overconsumption of food (leading to a caloric surplus), having a dietary intake that is of appropriate calorie intake is an important aspect of long-term health. Therefore, thinking about which foods and diets can help promote appropriate satiety to keep calorie intake in check is a key focus for many researchers and practitioners. There is a complex system of human appetite control. This appetite system influences food consumption and associated motivational drives such as hunger, as well as interacting with and being influenced by energy expenditure. Satiety is an important psycho-biological process involved in the expression of human appetite, inhibiting hunger and intake following food or beverage consumption. In this episode, the Sigma team discusses the human appetite system, how different nutrients and foods impact satiety, and the implications of this research. Links: Subscribe to Premium Show notes for this episode Live event in Berlin, Germany Sigma Recommended Resources

Oct 11, 2022

Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) is a condition that significantly increases the risk of several diseases and is a major cause of premature death worldwide. In the US, recent estimates suggest that about half of the adult population has hypertension. At a population level, high sodium intake is one of the main dietary risk factors. All population health guidelines recommend keeping sodium intake below certain levels. While, on average, blood pressure correlates with sodium intake, there is a wide range of responses on an individual level. People who see increasing sodium intake lead to increased blood pressure are termed "salt sensitive". Others, however, don't see much change in blood pressure with increased dietary sodium. Such individuals are classed as "salt resistant". In this episode, Assistant Professor at Auburn University, Dr. Austin Robinson, is on to discuss whether people who are salt resistant need to keep their sodium intake low or not. And other individual and group differences that exist for hypertension risk and sodium physiology? Links: Subscribe to Premium Episode overview Live event in Berlin Recommended Resources

Oct 4, 2022

Exercise improves metabolic control both via increasing muscle glucose uptake during muscle contractions by insulin-independent mechanisms and by increasing skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after physical activity. A reduction in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is an early event in the development of not only prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes but is also associated with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers. One of the researchers that has been at the forefront of research in this area for many years is Professor Glenn McConell. In this episode we discuss glucose uptake during and after exercise, looking at both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent mechanisms. In addition we discuss the crucial importance of muscle insulin sensitivity and some important research breakthroughs on the topic. Links: Subscribe to Premium Episode show notes Live event: Berlin

Sep 27, 2022

The term 'tactical populations' has been applied to those working in law enforcement, fire, first responders, and military. In addition to the importance of their work, the work they do itself presents some challenges for health and nutrition. Despite the fact that such individuals make up a significant number of the population and their work plays a crucial role in society, there is currently very little research on fire and law enforcement nutrition. Most research is on the prevalence of disease and the occupational risk factors and related pathophysiology. Lifestyle research, descriptive and interventions, is way behind. Dr. Jill Joyce is the co-director of the OSU Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab at Oklahoma State University. She does research looking at real-world interventions in these populations, particularly firefighters, in an attempt to improve their diets and health. In this episode, we look at both the theoretical and pragmatic realities of improving diet and health in firefighters and some other tactical populations. Links: Subscribe to Premium Access show notes Live event in Berlin

Sep 20, 2022

In this Premium-exclusive 'Ask Me Anything' episode, Alan & Danny answer a range of listener questions. Topics include obesity rates, lowering blood pressure, cholesterol drugs, PCOS, and what issues they have changed their minds on. See the full list of questions below. [02.37] Do you feel that there is hope (or an effective way forward) for obesity rates to come down? Based on your response, why/why not? [11.28] In this field, it seems like so many of us have had positions we've held very seriously that we now see as poorly supported by research, or just have a significant paradigm change. It would be great to hear you look back to how your views have evolved over the years. [30.34] Apart from lowering salt intake and eating foods high in potassium are there other things you can take or do to reduce blood pressure? [40.34] What is the best ratio of DHA vs EPA to increase my Omega 3 index? [46.20] Statins v Ezetimibe: Differences between the two? Mechanism of action? Are there situations, conditions, genetic markers where one may work better than the other? [56.20] I'm starting a PhD in the fall concerning the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases and I'd like to take some courses that would help me in my research. Would you have any recommendations for a beginner scientist? [59.01] Is astaxanthin a good substitute for algae oil for someone who follows a vegan diet? [60.45] Do you have any suggestions how to better manage hunger in obese women with PCOS? [64.33] Do you have any recommendations for anyone wanting to get involved in chrononutrition research? Links: Subscribe to Premium Live Event: Berlin, Germany on November 26th 2022 Episode transcript Resources mentioned in this episode

Sep 13, 2022

When it comes to eating to promote muscle hypertrophy, muscle repair/recovery and maintenance of mass and function, protein has been an obvious focus. Indeed muscle mass and quality are dependent on the continuous remodeling of skeletal muscle proteins. This is related to the amount of muscle protein balance, i.e. the net difference between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB). Because of this, MPS has long been used as a proxy measure for muscle repair and/or growth of muscle. Protein feeding increases MPS, with the amino acid leucine having a specifically strong impact on MPS. Therefore both the dose of protein and the amino acid profile of the protein have been looked at to assess which protein sources are "superior" for muscle mass and function. This has typically led to viewing animal proteins as better than plant proteins. But many assumptions are layered into conversations on the topic. In this episode we explore some important points that are often neglected. Is MPS as reliable as we assume? Does the amino acid profile tell us everything about the anabolic effect of a protein? Does dose and timing matter as much as we think? How does the picture change when we look at whole foods or mixed meals? Link: Subscribe to Premium Go to show notes Live Event: Berlin, Germany MASS Research Review Muscle & Strength Pyramids: Training & Nutrition Books

Sep 6, 2022

The brain plays a central role in both physical and psychological function and performance. The brain also has a very high energy demand. In addition, fatiguing conditions can cause impairment of cognitive performance. One area of research in neurometabolism related to the potential use of nutrients on improving cognitive function, as well as "rescuing" the fatigue-related declines in performance. Nick Gant is Director of the Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory at the University of Auckland. His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function. Subscribe to PREMIUM

Aug 30, 2022

This episode was oringally published as one of our "Expert – ask me anything" (AMA) episodes, which we published for Premium prescribers. In such bonus episodes, we collect questions from Premium subscribers and ask them direct to a world-class expert and past podcast guest. If you're interested in subscribing to Sigma Nutrition Premium, then check all the details here . In this episode Prof. Stu Phillips takes questions about synethized whey protein, plant proteins, post-exercise MPS, and many other topics related to protein, muscle function and ageing.

Aug 23, 2022

It has been consistently shown in research that elevated dietary sodium consumption is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, low levels of dietary potassium intake are associated with these same risks. However, there is some debate on how to characterize these relationships. In a study published in European Heart Journal in July 2022, using data from the EPIC-Norfolk study, researchers attempted to answer whether the associations between potassium and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease: 1) differ between men and women? and 2) depend on daily sodium intake. In this episode Dr. Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon discuss the details of this study and then link it to the overall evidence base and what this may mean for potassium (and sodium) intake considerations. Access show notes Subscribe to Premium

Aug 16, 2022

With the advances in understanding the importance of the gut (including its bacterial contents) for human health, much interest and attention has been placed on how to eat to promote positive 'gut health'. This has led to many exciting research questions and labs doing fascinating work. However, on the opposite side, it has led to a spike in opportunistic quacks to jump on the wave of enthusiasm and promote diets, supplements, testing kits and products that don't reflect the current evidence base. So what do we actually know? What aspects of diet should we focus on to improve gut health? For those with gut symptoms (bloating, pain, irritable bowel, etc.) is it possible to include more vegetables and fiber without the pain? In this episode, gut health researcher at King's College London, Dr. Megan Rossi, discusses some simple heuristics to follow that will likely improve overall health, and promote positive gut health. Access show notes here Subscribe to Premium

Aug 9, 2022

A study published in March 2022 suggested that consumption of artificial (non-nutritive) sweeteners is associated with a 13% increase in risk of cancer. And so in this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan, Dr. Niamh Aspell, and Danny Lennon discuss this specific study and give their thoughts on what are fair conclusions to come to. Access show notes here Subscribe to Premium here

Aug 2, 2022

While we've never known more about diet and health, there remain many unanswered questions in nutrition science. However, there is often disagreements on how best to answer these questions, particularly in relation to informing practical diet advise that meaningfully improves health. Prof. Norman Temple is one academic who has written on a number of these issues. One issue he highlights is the large discrepency in the practical value we have attained from cohort studies and RCTs, relative to mechanistic research. Another is the limitations of RCTs for nutrition-specific research questions. In this episode, Prof. Temple discusses these issues, as well as what strategies can actually improve population diet, and thus health. Access show notes here Subscribe to Premium here

Jul 26, 2022

A recent study reported a higher risk of developing melanoma in people who ate a relatively high intake of fish. This study caused headlines and it was picked up by many outlets (including the New York Times, Sky News, etc.). In this episode, Alan and Danny dig into the nuances of this study to see if the headlines are justified. Click here for show notes Click here for Premium

Jul 19, 2022

This is an "ask me anything" (AMA) episode, which means a world-class expert and past podcast guest comes on the podcast to answer questions submitted by you, our podcast listeners. Stephan Guyenet spent 12 years in academia studying neurodegenerative disease and obesity neuroscience. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Univeristy of Washington, studying the neuroscience of obesity and eating behavior. Previous to that he completed a PhD in neuroscience. Stephan is the author of the popular and well-received book 'The Hungry Brain', which lays out the science behind the brain's role in obesity. To subscribe to Premium (and get the full episode) go here . Questions Answered In Full Episode "When someone undergoes liposuction or other surgery that removes adipose tissue, is there a sudden reduction in leptin levels? While this may reduce leptin resistance, could the drop in leptin lead to increased hunger over time?" "What is the current research around how chronic energy restriction (or following crash diets) affects appetite hormones and/ or appetite regulation long term? Is there a physiological mechanism influencing overeating attributable to appetite dysregulation caused by chronic dieting? I ask as this is something I am often tackling in my nutrition consultancy but research in biochemical and physiological mechanisms seems lacking." "Can you talk about the conditions of anorexia and morbid obesity and how they essentially defy the rules of metabolic compensation? In other words- I understand anorexia to be a mental health condition where the individual starves themselves with a purpose to control weight. And morbid obesity being excessive consumption despite over fatness, etc. If the body has these numerous mechanisms by which calorie restriction or calorie over- consumption results in these compensatory processes-driving us to eat more/less slow us down/speed us up, and many more; do these individuals not "hear" these signals or are they just adept at ignoring them or is it that their bodies have lost the ability to compensate for their under or over consumption? Additionally, can anyone become anorexic or morbidly obese? Or is it merely genetics?" "Why do some SDRIs (serotonin–dopamine reuptake inhibitors) and serotonin precursors reduce hunger/appetite? E.g. 5-HTP and Wellbutrin (Bupropion)" "Question about the ideal weight program: As an iOS developer, my instinct is to assume determinism and quantifiability of the entire universe. I believe this to be fundamentally true. But what is hypothetically possible differs from what we can realistically know. I worry that attempts like yours to quantify some seemingly qualitative measures are doomed. I have similar concerns about happiness research. How do you reassure yourself you can really construct an algorithm that deciphers the "ideal weight program" for any given user – do you rely on averages?" a. Quick explanation of the ideal weight program "In 2018 a poster was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience titled 'The human brain microbiome; there are bacteria in our brains!' which showed bacteria apparently penetrating and inhabiting the cells of healthy human brains. While the work was preliminary, have you heard of any further work in this area? What is your opinion on the possibility that, if bacteria do inhabit the brain, they could play a part in appetite regulation and/or obesity similar to how the gut microbiome can affect our health?" "It seems like there are significant differences in policies put forth between researchers from biomedical backgrounds and ones from public health policy backgrounds. Dr [David] Allison touched on this during recent interviews, noting that there is very little evidence regarding the efficacy of upstream obesity prevention interventions, such community gardens, combatting food deserts, nutrition education, and cooking classes. On the other hand, governments are increasingly turning to such interventions, as well as policies such as front of pack labelling (Canada, 2022), nutrition facts tables, calorie labelling on menus, as well as the aforementioned ones. Given your research on determinants of health and obesity, what are some of the most promising interventions to prevent NCD morbidity, as well as stones unturned in public health policy? Would you agree with individuals such as Dr Allison that in our current environment, the only efficacious interventions are drugs and bariatric surgery?" Question based on your debate on JRE with Gary Taubes: "Would the insulinogenic effect of protein, specifically something like whey protein which causes an insulin response, be something that should automatically refute Taubes arguments about insulins inherent role in increasing adiposity? Second, would overeating on any macronutrient increase insulin simply because you are eating more food (i.e. hypercaloric)?" "Are there best practices for the maximum duration someone should spend in fat loss (or weight gain) phases? Or perhaps an optimal ratio of fat loss phase duration to "maintenance" phase duration? For example, should fat loss phases be for a maximum of 12 weeks followed by maintenance of at least equal duration before resuming a fat loss phase? "I'm a naturally skinny guy who helps other naturally skinny guys bulk up. I think it largely comes down to a blunted pleasure response to food, smaller stomachs, and/or higher NEAT. A lot of us seem to be taller and more thinly built, too. But why do you think things are things so different for us? Why is it so hard to gain weight? And what can we do about it?" To subscribe to Premium (and get the full episode) go here .

Jul 13, 2022

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800's, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Climate change has the potential to negatively impact the nutrient value of plants, soil organisms, food stuffs, via a variety of ways. Climate change puts food supplies at risk. Floods, droughts, more intense hurricanes, heatwaves and wildfires can drive down crop yields, destroy livestock, and interfere with the transport of food. And rising carbon dioxide levels from human activity can make staple crops like rice and wheat less nutritious. In this podcast the Sigma team take a look at the evidence on how climate change will impact nutrient status, if left unchecked. There will be also a look at what solutions have been put forward to tackle this issue. This episode will focus more on how climate change impacts nutritional & nutrient status, as opposed to converse (but equally important) issue of how food systems impact climate change. Access show notes here Subscribe to Premium here Attend a live event in London, Dublin or Berlin!

Jul 7, 2022

When it comes to specific questions related to diet and health for women, there is often a shortage of consensus answers from research, for a variety of reasons. In addition, there are clearly aspects of biological sex that have implications for health and also the interaction with diet. For example, the impact of the menstural cycle, of menopause, and differences in nutrient requirements. In this episode, Dr. Hazel Wallace discusses some of these key considerations. Some things covered include: the impact of menstrual cycle phase on cravings, at-risk nutrients in pre-menopausal women, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, interaction of diet and PMS, the physiological changes at menopause and potential role of diet. Click here for show notes to this episode Click here for Premium Click here for live event details

Jul 4, 2022

This is a preview of the second episode in a new series called "Nutrition Science Explained", in which members of the Sigma team will take a concept commonly mentioned in discussions about nutrition science, and explain what it is, give more background context, and highlight important aspects to know. The goal is to aid listeners to have a deeper understanding of other episodes when such concepts are mentioned. In this episode Alan Flanagan discusses the concept of the GRADE system, and specifially how it applies to evaluating nutrition research and coming to conclusions for practice. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) is a framework for developing and presenting summaries of evidence and provides a systematic approach for grading the quality of evidence and making clinical practice recommendations. In order to listen to the full episode, you will need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium .

Jun 28, 2022

Folate (also known as viatmin B9) actually relates to a collection of folates; both natural dietary folates and synthetic forms, primarily folic acid. This folate/folic acid that is consumed via the diet or supplementation is a precursor for the formation of tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is a carbon donor and acts a cofactor for a number of enzymes that play important roles in several processes. In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the role of folate in the methlyation cycle, the impact of folate insufficiency/deficiency, genetics variatnts of the MTHFR gene (and other genes) that impact folate metabolism, and the impact of folate on health outcomes; including heart disease, birth defects, cancer, and brain health & cognition. Detailed study notes and transcript to this episode

Jun 22, 2022

A recently published study by Klatt and colleagues examined the impact of choline supplementation alongside DHA supplementation, versus DHA supplementation alone, on DHA status in pregnancy. It is known that DHA is a critical nutrient at this time for healthy development of the child. And through a number of mechanisms discussed later, it has been hypothesized that choline could lead to greater DHA status. We discuss: What is the connection between choline and DHA? What is the PEMT pathway? Study design for the choline + DHA trial Are there risks of high-dose choline? Main findings of the trial How DHA status is not just a function of DHA intake, but also methyl metabolism too Issues with omega-3 trials; e.g. not taking baseline status into account Pragmatic recommendations for health professionals and patients Different forms of choline supplements Choline supplementation vs. food-derived choline Access the show notes here Subscribe to Premium here

Jun 15, 2022

In this episode Alan and Danny aim to address the idea that you shouldn't eat vegetables, or that they aren't beneficial. We will specifically look at a number of claims that relate to: The claim that vegetables aren't beneficial for health, or that there is no health benefit to high vegetable intake. The claim that vegetables are actually detrimental to health, and their removal improves health. This episode was orignally published to Sigma Nutrition Premium. If you wish to get more of these Quack Asylum episodes (and lots of other features, including detailed study notes) then subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium . Click here to access show notes

Jun 13, 2022

This is an "ask me anything" (AMA) episode, with Prof. Stuart Phillips of McMaster University. Prof. Phillips takes questions on protein intake, sources, muscle function, and healthy ageing. To listen to the full AMA, click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium. Questions answered: [04.28] What is muscle protein balance? [05.32] Why is the focus always on muscle protein synthesis? [07.14] Is MPS a good proxy measure for outcomes we care about (e.g. muscle growth/repair)? [10.37] What's the difference between 'whole body protein synthesis' and 'muscle protein synthesis'? [12.57] We're starting to see commercially available whey that has been produced by bacteria engineered to synthesize whey protein directly from nutritional substrate. It seems like we should expect this to have directly comparable effects given the identical molecular structure. Is there any reason to think this bacterially synthesized whey will have any different effects that whey from dairy? [15.50] Does the literature still show that an additional dose of plant-derived protein is required to equate a similar response from animal protein? [26.39] During post-exercise conditions does protein ingestion stimulate MPS for longer than the usual 2-3 hour period reported in rested conditions? [27.49] Considering the growing interest in fasting protocols (both TRF and longer fasting protocols) - what would you recommend in these circumstances for the preservation / growth of muscle mass. Would it differ between IF/TRF and longer (1-3 day) fasts? [34.58] Is it a waste to take too much protein powder at once because some of it won't get absorbed? [42.50] Does protein powder lose some of its quality if boiling water is added due to protein denaturation? [47.05] Would you please share your opinion about how you evaluate protein status in the body? [50.51] I am now over 60 and lift heavy twice a week. What would be a reasonable body fat % for me to aspire to and how much daily protein should I be targetting in my diet? Subscribe to Premium

Jun 7, 2022

Consuming a healthy diet during pregnancy is an obvious and accepted recommedation. However, what exactly is a "healthy diet" in this context? In addition, there are specific nutrients which are crucial for the healthy development of the child, including nutrients which may be difficult to consume enough of. In addition there are nutrients and foods that need to limited or avoided during this period. In this episode, researcher and dietitian Dr. Julie Abayomi discusses important nutrients in pregnancy (e.g. iodine, DHA, and folic acid), as well as potentially problematic nutrients/foods (e.g. high-mercury fish and caffeine). In addition, she discusses the current debates about weight gain/loss during pregnancy, as well as what supports are needed for health professionals supporting pregnant women. Click here for show notes Subscribe to Premium

May 31, 2022

It has become common rhetoric for those promoting various types of diets to suggest that dietary guidelines published by government departments are at best, unhealthy, or at worst, causative in driving obesity and chronic disease in the population. While different countries and organizations produce their own guidelines, with slight differences, most of the conversation has focused on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, that are created by the USDA. Often the claims is that following these guidelines actually harms health, rather than promote it. And the guidelines are simply a result of industry forces, long-standing bias, and shoddy science. But do these claims hold up to scrutiny? In this episode Alan and Danny look at some of the arguments put foward, and take a look at the science underpinning dietary guidelines in a number of countries. In this episode: [0.01.46] Examples of arguments put forward stating that it's not healthy to follow dietary guidelines [0.12.50] History of the development of guidelines in the US & narratives around Ancel Keys [0.23.50] Misrepresentation of what the guidelines say [0.30.49] What are actually in the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans? [0.33.10] Changes to guidelines over time [0.36.05] Other countries' guidelines: UK, Canada, Nordic countries [0.40.50] Investigating the rise in obesity/disease prevalence with the roll out of the guidelines [0.56.34] Do people follow the guidelines? [1.00.01] The negative role of the food industry [1.03.50] Potential issues with dietary guidelines Links: Subscribe to Premium Show notes to this episode

May 26, 2022

There have been many claims made about the benefits of a detoxification "protocol" or "plan", based on specific dietary and supplemental regimens. Many of the arguments propose that many things we come into contact with are toxins and they can accumulate and compound in effect over time, causing a range of issues. Therefore, by removing these toxins (via a "detoxification protocol"), we can have better health. And indeed it is well known that there are a large number of toxins in the environment, many of which can potentially be deleterious to health. And it also known that many nutrients are involed in processes of the body's detoxification pathways. However, is there any evidence that a detoxification diet, plan or "protocol" improves health? Is there any reason to suggest targeting certain nutrients or supplements leads to "better detoxification"? And do we need to avoid non-organic food, toothpaste and non-stick frying plans in avoid to avoid these toxins? This Quack Asylum episode evaluates these claims. Study notes available at sigmanutrition.com/detox/ Subscribe to Premium at sigmanutrition.com/premium/

May 23, 2022

With elevated LDL-cholesterol being a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease, having interventions to lower blood lipids, and in particular LDL-C, are crucial for population health. A number of drugs are now incredibly effective for this, with statins being the most widely used. However, for those who do not wish to take a medication and/or have only a mild elevation, there may be potential for dietary intervention to lower LDL-C to a point where a statin (or other drug) is not needed. A number of aspects of healthy dietary patterns have been known to reduce the liklihood of elevated blood lipids. Most notably perhaps, the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat in the diet (P:S ratio). And an absolute low level of saturated fat in the diet (e.g. However, work by Dr. David Jenkins and collegegues put forward the idea of a "portfolio" of specific nutrients/foods that could additionally lower LDL-C. This became known as the Portfolio Diet. The four primary pillars of this portfolio diet are: soy protein, viscous fibers, nuts, and plant sterols. In this episode, Danny talks to the originator of this work, Dr. Jenkins. Links: Episode show notes Subscribe to Premium Attend Sigma Conference in Dublin

May 17, 2022

Some cognitive decline is normal with age. However, more significant cognitive decline is primarily due to disease-induced dementias (such as Alzheimer's Disease). It also results from neurodegenerative disorders and chronic, prolonged degeneration of our neuronal pathways and functions. Drug discovery for dementias have been largely unsuccessful, leaving no good treatments for this collection of diseases. This had led to research examining areas that may aid in preventing (or more accurately, slowing) cognitive decline. In this episode the Sigma team look at the published data on a variety of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns, including: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, caffeine, flavanoids, coffee and green leafy vegetables. Subscribe to Premium [00:02:01] Definitions [00:08:40] What causes cognitive decline? Dementia? Mechanisms of ND pathogenesis. [00:11:33] Why might nutrition play a role? [00:18:18] Dietary patterns [00:26:30] Diet interaction with APOE genotype [00:31:18] Alcohol [00:36:36] Polyphenols - mechanisms [00:43:05] Coffee & Caffeine [00:45:03] Flavanoids [00:51:04] Vitamin D [01:04:22] Omega 3 fatty acids [01:21:42] B vitamins & green leafy veg [01:30:35] Vitamin E [01:38:24] How to assess cognitive health in ageing intervention studies [01:45:28] Concluding thoughts Show notes to this episode Subscribe to Premium

May 10, 2022

The issue of genetic enginnering in the food system is one that is often charged with emotion and strong opinion. Indeed, there has been much concern voiced over the years about the potential harms to both human health and the environment of genetically-modified (or more accurately, genetically-engineered) crops. Some concern takes the form of outright hysteria, while other concerns are more nuanced and subtle. Among these concerns, which have good evidence to support them? What regulation is currently in place? Why are their differences between the US and the EU? On the opposite side, there are clear advantages to GE crops; including disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and even enhanced nutritional content. But are these advantages possible without harm? Do the pros outweigh the cons? In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the current evidence on genetically engineered crops (or GMOs) and their effect on human health, biodiversity, and the economy. 02:02 – Framing of the GMOs debate 13:52 – Key definitions 20:34 – Where do GMOs show up in the food supply? And jurisdiction differences 33:40 – Impacts on human health and nutritional differences 45:16 – Impact on biodiversity 1:01:57 – What's the deal with glyphosate herbicide? 1:05:34 – Concluding thoughts Access show notes for this episode Subscribe to Premium

May 3, 2022

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder stimulated by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found naturally in wheat, barley and rye. The condition affects approximately 1% of the Western world. However, currently the only approved treatment for coeliac disease is adherence to a gluten-free diet for life. Therefore there is much research underway to develop alternative treatment options that may help these patients. One novel antigen-focused therapy that has been hypothesised is the use of plant bioactives. Specifially, in vitro work by Dr. Charlene Van Buiten has looked as whether there is a mechanism by which polyphenols from green tea could be of benefit. Her work shows that these polyphenols can mitigate gliadin-mediated inflammation and intestinal permeability in vitro . Click here for show notes . Click here to subscribe to Premium .

Apr 26, 2022

Current discussions relating to health focus on longevity. This may include some who look at lifespan extension, some who talk of delaying or "treating" ageing or those who focus on reducing morbidity within the parameters of normal lifespan. One propsed intervention that has garnered a lot of excitement, owing to some interesting research, is the potential use of fasting to increase longevity and/or healthspan. Within this broad category, various different dietary interventions have been suggested, including various forms of intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, dietary restriction of certain nutritients, calorie restriction or a "fasting-mimicking" diet. But what does the current evidence tell us? Does the evidence actually match the hype? In this episode Dr. Niamh Aspell, Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon discuss some of the data on fasting and longevity. Go to show notes Subscribe to Premium

Apr 19, 2022

While dietary guidelines universally include fish as a food group that can be consumed regularly in a healthy dietary pattern, there are some potential risks of fish consumption that get raised. Some have some legitimacy, for example the frequency of consumption of high-mercury fish. However, other claims can go to extremes ("eating fish is bad for you") that are based in ideology rather than evidence. In this Quack Asylum episode, we use a video made by a medical doctor as an example of where quackery can raise its head on this topic. Specifically, there are four claims made in the video that we investigate and see if there is any basis to them. This is a Premium-exclusive episode. In order to listen to the full episode and access the show notes, you will need to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium .

Apr 12, 2022

Many different diets have been put forward as solutions that treat type 2 diabetes. Some will claim the diet "reverses" diabetes, some say it puts it into "remission", while others more conservatively recommend a diet to manage diabetes symptoms in a healthy way. There has been some debate on the use of terms like reversal, cure or resolution. And recently more clarity has been found in defining each. One of the diets that has been recommended by some for the purposes of "reversing" or treating diabetes is a low-fat, whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet. Specifically, there is a claim that it is superior to other diets in treating diabetes. Some of these claims relate to popular online diet & lifestyle programs that use such a diet. While there is also a number of studies that are commonly cited in support of the claims. In this episode, we evaluate these claims by looking at the published research in this area, across epidemiology, human intervention trials and mechanistic rationale. We also ponder what it means for something to be the "best" diet to treat a chronic disease. Access show notes Attend Sigma event in Dublin, May 2022 Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Apr 6, 2022

The relationship between our diet and sleep is bi-directional; i.e. sleep impacts diet and diet impacts sleep. Therefore, we can examine the impact of sleep timing, duration and other dimensions on our dietary intake. And then also examine the impat of both overall diet and specific nutrients on improving/worsening sleep. The is clear evidence of distinct, acute effects of restricted sleep time on food preferences, eating behaviour, energy intake, and our underlying metabolic physiology. When it comes to the ability of certain foods or nutrients to improve sleep, often many claims are based on weak evidence or mechanistic reasoning. But there is evidence showing some impacts of certain compounds to either positively or negatively impact sleep. So what is the accurate way to look at this bi-directional relationship? In this episode, Greg Potter, PhD discusses the evidence to date. Dr. Potter received his PhD from the University of Leeds, where his research focused on circadian rhythms, sleep, nutrition, and metabolism. In this episode: 03:15 - Sleep architecture and dimensions of sleep 10:29 - Influence of sleep on diet 35:11 - Chronotypes 53:26 - Impact of diet/meals on sleep 59:50 - Supplements like melatonin and tryptophan 1:20:27 - Rescuing a poor night's sleep - caffeine and nootropics 1:40:31 - Key Ideas segment (Premium only) Click here for show notes. Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM.

Mar 30, 2022

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been associated with various health outcomes. A type of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in various plant foods such as flax seeds or chia seeds. Other omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found typically in marine food sources such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel) and algae. And while higher intakes of such foods have shown benefit, there has been some confusion over the benefit of such nutrients due to some large omega-3 supplementation trials reporting null findings. So what should we make of the current evidence base? Does supplementation lead to heart disease risk reduction or not? Do we need direct sources of EPA and DHA in the diet? Does ALA have unique benefits? What is an omega-3 index and why is it important? In this episode, fatty acid expert Dr. Bill Harris dives into each of these questions and clarifies what the current evidence tells us about the effect of these fatty acids on our health. Overview: 04:02 - Fatty acid definitions/subtypes 09:14 - Omega-3 status & the Omega-3 Index (O3I) 20:03 - Omega-3 supplementation trials for CVD 41:15 - DHA, brain health, cognition in later life, development, etc 49:45 - Should we be concerned about omega-6 fatty acids? Show note available at: sigmanutrition.com/episode432/ Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium here: sigmanutrition.com/premium/

Mar 24, 2022

There is now widespread use of various "artificial sweeteners" in foods and beverages. Most commonly non-nutritive sweeteners are used to sweeten a products, whilst having less sugar and calories than a traditionally sugar-sweetened version of that product. For example, diet drinks (e.g. diet soda) are most commonly associated with artificial sweeteners. However, they are also in a wide variety of food products and supplements. For a long-time there has been skepticism and alarm raised about their potential health effects. From claims of them increasing our food intake, all the way to causing cancer. And food safety authorities have conducted rigorous examinations of the safety data on each of these compounds. In this episode, the Sigma team discuss the initial research that raised alarm bells, the current process of safety evaluation for non-nutritive sweeteners, the amounts they are consumed in, and the studies published thus far examining their health impacts. Access show notes here . Subscribe to Premium here .

Mar 17, 2022

In this Premium episode Alan and Danny aim to address the idea that you shouldn't eat vegetables, or that they aren't beneficial. Two related ideas have been circulated in some nutrition/health communities on the internet: Vegetables aren't beneficial for health (or that there is no health benefit to high vegetable intake). Vegetables are actually detrimental to health, and their removal improves health. Such advice is usually defended through some combination of the following claims, which we examine in this episode: Humans are naturally carnivores, or have evolved to thrive on animal foods, and only turn to plants in times of famine. Certain indigenous populations such as the Inuit or the Masai, eat close to no vegetables, yet have robust health. Many of the nutrients present in vegetables can be obtained from animal foods. And beyond that, these nutrients are more bioavabilable when coming from animal sources. Fibre is not an essential nutrient, and high-fibre diets don't lead to the health benefits that are typically claimed. Certain compounds in plants are actively harmful to us. Some of these compounds are natural pesticides, aimed to hurt us. Others are anti-nutrients, which decrease absorption of other key nutrients. Plants/vegetables contain compounds/nutrients exacerbate clinical conditions such as IBS or autoimmune disorders, and removing all plants including veg, leads to improved outcomes in these people. There is no benefit to a diet high in vegetables compared to a diet with low/no vegetable consumption. Premium subcribers can access the detailed study notes to this episode here . Click here to subcribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium.

Mar 14, 2022

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium The popularity of soy foods and soy-based products has been increasing in recent times. This has been particularly the case as a dairy alternative, with people switching to using soy 'milk' and soy-based yogurts and cheese. Additionally, soy has become popular as a meat alternative in a variety of dishes for those looking to reduce meat intake. Soy foods such as tofu can be used in recipes in place of meat, and soy-based 'meat alternatives' that are vegetarian and vegan friendly have been developed. With this increased prevalence, there has been some debate about the health effects of consuming soy foods and products. On one side, there have potential benefits highlighted of inclusion of soy in the diet. It contains phytoestrogens, which may have beneficial effects. Additionally, it is low in saturated fat, and so is potentially beneficial when used in place of saturated fat-rich foods. However, some have claimed that the phytoestrogens (isoflavones specifically) in soy can be a cause for concern due to the ability of these compounds to mimic the effects of the hormone oestrogen. One common claim is that high soy intake is detrimental for men particularly, as it is "feminizing"; causing gynecomastia, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. So what is the truth? Is soy a health food? A harmful endocrine disruptor? Or simply neutral? In this episode we dive into the research and look at the evidence to date tells us about these questions. We consider two big health outcomes in particular; cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. And then final discuss what this means practically for our dietary choices. Click here for show notes to this episode Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Mar 8, 2022

Click here to subscribe to Premium The pathogenesis of obesity is clearly complex. And the need to have a comprehensive model to explain this pathogenesis is important. One such model, termed the Energy Balance Model , has largely been the consensus paradigm of obesity scientists to this point. Specifically, a recently published paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Dr. Kevin Hall and his colleagues outlined the various nuances of the model, as well as common misconceptions about the model. However, there are others who propose that this is not the correct model of obesity, but rather that obesity pathogenesis can be better explained by a model called the Carbohydrate-Insulin Model (CIM) of obesity. While this model has been proposed in various forms over the past couple of decades, the most recently published revision/update of this model was that put forward by Dr. David Ludwig and colleagues, in a Perspective published also in the AJCN, in December of 2021. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Hall (lead author of the paper mentioned above) and Dr. Stephan Guyenet are on the podcast to discuss the debate surrounding these two models. Specifically, the discussion will focus in on the Hall et al. (2022) and Ludwig et al. (2021) papers, as well as previous work leading up to both. Click here to access show notes for this episode Click here to subscribe to Premium

Mar 2, 2022

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Clearly the food choices one makes over time directly impacts health. However, choices are not made in a vacuum; that is, they are not always concious decisions made for rational reasons based on free will. Rather, the choices we make about food are shaped by the contexts within which they are made. The term "food environment" is used to describe the physical, economic, political and socio-cultural contexts in which choices are made about acquiring, preparing and consuming food. As it was put in a paper published as part of The Lancet series on Obesity (2015) , modern food environments "exploit people's biological, psychological, social, and economic vulnerability, making it easier for them to eat unhealthy foods" . In this episode the Sigma team discuss the implications of this, including a discussion of exactly which environmental conditions impact food choices and the evidence that exists for public health policy that may address the problematic aspects of modern food environments. Topics: Intro to food environment [01:47] Food preferences [11:50] Disposable income/eat well guidelines [39:55] What can we do for a healthier population overall? Top down/bottom up [46:14 Different types of public policy interventions [58:42] Stealth interventions [01:07:24] You can access the show notes to this episode here . Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Feb 28, 2022

Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium: https://sigmanutrition.com/premium/ You love listening to, and learning from, nutrition podcasts. Sigma Nutrition Premium allows you to more effectively do that. Understand topics more deeply Retain more of what you hear Recall specific details long after listening Study nutrition science in an enjoyable way As a Premium subscriber you get exclusive access to: Detailed Study Notes 'Key Ideas' Segments Hand-crafted Transcripts Premium-only Episodes Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium: https://sigmanutrition.com/premium/

Feb 22, 2022

Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium It's never been more popular to be seen as "evidence-based" as a fitness professional. And indeed evidence-based practice has been seen as the best way to arrive at coaching decisions. But is "evidence-based practice" actually what fitness professionals are doing? Is it even attainable for most coaches? Does it create a burden on them? Does it even matter if you're actually reading reserach or not? What makes for a competent personal trainer? In this episode, Jacob Schepis is on the show to discuss all these questions and to discuss how he feels evidence-based practice fits within a framework of coaching and coach development. Show notes can be found at sigmanutrition.com/episode427/ Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition PREMIUM to receive Premium-only episodes, bonus segments, and detailed study notes for each episode.

Feb 15, 2022

Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Jaebien Rosario is currently a graduate level student in public health at East Stroudsburg University. He has degrees in psychology and philosophy, and has previously worked as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. His interest include science denialism, vaccine hesitancy, the philosophy of science, the sociology of science, and meta science. His current research projects include research proposals for covid-19 and vitamin D trials, research conducted pertaining to local food banks and participation in coalitions for addressing food insecurity in northeast Pennsylvania. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode426/

Feb 8, 2022

Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Prof. Anna Krylov is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California (USC), working in the field of theoretical and computational quantum chemistry. She has a M.Sc. in Chemistry from Moscow State University (1990) and a PhD from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (1996). Krylov is active in the promotion of gender equality in STEM fields, especially in theoretical chemistry. She created the web directory 'Women in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Material Science, and Biochemistry' . She has delivered several talks on gender equality in STEM. In June 2021 she published a paper, "The Peril of Politicizing Science," has received over 75,000 views (as of February 2022) and is the all-time highest-ranked article in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (impact factor of 6.5). Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode425/

Feb 1, 2022

In this episode Alan and Danny discuss the role of cholesterol in the body and claims that are made suggesting low levels of blood cholesterol are harmful to health. Starting with the premise that cholesterol is an important molecule in the body and plays a role in many processes, discussed are two related claims: we should avoid low cholesterol levels as it can harm our health elevated levels of cholesterol may actually be protective against disease or mortality. The episode also critiques claims about cholesterol being "conditionally essential" and that low LDL-C/ApoB increases risk of mortality, cancer and infection. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode424/

Jan 25, 2022

Zoya Huschtscha, PhD is a researcher and assistant lecturer at Monash University (Australia), in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. She completed her PhD at the same institution, where her research focused on interventions to prevent and treat sarcopenia; i.e. the loss of muscle function and mass, typically with age. Zoya also has a Masters of Dietetics. In addition to her academic work, she works in private practice as a sports dietitian. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode423/

Jan 18, 2022

and the Sigma Statement on the gut-brain axis can be found at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid="425311536639447040">In this episode the Sigma team discuss the research looking at psychobiotics, i.e. probiotics that have health impacts on those with pyschiatric disorders or symptoms. They discuss the origins of the research, the gut-brain axis, mechanisms by which gut microbiota could impact mood, and then the human trials to date that have examined probiotics' effects on mood, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other outcomes. and the Sigma Statement on the gut-brain axis can be found at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Show notes can be found at sigmanutrition.com/episode422/ and the Sigma Statement on the gut-brain axis can be found at sigmanutrition.com/gut-brain-axis/

Jan 11, 2022

Dr. Brendon Stubbs, PhD, is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and researcher at King's College London, conducting research in physical activity & mental health, the mind-body interface, and meta-research. He has published over 600 academic papers in several leading journals across multiple scientific fields. He has informed policy guidelines in the UK, Europe and the World Health Organization. Dr. Stubbs is also a clinical physiotherapist, being Head of Physiotherapy at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. He has a MSc in Neurological Rehabilitation & PhD in Pain Medicine & Rehabilitation. Show notes to this episode are available at sigmanutrition.com/episode421/

Jan 4, 2022

Kevin Boehnke is a researcher at the University of Michigan, in the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. His current research focuses on therapeutic applications of illicit or semi-licit substances (cannabis, psychedelics). His goal is to rigorously assess appropriate use of these substances and to help address the public health harms caused by their criminalization. Carrie Cuttler is an Assistant Professor at Washington State University. Her research at the Health and Cognition Laboratory there focuses on elucidating the potentially beneficial and detrimental effects of chronic cannabis use and acute cannabis intoxication. Her recent work has focused on examining links between cannabis use and mental health (e.g., ADHD, PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety). Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode420/

Dec 30, 2021

Dr. Nathan Bryan, PhD is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Bryan has been involved in nitric oxide research for the past 18 years and has made many seminal discoveries in the field. He was the first to demonstrate and discover an endocrine function of nitric oxide via the formation of S-nitrosoglutathione and inorganic nitrite. Dr. Bryan obtained his doctoral degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport where he was the recipient of the Dean's Award for Excellence in Research. He pursued his post-doctoral training as a Kirschstein Fellow at Boston University School of Medicine in the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute. After a two year post-doctoral fellowship, in 2006 Dr. Bryan was recruited to join faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston by Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode419/

Dec 21, 2021

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the debate around whether a direct source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA should be recommended. Many people do not consume the marine foods (primarily fatty fish) that contain DHA, and higher DHA intakes, DHA status, and omega-3 indices are predictive of certain health outcomes. But the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be consumed from plant sources. So do those who do not consume direct sources of DHA have lower DHA status? Does this matter? And if so, then what pragmatic conclusions can we come to? All of this is covered in this episode. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode418/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Dec 14, 2021

Dr. Austin Baraki joins Danny and Alan to critically evaluate the assumption that blood levels of a nutrient directly tell us about overall nutritional status. With many people getting blood tests done outside of clinical settings, there is significant risk of misinterpretation of what these measures mean. In this episode we discuss measures of calcium, sodium, vitamin D and others as examples of where misinterpretation and misunderstanding can happen. Show notes can be found at sigmanutrition.com/episode417/

Dec 7, 2021

Dr. David Nunan, PhD is a Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford. There, he is the Director of the Postgraduate Certificate in 'Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care' and the lead tutor for the internationally-renowned 'Teaching Evidence-Based Medicine' course. He is a principal investigator with research interests in prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related conditions, improving the understanding and use of research evidence, and meta-epidemiology (research on research). David has experience in a breadth of methodologies including diagnostic studies, statistical analysis, qualitative research and clinical trials. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode416

Nov 30, 2021

Bruce Neal is Executive Director at The George Institute for Global Health Australia; and Professor of Medicine, UNSW Sydney. Prof Neal is a UK-trained physician who has 25 years' experience in clinical, epidemiological, and public health research with a focus on heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Bruce has a longstanding interest in high blood pressure and diabetes and the potential for both clinical interventions and changes in the food supply to deliver health gains. His work has been characterised by its focus on collaboration, quantitation, translation and impact. He holds professorial appointments at UNSW Sydney, Imperial College London, and an honorary appointment at the University of Sydney. He has published some 450 scientific papers and since 2016 has been identified by Thomson Reuters as one of 'The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds', an acknowledgement provided to just a few thousand researchers across all disciplines, worldwide. He has particular expertise in the conduct of large-scale clinical trials addressing cardiovascular disease but has also done a significant body of work addressing food policy issues related to sugars, fats, portion size and food labelling. Find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode415/

Nov 24, 2021

In this episode, the Sigma team discuss the claim that machine learning and data science may overtake traditional research methods in nutrition. They discuss how machine learning could solve some current limitations of traditional methods, studies on its use so far, potential applications in future trials, and potential limitations or problems with the increased use of data science (including ethical and societal concerns). They also ponder on how tech is currently being used (and abused) in relation to personalised nutrition, tech products, continuous glucose monitoring use, among other things.

Nov 16, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Anthony Fardet, PhD is a nutrition science researcher in the Human Nutrition Unit at Université Clermont Auvergne, France. His work has focused on a number of related areas; the consequences of the reductionist and holistic approaches applied to nutrition research, the relevance of a new classification of foods based on their degree of processing, and the role of the complex structure of the food in its health potential ("matrix effect"). You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode413/

Nov 9, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Dr. Eirini Dimidi of King's College London discusses the research on diet in chronic constipation and functional bowel disorders. Dr. Dimidi is a Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences and a Registered Dietitian. In 2016, she was appointed as a Research Associate at King's College London, where she undertook several research projects on the impact of nutritional interventions in gut function and dysfunction. " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Dr. Dimidi is undertaking research on nutrition-based interventions, including fibre, plant foods, prebiotics, probiotics, and the low FODMAP diet, in gastrointestinal health. Her primary focus is to advance the understanding of the impact of dietary therapies in functional bowel disorders, including chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode412/

Nov 2, 2021

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium In this episode Alan and Danny discuss the role of nutrition in bone health. They cover the importance of bone health, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, how nutrients play a role in bone remodelling, and the evidence of dietary and supplementation trials on bone health outcomes. You can find the show notes, with links to all the reference studies, at https://sigmanutrition.com/episode411/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Oct 26, 2021

In this episode Alan and Danny answer a variety of questions sent in from listeners. Questions: [1:10] Gabriel - Is there any benefit to including SFAs and cholesterol in low quantities in our diets for healthspan? [10:42] Luis Arrondo - Can I do 3 rather than 4 meals or more for protein absorption by increasing grams of protein? How many grams of protein can be absorbed at one sitting. Does taking in protein at night help more absorption of protein? If so, something slower, like milk over whey? Last, how much protein per kilo of weight to gain muscle via weightlifing? [19:34] Heather Smith - Please could you go into the sodium needs of those with hypotension. Your podcast about normotension and hypertension was excellent, as was the section relating to athletes. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the sodium needs of a hypotensive person. Thank you! [27:00] Judith Williams - I would find it really helpful if you could summarise what the evidence shows are the key dietary changes for long term weight loss. [36:41] Dale Grant - Great podcast and episode as normal especially the quack asylum (big fan of this segment). Having listened to a few of these extreme people (quacks) on various platforms, I've noticed they also employ an aggressive falsify my opponents position tactic. Its almost as if they are aware of Karl Poppers falsification principle, but have misinterpreted it as falsify my "opponents" position instead of my own. Aside from the fact they falsely view the person they are having a debate with as their "opponent", they miss the point that they should be trying to find evidence to falsify their own position, and thus get closer to a capital T Truth. On the other hand as Alan pointed out with Assem Mahlhotra, this may just be a reluctance to acknowledge evidence for other reasons (narcissism, us vs Them narrative, etc). Nowhere was this more apparent than when James Wilks (host of mass propaganda film game changers), sought to aggressively debate Chris Kresser on the Joe Rogan Podcast. Considering Wilks is a former cage fighter this wasn't surprising. Unfortunately, this aggressive tactic does lead some people to conclude that Wilks has "won" the argument, because he has "won" the debate. Similar to most modern debates, it seems like you don't have to win the debate intellectually with reason. Instead you just have to make it seem as if your more competent than your opponent. Do you agree these extreme people employ this tactic? and how do you think we could improve "scientific" debates (note inverted commas) in the public domain in the future? [46:40] Dimitri - Should fruit consumption be moderated because of the sugar content? For example, a fig has 8g of sugar, can I eat 5-10 in one sitting or would that be detrimental to health? [51:26] Rebecca Toutant - What is the evidence / practice behind integrative and functional nutrition? [56:06] Duncan Clarke - This will be a strange question for you but I'll send it anyway. How could a cyclist specifically lose upper body muscle mass? For example a fit healthy athlete from another sport takes up cycling and they now have more arm/shoulder muscle than needed. The goal being to maximize the power to weight ratio for climbing. [60:15] Gabriel - Do you foresee any public health issues related to the increasing popularity of plant based diets, where less careful individuals may face issues consuming certain nutrients harder to get from a plant based diet, such as preformed Vitamin A, choline, iron, protein etc? [72:03] Ward Stanford - After re-listening to your podcast on weight maintenance over time I was wondering what information exists on the idea of establishing new body fat set points. It seems like merely existing at a lower bf% for a period of time may not be enough, but what are your thoughts on one's ability to truly create a lower set point where it becomes easier to maintain a lower body fat, and how long would you need to be at that lower bf% for it to become a "set point" Thank you!

Oct 19, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid="425311536639447040">In this episode nutritionist Simon Hill discusses the barriers to eating a healthy diet, steps that can be taken to shift both individuals and the general population to a healthier dietary patten, and a number of other topics. Find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode409/

Oct 12, 2021

or you can support the show on " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Dr. Mario Kratz is a clinical researcher in the areas of nutrition, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease, with more than 20 years of experience running clinical studies in a variety of populations. He is a former research associate professor at the University of Washington in the departments of Medicine and Epidemiology. And is also formerly an Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Washington state. or you can support the show on " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">You can find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode408/ or you can support the show on patreon.com/sigmanutrition/

Oct 5, 2021

In this episode we discuss the potential impact of dietary polyphenols on cardiovascular disease risk; including impacts on blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and other related outcomes. We talk about some potential mechanisms and then several specific randomized, controlled trials. You can find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode407/ and you can support the podcast on patreon.com/sigmanutrition

Sep 28, 2021

In this episode we discuss the potential impact of dietary polyphenols on cognitive health; including cogitnitve funciton, memory, and risk of dementia and Alzeimher's. We talk about some potential mechanisms, cohort studies, and then direct controlled trials. You can find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode406/ and/or support the podcast at patreon.com/sigmanutrition

Sep 21, 2021

and you can support the podcast at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid="425311536639447040">Dr Adrian Brown is a NIHR Lecturer and Research Fellow in the Centre of Obesity Research at University College London. He is also a senior Specialist Weight Management and Bariatric dietitian with over 15 years of clinical experience and a PhD in Medicine from Imperial College London. and you can support the podcast at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">His research interests centre around obesity, type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery, weight stigma and the use of formula-based diets in different patient populations. He is an Honorary Academic for Public Health England Obesity and Healthy Weight Team, on the strategic council for APPG on Obesity and is on the scientific council of the British Nutrition Foundation. and you can support the podcast at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode404/ and you can support the podcast at patreon.com/sigmanutrition/

Sep 14, 2021

and you can support the podcast at " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Prof. Marion Hetherington is Professor of Biopsychology at University of Leeds, where her research is focused on the psychology of appetite across the lifespan. She has previously been at Johns Hopkins, the NIH, the University of Dundee, University of Liverpool and Glasgow Caledonian University, before taking up her role in Leeds in 2008, where she works within the Human Appetite Research Unit. You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode404/ and you can support the podcast at patreon.com/sigmanutrition

Sep 7, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Prof. David Jacobs, PhD is Professor of Public Health, in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, at the University of Minnesota. He has published highly inflential work in nutritional epidemiology and health epidemiolgy for decades. A number of his papers have brought up crucially important ideas about how to do good nutrition science. Specifically, he has talked about think of whole diet or foods as the exposure of interest, rather than individual nutrients. Essentially warning against the pitfalls of applying a biomedical lens to nutrition research. You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode403/

Aug 31, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Prof. Leanne Redman is a Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology & Women's Health, based at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. As the director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health Laboratory, she is focused on understanding the intergenerational transmission of obesity. She has published on maternal diet, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, amoung other issues. She and her colleagues are currently conducting a rigorous trial to determine the effects of a 6-month gestational intervention with calorie restriction and food provision to promote maternal weight maintenance and fat loss in 100 pregnant women with grades 2 and 3 obesity. " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Show notes are available at sigmanutrition.com/episode402/ " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">You can support the podcast at patreon.com/sigmanutrition/

Aug 24, 2021

We take a look at three more "quacks" who spread misinformation; Dr. Michael Greger (01:21), Eric Berg (36:26), and Dr. Paul Saladino (55:18). We give reference to some specific examples. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode401/ If you wish to support the podcast you can do so via patreon.com/sigmanutrition/

Aug 17, 2021

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: To celebrate our 400th episode, we take a look at two "quacks" who spread misinformation; Dr. Aseem Malhotra and Dr. James DiNicolantonio. We give reference to some specific examples.

Aug 10, 2021

James Betts is Professor of Metabolic Physiology at the University of Bath, where he is Co-Director of the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise & Metabolism. His research employs randomised controlled trials to study the effects of nutrition on metabolic regulation. His group recently published a trial aiming to separate out the effects of fasting from those of calorie restriction. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode399/

Aug 3, 2021

Carole Hooven, PhD, is lecturer and codirector of undergraduate studies in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. She earned her PhD at Harvard, studying behavioral endocrinology and evolution of sex differences in humans (physiology, behavior and cognition). She has recently written a book on how testosterone influences behaviour and explains many sex differences. The book is titled 'T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us'. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode398/

Jul 27, 2021

In this episode Danny & Alan discuss the impacts of nitrates and nitrites on health. They look at the beneficial impacts of dietary nitrate, as well as issues around nitrites in processed meat. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode397/

Jul 20, 2021

Dr. Leigh Frame, PhD is Director of Integrative Medicine at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington DC. Dr. Frame received her PhD in Human Nutrition, as well as a Master of Health Science degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In this episode we discuss a range of topics including: the role of placebo groups and the different types we see in nutrient supplementation trials, potential ethical issues, and the development of research ethics. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/epsiode396/

Jul 14, 2021

" data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Professor le Roux is an expert in metabolic medicine and is currently a Professor of Experimental Pathology, University College Dublin. He is recognised as a world leader in metabolism and obesity. " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Professor le Roux's clinical focus is in the management of Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk and other metabolic disorders. Professor Carel le Roux has been published extensively and currently holds a number of editorial roles for journals in his field including, Clinical Obesity and Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. " data-userid="424351203778215936" data-orgid= "425311536639447040">Show notes are available at: sigmanutrition.com/episode395

Jul 9, 2021

Gar Benn is the Head of Coaching at Sigma Nutrition, where he works with nutrition coaching clients and oversees the coaching services. He is the owner of CityGym Limerick, a powerlifting-centric gym in Ireland. And he is also the co-founder of the European Powerlifting Confernce and Titan Ireland. Gar is a qualifed nutrition coach and has completed courses in Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode394/

Jun 29, 2021

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Vitamin D status is linked to a variety of health outcomes, and avoiding or correcting deficiency is important. However, does supplementing with vitamin D actually benefit most people? Is there evidence for supplementation improving health outcomes like mortality, cancer risk, depression or other outcomes? In this episode Danny and Alan look at intervention trials of vitamin D supplementation. Show notes available at: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode393/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jun 22, 2021

Dr. Clare Pettinger is a Registered Dietitian, Public Health Nutritionist and experienced educator. Dr. Pettinger publishes research in the public health nutrition field, and lectures at the Universtity of Plymouth, UK. Dr. Pettinger is actively engaged in community-focussed research around food systems, poverty and social justice. She is an enthusiastic 'sustainability advocate' involved in promoting environmentally sustainable diets for nutrition professionals and Allied Health Professioinals. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode392

Jun 15, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the three primary models used to explain body mass regulation: 1) Set Point Model, 2) Settling Point Model, 3) Dual Intervention Model. They discuss the role of feedback systems, environment, behaviour, as well as discussing both the "thrifty gene hypothesis" and John Speakman's "drifty gene hypothesis".

Jun 9, 2021

Gil Carvalho, MD PhD is a medical doctor, research scientist, science communicator. Dr. Carvalho trained as a medical doctor in the University of Lisbon, in his native Portugal, and later obtained a PhD in Biology from Caltech (California Institute of Technology). He has published peer-reviewed medical research spanning the fields of genetics, molecular biology, nutrition, behaviour, aging and neuroscience. In this episode we discuss: Dairy: is it over-emphasized in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans? Dairy tolerance Critical importance of substitution effects Differences between difference types of dairy on health Claims by some WFPB advocates that olive oil can negatively impact endothethial function Distinguishing between acute and chronic effects Gil's work with Antonio Damasio on feelings Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode190

Jun 4, 2021

Renee McGregor is a leading sports dietitian, specialising in Eating Disorders, REDs, The Female Athlete, athlete health and performance. She is regularly asked to work directly with high performing and professional athletes that have developed a dysfunctional relationship with food that is impacting their performance, health and career. Her practice and knowledge is supported by extensive experience of working in both clinical and performance nutrition, including, Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth teams. She is the co-founder and director of #TRAINBRAVE a campaign raising the awareness of eating disorders in sport; providing resources and practical strategies to reduce the prevalence. She is on the REDS advisory board for BASES (The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science) and sits on the International Task Force for Orthorexia. Find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode389

May 27, 2021

Danny & Alan discuss the current evidence on the health consequences and societal consequences of weight stigma and weigh bias. This includes implicit bias, explicit bias, and internalization of bias. What evidence do we currently have? And what questions remain unanswered? Segments: Today's Topic in Focus [03:39] Listener Questions [59:48] Quack Asylum [68:55] Random Recommendations [72:07] You can find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode388 If you wish to support the podcast you can do so on Patreon at patreon.com/sigmanutrition or directly via the site at sigmanutrition.com/donate

May 18, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the relationship between shift work and health. Why does shift work have negative health impacts? How can one mitigate circadian misalignment? How does shift work impact nutrient metabolism? What nutrition, sleep and lifestyle strategies can help shift workers? Show notes at: sigmanutrition.com/episode387

May 12, 2021

Dr. Tobias is a nutrition and obesity epidemiologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. She received doctoral and postdoctoral training from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, under mentor Dr. Frank B. Hu. Dr. Tobias is co-Instructor of Nutrition Epidemiology with Dr. Walter Willett and faculty member at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. Her epidemiologic research focuses on identifying lifestyle risk factors and underlying mechanisms related to obesity and its major chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer. Dr. Tobias is currently the Academic Editor for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode386

May 4, 2021

In this episode we explore the causes of insulin resistance, and the dietary modifications that may help those with insulin resistance. We discuss how insulin resistance is a complex metabolic disorder, that goes beyond one single pathway or cause. There is also a discussion on the mechanisms of insulin resistance pathogenesis. Specifically, we talk about the accumulation of ectopic fat. Ectopic fat is the storage of triglycerides in tissues other than fat tissue, such as the liver, skeletal muscle, heart, and pancreas. There is also an overview of the Twin-Cycle Hypothesis, which was discussed in more detail in a previous episode with Prof. Roy Taylor. In addition, we give special mention to liver fat accumulation and the relationship between insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Then various diet interventions are assessed for their potential usefulness to those with insulin resistnace. This includes different diet types (e.g. whole-food plant-based diet, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, etc.), role of macronutrients, pre-loading studies, and the role of meal timing and circadian effects. Find the show notes at https://sigmanutrition.com/episode385

Apr 27, 2021

In this episode Greg Nuckols and Mike Zourdos breakdown two research papers related to the interference effect and concurrent training. Greg and Mike (along with Eric Helms and Eric Trexler) produce the MASS research review, which breaks down the latest research studies relevant to those interested in strength training, strength sports, and bodybuilding. From April 27th to May 4th you can get a significant discount on a MASS subscription by visiting sigmanutrition.com/mass-sale/

Apr 20, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss irritable bowel syndome and the evidence related to dietary interventions. They discuss diagnosis of the condition, various sub-types, potential mechanisms, the gut-brain axis, first line treatments, impact of fibre, and evidence on the low FODMAP diet. Today's Topic in Focus: IBS & Diet [06:20] "I Have a Question!" [74:47] Quack Asylum [79:30] Random Recommendations [86:49] Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode383

Apr 6, 2021

Andy Morgan is the founder of RippedBody.com and an online coach. He co-authored the Muscle & Strength Pyramids books along with Dr. Eric Helms and Andrea Valdez. He has published a host of excellent nutrition and training resources in the form of ebooks, articles and podcasts, which can be found on the Ripped Body website. He recently released the third edition of the Diet Adjustments Manual. You can find the show notes to this episode at: sigmanutrition.com/episode382

Mar 30, 2021

Prof. Chris Packard holds an Honorary Professorship of Vascular Biochemistry at the University of Glasgow. Over his career, Professor Packard has focussed on two aspects of atherosclerosis research, lipoprotein metabolism and how it is affected by diets and drugs, and large-scale clinical trials of lipid lowering agents. He is acknowledged as one of the leading researchers in the world in this field. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode381

Mar 23, 2021

Prof. Barry Popkin is the W.R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a nutrition and obesity researcher at the Carolina Population Center and is the director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Obesity at UNC. He developed the concept of the Nutrition Transition, the study of the dynamic shifts in dietary intake and physical activity patterns and trends around obesity and other nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases (NCD). Prof. Popkin is involved now in work on program and policy design at the national level to improve the average diet at the population level. He has published more than 545 journal articles, and is one of the most cited nutrition scholars in the world, with more than 90,000 citations. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode380

Mar 16, 2021

Danny and Alan are joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky. Dr. Nadolsky is a board-certified obesity specialist, lipidologist, and family physician. In this episode we discuss the strengths and limitations of BMI, adipose tissue type and relevance to risk, hypertrophic vs. hyperplastic adipocytes, 'Metabolically Healthy Obesity', and weight stigma. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode379

Mar 9, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss some critical aspects to understand about nutritional epidemiology in order to evaluate diet-disease relationships appropriately. Of particular focus in this episode is the unique exposure of interest in nutrition studies, why its crucial to understand temporal relationships and how to think about relative risk and absolute risk. The guys finish by explaining how one can include these findings into an understanding of an overall body of evidence. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode378

Mar 2, 2021

Herman Pontzer, PhD is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University and Associate Research Professor of Global Health at the Duke Global Health Institute. He is an internationally recognized researcher in human energetics and evolution. Over two decades of research in the field and laboratory, Dr. Pontzer has conducted pathbreaking studies across a range of settings, including fieldwork with Hadza hunter-gatherers in northern Tanzania, fieldwork on chimpanzee ecology in the rainforests of Uganda, and metabolic measurements of great apes in zoos and sanctuaries around the globe. Find the show notes to this episode at sigmanutrition.com/episode377

Feb 23, 2021

Dr. Kevin Hall, PhD is Senior Chief of the Integrative Physiology Section of the Laboratory of Biological Modeling at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). His laboratory investigates how metabolism and the brain adapt in response to a variety of interventions to diet and physical activity. They carry out studies to better understand the complex mechanisms regulating macronutrient metabolism, body composition, and energy expenditure. Recently Dr. Hall was lead author on a study titled 'Effect of a plant-based, low-fat diet versus an animal-based, ketogenic diet on ad libitum energy intake', which was published in Nature Medicine in early 2021. [Disclaimer: By participating in this podcast, the U.S. Government, represented by the National Institutes of Health does not directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be provided, by Sigma Nutrition.] Link to show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode376

Feb 16, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the current evidence base related to sodium intake and health, most notably cardiovascular disease. The episode walks through understanding diet-disease relationships, the epidemiology of sodium and health outcomes, the reasons for conflicting conlusions, sodium measurements in research, intervention trials, and more. Importantly, the claim that the sodium-CVD risk relationship exhibits a "J-shaped curve" (i.e. risk is low at moderate intakes and higher at both low and high intakes) is dissected, with recommendations given on how to reconcile all the available evidence.

Feb 9, 2021

In this episode Danny becomes the interviewee, as he is interviewed by sports dietitian and owner of The Fight Dietitian, Jordan Sullivan RD. Jordan oversees the diet of several UFC athletes, including champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. Danny and Jordan have an in-depth chat about all aspects of nutrition and weight cutting for combat sport athletes, including the concept of the "52 week fight camp" and Danny's five-phase model of combat sport nutrition. This discussion first appeared on the Fight Science Podcast. Thanks to Jordan Sullivan for allowing its reproduction here. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode374 Weight Cutting System: sigmanutrition.com/weightcut

Feb 2, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the health impacts of alcohol and take a look at the research to answer whether alcohol should be viewed as having a J-shaped curve of risk or zero alcohol being better than any amount. Segments: [03:40] Today's Topic in Focus [53:45] "I Have a Question!" [62:14 ]Random Recommendations Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode373

Jan 26, 2021

Dr. Mike Israetel​ is the cofounder of Renaissance Periodization, where he produces content related to training and dieting for hypertrophy, strength and bodybuidling. Dr. Israetel is also currently a professor in the strength and hypertrophy masters program at Lehman College. Mike is himself a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode372

Jan 19, 2021

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the debate over the impact of dietary cholesterol on LDL-C levels and heart disease risk. Are eggs & cholesterol-rich foods a problem? Let's dive into the research to find out! Today's Topic in Focus: [00:51] "I Have a Question!" [62:32] Quack Asylum [72:55] Random Recommendations [75:28] Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode371

Jan 13, 2021

Dr. Jake Mey is a registered dietitan and a human nutrition researcher. He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. His work focuses on diet, muscle & metabolism. Dr. Mey has a PhD in human nutrition and kinesology. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode370

Jan 6, 2021

Professor Jason Gill is a Professor of Cardiometabolic Health in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow. He leads an active multi-disciplinary research group investigating the effects of exercise and diet on the prevention and management of vascular and metabolic diseases from the molecular to the whole-body level. He is a past Chair of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Division of Physical Activity for Health and a member of the development groups for the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines for the prevention and treatment of obesity and for prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this episode we discuss: Strength and chronic disease risk Discrepancy between self-report and objective measurements of physical activity Regression dilution bias: If you measure something poorly you diminish the apparent association with the outcome The EuroFIT randomized controlled trial The amount of exercise needed to get to a point of low absolute risk of cardiometabolic disease is more for high-risk populations vs. low-risk populations Why if you have a higher genetic risk for obesity, then lifestyle matters more, not less Should there be differential guidelines for activity based on race/ethnicity? Interaction between degree of social deprivation, lifestyle and health outcomes Why reducing sitting time may not be a useful target LINK: sigmanutrition.com/episode369

Jan 1, 2021

Shannon Beer is a nutritionist, working with people via online coaching and mentoring, with the goal of helping people improve their health through facilitating lasting behaviour change. In collaboration with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, she has developed a coaching framework that applies motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and acceptance and commitment therapy-aligned processes in a client-centered alliance toward their own values-based goals. This 'Comprehensive Coaching' model facilitates long-term behavior change and flourishing health in clients. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode368

Dec 28, 2020

Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro is a nutrition/health coach who focuses on facilitating behavior change, embodying a positive relationship with food, cultivating positive body image, and improving sport performance. Dr. Fundaro is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College and holds a PhD in Human Nutrition and Exercise. She is currently a board member of both the Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind (NCGM) and the Sports Nutrition Association (SNA). In collaboration with Shannon Beer, she has developed a coaching framework that applies motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral coaching, and acceptance and commitment therapy-aligned processes in a client-centered alliance toward their own values-based goals. This 'Comprehensive Coaching' model facilitates long-term behavior change and flourishing health in clients. LINK: sigmanutrition.com/episode367

Dec 22, 2020

In this episode Danny and Alan answer some listener questions, covering a range of topics, including hunger cues, weight-neutral appraoches, body fat distribution, and breakfast and cognition, among others. The guys also discuss the most interesting thing they've learned this year and resources on critical thinking. Questions Answered: [08:40] What's the most interesting thing you've learnt this year? [16:30] Is the cliche "hacks to survive the holiday period" a damaging narrative? [18:32] Is the notion that weight loss attempts typically produce more harm than benefit, evidence-based? [21:28] What's your opinion on intuitive eating? Both the official book and the unofficial trend. [25:40] Based on your previous podcast discussing health policy, how does a health coach use this knowledge working with clients given that the deck may be stacked against certain clients? Does HAES become more important for clients who face more challenges like those you spoke about? [30:26] What are the things a person can read or learn outside nutrition to become a better thinker and person? [39:35] Is there a benefit to eating breakfast in the morning for mental/cognitive purposes? [45:51] Genetically, do different individuals respond differently to various hunger cues? i.e; some respond extremely well to the secretion of leptin, and other to the stretch receptors in the stomach? [50:15] Nightshift workers: to eat or not eat between midnight and 6am. What's best to snack on P, C, or F? [56:09] When it comes to the frontiers of nutrition science (nutrigenomics, diet-microbiome, etc.), which show most promise and which are overhyped? [62:12] What is actually worse when it comes to a fatty liver, fructose or saturated fat? [65:42] What makes collagen supplements any better/any different than simple AA supplements? Is it just marketing? [69:42] Is fish oil supplementation worth the hype? Or is it better to get your omega 3 fatty acids from natural sources like fish? [80:17] I've heard that peri/post-menopausal women's bodies are less efficient at using carbohydrates as fuel due to the hormonal changes. Is there any evidence to back up this claim? [83:21] Thoughts on post-menopause midriff fat gain due to fat cells secreting oestrogen? [85:26] Is there any evidence supporting strategies at target fat cells with a high ratio of alpha:beta receptors (i.e., "stubborn" fat)? [88:50] Do we eat to feed ourselves or are we just the vehicle to feed the many bacteria in/on us? [92:12] Is arteriosclerosis reversible? [94:02] In the paleo/keto community there is a lot of discussion about the pro-inflammatory nature of industrialised seed and vegetable oils. Does the science back avoiding these? [96:28] If marine omega 3 is so important, then how do we reconcile the fact that historically many cultures wouldn't have had much access to them? [99:34] Do statins adversely affect strength gains or hypertrophy? Find all mentioned resources linked at the show notes page: sigmanutrition.com/episode366

Dec 15, 2020

Dr. David Robert Grimes is a physicist, cancer researcher and a science journalist. In addition to his cancer research, he has also published peer-reviewed work on conspiracy theories, meta-research and health modelling. Dr. Grimes is the author of the fantastic book The Irrational Ape: Why We Fall for Disinformation, Conspiracy Theory and Propaganda. And given his keen interest in advancing the public understanding of science, he contributes to several media outlets discussing science, politics and society. He appears frequently on news media to discuss and debate topics as diverse as vaccination to climate-change, and gives talks across the world on the importance of evidence in society. He was joint winner of the 2014 Nature / Sense About Science Maddox Prize for standing up for Science. David is affiliated with Oxford University, Queen's University Belfast and Dublin City University. His cancer research has focused on the mathematical modelling and mechanistic understanding of hypoxia in cancer. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode365

Dec 8, 2020

Dr. Jake Linardon is a Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. His research focuses on eating disorders, with a primary focus on testing and evaluating a broad range of treatment approaches for eating disorders. Dr. Linardon is particularly interested in understanding how modern information technology can be used to help those most in need. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode364

Dec 1, 2020

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the evidence for public health nutrition interventions, how health inequalities are driven by socioeconomic factors, and how ideology and simplistic rhetoric about "personal responsibility" can get in the way. Today's Topic in Focus [07:29] "I Have a Question!" [82:22] Quack Asylum [85:20] Random Recommendations [91:14] Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode363

Nov 25, 2020

Alistair Monteyne is the lead author on some recent RCTs examining the impact of mycoprotein on muscle protein synthesis. Alistair is currently a PhD student in the Nutritional Physiology Research Group based at the University of Exeter in the UK. He also has a MSc. in Sport and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode362

Nov 18, 2020

Dr Sarah Berry is a researcher and senior lecturer in nutritional science at King's College London. Her research interests relate to the influence of dietary components on markers of cardiovascular disease risk; with a particular focus on the influence of food and fat structure on postprandial metabolism. Dr. Berry has been the academic leader for more than 30 human nutrition studies in cardio-metabolic health. Her research also focuses on the influence of manipulation of food structure and subsequent effects on lipid and carbohydrate bioaccessibility and changes in postprandial metabolism. Sarah is also the lead nutritional scientist on an ongoing series of postprandial metabolic studies, assessing the genetic, metabolic, metagenomic, and meal-dependent effects on postprandial metabolic responses in >1,200 individuals in the UK and US. Show notes available at sigmanutrition.com/episode361

Nov 12, 2020

Nick Hiebert writes about nutrition science on his site The Nutrivore, as well as exclusive, comprehnsive posts on his Patreon page. He is the creator of the "Nutrient Density Cheat Sheet", a nutrition ranking tool for hundreds of whole foods. Nick has a deep interest in a host of nutrition science topics, from nutrient density to saturated fat & cardiovascular disease. He does a lot of deep analysis of raw data and has published some independent meta-analyses on his site. Show notes can be found at sigmanutrition.com/episode360

Nov 5, 2020

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the common misunderstandings and misrepresentations of the energy balance equation, leading to problematic debates over the validity of 'calories in, calories out'. Today's Topic in Focus: Calories In, Calories Out [02:15] "I Have a Question!" [60:17] Quack Asylum [70:20] Random Recommendations [76:20] SHOW NOTES: sigmanutrition.com/episode359

Oct 27, 2020

In this episode Danny and Alan discuss the health impacts of coffee consumption, including long-term protective influence on disease risk, acute impacts, optimal dosages, genetic differences in metabolism and the influence of the bioactive compounds in coffee. Today's Topic in Focus: [01:50] "I Have a Question!" [68:18] Quack Asylum [71:03] Random Recommendations [81:50] Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode358

Oct 21, 2020

Dr. Nicky Keay is a medical doctor (MB BChir, MRCP) with specific training in endocrinology. She has published related to female athlete hormone profiling, energy availability, and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). As a Research Fellow at St Thomas' Hospital, she was part of the international medical team which developed an anti-doping test for growth hormone. Dr. Keay studied medicine at Cambridge University, gained membership of the Royal College of Physicians, and trained in endocrinology. Dr. Keay is currently an Honoray Fellow at Durham Universty in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode357

Oct 15, 2020

Dr. Hana Kahleova is the director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee and directs research testing the effect a plant-based diet has on metabolism, insulin function, fitness, and mental health, as well as studying the impact meal timing and meal frequency have on metabolism and body weight. Dr. Kahleova earned her doctorate in nutrition and diabetes and her medical degree from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. As a postdoctoral research fellow at Loma Linda University in California, Dr. Kahleova analyzed data from 50,000 Adventist Health Study-2 participants. She analyzed data on meal frequency and timing in relationship to changes in body weight. Show notes at: sigmanutrition.com/episode356

Oct 9, 2020

Danny & Alan discuss a recent paper on time-restricted eating that has been inaccurately interpreted by some as a "disproval" of TRE as an intervention. In this episode, the aim is to provide some context to the situation. There are also three listener questions, and another person/claim is brought into the quack asylum! Today's Topic in Focus: Time-Restricted Eating [05:14] "I Have a Question!" [57:27] Quack Asylum [73:35] Random Recommendations [86:05] SHOW NOTES: sigmanutrition.com/episode355

Sep 29, 2020

Danny & Alan discuss issues with using and interpreting meta-analyses in nutritional science, they answer a question about methods of reheating food, and they highlight a recent paper published by quacks that experts have termed a "deception". Today's Topic in Focus [08:50] "I Have a Question!" [53:35] Quack Asylum [59:32] Something Random [66:42] Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode354

Sep 22, 2020

Dr. James Hébert is a nutritional and cancer epidemiologist, currently a distinguished Professor at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Hébert's professional focus for the past several years has been on developing and refining the Dietary Inflammatory Index™ (DII®), which has now been established as an effective research tool. Dr. Hébert is also a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, a Professor of Epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, a Professor of Community Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, and the Director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program. Dr. Hébert obtained his ScD (Doctor of Science) in nutritional epidemiology from Harvard University in 1984. Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode353

Sep 15, 2020

Danny and Alan take a look at the evidence on weight loss maintenance, answer a question about ApoE4, and admit another nonsensical claim into the quack asylum. In this episode: [02:56] Today's Topic in Focus: Weight Regain vs Weight Loss Maintenance [58:56] I Have a Question!: "How does the ApoE4 allele affect lipid metabolism? And how should someone structure their diet around having one or both alleles due to it resulting in higher LDL-C than someone without the gene?" [63:09] Quack Asylum: Irish doctors gives nonsensical and harmful nutrition recommendations. [76:35] Random Recommendations Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode352

Sep 8, 2020

Glenn Gibson is Professor of Food Microbiology at University of Reading. He has been researching bacteria in the gut for over 30 years. Together with his colleague Marcel B. Roberfroid, both researchers coined the term prebiotics in their 1995 paper. He has published over 450 research papers and 8 books. He currently researches acute and chronic gut disease, with specific projects on probiotics and prebiotics, gas production, gut microbiota development, gastroenteritis, obsesity and colonic homeostasis. Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode351

Sep 2, 2020

Dr Peter Olusoga is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. His current research focuses on stress, burnout and wellbeing in sports, with a particular interest in high-performance environments and elite coaching. Peter is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Hugh Gilmore is an accredited sport psychologist with experience working in elite sport in the UK. Hugh has worked with elite athletes across a number of sports, including with the British Weightlifting team in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. Hugh has a MSc. in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology. And is accredited by The Irish Institute of Sport and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES). Peter and Hugh are the hosts of the new sport psychology podcast Eighty Percent Mental. Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode350

Aug 26, 2020

Professor Naomi Allen was appointed Chief Scientist for UK Biobank in 2019, having joined UK Biobank in November 2011 as Senior Epidemiologist. She is Professor of Epidemiology at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, with a keen research interest in cancer epidemiology. At UK Biobank she is responsible for following-up participants both through linkage with routine health-related datasets, and through web-based questionnaires. She is also involved in developing the scientific strategy for future enhancements for the study. Her research interest is largely in the role of diet, obesity and circulating biomarkers in cancer development. Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode349

Aug 19, 2020

Today's Topic in Focus: Omega-3 Supplementation & Heart Disease [01:52] "I Have a Question!" [66:30]: UK government obesity plan. Quack Asylum [87:00]: Is a gram of PUFA in chicken worse than 250g of sugar from honey? Carnivore cannibalism! Random Recommendations [94:20] SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode348/

Aug 12, 2020

Alex Thomas is the founder of Sports Nutrition Association (SNA), which is global association that contains Sports Nutrition Australia, Sports Nutrition NewZealand, Sports Nutrition Asia, and Sports Nutrition USA. Alex is an experienced Clinical Accredited Sports Nutritionist. He is the Australasian Ambassador of the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition). He is co-creator of the Metabolic Health Screen (A health risk and contraindication identification and triage system – now imbedded in the MyPocketcoach platform). His passion is in providing legitimate education, qualifications and insurance pathways to ensure the successful and sustainable career pathways for the profession of Sports Nutritionists. Alex believes we now have a unique opportunity to establish a significant meaningful impact and pride in what it is to hold the title of 'Accredited Sports Nutritionist' within the industry. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode347

Aug 4, 2020

Dr. Kathryn Bradbury, PhD is a researcher at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her research has focused on examining the role of diet in the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases. Dr. Bradbury spent 5 years in the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford. There, she worked as a nutritional epidemiologist on large cohort studies, including the European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), and the UK Biobank. She also has expertise in traditional and web-based dietary assessment methods, nutritional epidmiology (including prospective analyses of large cohort studies), biomarkers of nutritional status (including folate), blood lipids, the role of diet in the development of gastrointestinal cancers, and vegetarian nutrition. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode346

Jul 29, 2020

Dr. Rebecca Leech is a Registered Nutritionist and Nutritional Epidemiologist, based at Deakin's Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Rebecca has a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology, and in 2018, was awarded an Alfred Deakin Medal for her doctoral thesis, which examined adults' eating patterns and their associations with diet quality and obesity. Her postdoctoral research, extends on this, and applies novel analytic approaches to understand determinants of food intake at eating occasions and the role of eating patterns in cardiometabolic health in adults. Dr. Leech is funded by an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Fellowship and received category 1 funding from the National Heart Foundation (NHF) Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2019. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode345/

Jul 22, 2020

Prof. Martin Caraher is Emeritus Professor of food and health policy at Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London. He has worked for and acted as a consultant to the UK Department of Health, the World Bank and the World Health Organisation. He was a member of the original London Food Board which developed the food strategy for London. He is a member of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) scientific committee. He also sits on the Safefood Irl scientific committee. Show Notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode344

Jul 16, 2020

Danny & Alan discuss how to understand causality in nutrition research. The episodes includes: inferring causality vs demonstrating causality, the hierarchy of evidence vs. standards of proof, the erroneous application of the biomedical model to nutrition, RCTs vs. epidemiology, what the "highest quality evidence available" is, and how nutritional epidemiology can infer causality. Episode also includes a listener question, random recommendations and the Quack Asylum! Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode343

Jul 7, 2020

In this episode Alan and Danny discuss the nutritional science research on vegan diets and human health. Some of the concepts covered include: defining "plant-based" diets, examination of various intervention trials comparing diets, veganism across the lifestage, benefits of a vegan diet, nutrient considerations and lots more. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode342

Jul 1, 2020

Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf are the co-authors of Sacred Cow, a book exploring the important role of animals in our food system. Diana is a Registered Dietitian living on a working organic farm in New England, where she runs an active nutrition practice. She speaks at universities and conferences internationally about nutrition and sustainability, social justice, animal welfare and food policy issues. She's just completed work on the new book and film project, Sacred Cow. Robb Wolf is a former research biochemist and a New York Times/WSJ Best Selling author (for both The Paleo Solution and Wired To Eat ). Robb has functioned as a review editor for the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (Biomed Central) and as a consultant for the Naval Special Warfare Resiliency program. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode340/

Jun 26, 2020

Professor Corinna Hawkes has been working for the past 20 years with UN agencies, governments, NGOs and academia at the local, national and international level to support the design of more effective policies throughout the food system to improve diets and prevent malnutrition in all its forms. She is currently Director of the Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London, UK, a Centre dedicated to shaping a more effective food system through education, research and engagement with the world of food policy. In 2018 she was appointed Vice Chair of the London Child Obesity Taskforce by the Mayor of London. She was a member of the EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems and the Lancet Commission on Obesity. Corinna has worked at the World Health Organization, the International Food Policy Research Institute, the University of Sao Paulo and as Head of Policy and Public Affairs at World Cancer Research Fund International, where she established the NOURISHING Framework which tracks policies to promote healthy eating worldwide. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode339

Jun 21, 2020

Alex J. O'Connor is founder of the Cosmic Skeptic YouTube channel, podcast and blog; platforms dedicated to the publication of philosophical ideas and debates in an accessible format. He is currently reading for a degree in philosophy and theology at St John's College, Oxford University. Alex is an impassioned animal rights advocate and religious critic, regularly discussing these topics on his online platforms. He has spoken at conferences internationally and has engaged in debates on ethics and philosophy. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode338/

Jun 16, 2020

Professor Paul B. Thompson holds the W.K. Kellogg Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics at Michigan State University, where he serves on the faculty in the departments of Philosophy, Community Sustainability and Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and has held posts at Texas A&M University and Purdue University. Thompson's research and teaching has focused on ethical and philosophical topics in food and agriculture. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode337

Jun 10, 2020

Andrew Chignell is a professor at Princeton, with appointments in Religion, Philosophy, and the University Center for Human Values. He was previously an associate professor at Cornell and a professor at University of Pennsylvania. He received his PhD from Yale. Chignell's work to date focuses on Immanuel Kant and other modern European philosophers, philosophy of religion, the moral psychology of hope and despair, and the ethics of belief. He also has an interest in food ethics, and recently co-produced (with Will Starr at Cornell) a Massive Open Online Course on "The Ethics of Eating" for EdX.org.

Jun 4, 2020

Dr. Bobinet received her Masters in Public Health at Harvard University, specializing in Healthcare Management, Technology-enabled Behavior Change, and Population Health Management. She received her medical degree from the UCSF School of Medicine. She has also studied in Dr. BJ Fogg's Persuasive Tech Lab at Stanford. Kyra has founded several healthcare start-ups, spanning behavior health, population health, and mobile health. She has designed behavior change programs, big data algorithms, billion dollar products, mobile health apps, and evidence-based studies in metabolic medicine. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode335 Get 20% off at Legion Athletics using the code SIGMA: buylegion.com/sigma

May 28, 2020

Dr. Austin Baraki, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician, based in San Antonio, Texas. He completed his doctorate in medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He also works as a strength coach and puts out information via Barbell Medicine. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode334

May 20, 2020

Today's Topic in Focus: Immune Function & Diet Innate and adaptive immune response How does body composition impact immune function? Will a calorie deficit or fasting decrease immunity? Vitamins A, C, D. Supplementation with zinc: yes or no? Eating "to support the immune system" Exercise and immunity Environmental factors in infancy Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode333

May 15, 2020

Prof. Sam McConkey is a doctor and researcher specializing in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Currently he is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He is also a Consultant in General Medicine, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Beaumont Hospital Dublin. Previously Prof. McConkey was a Research Fellow in Infectious Disease at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri and an Honorary Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Oxford Radcliffe Trust. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode332/

May 5, 2020

Roy Taylor is Professor of Medicine and Metabolism at the University of Newcastle in the UK. There he is also director of the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre. Prof. Taylor is an Honorary Consultant Physician at Newcastle Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Since publishing his "twin cycle" hypothesis of type 2 diabetes in 2008, Prof. Taylor and colleagues have published several fascinating studies with potentially large implications for the potential to put diabetes into remission. Three of the most important trials were the Counterpoint Study, the Counterbalance study and the DiRECT study. All of which will be discussed in this episode. Do you want to get your whey protein or pre-workout from a brand that's trustworthy? Get 20% off you first order at Legion Athletics with the code SIGMA: buylegion.com/sigma

Apr 28, 2020

Eric Trexler is Director of Education at Stronger By Science, where he co-hosts the SBS podcast. He also is one of the four contributors to the MASS Research Review. Eric has a prolific background in exercise science research, with more than 30 publications to his name by the time he completed his PhD at UNC-Chapel Hill. One-week anniversary sale of the MASS Research Review: https://sigmanutrition.com/mass

Apr 20, 2020

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium In this episode Danny & Alan discuss: Today's Topic in Focus: Inflammation & Diet. Today's Member Question: "Is the carcinogenic risk of this high enough that I should be throwing them away and starting again? Being consigned to the Quack Asylum in this episode is... "Leveraging-COVID-to-further-my-diet-idealogy". Danny & Alan's random recommendations of the week. Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Apr 14, 2020

Dr. Meeta Singh is a board-certified sleep medicine doctor and is currently the service chief of the sleep medicine at the Henry Ford sleep laboratory in Michigan. She did her training in psychiatry at the Mayo clinic and a sleep fellowship at the Henry Ford hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as a psychiatrist and sleep medicine sub-specialist.

Apr 8, 2020

David's a Performance Nutritionist with a track record in developing and delivering nutrition programmes to elite athletes, teams, Olympians and sports legends – all over the globe. He has worked in elite sport with PGA Tour golfers and various teams including Harlequins (rugby union), Bradford Bulls (rugby league) and Queens Park Rangers (soccer). David is currently completing PhD out of Liverpool Johns Moores University in the UK, doing research on digital media & behaviour change interventions in sports nutrition. David is the CEO of Hexis. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode327

Apr 3, 2020

Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon is a former university professor and researcher who now designs curriculum for Precision Nutrition. She focuses on helping people make meaningful change through the Precision Nutrition Coaching and coaching Certification programs. Krista is also the author or co-author of several books, with the latest being Why Me Want Eat: Fixing Your Food Fuckedupitude. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode326

Mar 29, 2020

Dr. Kirk Parsley is a former SEAL, and received his Medical Degree from Bethesda, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in 2004. He served as an Undersea Medical Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group One from 2009 - 2013. While there, he led the development and supervised the group's first Sports Medicine Rehabilitation center. Dr. Parsley has been a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 2006 and has served as Naval Special Warfare's expert on Sleep Medicine. After leaving the Navy he went into concierge medicine and consulting. He continues to consult for multiple corporations, and professional athletes/teams. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode325

Mar 24, 2020

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford is an obesity medicine physician, scientist, educator, and policy maker at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is a national and international sought after expert in obesity medicine who bridges the intersection of medicine, public health, policy, and disparities. She completed her Obesity Medicine & Nutrition Fellowship at MGH/HMS after completing her internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of South Carolina. She has served as a health communications fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as a behavioral sciences intern at the American Cancer Society. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode324

Mar 17, 2020

Dr. Rizwan Sohail is an infectious disease specialist based at the Mayo Clinic, where he holds a joint appointment with the divisions of Infectious Diseases and Cardiovascular Diseases. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and then a Fellowship in infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic. In This Episode We Discuss Distinguishing between COVID-19 (disease) and the actual novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) What is different about this specific coronavirus compared to others This coronavirus has a respiratory droplet transmission The difference between respiratory droplet and airbourne transmission Time from exposure to SARS-CoV-2 to symptom The disease mechanism Current case reports on those hospitalized In those who have recovered, do we know yet whether they can be reinfected or if they have established immunity? Is the severity of the disease impacted by the length or magnitude of the exposure? On average, for someone infected how many people will they likely infect. How it compares to other viruses in terms of lethality and transmissibility Why social distancing (and potentially self- isolation) is so important Impact on healthcare system Mortality rate is not inherent to the virus alone, but mediated by how the healthcare system holds up, as well as population demographics, etc. Response needed now: a) public health/governmental; b) individuals (context dependent)

Mar 12, 2020

Dominic Munnelly is one of Ireland's leading personal trainers having worked in the business for over 20 years. He has supported many clients on their health and fitness journey advising them on training, nutrition, mobility and wellness and in the process helped people lose weight, get fit and lead a happier and healthier life. His background is Sports Science had he holds a degree from the University of Sunderland as well as other qualifications and certifications. He is a co-author of Move Train Nourish, The Sustainable Way to a Healthier you, published by The Collins Press. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode322/

Feb 25, 2020

Dave Feldman is a software engineer and runs the Cholesterol Code website. In 2015 Dave adopted a low-carb high-fat diet, which improved his overall health. However, upon seeing his LDL-cholesterol skyrocket, he set out learn all he could about blood lipids and health. Dave has gained prominence as a "LDL-skeptic" and promoter of his "lipid triad" hypothesis. This lipid triad relates to a situation where one sees high LDL-C, high HDL-C and low triglycerides. Dave hypothesises that in such a context, the high LDL-C does not confer high risk of cardiovascular disease. This is counter to the current consensus position of the lipid hypothesis, where LDL plays a causal role in atherosclerosis development. Alan Flanagan is the Research Communication Officer here at Sigma Nutrition. Alan is currently pursuing his PhD in nutrition at the University of Surrey, UK, with a research focus in chrononutrition. Alan previuosly completed a Masters in Nutritional Medicine at the same institution. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode321

Feb 18, 2020

Hannah Ritchie is a researcher at the University of Oxford, working at the online publication OurWorldinData.org. The publication aims to present empirical research on how the world is changing through the use of interactive data visualisations and explainers. Her research is focused on the intersection between sustainability and global development, with a focus on how to couple economic development and improved living standards with environmental sustainability. Hannah holds a BSc in Environmental Geoscience, and an MSc in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh. There, her doctoral studies focused on the assessment of global food systems and their capacity to address malnutrition and environmental sustainability simultaneously. At the University of Edinburgh she was also a lecturer in Sustainability, Society and Environment, and worked on the development of teaching programmes directed towards interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. She has worked on a number of sustainability consulting and industry-led projects. LINK: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode320

Feb 11, 2020

The release of this episode coincides with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which has taken place annually on the 11th February, since 2016. The day recognizes the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is implemented by UNESCO and UN Women, in collaboration with intergovernmental agencies and institutions, as well as civil society partners, that aim to promote women and girls in science. The day's purpose is to promote full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls. In this episode, we look back on a handul of women who have appeared on the podcast over the past 12 months, to highlight the outstanding work and achievements of women in nutrition science and health science research.

Feb 4, 2020

Dr. Chris Melby is a Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University. He has a long-standing research focus on the interplay between dietary eating patterns and exercise/physical activity in regard to energy metabolism and positive and negative energy balance. In recent times Dr. Melby has published work on the relationshop between energy flux and the probability of maintaining a previous loss of body weight. Long-term maintenance of weight loss requires sustained energy balance at the reduced body weight. This could be attained by coupling low total daily energy intake (TDEI) with low total daily energy expenditure (TDEE; low energy flux), or by pairing high TDEI with high TDEE (high energy flux). This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Jan 28, 2020

This episode is a supplemental/follow-up episode to the 'Diet & Cardiovascular Disease' Series of Sigma Statements. If you have not read those statements, you can find them on sigmanutrition.com his episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com Sigma Statements: https://sigmanutrition.com/category/blog-post/statements/

Jan 22, 2020

Dr. Michael Grandner is the Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. He is Board-Certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine. His research focuses on how sleep and sleep-related behaviors are related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, neurocognitive functioning, mental health, and longevity. He has published over 150 articles and chapters on issues relating to sleep and health and his work has been cited over 2,500 times. He is associate editor of the journal Sleep Health and serves on the editorial boards of the journals SLEEP, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Journal of Sleep Research, and Frontiers in Neurology: Sleep and Circadian Rhythms. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com Sigma Statements: https://sigmanutrition.com/category/blog-post/statements/

Jan 15, 2020

Dr. Samia Mora is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. She is a cardiovascular medicine specialist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, where she is the Director of the Center for Lipid Metabolomics. Dr. Mora's research focuses on risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Mora received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed an internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she also obtained a Masters in Health Science (Epidemiology) from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com Sigma Statement: https://sigmanutrition.com/lipids

Jan 9, 2020

[05:00] how should we define calorie restriction in the context of its scientifically observed connection with longevity? [12.30] I'd love to hear your thoughts about the consumption of duck meat. Does it get categorized as red meat consumption in epidemiological studies? [14.10] Can obese or overweight women experience REDs when dieting? If so how do you manage the risk vs. reward of losing excessive body fat vs inducing REDs? [21.20] How much the Nutrition will change in 10 years, and how much impact it will have in our daily lives? [25.00] Cancer recovery: What type food to eat and training protocols to follow whilst healing after operation and what type of exercise during chemo? [26.00] I'd love to know what your "weaknesses" are! [34.00] What non-tracking methods do you use for combat athletes? [38.20] can we adapt to higher fat oxidation during exercise so that exogenous CHO isn't necessary? [42.55] How do you plan a diet to lose muscle mass healthily? [48.40] Does eating a high-fat diet (keto) cause heart health issues? [52.34] Is salt good or bad for your health? [53.38] Does calcium supplement improve bone health and prevent bone fracture? [62.55] Hemochromatosis and the Irish [68.10] In nutritional science and resistance training I'm witnessing what appears to be a shift from a physicalist based approach to a phenomenological based approach. Do you see a similar transition taking place?

Jan 1, 2020

Dr. Fergus Connolly is one of the world's foremost human performance thought leaders and influencers, and has applied performance science with leading sports, military, and business teams. He is the only coach to have full times roles in every major sport. Fergus has served as Director of Elite Performance for the San Francisco 49ers, Sports Science Director with the Welsh Rugby Union, and Performance Director for University of Michigan Football. He has guided coaches, support staff and players in the NBA, Australian Rules Football and international cricket. Fergus has also trained world boxing champions and advises elite military units and companies across the globe. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Dec 17, 2019

Dr. Allison Brager is a behavioral neurobiologist with an expertise in sleep and circadian rhythms for the United States Army (active duty), as well as their contributions to psychiatric, neurological, and inflammatory disease states. She is currently the Director of Human Performance Operations and Outreach Education at the US Army Warrior Fitness Training Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Her work has examined sleep and activity regulatory mechanisms as well as adaptation and resiliency to environmental stressors such as exercise, jet lag, and sleep deprivation. She consults with US Olympic, collegiate, and professional sporting teams and major police and fire departments (e.g., NYPD, Boston) in preparation for travel and to create sleep friendly environments. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Sleep Research Society and presently chair a public advocacy committee for the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms. She previously was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Chief of the Sleep Research Center at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Dec 10, 2019

Dr. Andrew Chappell is a Lecturer/Researcher at Robert Gordon University, conducting research in sports nutrition, with a specific focus on bodybuilding. Andrew is also a world-class natural bodybuilder with an unprecendented level of national and international success; having 2 Pro Cards and 6 British titles to his name. Andrew also has judged physique contests for over 7 years and has judged at British and World Finals. Andrew holds a PhD from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. He also holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and a MSc in Human Nutrition and Metabolism. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Dec 3, 2019

Dr Meeta Singh is a sleep doctor whose work and research focuses on "coaching the sleep muscle" to help maximize performance in both individual athletes and sports teams. She is the Service chief of the sleep medicine, and section head and medical director at the Henry Ford sleep laboratory in Michigan. She did her training in psychiatry at the Mayo clinic and a sleep fellowship at the Henry Ford hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as a psychiatrist and sleep medicine sub-specialist. She has served as a consultant for multiple NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA teams. Dr. Singh performs athletic sleep assessments with personalized prescriptions for better sleep. She also helps sports teams and athletes with their travel management with a focus on addressing sleep deprivation and jet lag and maximizing athletic performance. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get 20% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Nov 26, 2019

Ciaran O' Regan is currently a strength & conditioning coach in Cork, Ireland, predominantly working with rugby teams. He recently began a Professional Doctorate under John Kiely of University of Central Lancashire. Ciaran has a BSc. in Sport & Exercise Science from the University of Limerick. Ciaran also works online with combat sport athletes on their nutrition and fight preparation here at Sigma Nutrition. This episode is sponsored by Legion Athletics. Get up to 30% off your order using the code SIGMA. All US order come with free shipping and all international orders have free shipping on orders over $99. All orders have a money-back guarentee. Check out the products at buylegion.com

Nov 19, 2019

Dr. Robin Tucker is currently an Assistant Professor of Food Science & Human Nutrition at Michigan State University. The Ingestive Behavior Lab at MSU, under Dr. Tucker's direction, examines the biological and environmental factors that influence human feeding practices.She is especially interested in how the chemical senses (taste and smell) and sleep influence food intake, physical activity, and body composition. Robin is a registered dietitian and has a PhD in Nutrition Science from Purdue University, focusing on Concentration-Ingestive Behavior. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode308/

Nov 12, 2019

Stephan Guyenet is an obesity researcher, neurobiologist, and author. In addition to his research, he enjoys synthesizing and communicating science for a general audience over at his hugely successful blog. Stephan has a PhD in neurobiology (University of Washington). He is the author of 'The Hungry Brain', which dives into the causes of obesity from the perspective of overeating and related brain chemistry. He is also the founder of Red Pen Reviews, a site that uses a structured expert review method to deliver the most informative, consistent, and unbiased nutrition/health book reviews available. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode307

Nov 5, 2019

Daniel Davey has worked as a performance nutritionist with a host of elite athletes in a range of sports such as golf, athletics, rugby and GAA. He is perhaps best known for his roles working as a performance nutritionist with with Leinster Rugby and the Dublin senior footballers. Daniel holds an MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health from the University of Bristol, in addition to a BSc in Science from University College Dublin. As an athlete Daniel has played Gaelic football at intercounty level for Sligo and won an All-Ireland club football medal in 2016 with Ballyboden St' Enda's in Dublin. Show notes: sigmanutrition.com/episode306

Oct 28, 2019

John Berardi, PhD is best known as the co-founder of Precision Nutrition. He is also the founder of Change Maker Academy, which is devoted to helping people turn their passion for health and fitness into a successful career. Over the last 15 years he has advised Apple, Equinox, Nike, and Titleist, as well as the San Antonio Spurs, Carolina Panthers, US Open Champ Sloane Stephens, and 2-division UFC Champ Georges St. Pierre. Get a free chapter to John's new book (or pre-order the book) at the show notes page: sigmanutrition.com/episode305

Oct 22, 2019

Dr. Tommy Wood is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in the Pediatrics Department. esearch focuses on ways to increase resilience of, and treat injury of, the developing brain. He studied biochemistry at Cambridge, received a medical degree from Oxford, and has a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode304

Oct 15, 2019

Brad is a trained Exercise Physiologist, Molecular Biologist, and Biostatistician. He completed his a post-doctoral fellowship in translational science at Providence Medical Research Center, where he studied how metabolism and inflammation regulate molecular mechanisms disease and is involved in discovering novel therapeutics for diabetic complications. His research career has spanned the translational spectrum utilizing basic science, human trials, and machine learning in large data sets to identify and develop novel therapies and technologies. His long term career goals include leading teams of people to make major inroads in health care through the development of new technology. Brad is also passionate about scientific outreach and bringing science to the public. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode303

Oct 8, 2019

Associate Professor Leonie Heilbronn is the leader of the Obesity and Metabolism group based at the University of Adelaide, Australia. She has a sustained record of translating basic discoveries in nutrition to humans and has contributed to current concepts of caloric restriction (CR), intermittent fasting (IF) and time restricted eating (TRE) in humans. She is keenly interested in understanding mechanisms of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and in adipose tissue utilising nutritional perturbations. She is an Associate Editor of Obesity and Obesity Research and Clinical Practice. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode302

Oct 1, 2019

John Berardi, PhD is best known as the co-founder of Precision Nutrition. He is also the founder of Change Maker Academy, which is devoted to helping people turn their passion for health and fitness into a successful career. Over the last 15 years he has advised Apple, Equinox, Nike, and Titleist, as well as the San Antonio Spurs, Carolina Panthers, US Open Champ Sloane Stephens, and 2-division UFC Champ Georges St. Pierre. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode301

Sep 26, 2019

Sigma Nutrition Radio has reached the 300th episode! To mark the occassion, Patreon supporters of the podcast and subscribers to the Sigma Synopsis email were able to submit questions about anything they wished. In this episode, Gar Benn joins me to go through some of the questions submitted. This episode focuses on all the random questions submitted about a range of things, from my schedule to religion to career highlights to living in Ireland, and everything in between!

Sep 17, 2019

Dr. Mark Hopkins is a lecturer in nutritional physiology at the University of Leeds, UK. His research focuses primarily on the physiological mechanisms of appetite control, and the interaction between diet, physical activity and appetite control. This includes examining the physiological and behavioural responses to dietary and exercise-induced weight loss. Mark is a member of the Association for the Study of Obesity, the British Association of Sport & Exercise Science and The Nutrition Society. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode299/

Sep 10, 2019

David Zeevi is an independent research fellow at Rockefeller University in New York. His current work focuses on developing computational methods for studying microbial ecology in the human gut and in the marine environment, and its contribution to human and environmental health. Previously he completed his PhD at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel under Prof. Eran Segal, studying the human microbiome and its effect on host health and personalized nutrition. He was lead author on two important studies to come from the lab, published in Nature and Cell respectively. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode298/

Sep 3, 2019

Cliff Harvey has a PhD in Nutrition from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with his research focus being on ketosis, ketogenesis, and individual responses to diet. His research interests include MCTs, keto-induction, "keto-flu", and finding appropriate carbohydrate intake for individuals based on their metabolic state, activity and ethno-genetic factors. He is a Registered Clinical Nutritionist in New Zealand, with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner. Cliff was one of the very first practitioners to begin prescribing and working with low-carb, high-fat (LCHF), ketogenic, and lower-carb, higher-protein diets in the late 1990s. Cliff is the founder of the Holistic Performance Institute. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode297

Aug 27, 2019

Alan Flanagan is currently a PhD researcher at the University of Surrey, UK. His research is in the general field of chrononutrition, with a specific focus on how calorie distribution and timing may impact health & energy balance. Alan has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine, also from the University of Surrey. Alan is also a qualified lawyer, practising in Dublin, Ireland before embarking on his PhD. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode296/

Aug 21, 2019

Ben House has a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin. Ben has worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Nutritionist since 2006. He is currently the owner and founder of Functional Medicine Costa Rica, where he hosts courses, mentorships and retreats. House has numerous publications in peer reviewed scientific journals such as The International Journal of Obesity, has presented his work at multiple international conferences, and lectures regularly on health and nutrition at The University of Texas. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode295/

Aug 12, 2019

Nicola Guess is a Registered Dietitian with a PhD in the dietary management of prediabetes from Imperial College London. She is currently Head of the Nutrition Unit at Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) in Kuwait. Nicola is a research fellow at King's College London where her research focuses on the role of diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. She has a particular interest in the use of low-carbohydrate diets in the management of type 2 diabetes, and leads a research programme investigating dietary modification – including increasing protein or the use of very-low-calorie-diets – on the factors underlying type 2 diabetes. Nicola received her Registered Dietitian qualification in the United States which included clinical rotations at the Baylor College of Medicine, and world-famous Weight Management Clinic at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Nicola's expertise in the area of diet and type 2 diabetes is well recognised. She is currently a National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines Expert Adviser and was a Diabetes UK Research Fellow. She sits on the Diabetes UK Clinical Guidelines Committee which sets priorities for diabetes research in the UK; is a panel member of the Royal College of General Practitioners Lifestyle Group and was previously a topic expert on the NICE Guidelines Committee for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode294/

Aug 7, 2019

Jessica Setnick background in human behavior (she holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from The University of Pennsylvania) combined with her expertise in dysfunctional and disordered eating (she is a Registered Dietitian with a Master's Degree and writes books and articles about eating disorders). A Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian and CEDRD Supervisor, Jessica is the author of The Eating Disorder Clinical Pocket Guide and Eating Disorders Boot Camp. She is a co-founder of IFEDD, the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians.

Jul 31, 2019

Prof. Alexandra Johnstone is recognized as a leading innovative UK researcher within the field of human appetite control and specifically, the role of dietary protein. She is a Professor at The Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. She has published an extensive list of studies to assess the impact of diets on the body and the mind and to investigate how different meals and drinks affect our appetite, health and wellbeing. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode292/

Jul 24, 2019

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro is a coach and science communicator for Renaissance Periodization coach. Dr. Fundaro is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College, and holds a PhD in Human Nutrition. In This Episode We Discuss: - Bacertial diversity: eveness & richness - What is an "optimal" gut microbiome composition - How rapidly does it change on changing diet? - Relationship between microbiome and disease states: which way around does this occur? SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode291/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jul 15, 2019

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium In This Episode We Discuss: How low is "too low" for low calorie days? How much do very low calorie days or fasting impact muscle retention? Is there a physiological benefit to diet breaks and refeeds? Eric is currently a Research Fellow at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. His work is focused on training and nutrition interventions that could have implications for bodybuilders, powerlifters and other strength athletes. Eric has many peer reviewed publications and currently has many ongoing research projects and collaborations. Previously, Eric completed his PhD at AUT. He also holds a BS in fitness and wellness, an MS in exercise science, and a MPhil in sports nutrition. Once a former business consultant specialized in advanced statistical data analysis, Menno has MSc from the University of Warwick (UK) in that area. Menno's background in science and statistics helped him to develop a unique way of approach questions in fitness. Menno is a published academic author and has spoken at some of the world's biggest evidence-based training conferences and events. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode290 Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jul 5, 2019

Ciaran is a post-doc research fellow at the Exercise Medicine Research Institute (EMRI) at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Ciaran completed his PhD in the Exercise and Behavioral Medicine Laboratory at The Ohio State University under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Focht. Here, his research focused on the physiological and psychosocial responses to physical activity lifestyle interventions in a variety of clinical populations including breast and prostate cancer, and individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Ciaran is also strong advocate of the dissemination/translation of scientific research to a variety of audiences. He is the founder of REACH (Research in Exercise and Cancer Health), a company designed to provide evidence-based guidelines of physical activity to health/medical professionals and individuals with cancer. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com

Jun 26, 2019

Ted is an online coach and podcaster. He has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, with much of that spent as a sought-after personal trainer in Miami, Florida. During his coaching career he has worked with a variety of clients including Fortune 500 CEOs and celebrities, including Richard Branson and Robert Downey Jr. In more recent years he has continued to coach people online whilst being based in several different locations around the world. Show notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode288/

Jun 19, 2019

Gregg Slater is head of education at Lift The Bar, a company providing education to fitness professionals. After completing his BSc in Sports and Exercise Science Gregg started out his professional life as a Physical Education Teacher before making the transition towards his passion for fitness as a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Air Force for 10 years. In 2015 he took up his role as Head of Education for Lift The Bar. Over this time Gregg has designed a number of acclaimed courses on a variety of topics, mentored trainers, consulted with gyms and runs regular educational seminars for personal trainers. In This Episode We Discuss "Dietary fatigue" The deficit-adherence model (dietary performance = deficit – fatigue) Balancing diet sustainability, rate of progress and adherence How previous experiences with diets shoudl be taken into account Transitioning from a period of dieting to a period of weight maintenance Dietary autoregulation SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode287/

Jun 11, 2019

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Dr. James Morton is a Professor of Exercise Metabolism at Liverpool John Moores University. He has an extensive list of published peer-review research in high impact journals, as well as being deeply involved in the highly-regarded sport science and nutrition programs at LJMU. James was Head of Nutrition at Team Sky (now Team Ineos) during a period where the team captured 5 Tour de France titles. Previously, Dr. Morton worked as head performance nutritionist at Liverpool Football Club. He also also worked with professional and amateur boxers. Show Notes: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode286/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jun 4, 2019

Intro to Danny's framework for defining "health": 1) Physical Reality – 06.30; 2) Contentedness – 14.08; 3) Psychological Framework – 31.37 DUBLIN SEMINAR: https://sigmanutrition.com/healthseminar/ SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode285

May 28, 2019

Simone is an Intuitive Eating Counsellor, currently finishing MSc Nutrition and Behaviour at Bournemouth University. She is also a PhD Counselling psychology candidate. Her academic research area is body image and adaptive eating, and she practices as a therapist in the field of nutrition, chronic dieting, body image and eating disorders. In This Episode We Discuss The scale of the problem of negative body image Tying appearance to self-worth & personal identity External drivers of negative body image Root causes of obesity Why "self-responsability" isn't helpful at scale Steps in modifying body image Self-talk: moving from negative to neutral to positive Can non-weight loss interventions improve health to the same degree as those that lead to weight loss in "at risk" groups (e.g. those with diabetes or with obesity)? SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode284/

May 21, 2019

Dr. Williams is the Director of the Sports Genomics Laboratory and is a Reader in Sport and Exercise Genomics at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alun is also Honorary Senior Research Associate at University College London. He has a PhD from the University of Birmingham. He has published expert position statements about the ethics and practicality of applying genetic technologies in sport. And was recently involved in the historic IAAF vs. Caster Semenya case related to testosterone levels within athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD). SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode283/

May 14, 2019

Professor Louise Burke has been one of the most highly respected and accomplished sports nutrition researchers over several decades. She has been the head of sports nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for nearly 30 years, publishing a vast number of important, novel and high-quality papers in the sports nutrition field. Professor Bourke's research interests lie in nutritional intervention strategies for sporting performance. The goal of Louise's research is to find practical nutrition strategies that athletes and coaches can use to achieve optimum performance. Often this will involve examining metabolism during and after exercise to discover how complex systems work. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode282/

May 6, 2019

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Dr. Jake Linardon is a Lecturer in Psychology at Deakin University, Melbourne Australia. He started working at Deakin in 2018, shortly finishing his PhD at Australian Catholic University (2017). He continues to research into eating disorders, with a primary focus on testing and evaluating a broad range of treatment approaches for eating disorders. SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode281/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Apr 30, 2019

Dr Elliott-Sale is an associate professor in female physiology at Nottingham Trent University. There, she is also the Head of the Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group. She is also responsible for teaching on the undergraduate and postgraduate Sport Science degree programmes. Dr Elliott-Sale teaches mainly in the areas of Exercise Physiology and particularly in Female Physiology, Performance, and Health. In This Episode We Discuss: --> Menstrual disorders: secondary amenorrhea (loss of 3 or more consectively) vs. oligomenorrhea (cycle longer than 45 days), vs.Functional --> Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) vs milder symptoms of some dysfunction --> What is happening on a hormonal level that ties in with menstrual issues? --> Understanding "energy availability" --> How do we quantify what is "low" energy availability? --> Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport VS. Female Athlete Triad --> Landmark papers that really advanced understanding of this concept Triad can lead to decreased estrogen. --> Implications for contraceptive pill users? --> Difference in risk between genders? --> Difference in expression of symptoms among genders? --> Reduced EA = increased illness/injury and thus more opportunities to train are lost. --> Recommendations for at risk athletes --> The screening and diagnosis of RED-S is challenging, as symptomatology can be subtle. --> Individuality: How great the energy deficiency needs to be for that individual to be symptomatic SHOW NOTES: https://sigmanutrition.com/episode280

Apr 23, 2019

Links: Click here for episode page Receive our free weekly email about nutrition/health content About This Episode: Avrum Bluming received his MD from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He spent four years as a senior investigator for the National Cancer Institute and for two of those years was director of the Lymphoma Treatment Center in Kampala, Uganda. He organized the first study of lumpectomy for the treatment of breast cancer in Southern California in 1978, and for more than two decades he has been studying the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy administered to women with a history of breast cancer. Dr. Bluming has served as a clinical professor of medicine at USC and has been an invited speaker at the Royal College of Physicians in London and the Pasteur Institute in Paris. He was elected to mastership in the American College of Physicians, an honor accorded to only five hundred of the over one hundred thousand board-certified internists in this country. Carol Tavris received her PhD in social psychology from the University of Michigan. Her books include Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), with Elliot Aronson; Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, and The Mismeasure of Woman. She has written articles, op-eds, and book reviews on topics in psychological science for a wide array of publications — including the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times Book Review, the Wall Street Journal, and the TLS — and a column, "The Gadfly," for Skeptic magazine. She is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and has received numerous awards for her efforts to promote gender equality, science, and skepticism.

Apr 16, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Jackson Peos, PhD was the lead researcher on the ICECAP trial (Intermittent versus Continuous Energy restriction Compared in an Athlete Population), looks at the effect of including a "diet break" week after every 3 weeks of dieting, compared to a continuous hypocaloric diet for the duration of the full dieting period. In This Episode We Discuss: - Theoretical reasons for including diet breaks and refeeds within dieting periods - Distinguishing between intermittent fasting protocols and intermittent moderate energy restriction (MOD-IER) - Lessons learned from the MATADOR trial - What might differ between obese and athletic populations - Design of Jackson's "ICECAP trial" - Determining the duration, frequency and magnitude of diet breaks, refeeds and energy restriction - Current best practices for implementing these strategies

Apr 9, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Eric is currently a Research Fellow at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. His work is focused on training and nutrition interventions that could have implications for bodybuilders, powerlifters and other strength athletes. Eric has many peer reviewed publications and currently has many ongoing research projects and collaborations. In This Episode We Discuss: Ongoing trial looking at effects of differnt sizes of caloric surplus for muscle gain Eric's unconventional appraoch to his current contest prep Non-quantitative tracking and assessment of progress Applying lessons from bodybuilding to other areas of life

Apr 2, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Nick Gant is Director of the Exercise Neurometabolism Laboratory at the University of Auckland. His group uses interdisciplinary approaches from the nutritional sciences and neurosciences to investigate the role of nutrition in brain health and performance. Nick is particularly interested in foods and supplements that prevent brain fatigue and improve physical and cognitive function. His research is currently funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Health Research Council of New Zealand, and several industrial partnerships. He partners with clinicians and dieticians within the NZ Centre for Brain Research and provides scientific and educational support for elite athletes, government and military organisations In This Episode We Discuss: Understanding fatigue Hypoxia-induced decrements in cognitive performance Role of caffeine and stimulants in "rescuing" performance in high-fatigue/high-stress states Creatine for cognitive function and brain health Potential for creatine mitigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) Can ketones aid in mitigating traumatic brain injury? Thoughts on cognitive impact of nicotine CHO mouth rinsing: proposed mechanism of action

Mar 26, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Kate has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and spent time as a psychology professor at a college and university level. She currently is a health & nutrition coach, working for Precision Nutrition, where she has coached over 1,000 people. Now she coaches fitness professionals on how to be better coaches. In This Episode We Discuss: --> Using an understanding of human psychology to improve coaching outcomes --> How we go about rationalizing our behaviour. --> How coaches can develop empathy --> Fitting the diet to your lifestyle: how much leeway/flexible does one give? --> The best skills a coach can teach themself --> Resilience --> Proactive and reactive coping strategies

Mar 12, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Bryan Chung is a plastic/hand surgeon and PhD research designer. He is a methodologist who improves people's relationship with science. In This Episode We Discuss: --> Bryan's advice column for people who have "relationship problems with Science" --> If things merely confirm what you are already doing, why you should filter it out --> How to determine what is practically meaningful from a study --> The importance of establishing what the research question is --> How to deal with the daunting nature of statistics in research --> Why you're already good enough to start engaging with research

Mar 9, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Professor Barbora de Courten, MD PhD FRACP MPH is a Professor at Monash University, Australia. She is a National Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow and a specialist physician with a PhD in epidemiology, extensive training in clinical trials (NIH) and a Master of Public Health (Monash University). She has expertise across the translational research continuum from epidemiology, human mechanistic studies to clinical trials and public health interventions through to practice. She is passionate about research into holistic approaches to prevention and treatment of chronic diseases by promoting health through safe, low-cost and easily scalable interventions with the potential to have an immediate public health impact to prevent and treat chronic diseases. She believes this will impact not only health of individuals but also be beneficial to our society and environment we live in. Her vision is to establish new strategies for prevention and management of chronic diseases, specifically obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Her goal is that her research findings will ultimately translate into treatment guidelines, reduced diabetes and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and reduced healthcare costs. In This Episode We Discuss: --> Mechanisms by which certain behaviours (inactivity, poor diet, smoking, etc.) increase chronic disease risk: inflammation, oxidative stress and advanced glycation (AGE formation). --> What is carnosine? --> How might carnosine supplementation reduce risk? --> Dosage and timing used in trials to date --> Prof. de Courten's trial showing improvements in insulin sensitivity and an oral glucose tolerance test --> As beta-alanine works by increasing muscle carnosine concentration, could it be useful for the health?

Mar 4, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Prof. Hawley is Director of the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health at Australian Catholic Universtiy in Melbourne, Australia. He has published over 220 scientific manuscripts, written over 100 articles for technical journals and has authored numerous book chapters for exercise biochemistry and sports medicine texts. He is an Associate Editor for Diabetologia and currently sits on the Editorial Boards of many international journals. He is a frequently invited speaker at both National and International scientific meetings. John's primary research focus includes the interaction of exercise and diet on the regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, particularly within skeletal muscle, the molecular basis of exercise training adaptation and the cellular bases underlying exercise-induced improvements in insulin action. In This Episode We Discuss: --> Current work being done by Prof. Hawley's lab on circadian metabolomics Defining the human metabolome and circadian metabolomics --> Comparative analysis of the circadian metabolome in the serum versus peripheral tissues (i.e., skeletal muscle) --> Impact of high-fat or high-carb diet on the daily variation in metabolites --> How dietary intake is a strong zeitgeber for peripheral clocks --> Tissue-specificity of the human circadian metabolome --> Time-restricted feeding in animal models and in humans

Feb 26, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Alex is currently completing a PhD at the University of Brighton in the UK, investigating the implications of RNA sequencing in the detection of anabolic steroid use and the harnessing of the molecular mechanisms of "muscle memory". He is currently conducting research aiming to address a hypothesis that suggests that the myonuclei obtained via strength training and anabolic steroid usage are retained and therefore provide long term advantages to steroid users. In This Episode We Discuss: --> The mechanism of hypertrophy via myonuclei accumulation --> Defining "muscle memory" in relation to myonuclei --> Animal models that show myonuclei don't dissappear after atrophy --> Anabolic steroids activate the stem cells in muscle (satellite cells) resulting in a donation of their nuclei into muscle fibres --> How drug testing works --> How you prove someone has taken exogenous testosterone via T:E ratios --> The Athlete Biological Passport --> Thoughts on the recent Jon Jones case --> Next generation "omic" technologies such as transcriptomics could enhance the testing protocols

Feb 21, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Lyndon is Head of Education at JPS Health & Fitness in Melbourne, Australia.He has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise and Sport Science and is completing a Masters in High Performance Sport Science. He is also a qualified strength and conditioning coach and has coached many athletes over the past number of years. Jacob is the founder and director of JPS Health & Fitness in Melbourne, Australia. Having worked in the industry for close to a decade, Jacob's wealth of knowledge coupled with his experience in the trenches has led him to become one of Melbourne's most sought out trainers. His role has extended fate beyond working with his beloved clients, to now mentoring aspiring personal trainers, holding workshops and seminars, and writing for the nations personal training governing body, Physical Activity Australia.

Feb 18, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Throughout recent years, Luke Leaman has become a prominent figure in the health and fitness industry. With a mantra of "Health Over Everything," his teachings, research, and knowledge boldly reflect that. Luke has spent the last 9 years educating coaches, trainers, and health professionals around the world on biochemistry and physiology, with a large focus on the application of this knowledge. Earlier on in his career, Luke sought out the best in their fields to internship with, learn from, and work alongside. Luke has mentored under world-renowned Strength Coach Charles Poliquin, as well as Dr James Lavalle formally of the Lavalle Metabolic Institute, and author of Cracking the Metabolic Code. Over the years, Luke has focused his learning and education on the stress response in relation to fat gain, metabolic disruption, and performance. Through his knowledge, he has been able to help hundreds of clients get back to peak health when all hope had previously been lost. In September 2015 he began his mission with Muscle Nerds. His focus is to bring health back to the health and fitness industry, to help mould critically thinking, educated coaches, and to do so in a positive, encouraging, and enthusiastic manner.

Feb 11, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Fiona is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) and university lecturer in nutrition and dietetics. Her academic research areas are dietetic private practice benchmarking, interprofessional learning and HAES (Health At Every Size) integration into dietetics. Fiona has close to a decade of academic work under her belt and has been employed by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Central Queensland University (CQU) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). She will soon complete a PhD focusing on the clinical application of weight neutral approaches to weight concern in dietetics and it's adoption into practice. Fiona's mission is to empower health professionals to adopt weight neutral practice by providing support and training in how and why to do so. In This Episode We Discuss Defining Health At Every Size (HAES) Weight neutral program vs. weight loss program Benefits of non-diet approaches Long-term data on dieting Can obese patients still improve their health even if there is no weight loss? Problems with basing health status on bodyweight and/or BMI Striking the balance of knowing weight loss is beneficial with the potential that focusing solely on weight change can be contraindicated Intuituve eating

Feb 5, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Marty is an engineer by trade but his passion is for researching and writing about nutrition topics over at his site optimisingnutrition.com. There he has created a framework for eating for health, which focuses on the intersection between energy density and nutrient density. He promotes maximizing micronutrient density of the diet, regardless of your dietary approach or goal.

Jan 29, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Jan 22, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Role of mitochondria in lifespan regulation and prevention of metabolic diseases Health-promoting effects associated with: low caloric intake, reduced glucose metabolism, physical exercise, sirtuin signaling & more How Prof. Ristow's findings go against the popular "free radical theory of aging" How increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within mitochondria can increase longevity ROS causing a vaccination-like adaptive response that culminates in increased stress resistance and extended longevity Mitochondrial hormesis or mitohormesis Human vs. non-human trials How do insulin, protein and resveratrol affect longevity? NAD Caloric restriction vs maintenance of lean physique for longevity Head of Institute of Translational Medicine at ETH Zurich and heads up the Energy Metabolism Laboratory. Prof. Ristow has been involved in research for many years examing Biochemistry and Physiology of Aging, Exercise, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes. Prof. Ristow's group are interested in the biochemical and molecular basis of longevity — in particular the role played by mitochondria in lifespan regulation and prevention of metabolic diseases. Contrary to the widely re-iterated 'Free Radical Theory of Aging', his group have been the first laboratory to show that the health-promoting effects associated with low caloric intake, physical exercise and other lifespan-extending interventions like sirtuin signaling are caused by increased formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the mitochondria, causing a vaccination-like adaptive response that culminates in increased stress resistance and extended longevity, a process called mitohormesis.

Jan 15, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Dr. Davy, is a Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech. She conducts research investigating the role of diet and physical activity behaviors in the prevention and treatment of obesity and related comorbidities, beverage consumption and weight management, and dietary assessment methodologies. Dr. Davy received a BS in Nutrition in 1989 and an MS in Exercise Physiology in 1992 from Virginia Tech, and a PhD degree in Nutrition from Colorado State University in 2001. Dr. Davy is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and The Obesity Society, and serves on the Board of Editors for the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health. To date, she has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. At Virginia Tech, she directs the Laboratory for Eating Behaviors and Weight Management. In This Episode We Discuss Self-report measures: diet records (3-4 days), recalls, Food Frequency Questionnaires Limitations of typical self-report measures used in research Social desirability bias Do particular meals/diet habits cause more inaccurate reporting? How do the self-report methods try to minimize the degree of underreporting? Intake biomarkers: Urinary excretion, isotope-based methods, etc. Metabolomics Tech-based methods: wearables, cameras, Remote Food Photography Method (RFPM)

Jan 8, 2019

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Trevor received a PhD in Biochemistry from the Univerisity of Arizona at the age of 23. Previous to that he completed his undergraduate degree whilst still in high school. He currently is the owner of Trevor Kashey Nutrition, where he works with an array of different people. Previous to that he was an owner of Relentless Dietetics. Trevor has competed in strongman and bodybuilding in the past, and has been the nutrition consultant to many athletes in those sports and other strength-based sports. Trevor is a lover of learning, science and critical thinking.

Jan 1, 2019

Ari Snaevarsson is a nutrition coach who works primarily with clients who suffer from disordered eating patterns. He also works as a dietetic technician at a residential eating disorder treatment center. In both capacities, he helps clients develop positive relationships with food and their bodies. His book, 100 Days of Food Freedom, outlines a simple, day-by-day process to recovery from one's eating disorder. In This Episode We Discuss Commonalitites in recovery from the various eating disorders Defining recovery The factors that may increase the probability of that recovery being a success Critical nature of support systems How you can support a friend/family member recovering from an eating disorder Modification of environment and lifestyle Goal setting: what metrics can be assessed on an ongoing basis? Understanding relapses accurately Cognitive dietary restraint – dieting messages from the diet industry Body-positive, intuitive eating approach Health At Every Size (HAES) – misinterpretations and misconceptions

Dec 27, 2018

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Steve Taylor is a registered dietitian and lifestyle coach who through sustainable behavior changes elicits positive lifestyle transformations in, and with his clients. Steve has a Master's Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology. This formal training, combined with a decade of experience, has equipped him with powerful tools, skills, and strategies which he now teaches and shares with others. In addition to his own coaching practice, Steve is the registered dietitian for 3D Muscle Journey. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Steve now resides in Los Angeles, California. In This Episode We Discuss Philosophy to coaching The issue of weight re-gain and loss of adherence Understanding client motivation and attitudes Sustainable diet methods Balancing sustainability with methods that can get rapid results Messages in the dieting industry that are particulary damaging

Dec 24, 2018

Links: Go to episode page Receive Danny's free emails Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium About This Episode: Chad Kerksick, PhD currently works as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Sport, Recreation and Exercises for Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. He received his PhD in Exercise, Nutrition and Preventive Health from Baylor University, a Masters degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Memphis and a Bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science at Truman State University. He is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association and recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Dec 18, 2018

Dan Garner is the owner and founder of Team Garner and is the head strength coach and nutrition specialist for hockeytraining.com. Specializing and delivering consistent world class results in physique transformation and athletic performance, Dan has worked with many athletes from the youth leagues right up to the NHL, NFL, MLB and UFC. He is an international lecturer on sports nutrition and has been featured in several major media outlets. In This Episode We Discuss How Dan built a successful online nutrition business after being a successful personal trainer Coaches transition their skills online Lacking clarity over what to do Coaches lacking confidence in either themselves or the process/plan Why wanting to make money is a good thing Optimizing time and productivity the 2-3 pieces of low-hanging fruit for a coach out there who wants to build success online

Dec 12, 2018

Andrew is currently an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science in the Exercise & Performance Nutrition Laboratory at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. In the near future, Andrew will be changing jobs as he will soon be serving as the Director of Sport Medicine Research for a satellite health system of Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Andrew earned his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science at the University of North Dakota. He went on to complete a Master's degree in Human Performance at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. He later completed his PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University, working under Dr. Richard Kreider in the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab. His primary research area focuses on the use of different nutritional and training strategies to improve measures of performance and health which has led to several publications in peer reviewed journals and has presented at multiple national conference events. He currently is investigating the prevalence of use and supplementation habits of pre-workout supplement users in addition to monitoring changes in energy availability and body composition throughout a season in several team sport athletes. Andrew is also a co-host for the podcast Clinically Pressed. In This Episode We Discuss Caffeine Beta-alanine Sodium bicarbonate Citrulline Beetroot juice Making sure no banned substances found in your supplement Which compounds are likely to benefit each type of sport What steps to take to get the best quality product

Dec 4, 2018

Alex holds a master's degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University. He is a full-time researcher at Examine.com involved in updating the supplement database, editing ERD articles, and blogging about nutrition. Alex also teaches young minds about human nutrition and functional medicine at the University of Western States. He enjoys blending the scientific aspects of nutrition with the pragmatic realities of life to help others achieve their goals. In This Episode We Discuss Potential controversies in how protein influences human health Hypothesis of protein restriction (and methionine restriction) benefitting longevity via impact on mTOR and AMPK Extrapolating animal data to humans: limits and conclusions Does protein restriction actually increase human lifespan? How do we balance the potential benefit of protein restriction with the known benefits of high-protein intakes for muscle mass and function? Are high-protein intakes detrimental for gut health and/or the gut microbiome? How other dietary components can mitigate the negative impacts of protein on gut health How cooking methods may influence the imapct of protein-rich foods on health Knowing the potential risks of a high-protein diet Cost:benefit analysis of protein intake Support the podcast at: patreon.com/sigmanutrition

Nov 27, 2018

Alan is a qualified lawyer and nutritionist based in Dublin, Ireland. Alan has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey. And in 2019 he will be starting his PhD work at the same institution, focusing on chrononutrition. In This Episode We Discuss: Public health messaging vs. individual advice Barriers to better nutrition at the population level What policies could make a difference? Do we know what a healthy dietary pattern is? Addressing criticisms of nutritional epidemiology Understanding the hierarchy of evidence: quality of evidence vs. proof standards

Nov 19, 2018

Danny is interviewed by Robbie Bourke of OPEX on a range of topics related to the fundamentals of evidence-based nutrition. Instagram: @dannylennon_sigma

Nov 12, 2018

Danny answers questions submitted by podcast listeners. To submit yours, go to sigmanutrition.com/question

Nov 6, 2018

Dr Shukla is an Assistant Professor of Research in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and an Assistant Attending Physician at New-York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr Shukla's clinical interests and expertise include management of obesity and related metabolic complications including type 2 diabetes. Dr Shukla obtained her medical degrees, MBBS and MD, from and completed internal medicine residency at Grant Medical College & J J Group of Hospitals in Mumbai, India. She subsequently trained in the UK as a senior house officer in Medicine, Specialist Registrar and Clinical Fellow in Endocrinology and as Registrar in Clinical Pharmacology in Australia over the next 5 years. While in the UK, she completed the training and examination requirements and was granted the MRCP(UK) degree. Dr. Shukla is currently the Director of Clinical Research at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center. A key area of Dr. Shukla's research is a novel behavioral intervention, termed "food order," for regulation of blood glucose in individuals with overweight /obesity, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes In This Episode We Discuss Trials conducted examing the glycaemic response to food order "Carbohydrate-last meal pattern" Typical mixed meals where the components are not as easily separated Impact of fiber before ingestion of a main meal How these strategies compare to a protein pre-load Impact on ghrelin and GLP-1 How does all this research apply to real world recommendations for prediabetes and diabetes SNR LIVE: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Oct 29, 2018

In this episode Danny discusses the concept of "what is science?" with input from: Andy Galpin, PhD Brad Dieter, PhD John Kiely Trent Stellingwerf, PhD Mike T Nelson, PhD Ciaran O' Regan In This Episode We Discuss What is science meant to be? What is science pragmatically? "Science doesn't prove anything it just reduces uncertainty" If you want to know something better, it takes concentrated cognitive effort and thinking. Wrestle with difficult ideas. Don't just consume What information do you have that you can collect, how does that inform your mental model? And how do you test that model Crucially, how do you disprove that model? Application: explicit vs. tacit knowledge. (Tacit = coach intuition) Adding that knowledge to a larger body of evidence You don't identified as your views, but as the being that has certain views that are subject to change Far important how you think than what you think

Oct 22, 2018

Mike has a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Minnesota, with that work focusing on the concept of metabolic flexibility. In addition, he has a MS in biomechanics and an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. In This Episode We Discuss How to correctly think about metabolic flexibility Metabolic flexibility in adipose and muscle tissue Fuel use in type 2 diabetes Why ketogenic diets do not increase metabolic flexibility What drives metabolic inflexibility Metabolic flexibility pathways are therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases SNR LIVE NOV. 24th: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Oct 16, 2018

On his blog James primarily writes on how we can create better habits, make better decisions, and live better lives. He combines ideas from a wide range of disciplines including biology, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and more. He is the author of Atomic Habits, the creator of the Habits Academy, a weightlifter, and a travel photographer in over 30 countries. In This Episode We Discuss Where James' interest in habits stemmed from The meaning behind "Atomic Habits" Where to start when deciding what habits to change? How do we stick we these new habits? How to help others (clients/patients) build new habits Environment design: things that act as obstacles that we may not be aware of Preventing loss of momentum when schedule or environment is thrown off, for example shift work or travel How long to build a new habit? And does it matter? Buy tickets for Sigma Nutrition Radio LIVE! here: http://sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Oct 9, 2018

When it comes to health engagement, Dr. Bobinet has 5 words of advice: be caring, authentic, and useful. As the CEO-founder of engagedIN, Kyra devotes her life to helping people crack the code of how, what, and especially, WHY we engage. Kyra has founded several healthcare start-ups, spanning behavior health, population health, and mobile health. She has designed behavior change programs, big data algorithms, billion dollar products, mobile health apps, and evidence-based studies in mind-body and metabolic medicine. All of her designs, whether for at-risk teens or seniors, are rooted in the belief that true caring is our greatest value. Dr. Bobinet teaches at Stanford School of Medicine on patient engagement and empowerment, and health design with Dr. Larry Chu, founder of MedicineX. She has studied in Dr. BJ Fogg's Persuasive Tech Lab at Stanford, whom she credits as the founder of "behavior design". Dr. Bobinet received her Masters in Public Health at Harvard University, specializing in Healthcare Management, Technology-enabled Behavior Change, and Population Health Management. She received her medical degree from the UCSF School of Medicine. In This Episode We Discuss What design thinking is, in relation to behaviour change Not letting a failure/lack of progress lead to abandonment of trying Modifying eating habits and behaviours Dealing with deeply embedded "programs" that subciously affect our ability to change Negative self-image in the fitness industry Motivation in the behaviour change process Those who self-doubt what they can achieve: "oh other people can do that, but I wouldn't be able to" . ATTEND SIGMA NUTRITION RADIO LIVE: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Oct 2, 2018

John is Senior Lecturer in Elite Performance at the Institute of Coaching & Performance at the University of Central Lancashire. He has published a long list of peer-reviewed work, notably on stress and periodization, and is well known for questioning conventional dogmas withing strength & conditioning literature and practice. John's career within sport has been relatively varied, having experienced life as an international competitor, coach, sports scientist and strength and conditioning specialist. He has been the head of S&C at UK athletics, a S&C coach to Olympic medallists & world champions, as well as working with teams at both Rugby & Soccer World Cups. In This Episode We Discuss Issues translating research into practice How is a critical thinking mindset fostered/developed/trained? Scepticism vs. nihilism Cognitive bias: pitfalls for coaches or practitioners SNR LIVE: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Sep 25, 2018

Jamie Pugh is a post-doctoral research at Liverpool John Moores University. During his PhD and current work, he has looked at the effect exercise can have on the gastrointestinal system and in more recent work, looked at the effects probiotic supplementation can have on endurance athletes. He has also worked as a consultant nutritionist and physiologist for a number of professional teams and extreme endurance athletes. In This Episode We Discuss The range and severity of symptoms athletes experience Causes of symptoms: physiological, mechanical and nutritional Individual variation in susceptibility to symptoms Lack of association between gut "damage" and symptoms experienced GI distress outside of endurance sport Maximal rates of glucose ingestion: higher than previously thought? Effect of glutamine supplementation Effect of probiotic supplementation Effect of low FODMAP diets Practical steps for practitioners and athletes to mitigate risk JOIN ME IN DUBLIN! Come to Sigma Nutrition Radio LIVE on November 24th. Tickets on sale now: http://sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Sep 18, 2018

Artin is a medical doctor, currently completing his intern rotations at Helsingborg Hospital, Sweden. He is also currently completing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in eVisits in Primary Care. Outside of medicine, Artin co-founded EBT (Evidence Based Training), a brand dedicated to making science on health, fitness and nutrition digestible and understandable to the public, mostly through Instagram, but also their blog. In This Episode We Discuss What it means to simplify science How to have a discussion, levels of argument Study types: expert opinions, observational, experimental. Reading studies: what to be looking out for Translating research into practice Understanding statistics in research: p-value, confidence intervals Sigma Nutrition Radio LIVE! Tickets: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Sep 11, 2018

Book: ' Making Weight' - The Ultimate Science Based Guide to Cutting Weight for Combat Sports Ian is currently the Director and Principal Consultant of Melius Consulting and has a PhD from the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he worked with elite sporting organisations/athletes to optimise sleep, recovery and performance. He is also the Director of Sleep4Performance and an Adjunct Researcher at Monash University, Australia. Ian has worked with elite and highly trained athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), West Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), professional teams in Super Rugby, Australian Rules Football, Basketball, Swimming, Ultrarunners and Martial Arts such as Boxing, & MMA. He is an ultrarunner, completing over 20 ultramarathons to date including the Ultra Trail Australia ~100km (7 times), Leadville~100 miler, numerous other marathons and trail running events. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple belt and enjoys cross training in wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and kettlebells. He is now focusing on improving his swimming to undertake open water swimming events in 2018/19. He was a TEDx Perth speaker in 2017. He has co-authored technical reports, guidelines for industry organisations and authored a number of scientific articles and is a regular reviewer for scientific peer reviewed journals. Ian is the host of Sleep4Performance radio a podcast dedicated to education, knowledge sharing and promotion of the value of managing sleep. In This Episode We Discuss Weight cutting study: impact on sleep Does low fibre dieting lead to worse sleep? Effects of caloric restriction on sleep Impact of anxiety and nervousness on week of competition Brain trauma and sleep Demands for sleep with increased training workload Impact of late night training

Sep 6, 2018

Valentin is a pro natural bodybuilder and coach based in Vienna, Austria. He has been working as a personal trainer and physique coach for several years. As an athlete he is a professional natural bodybuilder with the IPE. Valentin is also a speaker at Intelligent Strength for their Strength Coach program. In This Episode We Discuss Ideal body composition at the start of a contest prep Recommended length of contest prep for natural athletes How competition frequency should change with experience level Off-season length and building in mini-cuts Strategic use of diet breaks during prep Understanding conditioning: how lean is "lean enough"? Weekly refeeds: setting the correct duration Peak week carbohydrate intake: front-loading vs. back-loading, and other considerations Come to Sigma Nutrition Radio LIVE! in Dublin this November: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live

Sep 4, 2018

Tickets: http://sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/ Four true world-class experts in the world of nutritional sciences will join SNR host Danny Lennon for a day of deep-diving conversations on the most cutting-edge and important topics in nutrition. Joining Danny on stage will be: --> Martin MacDonald - Mac-Nutrition --> Kirsty Elliot-Sale, PhD - NTU --> James Morton, PhD - Team Sky & LJMU --> Nicola Guess, PhD, RD - King's College, London TICKET INFO: http://sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Aug 28, 2018

Jake is a registered dietitan and a human nutrition researcher. His work focuses on diet, muscle & metabolism. He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Integrated Physiology and Molecular Medicine at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He is also a contractor in Inflammation and Immunity research at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. In This Episode We Discuss Understanding evidence-based research Can sugar, without caloric excess, still have detrimental health effects? Cleveland Clinic study: effect of wholegrains vs. refined grains on glucose metabolism How much sugar counts as a 'high intake'? At what intakes we see issues Insulin resistance, AGEs and other issues Sigma Nutrition Radio LIVE! - Event in Dublin: sigmanutrition.com/snr-live/

Aug 21, 2018

Elise Facer-Childs is currently a Doctoral Researcher working at the University of Birmingham on sleep, circadian rhythms and neuroimaging. She works with human participants to uncover the impact that our body clocks can have on brain structure and function, genetics, physiology and performance. Elise has presented her research at an International Conference for the European Biological Rhythms Society (EBRS)/World Chronobiology Congress (WCC) and has given presentations at the UK's largest circadian conferences (UK Clock Club). In This Episode We Discuss Understanding circadian phenotypes Neuroimaging (fMRI) to understand how the brain is affected by time of day Time of day vs. time relative to internal circadian clock Practical implications for "night owls" and "morning larks" Personal best performance times differ significantly between circadian phenotypes Circadian phase shifting http://sigmanutrition.com/sigma-synopsis/

Aug 13, 2018

Erica is a registered dietitian, currently completing a PhD at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Previously she was employed as a Clinical and Sports Dietitian at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where Erica provided individual sports nutrition consultation to endurance and team sport athletes, in addition to providing care and educating oncology patients in the hospital. She has a M.A. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from FAU, in addition to a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from UNF. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA, and a Certified Sports Nutritionist with the ISSN. In This Episode We Discuss Defining iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia Iron-deficiency anaemia: diagnosis and symptoms Why is iron so crucial for athlete performance? The role of hepcidin Dilutional pseudoanaemia Heel strike hemolysis How sources of iron differ in quality or bio-availability Supplementation: dosage, forms, etc.

Aug 6, 2018

Carl is an exercise scientist with a PhD in physical activity epidemiology. He is also the founder of the Dr. Muscle app. In This Episode We Discuss Influence of mechanical tension, muscle damage and metabolic stress on hypertrophy Does muscle damage really cause hypertrophy? Research for and against muscle damage being important. Practical implications Volume vs. mechanical tension

Jul 17, 2018

Andi and Alex are the guys behind Intelligent Strength, a company that produces education on strength training and body composition through seminars and books. The brothers also have a gym in Vienna, Austria; Das Gym. Das Gym is a truly unique place. And when you talk to Alex & Andi you immediately understand why. The gym opened in 2016 and it's hard to imagine there being another place like it on the planet. Andi has a long career as a coach and educator. As an athlete he first competed in strongman and powerlifting, and in more recent years has competed in bodybuilding. Alex, in addition to his work with Intelligent Strength, also works as a physical education teacher at a school in Vienna. As an athlete, he has competed in powerlifting for a long-time. This has included competing at several IPF world championships and winning Gold in the deadlift at the European championships. In This Episode We Discuss Alex and Andi's childhood influences What got them into lifting weights Experiences as coaches and athletes Lessons training can teach you about life What the goals of Intelligent Strength are

Jul 10, 2018

sigmanutrition.com/mnu Martin is a clinical performance nutritionist and the founder of Mac-Nutrition, a thriving nutrition consultancy boasting sought after long-term internship and weekend mentorship programs. He has also developed Mac-Nutrition Uni, the UK's first ever evidence-based, nutrition course that can be completed online. Martin has worked as a performance nutritionist in elite sport with British Weight Lifting, Derby County Football Club, English swimming and other elite sport organizations. He has lectured at the University of Derby and has guest lectured on the prestigious MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition course at Loughborough University. In This Episode We Discuss Martin's undergraduate education What drew Martin to nutrition The early life influences that developed interests in bodybuilding or in science The moments/experiences in his education that stand out as the most important or influential to Martin Martin's work in elite sport How Martin had became disillusioned with the fitness industry before he started MNU The unexpected benefits students have reported from doing MNU Martin's interests outside of nutrition/work sigmanutrition.com/mnu

Jul 3, 2018

Kevin received his Bachelor's in Psychology from Washington State University, before completing his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacific University. His focus remained on anxiety and models for working with children, which led to completing anxiety focused training during his tenure at Pacific University. During this time, he authored three publications on anxiety and completed his dissertation on the effectiveness of Collaborative Problem Solving. Kevin has earned certification in treating OCD and Hoarding Disorder from the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF) Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Though he has presented at local and national conferences, he has found his true calling with public speaking on the topic of anxiety, often being recruited for providing lectures and workshops in the Portland community. ​ Kevin aims to provide effective, evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety disorders using humor, kindness, and compassion. He believes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective when he is able to help clients shift their relationship with anxiety while not taking themselves too seriously. Kevin likes to empower his clients by saying (in regards to Exposure Response Prevention) "you're already miserable, you may as well be miserable on purpose." In This Episode We Discuss Defining anxiety accurately "Am I doing the action based on fear or preference?" How to not be crippled by uncertainty Relationship between anxiety and depression Exposure therapy and evidence-based strategies used in practice Focused on the past: feelings of guilt, shame, perhaps depression. How do we prevent ruminating on things that happened in the past?

Jun 26, 2018

Ciaran has a BSc. in Sport & Exercise Science from the University of Limerick. He currently is a strength & conditioning coach in Cork, Ireland and works online with combat sport athletes on their nutrition and fight prep here at Sigma Nutrition. He has experience as a fighter himself, competing at a national-level for many years in amateur boxing, as well as competing in kickboxing, K1 and BJJ. Paper Reviewed: Silveira-Coswig et al., 2018 – Weight Regain, But Not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-life Mixed Martial Arts Competition sigmanutrition.com/weightcut

Jun 19, 2018

Lachlan Mitchell, RD, PhD Candidate As a qualified dietitian Lachlan has worked both in the public and private health systems at Hervey Bay Hospital, Hunter New England Diabetes Service and a private weight loss clinic in Newcastle. It was in these settings Lachlan provided high quality, evidence based nutrition advice to a variety of patient groups, including intensive care, cardiology, diabetes, paediatrics and weight loss. Lachlan has held numerous positions in the academic world. He spent time at Australian Catholic University as a lecturer and tutor teaching a nutrition and exercise unit as part of the exercise science degree program. Whilst living in Ireland he was head-hunted by Athlone Institute of Technology to co-write the course curriculum and syllabus for many units of study for a new exercise physiology degree. Lachlan has also spent time at University of New South Wales tutoring in physical activity and health. Lachlan is currently undertaking a PhD in metabolism and bodybuilding at the University of Sydney.

Jun 12, 2018

Bryce is the founder of The Strength Athlete and is a world-class elite-level powerlifter in the IPF. Bryce competes in the -105 kg class, winning USAPL Raw Nationals in both 2016 and 2017, as well as winning silver at the IPF World Championships in Minsk in 2017. Through his success as an elite lifter, Bryce's dream is to pass on his knowledge and skills through The Strength Athlete (TSA) powerlifting coaching services online. Bryce passionately advocates for the application and love of the sciences, evidence-based philosophies, and skepticism of pseudoscience. Off the back of his 2017 Raw Nationals win with a 890 kg total (315/220/355), Bryce will again represent the USA at IPF Worlds this year in Calgary, Canada. In This Episode We Discuss Preparing for world championships Modifications made over the past year How some weight loss has helped deadlift leverage for Bryce Family background of athleticism, How was that cultivated as you grew up? exploring how psychology and sport psychology practices can affect lifting how thinking about athlete development is not simply about how do we increase physical performance through training Is there a distinction between building a better athlete and a better person? What Bryce has improved on to become a better athlete How athletes identify themselves; implications of tying their whole identity and/or self-worth to being an ahtlete On what idea have The Strength Athlete team yet to reach a consensus or common position stand on? europeanpowerliftingconference.com

Jun 5, 2018

Ted is a personal trainer and podcaster. He has worked with Fortune 500 CEOs, busy professionals and celebrities, including Richard Branson and Robert Downey Jr. Many of his clients are middle-aged executives who want a trainer to help them stay in shape and keep their energy levels high and stress levels low. He also counsels his clients on the proper use of supplements and offers nutritional advice. He believes in using science and scientifically proven methods to achieve the best fitness results. Ryce's goal in all of his efforts has been to help other people lead better, more fulfilling lives—legendary lives. Through his podcast, his coaching and his other projects, he has reached thousands of people and helped them achieve their goals. In This Episode We Discuss Ted's background, including training Robert Downey Jnr! Impact of social isolation on health; both pyschological and physiological How does exercise and nutrition help psychology, anxiety, etc. What if you already exercise, eat well and have good body composition, but are still "unhealthy"? Flow (from the work of Czikszentmihalyi) and trying to manifest this state in life Application over knowledge

May 22, 2018

Hugh is currently with the English Institute of Sport working as the Performance Psychologist to the British Weightlifting team. Hugh worked with these lifters in the lead-up to the most recent Olympic Games in Rio 2016. Hugh has a MSc. in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology. And is accredited by The Irish Institute of sport, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), and the British Psychological Society. Hugh has also worked with high-level athletes across a number of other sports, including All-Ireland winners, World Champions & Olympians. In This Episode We Discuss Misconceptions among athletes as to the role of sport psychology False consensus bias Pseudoscience in psychology vs. evidence-based practice Enhancing athlete confidence Model of perceived demands, perceived resources and perceived importance Achieving optimal arousal for performance: how psyched up should you get? Differences in external factors in competition vs. training Why being positive when setting goals can actually be a bad thing! europeanpowerliftingconference.com

May 15, 2018

Stephan is a PostDoc researcher in the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine. Stephan's research is focused on muscle metabolism. Stephan completed his PhD research at the University of Illinois, examining the regulation of postprandial protein metabolism after food ingestion and exercise. In This Episode We Discuss Do nutrient-dense whole foods have a different anabolic response to isolated protein? Stephan's study: 18g protein from whole eggs vs. 18g protein from egg whites, which showed superior MPS response for whole eggs. Implications of higher nitrogen retention Hypothesis that higher protein intakes (closer to 3 g.kg) may impart a benefit for immune function in athletes engaged in very intense training? Is there a dampened anabolic response to protein feeding in overweight/obese people? patreon.com/sigmanutrition

May 8, 2018

Dr Sophie Killer is a senior member of the English Institute of Sport Performance Nutrition Team where she's worked as the Lead Performance Nutritionist for British Athletics, supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Track & Field athletes since 2015. She completed her PhD in Exercise Metabolism & Performance Nutrition at Loughborough University. Sophie has gained a wealth of experience working as a nutrition consultant across a range of elite athletes from individual cyclists, runners and triathletes through to team sports, including supporting British Basketball during the London 2012 Olympic Games and spending 4 seasons working in the Premier League. Sophie continues to engage in research through collaborations with Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Surrey. She is a Visiting Fellow in Sports Nutrition at Loughborough University where she is involved in PhD supervision and sessional lecturing. She has 10 publications to date, sits on the Editorial Board of the BioMed Central Nutrition Journal, is a Review Editor for Frontiers in Nutrition and is an invited reviewer for the EJSS, IJSNEM and IJSPP. sigmanutrition.com/competition

May 1, 2018

Jacob Schepis is the owner & director of JPS Health & Fitness, where he has helped thousands of individuals improve their strength, body composition and well being through evidence based resistance training and nutrition. Taking a scientific based approach to training and diet has enabled Jacob to excel in a variety of sports, including playing VFL, bodybuilding, where he has won multiple state and international titles, along with competing in the International Powerlifting Federation, where he has competed at a national level and achieved a top 8 Ranking in Australia. Having worked in the industry for over 8 years, Jacob's wealth of knowledge coupled with his experience in the trenches has led him to become one of Melbourne's most sought out trainers. His role has extended fate beyond working with his beloved clients, to now mentoring aspiring personal trainers, holding workshops and seminars, and writing for the nations personal training governing body, Physical Activity Australia. In This Episode We Discuss Coaching Philosophy; Increasing your value ceiling. Pragmatic Coaching; Avoiding being esoteric whilst upholding EBP Refining Your Craft; Self Awareness, Self-efficacy and Career Development

Apr 24, 2018

Question Topics Coffee and appetite Gelatin consumption [11:10] Protein timing [14:10] The relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and cholesterol levels in the body [20:40] Increasing carbs after ketogenic diet [20:38] Is too much fiber a problem? [29:37] Anti-oxidant supplementation (mainly Vitamin C and E) and training adaptation [33:25] Do additives/preservatives accumulate in tissues? [36:20] Will increasing exercise lower NEAT? [39:55] Intermittent fasting for women [46:31]

Apr 17, 2018

Professor Phillips is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health. In addition to being a full Professor in Kinesiology, also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American College of Nutrition (ACN). His research is focused on the impact of nutrition and exercise on human skeletal muscle protein turnover. He is also keenly interested in diet- and exercise-induced changes in body composition. His research is funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation as well as the USDA. He has received more than $2.4 million in research funding in the last 3 years. Dr. Phillips was the recipient of a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Ontario Premier's Research Excellence Award and in 2003 received the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Young Investigator Award. He currently has more than 18000 career citations, and 200 original scientific research and review papers. In This Episode We Discuss How good of a proxy for muscle growth is muscle protein synthesis? Recommendations for daily and per-meal protein intake to maximize MPS The influence of a calorie deficit on muscle protein balance: do you need more? Whole eggs lead to greater MPS than egg whites: discussion of research paper Anabolic resistance and strategies to overcome it

Apr 10, 2018

Carl Juneau, PhD is an exercise scientist with a PhD in physical activity epidemiology. He is also the founder of the Dr. Muscle app. In This Episode We Discuss Theory of effective reps Influence of mechanical tension, muscle damage and metabolic stress on hypertrophy Does metabolic stress really cause hypertrophy? Or is it just a by-product of mechanical tension? Methods to make use of a higher number of effective reps: rest-pause, myo-reps, drop sets, etc. Exercise selection for such methods Role of rest intervals: the U-shaped curve developed by Carl Juneau and James Krieger How strategies change with experience level

Apr 3, 2018

Kurtis Frank graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor's degree in Applied Human Nutrition. During his undergraduate studies in human nutrition, he co-founded the website Examine.com to gather and present as much evidence-based information on dietary supplements as possible in as unbiased a manner as possible. To that end, Kurtis worked tirelessly for seven years to make Examine the premier resource on the Internet for learning about the science of supplementation. Today, it boasts guides on over 500 supplements containing over 41,000 scientific citations. Kurtis then became Director of Research for Legion Athletics, a company that produces evidence-based supplements. There, he takes an active role in managing the scientific advisory board, creating new and improving existing formulations, writing informative articles on our blog, and generally guiding the scientific direction of the company. In This Episode We Discuss What is an accurate way to think about the placebo effect? How the placebo effect and actual drug effect are not mutually exclusive Should coaches actively "placebo their clients"? The nocebo effect People using supplements to "reduce inflammation": do they have a reason? What anti-inflammatory compounds actually work? Supplements for joint pain and joint health: what works and what doesn't? Supplements that help with sleep quality and sleep onset

Mar 26, 2018

Links: Go to episode page DIETFITS Trial About This Episode: Prof. Gardner is the Director of Nutrition Studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and a professor of medicine at Stanford University. He received his PhD in Nutritional Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley in 1993. His postgraduate training included a postdoctoral fellowship in cardiovascular disease epidemiology at Stanford. Dr. Gardner is passionate about two central questions that keep him up at night and get him to jump out of bed most mornings. The first of these is: What can people eat and drink (or avoid/limit) to optimize their health? Dr. Gardner has recently shifted much of his energies to a second and more challenging question: What forces and factors can successfully motivate people to improve their food and beverage choice behaviors? Study Discussed: Gardner et al., 2018 – Effect of Low-Fat vs Low-Carbohydrate Diet on 12-Month Weight Loss in Overweight Adults and the Association With Genotype Pattern or Insulin Secretion: The DIETFITS Randomized Clinical Trial

Mar 20, 2018

Ari Snaevarsson currently works as a dietetic technician at a residential treatment center for patients with eating disorders. He graduated from Gettysburg College with his Bachelor's in Health Sciences and worked there also as a research assistant. His Capstone research was titled "How aggressively can hospitalized adolescents with anorexia nervosa be refed to prevent irreversible adverse outcomes or death?" In addition, Ari works, separate from the eating disorder field, as a Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified nutrition consultant at True Fitness & Nutrition. In This Episode We Discuss Defining anorexia nervosa & refeeding syndrome How and why we see severe hypophosphatemia play out What is the current standard of care for hospitalized anorexic patients? Is their alternatives to current standard practice that have potential? What sort of surpluses lead to appropriate rates of weight gain? Differences between whole food refeeds vs. feed tube vs. TPN (intravenous)

Mar 13, 2018

Go to the episode page here . Jordan Feigenbaum is an experienced strength coach who also has his medical degree and residency training. In addition to a veritable laundry list of credentials, Jordan is also an elite powerlifter. In This Episode We Discuss Benefits of strength training for health Why aren't recommendations to do resistance training not more widespread in medical practice? Misinterpretation of evidence-based practice Is it better to recommend people do "any exercise they like" or persuade them to strength train?

Mar 6, 2018

James Krieger is the founder of Weightology. He has a Master's degree in Nutrition from the University of Florida and a second Master's degree in Exercise Science from Washington State University. He is the former research director for a corporate weight management program that treated over 400 people per year, with an average weight loss of 40 pounds in 3 months. His former clients include the founder of Sylvan Learning Centers and The Little Gym, the vice president of Costco, and a former vice president of MSN. James is a published scientist, author, and speaker in the field of exercise and nutrition. He has published research in prestigious scientific journals, including the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Applied Physiology. In This Episode We Discuss The recent systematic review and meta-analysis that James co-authored on training frequency and strength gain Volume for strength & hypertrophy: how many sets should you do? How much difference does a calorie surplus make for muscle gain? How much difference does a calorie surplus make for strength? What variables outside of training volume drive results? healthiq.com/sigma

Feb 26, 2018

Arthur Lynch is a exercise physiology researcher currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Limerick. His current research focuses on the role of HMB supplementation on hypertrophy and strength performance in well-trained individuals. Arthur is an accomplished drug-free powerlifter, representing Ireland at the last two IPF World Championships and heading there again this year. He is current Irish Powerlifting Ferderation national champion in the -93kg class. Arthur coaches online here at Sigma Nutrition, working with powerlifters of all levels. healthiq.com/sigma

Feb 13, 2018

Some snippets of wisdom from past episodes of the Sigma Powerlifting Podcast. Insights from: Mike Tuchscherer, Eric Helms, Greg Nuckols, Rori Alter, Matt Gary and LS McClain. European Powerlifting Conference 2018 takes place in Dublin, Ireland on July 21st and 22nd. Tickets are on sale now from europeanpowerliftingconference.com

Feb 6, 2018

Special guest host Ciaran O' Regan interviews Dr. Israel Halperin about research and application of S&C coaching. Israel is a post-doctoral researcher at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Israel completed his PhD at Edith-Cowan University, Australia in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). His research centered on the effects coaching feedback has on the performance of resistance trained subjects and combat sport athletes. Israel spent the 3 years working with the four Olympic Combat sports in the AIS Combat Centre as a sport scientist. Over the years Israel has trained many world-class combat sport athletes as an S&C and Muay Thai coach. Israel has international competition experience in Muay Thai, and has spent 2 years in the U.S and a year in Thailand for training and competition purposes. He also holds two black belts. In This Episode We Discuss: Israel's background as athlete, coach and scientist The role of strength and conditioning in open loop sports and the cost to benefit analysis of GPP vs SPP An evidence-based approach to designing combat sports training sessions Becoming comfortable with the uncertainty and chaos of working with humans Humility as a scientist and a coach and being willing to change our views in light of evidence Becoming aware of our biases and what to do about them This episode is brought to you by Health IQ. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/sigma or mention the promo code SIGMA when you talk to a Health IQ agent.

Jan 30, 2018

Andy Morgan is back on the show to discuss a whole host of topics related to coaching, fitness and learning. Andy is the founder of RippedBody.com and an online coach. He co-authored the Muscle & Strength Pyramids books along with Dr. Eric Helms and Andrea Valdez. He has published a host of excellent nutrition and training resources in the form of ebooks, articles and podcasts, which can be found on the Ripped Body website. Born in the UK, Andy has been living in Japan for over a decade, currently residing in Tokyo. In This Episode We Discuss: Current projects Andy is working on Characteristics of great coaches Developing a framework for client success Learning from experiences regardless of outcome How excitement and philosophies change with experience in fitness Interpreting studies more effectively Lessons learned from Mike Tuchscherer How past experiences and culture have influenced Andy as a coach and person. This episode is brought to you by Health IQ. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/sigma or mention the promo code SIGMA when you talk to a Health IQ agent.

Jan 23, 2018

Dr. Andy Galpin of CSU Fullerton talks about blending evidence and practice, as well as the potential beneficial and detrimental roles of technology for making training decisions. Andy is a tenured Professor in the Center for Sport Performance at CSU Fullerton. Andy spent 4 years studying the structure and function of human skeletal muscle at the single cell level, a feat which earned him a PhD in Human Bioenergetics in 2011. This also resulted in the friendship with frequent collaborator Dr. Jimmy Bagley and the ability to open up his own "Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory" at CSU Fullerton. He now focuses his attention on teaching classes (Sports Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Designing Exercise Programs, Applied Strength and Conditioning, Athlete Assessment and Measurement, etc.) and running the BMEP lab (which studies the acute responses and chronic adaptations of human skeletal muscle in response to high force/velocity/power and fatiguing exercise from the whole body, down to the individual muscle fiber and even into the individual DNA. The team does this by taking muscle biopsies from non-athletes and elite athletes from different backgrounds (e.g. normal college student, MMA fighter, Boxer, Weightlifter, etc.) and use highly sophisticated laboratory techniques and equipment to address questions about single fiber "type", size, function, protein quantity, diameter, mitochondria, and myonuclear function. In This Episode We Discuss: Communication of scientific concepts Physiology of the adaptive response Decision-making process for how to decide on whether a specific technological tool is useful to use Assessing readiness to train: in either remote athletes or combat athletes where you can't visually see them for every session This episode is brought to you by Health IQ. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/sigma or mention the promo code SIGMA when you talk to a Health IQ agent.

Jan 16, 2018

Marty Kendall is the man behind the Optimising Nutrition blog and creator of the Nutrient Optimiser. On the show we discuss energy density, nutrient density and insulin load. To see if you qualify for a special life insurance quote due to being health conscious, then go to healthiq,com/sigma

Jan 9, 2018

Greg Potter is currently just finishing up his PhD at the University of Leeds in the UK. His research focus on chronobiology; looking at circadian rhythms, light-dark cycles and the potential for meals to entrain peripheral circadian clocks. Two Research Papers Examined in this Episode: Paper One: Stothard et al., 2017 - Circadian Entrainment to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle across Seasons and the Weekend Paper Two: McHill et al ., 2017 - Later circadian timing of food intake is associated with increased body fat

Jan 3, 2018

Michael (Mike) C. Zourdos, Ph.D, CSCS: Mike is an Assistant Professor in Exercise Science at Florida Atlantic University with a specialization in strength and conditioning and skeletal muscle physiology. He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from The Florida State University (FSU) in 2012 under the guidance of Dr. Jeong-Su Kim. Prior to attending FSU Mike received his B.S. degree in Exercise Science from Marietta College and M.S. in Applied Health Physiology from Salisbury University. At Marietta Mike lettered in soccer for four seasons and captained the squad in his final two. While at Salisbury he also served as the graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach for all sports teams. Further, Mike served as the Head Powerlifting Coach of FSU's 2011 and 2012 state championship teams and currently serves as FAU's Head Coach in addition to being a faculty member. Mike's research focuses on optimizing periodization and program design methods, along with improving training efficiency, and examining skeletal muscle adaptations and the inflammatory response to exercise." This line of high performance research is currently ongoing in the FAU 'Muscle Lab.' His best powerlifting competition lifts include a 230.0kg (507lbs.) raw squat as an 83kg lifter. Finally, Mike is recently married to Dr. Catherine Coccia, Ph.D., R.D., and Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Florida International University (Miami, FL). Papers Discussed in this Episode Paper 1: Fink et al. , 2017 - Effects of drop set resistance training on acute stress indicators and long-term muscle hypertrophy and strength Paper 2: Murlasits et al. , 2017 - The physiological effects of concurrent strength and endurance training sequence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dec 30, 2017

Brianna Stubbs, PhD In 2016 Brianna completed her PhD in Metabolic Biochemistry at Oxford University. She also became a World Champion rower as part of the GB Rowing Lightweight Women's four person crew, and won 3 other World Rowing Championships medals. She has published peer-reviewed studies looking at ketone metabolism, ketone ester supplementation in athletes and effects of ketones on appetite. In This Episode We Discuss: Brianna's background as an elite-level rower Her PhD research on ketone metabolism Misconceptions about ketones (both endogenous and exogenous) Ketogenesis: why do we make ketones? Brianna's study examining effect of ketone ester supplementation on appetite and ghrelin levels Who needs to even know their ketone concentration? Ketone supplements: glycogen sparing or glycogen impairing? Effect of ketone supplementation on fuel selection in endurance athletes Potential for supplementation: where is the area we will most likely see some benefit? Limitations of current literature base

Dec 18, 2017

Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium This is an "open discussion" between Prof. Tim Noakes and Martin MacDonald on the topic of carbohydrates, insulin resistance and body fat. Prof. Noakes obtained an MBChB degree in 1974, an MD in 1981 and a DSc (Med) in Exercise Science in 2002. In the early 90s, Noakes teamed up with Morné du Plessis to drive the founding of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA). Prof Noakes has published more than 750 scientific books and articles. He has been cited more than 16,000 times in scientific literature, has an H-index of 71 and has been rated an A1 scientist by the National Research Foundation of South Africa for a second 5-year term. He has won numerous awards over the years and made himself available on many editorial boards. After his research convinced him that a high fat, low carb diet is the healthiest option for many, Prof Noakes founded The Noakes Foundation in 2012. Prof Noakes retired as Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2014 and is now an Emeritus Professor at UCT. While his career has seen him involved in some controversial circumstances, love him or hate him, you cannot deny his contributions to scientific research. Martin is a clinical performance nutritionist and the founder of Mac-Nutrition, a thriving nutrition consultancy boasting sought after long-term internship and weekend mentorship programs. He has also developed Mac-Nutrition Uni, the UK's first ever evidence-based, nutrition course that can be completed online. Martin has worked as a performance nutritionist in elite sport with British Weight Lifting, Derby County Football Club, English swimming and other elite sport organizations. He has lectured at the University of Derby and has guest lectured on the prestigious MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition course at Loughborough University. In This Episode We Discuss: Should carbohydrates be restricted for weight loss? weight maintenance? health? Confusing messages given to the public surrounding nutrition Do insulin resistant people need to be very low-carb? Does LCHF mean less hunger, and therefore better long-term results? You can find the show notes at sigmanutrition.com/episode210/ Click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium

Dec 12, 2017

Sleep researcher Dr. Amy Bender discusses the most current evidence-based recommendations for optimizing your sleep for health and athletic performance. Dr. Bender is the Clinical Program Director of Athlete Services at the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance and is also an adjunct professor of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She received her PhD and Master of Science degrees in Experimental Psychology from Washington State University in Spokane, WA specializing in sleep EEG. Her current research focuses on the relationship of sleep and recovery on athletic performance in Canadian National Team athletes. Her research interests stem from being an athlete herself; she is a Hall of Fame basketball player, has summited a number of volcanoes, and completed an Ironman in 2009. In This Episode We Discuss: Circadian biology and light/dark cycles Effects of artificial light at night The importance of daylight exposure early in the day Daily vs. weekly sleep quantity What exactly is "good quality" sleep? Strategy of "banking sleep" Assessing and tracking sleep in clients and athletes Strategies to mitigate detrimental effects of sleep before competition Are there any supplements that actually work for helping sleep? Interested in doing an online nutrition course? Check out sigmanutrition.com/mnu

Dec 6, 2017

Show notes here Evoultionary biologist Dr. Herman Pontzer of Hunter College discusses the model of contrained energy expenditure and the metabolic adaptations that accompany high levels of physical activity. Dr. Pontzer is an associate professor at the Department of Anthropology, Hunter College & City University of New York. He is an evolutionary biologist with a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University. He has published seminal work in the area of energetics, including viewing human energy expenditure via a model of constrained total energy expenditure. He s truly a world-class leader in this field and has been repeatedly recognized internationally for his research. In This Episode We Discuss: Constrained vs. Additive model of total energy expenditure The physical activity paradox: Do highly active populations actually burn more calories? Why NEAT, movement efficiency and other metabolic adaptations can't fully explain the paradox Why did we evolve this way? Why are human capable of expending so much energy in acute time frames?

Nov 21, 2017

Alex Ritson is on the show to dive into two recent recent papers; one investigating the theories of dynamic fat loss models, and the other looking at the effect of low-rep vs. high-rep training for hypertrophy and strength. Papers Discussed in this Episode Paper 1: Silva et al., 2017 - Do Dynamic Fat and Fat-Free Mass Changes follow Theoretical Driven Rules in Athletes? Paper 2: Morton et al., 2016 - Neither load nor systemic hormones determine resistance training-mediated hypertrophy or strength gains in resistance-trained young men

Nov 14, 2017

Nutritionist Alessandro Ferretti discusses data he has collected that may inform us as to the inflammatory response to diet and lifestyle, using markers such as blood glucose, heart rate variability and Alessandro's metric of "HRV/BG Index".

Nov 7, 2017

Brandon has a PhD in Muscle Biology and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow researching muscle physiology related to hypertrophic adaptations. He is a published author or peer-reviewed research. In addition to his prowess in academia, Brandon is well-respected and experience in the practical side of things; being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach and online coach for The Strength Guys. As a writer, Brandon has been published in Alan Aragon's Research Review, Stronger By Science, Muscle & Strength, STACK, and Sci-fit.net Research Papers Discussed In This Episode: Study #1: Pardue et al. , 2017 - Case Study: Unfavorable But Transient Physiological Changes During Contest Preparation in a Drug-Free Male Bodybuilder Study #2: Haun et al. , 2017 - Molecular, neuromuscular, and recovery responses to light versus heavy resistance exercise in young men

Nov 1, 2017

sigmanutrition.com/mass Greg Nuckols is on the show to review two recent research papers; one looking at concurrent training and the interference effect, and the other looking at the fat-free mass index in athletes. Greg Nuckols is the founder of StrongerByScience.com, a website that provides comprehensive information about how to get stronger and more jacked. Greg has over a decade of experience under the bar, and a BS in Exercise and Sports Science. He's held 3 all-time world records in powerlifting in the 220 and 242 classes, and is pursuing graduate research at UNC-Chapel Hill, under the supervision of Dr. Abbie Smyth-Ryan. He's trained hundreds of athlete and regular folks, both online and in-person. He's written for many of the major magazines and websites in the fitness industry, including Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, T-Nation, and Schwarzenegger.com. Greg, along with Eric Helms and Dr. Mike Zourdos, created the monthly research review MASS (Monthly Applications in Strength Sports), which breaks apart some of the recent research carried out that is relevant to strength athletes, bodybuilders and powerlifters. Research Papers Discussed In This Episode: Study #1: Eddens et al., 2017 - The Role of Intra-Session Exercise Sequence in the Interference Effect: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis Study #2: Trexler et al., 2017 - Fat-Free Mass Index in NCAA Division I and II Collegiate American Football Players sigmanutrition.com/mass

Oct 25, 2017

Arthur is an exercise physiology PhD researcher and international-level competitive lifter in the IPF. He is head powerlifting coach at Sigma Nutrition. His current research is based on HMB supplementation and anabolism. Research Papers Discussed In This Episode: Study #1: Brechue & Abe, 2002 - The role of FFM accumulation and skeletal muscle architecture in powerlifting performance Study #2: Wilkinson et al. , 2013 - Effects of leucine and its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism

Oct 17, 2017

Andrea Valdez has been an athlete her entire life. As a former competitive gymnast and long-time coach in the sport, she developed a discipline and respect for the powers that strong minds and bodies can achieve. This led her to continued success in competitive cheerleading and bodybuilding throughout her journey in higher level education. She received a Kinesiology degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with an emphasis in Sports Management and a Minor in Business Administration. Upon graduation, she worked as a Marketing Intern for a Major League Soccer organization, the Houston Dynamo. Andrea then continued on to teach and research at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology. Her scholarly development and professional experiences in training, coaching, teaching and mentoring lead her to begin a career as an author and video content provider for her own personal website and YouTube channel, both of which began in 2012. Andrea became a 3DMJ athlete for her next figure season in 2013 and for powerlifting in 2014. She continued her journey with the team by teaching alongside the other 3DMJ coaches at posing clinics, and helping to create digital products and content for the 3D Muscle Journey website. After months of collaborating as a project manager and writer, she was officially added as the fifth 3DMJ coach in September 2015. Also in 2015, she had the pleasure of co-authoring a pair of books with Eric Helms and Andy Morgan titled The Muscle and Strength Pyramids. These nutrition and training guides have become the industry standard for anyone trying to gain strength or manipulate body composition. During her current figure off-season, Andrea has begun training in Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics-based movements to pursue competition in a new sport called GRID. She continues to journal her athletic experiences on all of her social media platforms and throughout her personal website at AndreaValdez.com.

Oct 10, 2017

http://sigmanutrition.com/mass PhD researcher Eric Helms of Auckland University of Technology is on the podcast to breakdown two interesting research papers. We look at a paper on protein overfeeding and another on the effect of body fat on anabolic sensitivity. Eric, along with Greg Nuckols and Dr. Mike Zourdos, created the monthly reserach review MASS (Monthly Applications in Strength Sports), which breaks apart some of the recent research carried out that is relevant to strength athletes, bodybuilders and powerlifters. Research Papers Discussed In This Episode: Study #1: de Moraes et al., 2017 - Protein Overfeeding is Associated with Improved Lipid and Anthropometric Profile thus Lower Malondialdehyde Levels in Resistance-Trained Athletes Study #2: Beals et al., 2016 - Anabolic sensitivity of postprandial muscle protein synthesis to the ingestion of a protein-dense food is reduced in overweight and obese young adults Get MASS: http://sigmanutrition.com/mass

Oct 2, 2017

Our 200th episode is a special and unique one with an in-depth panel discussion on the topic of saturated fat. On the panel are Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, Stephen Guyenet PhD, Chris Masterjohn PhD and Brad Dieter PhD. The Panellists 1) Dr. Spencer Nadolsky Dr. Nadolsky is a a board certified family and obesity medicine physician. He is known for being extremely passionate about using exercise and lifestyle interventions as medicine, where possible. Dr. Nadolsky runs an online clinic, SteadyMD.com, where he can help patients all over America. He is also the author of The Fat Loss Prescription. 2) Stephan Guyenet, PhD Stephan is an obesity researcher, neurobiologist, and author. In addition to his research, he enjoys synthesizing and communicating science for a general audience over at his hugely successful blog. Stephan has a BS. in biochemistry (University of Virginia) and a PhD in neurobiology (University of Washington). He recently published the fantastic book 'The Hungry Brain', which dives into the causes of obesity from the perspective of overeating and related brain chemistry. 3) Chris Masterjohn, PhD Chris has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut. He was formerly an Assistant Professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College. Chris currently writes detailed nutritional science articles on his blog chrismasterjohnphd.com and hosts a podcast, Mastering Nutrition. 4) Brad Dieter, PhD Brad holds a PhD. in exercise physiology from the University of Idaho. Brad has also done research training as a fellow in biomedical research, examining how nutrition and metabolism influence disease. Brad also runs Science Driven Nutrition, an online platform that aims to spread evidence-based nutrition information. In This Episode We Discuss: Differences between different SFA's (butyric vs. lauric vs. myristic, etc.) Benefits of consumption of SFA-containing foods? Effects at cellular level: ease of storage, oxidation proneness of different fatty acid types, role in cell membrane Effect of SFA on LDL-C & LDL-P (and hence CHD risk) Effect of SFA on blood lipids Effect of SFA (and/or total dietary fat) on food intake: effect on satiety? palatability? Reducing SFA: If lowering SFA intake, how much does the replacing nutrient make (MUFA vs. PUFA vs. CHO vs. PRO) Food sources/Delivery method: Isolated SFA intake (e.g. spoonfuls of coconut oil) vs. SFA packaged alongside other nutrients/fibre and phytonutrients (e.g. some oil drizzled on a salad) Practical Implications: Is there a best target intake range of SFA for health? Is there an "optimal" ratio of SFA:MUFA:PUFA? Are current nutritional guidelines for SFA intake suitable? (The American Heart Association recommends aiming for a dietary pattern that achieves 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat.) Sigma Seminar: http://sigmanutrition.com/seminar2017/

Sep 25, 2017

Ciaran Fairman, M.S. is currently working on his doctorate in the Kinesiology program at The Ohio State University. Ciaran received his M.S. in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University, working in the Human Performance laboratory, and holds several nationally accredited certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (CPT, HFS, CET), and International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN). Ciaran's research interests focus on the effects of acute and chronic interventions on physiological and psychosocial outcomes in different populations. More recently, Ciaran has focused his interest on cancer survivors. He is the founder and chief exercise physiologist at REACH, a non- profit organization aimed at providing cancer patients and survivors with evidence based recommendations of physical activity and lifestyle behaviors to optimize survivorship. Ciaran has published over 15 peer-reviewed papers, book chapter, and abstracts on sports nutrition, supplementation, and training adaptations. Support the podcast: patreon.com/sigmanutrition

Sep 19, 2017

Richard Nikoley is the man behind the blog Free the Animal, which as of 2016, contains over 4,000 posts and 100,000 comments from readers. He has written about his learnings on health, diet, and lifestyle. In This Episode We Discuss: Discussions around ketosis Calorie-deficit induced ketogenic diet vs. nutritional ketosis at calorie balance Anti-lipolytic nature of ketones Inaccurate claims about ketosis and ketogenic diets Hierarchy of factors influencing body composition

Sep 14, 2017

Kyle J. Mamounis, has a doctoral degree in nutritional science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey USA. He is currently a researcher at University of Central Florida in Orlando. His primary research interest is investigating the effects of fatty acids on energy balance regulation. He maintains a science blog with posts on his research interests, reviews of science magazine articles and general cellular physiology at www.nutricrinology.com.

Sep 11, 2017

Researcher and registered dietitian Dr. Rob Wildman discusses the importance of viewing performance and recovery nutrition as a 24 hour process, rather than hyperfocusing on the workout "window". Dr. Rob Wildman, PhD, RD is Chief Science Officer for DYMATIZE Enterprizes in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Wildman is the author of four books including Sports & Fitness Nutrition and The Nutritionist: Food, Nutrition & Optimal Health. He has also written more than 75 referred journal articles, chapters and abstracts on nutrition, performance and health aspects. Dr. Wildman is an Advisory Board member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) and serves as adjunct research faculty in the Department of Human Nutrition at Kansas State University. He is the creator of TheNutritionDr.com and is currently penning his fifth book titled: BODequation. PN Course: get.pn/sigma

Sep 4, 2017

Brendan holds a position as Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. His current research investigates the molecular regulation of skeletal muscle function and adaptation across the life course, with special interest in the synergy between nutrition and exercise interventions to optimise performance in athletes and elderly. He received his BSc Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick in 2003, MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University in 2004, and PhD from Dublin City University in 2008, before completing two years of post-doctoral training with Prof. Juleen Zierath's Integrative Physiology group at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. His doctoral studies focussed on skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise, and in particular the continuity between acute molecular responses to individual bouts of exercise and adaptations induced by exercise training, whereas his post-doctoral training utilised animal models and in vitro cell systems to investigate the transcriptional regulation of skeletal muscle development and mechanisms of insulin resistance. He joined the faculty in the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sport Science at University College Dublin in 2011, where he spent five years, and retains a position as Visiting Associate Professor. On the sporting front, he has played inter-county Gaelic football with Sligo since 2003, and consults as a performance nutritionist to elite team sport athletes.

Aug 29, 2017

Leinster Rugby performance nutritionist Daniel Davey discusses how to apply evidence-based nutrition practices with team sport athletes in elite-level sport. Daniel received his BSc in Science from University College Dublin and holds an MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health from the University of Bristol. Daniel is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S) with the NSCA, and has completed the national qualification in Exercise and Health Studies. Daniel has worked as a performance nutritionist with a host of elite athletes in a range of sports such as golf, athletics, rugby and GAA. In conjunction with his role with Leinster Rugby, Daniel also works as a performance nutritionist with the Dublin senior footballers. His primary focus is developing individualised nutrition strategies for achieving specific performance related goals. He also believes that enhancing athletes' understanding of appropriate nutrition practices is vitally important for long-term optimum health outside of sport. In order to achieve this, he believes in providing this information in an understandable, practical and enjoyable manner. Daniel is a committed athlete himself and has played Gaelic football at intercounty level for Sligo and won an All-Ireland club football medal in 2016 with Ballyboden St' Enda's in Dublin. His own playing and training experience allows him to understand the practical implications of applying the science of sports nutrition to achieve peak physical condition and performance in sport.

Aug 22, 2017

Lyle McDonald Lyle is the author of the Ketogenic Diet, the Rapid Fat Loss Handbook and the Guide to Flexible Dieting. He has been interested in all aspects of human performance physiology since becoming involved in competitive sports as a teenager. Pursuing a degree in Physiological Sciences from UCLA, he has spent almost 20 years of his life studying human physiology and the science, art and practice of human performance, muscle gain, fat loss and body recomposition. Over the years, in addition to working with the general public, Lyle has worked primarily with endurance athletes, a few powerlifters, and some bodybuilders. Through his books, articles and his forum, he has helped thousands lose fat, gain muscle and get stronger or perform better. In This Episode We Discuss: Fundamentals of calorie partitioning What actually influences the partitioning of fuel substrates and the fate of the calories we consume Genetic differences in how much our body composition proportionally changes when either in a hyper- or hypo- caloric diet Is there anything we can really do to modify this? Insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue Blood glucose responses to meals: For healthy individuals, how much does it matter? Should you match carbohydrate intake to insulin sensitivity?

Aug 16, 2017

Dr. Shona Halson is the Senior Recovery Physiologist at the ‪Australian Institute of Sport and an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Her work involves providing athletes with advice and assistance to minimise fatigue and maximise recovery, she is responsible for conducting applied research to evaluate techniques to reduce fatigue and increase recovery. Shona has worked closely with the Australian Dolphins and their specific preparation for the Rio Olympics. Shona has a wealth of experience in the area of fatigue and recovery and she spent a number of years working as the Recovery Centre Director for the Australian Olympic Committee. In This Episode We Discuss: Periodization of recovery Cold water immersion and constrast water therapy for recovery Do recovery strategies have the potential to negatively impact adaptive responses to training? Athlete perception and "belief" in recovery modalities The importance of hydrostatic pressure: implications for hydrotherapy practice Effectively monitoring fatigue in athletes to assess training load and recovery

Aug 14, 2017

How to Build a Career in Nutrition Coaching For some reason enough people have seemingly deemed me to be "successful" enough to ask me for advice about starting a career in nutrition, usually via some version of one of the following questions: What nutrition course do you suggest I do? What qualifications do I need to work as a nutritionist? I'm a personal trainer/coach, what is the best way to improve my nutrition knowledge and/or my reputation as a nutrition coach? I currently work in a different field but want to transition to a career in nutrition. How should I go about this? Is it possible? I'd like to work in sports nutrition. How do I go about this? So the plan is to address these questions comprehensively in this guide. Which should hopefully help those of you who have similar questions. So let's get started!

Aug 7, 2017

Mike Israetel, PhD discusses the relative importance of carbohydrates for strength athletes, planning nutrition periodization for strength athletes and how to structure mesocycles for strength gain. Mike Israetel is currently a professor of Exercise Science at Temple University in Philadelphia, as well consulting nutritional and training for elite strength and combat athletes around the world. Mike is the head science consultant for Renaissance Periodization, where he has authored and co-authored a number for books. He has a PhD in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University, and on the sporting side has experience as a competitive powerlifter, grappler and bodybuilder. In This Episode We Discuss: Do strength athletes (powerlifters, weightlifters) need full glycogen stores? What roles do carbohydrates serve for such athletes? Nutrition considerations when making weight for a meet Nutritional periodization for the strength athlete: diet early and maintain lower bodyweight, or maintain higher weight before dieting close to the meet? Do the volume landmarks for planning training (MRV, MEV, MAV) still apply for the strength athlete? Are volume increases as important?

Jul 25, 2017

Katy joined the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences at UCD as a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science in 2017. Katy holds a BSc and MSc in Sport and Exercise Science, both from the University of Limerick, and a PhD in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She subsequently completed postdoctoral studies in childhood obesity and physical activity at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, USA and more recently in the Nutrition, Biomarkers and Health Research Group at UCD as part of Food for Health Ireland. Her research draws on this interdisciplinary background, particularly in terms of trying to make connections across exercise physiology, metabolism and nutrition science. She has published articles on appetite control, gut and exercise physiology in a range of journals across the fields of sports medicine, exercise science, metabolism, obesity and nutrition. Her interest in applied sport and exercise science centres on nutritional advice and exercise prescription for both athletes to optimise performance and to a wide range of other individuals to optimise wellbeing and metabolic health. Katy is also a trained phlebotomist and registered nutritionist (with specialisms in nutrition science and sport/exercise), and currently works with the Ad Astra elite athlete support team at UCD. In This Episode We Discuss: What you should know about gut peptide hormones (GLP-1, ghrelin, peptide YY) Does the dysregulation of appetite hormones drive excess caloric intake and hence excess bodyfat accumulation, or is it excess bodyfat accumulation that drives hormonal dsyregulation? The effects of exercise interventions on these appetite-related gut peptides Active and inactive men differ in processes of food reward Habitual exercise could contribute to weight management by altering processes of food reward via the gut-brain axis What is gastic emptying and how do we measure it? Do people who exercise compensate for the increase in energy expenditure via compensatory increases in hunger and food intake? Implications of gastric emptying on exercise performance

Jul 20, 2017

Barbara Oakley is a Professor of Engineering at Oakland University. She is involved in multiple areas of research, ranging from STEM education, to Engineering education, to learning practices. Most recently, Professor Oakley has co-created and taught Learning How To Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects, the world's most popular online course. She also has written a number of books, including: 'A Mind For Numbers' and 'Mindshift' . In This Episode We Discuss: Focused mode vs. diffuse mode for thinking, problem solving and working Environments for productive learning: distractions, timelines and procrastination "Neural chunking" and creating patterns for developing skills Preventing regression of knowledge and skill acquisition Advice for improving scientific literacy/proficiency and confidence in reading/understanding science How to soak up (and retain) more information from podcasts

Jul 11, 2017

Katie Anne started her initial athletic endeavors in high school; running track and cross country before transitioning into bodybuilding while attending college at The Ohio State University. Her first contest prep and powerlifting meet both took place in 2014. In her first season of competing, she came away with two first place wins in figure, a powerlifting meet win, and her IFPA figure pro card. Katie Anne is currently an elite USAPL 72kg powerlifter, IFPA Natural Figure Pro, and coach. She was the 2015 USAPL Raw Nationals 72kg Junior National Champion. In This Episode We Discuss: Katie Anne's background in athletics and her transition to bodybuilding and powerlifting The trap for athletes of putting all their self-worth into their athletic acheivement Gaining perspective and focusing on the process when chasing goals Advice on how to women can deal with scale weight increases when building muscle How attitude and positivity are a skill, and like any skill need to be practised

Jul 5, 2017

Dr. Jake Kushner is leading the efforts in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Texas Children's Hospital. Dr. Kushner is a McNair Medical Institute Scholar at the Baylor College of Medicine. As the Chief of Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology at Baylor College of Medicine, he is a major thought leader in type 1 diabetes care and research. His overarching career goal is to help children and young adults with diabetes and other endocrine disorders live long, healthy lives. His administrative priorities focus upon developing and promoting innovative new models of patient-centered care, education, and cutting edge research. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Dr. Kushner earned his medical doctorate from Albany Medical College in New York. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Brown University. He then completed a clinical fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology at Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, followed by a 5-year research fellowship at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School. Prior to arriving at the Baylor College of Medicine Dr. Kushner was at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Kushner has received national awards, including elected membership to the prestigious American Society of Clinical Investigation. He currently serves as the president of the Society for Pediatric Research. Dr. Kushner's research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the March of Dimes, amongst other sources. His clinical interests include the care of children with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Kushner's research is focused upon of the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. A major theme of the Kushner lab includes studies to understand the origins of adult beta cell growth and regeneration. Until recently it was not clear exactly where adult beta cells came from during postnatal life. Dr. Kushner and colleagues have carried out studies in adult mice with a variety of advanced tools. In contrast to the dominant views, they do not observe any contribution to beta cell growth in adult mice from "tissue stem cells". Instead, they find that beta cells expand by simple division "self-renewal". Dr. Kushner and colleagues are currently extending this work, with the goal of studying beta cell regeneration under a variety of normal and disease conditions. In This Episode We Discuss: The intricacies of type 1 diabetes Beta cell dysfunction Nutritional approaches to type 1 diabetes: standard care and carbohydrate restriction Issues with low-carb for T1D: hypoglycaemic episodes? ketones? long-term safety unknown? "Low carb is not for everyone with T1D. Frankly, there is so much that we don't know. But, low carb management of T1D can be quite advantageous for those who choose it." - Jake Kushner, MD

Jun 27, 2017

Trent is an applied sport physiologist with a specialization in the area of performance nutrition. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Cornell University and he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Guelph in Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Physiology. In his current role he focuses on providing his physiology and nutrition expertise to Canada's national rowing, track and field and triathlon teams, as well as leading Canadian Sport Institute's Innovation and Research division. Trent previously worked as the senior leading scientist in Performance Nutrition for Power Bar at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. An experienced researcher, Trent has more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is currently on the editorial board for the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance and International Journal of Sports Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. He has co-authored six book chapters focusing on the role that nutrition can play in supporting elite athlete performance, including a chapter on 'Nutrition for the Endurance Athlete', for the newest version of the 2013 IOC Sports Nutrition Encyclopaedia. His expertise is paired with his ability to deliver complex scientific concepts in an informative and applicable way. He co-supervises a number of master and PhD student collaborative research projects at UBC, UVIC and Guelph. Trent has attended many World Championships and Olympic Games as part of Team Canada's Integrated Support Team and consults several Olympic athletes from around the world, including his wife Hilary, who competed for Canada in the 1500m at the 2012 Games.

Jun 20, 2017

We take a deeper look at artificial/non-caloric sweeteners; effects on bodyweight, glucose tolerance, gut flora and health. What does the evidence say about safety and health concerns? All references are linked to in the show notes page at sigmanutrition.com/episode184

Jun 13, 2017

Sigma coach Arthur Lynch interviews sport psychology PhD researcher Eoghan McNeill of the University of Limerick on applying evidence-based sports psychology techniques to improve performance, particularly in powerlifting and other self-paced/closed skill sports. Eoghan is a PhD researcher in the PESS department at the Univeristy of Limerick. Eoghan's research examines improving performance in self-paced sports (focusing on golf) through psychology techniques and mental preparation. Eoghan has a MSc. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Ulster University, Jordanstown (UUJ). Eoghan can be contacted at eoghan.mcneill@ul.ie In This Episode We Discuss: Pre-performance routine and the importance of conscious thought Use of first-person and third-person imagery for performance and skill acquisition Effective self-talk Thought replacement strategy and reframing negative thoughts

Jun 7, 2017

Book: ' Making Weight' - The Ultimate Science Based Guide to Cutting Weight for Combat Sports Reid Reale completed a PhD, focusing on weight cutting techniques and body composition of combat sport athletes. This work was carried out in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sport, where research is combined with helping elite level Olympic athletes. Reid has a master's degree in dietetics and holds Accredited Sports Dietitian and Accredited Practising Dietitian status with Sports Dietitians Australia and the Dietitians Association of Australia respectively. He won first prize in the "Young investigator award" at the 2016 European College of Sports Science annual congress in Vienna, for his presentation 'Rapid weight loss in Olympic combat sports'. In This Episode We Discuss: Why cut weight? Methods used to cut weight The mechanisms by which water loading can potentially be useful in weight cutting Low residue diets and acute weight loss Deciding how much to cut for each sport

May 30, 2017

Jeff Nippard is a WNBF Pro Drug-Free Bodybuilder and internationally qualified IPF/CPU Powerlifter in the 74 kg class. He earned the title of Mr. Junior Canada for natural bodybuilding in 2012 under the guidance of Dr. Layne Norton. Prior to earning the Canadian national title, Jeff was a two-time Mr. Junior Newfoundland title-holder for 2009 and 2010. As a powerlifter, Jeff has claimed a 227.5 kg (502 lb) squat, 152.5 kg (336 lb) bench press (2014 Canadian national record) and a 235 kg (518 lb) deadlift with an all time best Wilks score of 446. With a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, Jeff has gathered the requisite scientific knowledge to compliment his practical experience acquired through training and coaching. Jeff worked as a coach with esteemed online coaching group The Strength Guys through 2014 and 2015 before branching out with STRCNG. Jeff has coached women's bikini and men's bodybuilding national and provincial champions, professional natural bodybuilders and nationally and IPF Worlds qualified raw powerlifters. In This Episode We Discuss: Intuitive eating vs. ad libitum eating Accurately defining intuitive eating Using intuitive eating whilst making physique progress Factors that influence whether intuitive eating or control-based eating is the best tool Long-term planning for body recomposition

May 23, 2017

Dr Jason Gill is a Reader in Exercise and Metabolic Health in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow. He leads an active multi-disciplinary research group investigating the effects of exercise and diet on the prevention and management of vascular and metabolic diseases from the molecular to the whole-body level. Major research interests include: why certain population groups (particularly South Asians) appear to be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of a `Westernised' lifestyle, and how lifestyle interventions can modulate this excess risk; the interactions between physical activity, energy balance, adiposity and disease risk; and the mechanisms by which exercise regulates lipoprotein metabolism. He is a past Chair of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Division of Physical Activity for Health and a member of the development groups for the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines for the prevention and treatment of obesity and for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Jason is Director of the MSc programme in Sport and Exercise Science & Medicine, and also plays an active role in communicating the science of physical activity, diet, obesity and cardio-metabolic risk to the widest possible audience including a number of appearances on TV documentaries and organisation of Understanding of Science events for the general public. In This Episode We Discuss: Modifiable factors that influence cardio-metabolic disease risk Differences in diabetes and cardio-metabolic disease risk between different ethnic groups Is this increased disease risk a function of ethnicity alone or a mismatch between the environment and that populations evolutionary past? How different BMI values correspond to different levels of risk between ethnic groups Differences in cardiorespiratory fitness levels and capacity for fat oxidation potentially contribute to ethnic differences in the cardio-metabolic risk profile Do we need ethnicity-specific physical activity guidelines? Research questions that remain unanswered

May 16, 2017

Episode 179: Patterns that I've recognised and traits that are common to the best people in evidence-based nutrition and fitness.

May 8, 2017

Episode 178: I need your input as a valued listener! I talk through some exciting new plans, ideas and where we as a community should aim to bring this podcast. sigmanutrition.com/input

May 3, 2017

Chris and Eric Martinez are the founders of Dynamic Duo Training. The twin brothers have the knowledge, the credibility, the passion, the "in the trenches" experience training themselves and clients, and have been mentored under some of the most prestigious coaches in the industry such as Layne Norton, Eric Helms, and Dr. Joe Klemczewski. Chris and Eric are constantly striving to innovate, learn to be better in all areas of life, evolve, and most importantly execute and serve to their clients. They recently authored the book 'The New Era of Fitness'. In This Episode We Discuss: The components that comprise the "new era of fitness" Forming new habits with clients Mentality towards fitness goals Why personal development is important How to improve yourself Lessons learned through experience and education

Apr 25, 2017

Eric Trexler is a PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill, under Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan. He has a research focus on how exercise and nutrition affect metabolism, performance, and body composition. Eric comes from a background in natural bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strength coaching, and currently holds certifications in sports nutrition (CISSN) and strength and conditioning (CSCS). Eric completed his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University, and his master's degree at UNC Chapel Hill. In This Episode We Discuss: Proposed mechanisms of action of citrulline Citrulline malate vs. L-citrulline Nitric oxide "boosters" Why arginine is ineffective Dietary nitrates and nitrate supplementation via beetroot/pomegranate What athletes might this work for? Research on cordyceps supplementation for exercise performance

Apr 18, 2017

Klaas Westerterp is Professor of Human Energetics at Maastricht University. His field of expertise is energy metabolism, physical activity, food intake and body composition, and energy balance under controlled conditions and in daily life. He is member of the Editorial Board of the journal Nutrition and Metabolism (London), the European Journal of Applied Physiology, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and Editor-in-Chief of the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.

Apr 11, 2017

Episode 174: Researcher from Maastrict University, Jorn Trommelen is on the show to discuss his research on the effect of glucose/fructose on carbohydrate oxidation during exercise and the effect of pre-sleep protein on muscle protein balance. Jorn earned his MSc in Nutrition and Health with top honors at Wageningen University & Research Centre. He is now pursuing a PhD in Muscle Metabolism at Maastricht University, at one of the leading laboratories in that field. His research focusses on protein ingestion to optimize post-exercise muscle protein synthesis. In addition, he investigates carbohydrate metabolism during and after exercise. Jorn won several awards for his research including: A Young Investigator Award at the European College of Sport Science Congress in 2015 The GSSI Sport Nutrition Award at the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016 The Gail E. Butterfield Nutrition Travel Award at the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016 A GSSI Nutrition Award at the European College of Sport Science Congress in 2016

Apr 4, 2017

Episode 173: Performance coach PJ Nestler discusses training approaches for combat sport athletes to increase their strength, speed and power so that it actually translates to improved performance in the ring/cage. PJ is a human performance specialist with over a decade of experience preparing top athletes for competition, and a life mission to help athletes and coaches realize their true potential. Over the past ten years, PJ has trained dozens of athletes from the UFC, NFL, NHL and MLB. His passion for combat sports and commitment to excellence, has driven him to become a leader in combat sports performance training. He has worked extensively with over 100 fighters, including multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champions and Top 10 ranked UFC fighters Outside of training top athletes, PJ is devoted to sharing his knowledge and experience, with the purpose of elevating the fitness profession.

Mar 28, 2017

Episode 172: Ben Esgro returns to give more philosophical thoughts on training, powerlifting, achievement and much more. Ben is the founder and COO of De Novo Nutrition. The company has both consulting and supplement branches, based on objective science and ethical practice. Ben is a registered dietitian (RD), as well as having a Masters in Nutrition and Exercise Science (MS) from Marywood University. He has over 6 years experience of coaching and programming for individuals all the way from general population folks all the way up to elite competitors, such as IPF Worlds 2015 93kg silver medalist Layne Norton. In addition to being a highly-regarded coach, he is also an accomplished competitor as both a USBF Pro Qualified Natural Bodybuilder and an internationally qualified IPF powerlifter.

Mar 22, 2017

Episode 171: Corey Peacock, PhD discusses how he implements science-based practices in the physical preparation of the elite MMA athletes he works with, including Anthony Johnson, Michael Chandler, Matt Mitrione and Rashad Evans. Dr. Corey Peacock is currently serving a dual role as the Head Exercise Physiologist and Performance Coach for MMA's the Blackzilians fight camp. In this role, he is responsible for contributing physiological evaluations, strength & conditioning, and injury prevention methodologies. His experience as both a Strength Coach and Sports Performance Researcher have allowed him to implement state of the art injury prevention technology and coaching techniques within the team. A former collegiate football player and coach, Corey graduated from Kent State University with a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, focusing his application on human performance. He works closely with many Strength & Conditioning professionals from the NFL, NHL, MMA and NCAAF and is regarded as one of the top Performance Coaches and Sports Scientists in South Florida. Along with coaching, Dr. Peacock also works as a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Nova Southeastern University. As a researcher, he has contributed multiple peer-reviewed publications integrating the fields of exercise physiology, athletic performance, and supplementation.

Mar 15, 2017

Episode 170: Aadam Ali of Physiquinomics is on to discuss his personal diet experiements, what he learnt and some philosophies on nutrition and training. Aadam writes fitness-related content over at his site Physiqonomics. He writes about his philosophies on nutrition, training and all things physique related. He also self-experiments with different approaches and reports the results. These have included periods of time eating various iterations of a ketogenic diet, employing extended fasts, using time-restricted feeding and more. He has also written content for various other reputable sites including Strengtheory. Aadam also works one-to-one with coaching clients who want to improve their physique.

Mar 7, 2017

Episode 169: Molecular physiologist Chad Macias, of the Institute for Human Kinetics, discusses some limitations of research, issues of misinterpretation and/or inaccurate communication related to research on cancer, nutritional ketosis and the press-pulse method. Chad is currently pursuing post-graduate research in Molecular Oncology. Chad has spent over 19 years conducting research and developing protocols in cellular and molecular physiology. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Diego, and has developed some of the most advanced blood lactate testing and intermittent hypoxia protocols in the world. He founded the Institute for Human Kinetics in 2011, where he works with many of the world's top athletes. In addition, he was a two sport Olympic athlete. He also serves as the Human Performance Specialist at Navy Special Warfare developing programs to prepare Navy Seals for combat deployment though their Tactical Athlete Program. Chad also heads OPI's Research Team and has the knowledge base to conduct medical and exercise physiology research in both humans and rodents.

Mar 2, 2017

Episode 168: The Sigma coaching team sit down to discuss issues related to selecting a powerlifting weight class, progression over the long-term and the pros and cons of cutting weight.

Feb 28, 2017

Episode 167: Dominic D'Agostino, PhD returns to the show to discuss issues related to traumatic brain injury (including CTE) and associations with contact sports such as boxing, MMA and American football. Dominic D'Agostino, Ph.D. Dr. D'agostino is an Assistant Professor at the College Of Medicine Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of South Florida. The primary focus of his laboratory is developing and testing metabolic-based therapies, including ketogenic diets, ketone esters, ketone supplements and metabolic-based drugs. His research also explores the use of these metabolic therapies for a broad range of disorders linked pathophysiologically to metabolic dysregulation, including seizures, neurological disorders, wound healing, muscle wasting and cancer. The laboratory uses in vivo and in vitro techniques to understand the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanism of metabolic therapies. In This Episode We Discuss: Development of chronic TBI Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and association with combat sports and American football Potential risk reduction strategies for combat sport athletes What's going on in the brain after injury? - GABA, glutamate, elctrolytes, etc. Substrate metabolism in the brain and neuro-inflammatory response after injury

Feb 21, 2017

Episode 166: Stephan Guyenet, PhD discusses what drives us to overeat, factors affecting appetite regulation and calorie balance. Stephan is an obesity researcher, neurobiologist, and author. In addition to his research, he enjoys synthesizing and communicating science for a general audience over at his hugely successful blog. Stephan has a BS. in biochemistry (University of Virginia) and a PhD in neurobiology (University of Washington). He recently published the fantastic book 'The Hungry Brain', which dives into the causes of obesity from the perspective of overeating and related brain chemistry.

Feb 14, 2017

Episode 165: Kevin Hall, PhD of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is on the podcast to discuss his work examining the carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity and responds to recent comments on the issue by Gary Taubes. Dr. Hall is a Senior Investigator in the Laboratory of Biological Modeling at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Kevin's laboratory investigates how metabolism and the brain adapt in response to a variety of interventions to diet and physical actvity. They perform experiments in both humans and rodents to better understand the complex mechanisms regulating macronutrient metabolism, body composition, and energy expenditure. A unique aspect of the laboratory involves the development of mathematical models to quantitatively describe, explain, integrate, and predict our experimental results. Over the past couple of years, Kevin has been the principal investigator on a couple of high-profile metabolic ward studies looking to examine: 1) the effect of restricting calories from fat vs. from carbohydrates, and 2) the hypothesis that ketogenic diets offer a metabolic advantage. In This Episode We Discuss: Defining the carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity Scientific models and the principle of experimental falsification Main predictions of the carbohydrate-insulin model Examining the idea that ketogenic diets confer a metabolic advantage Response to recent comments from Gary Taubes The effect of weight loss on appetite

Feb 7, 2017

Episode 164: Dominic D'Agostino, PhD of the University of South Florida discusses his lab's research onto various treatment therapies for cancer including nutritional ketosis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and metabolic drugs. Dr. D'agostino is an Assistant Professor at the College Of Medicine Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of South Florida. The primary focus of his laboratory is developing and testing metabolic-based therapies, including ketogenic diets, ketone esters, ketone supplements and metabolic-based drugs. His research also explores the use of these metabolic therapies for a broad range of disorders linked pathophysiologically to metabolic dysregulation, including seizures, neurological disorders, wound healing, muscle wasting and cancer. The laboratory uses in vivo and in vitro techniques to understand the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanism of metabolic therapies. In This Episode We Discuss: Cancer as a metabolic disease Potential mechanisms of action for ketosis being a beneficial metabolic state in cancer patients Ketosis, calorie restriction, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and metabolic drugs as adjunct therapies in cancer treatment Possible future avenues of research What research needs to be done for this research to become seen more in front-line clinical practice Barriers to implementation

Feb 2, 2017

Episode 163: Danny discusses some mental limitations to making progress. Namely they are: being unwilling to embrace the mundanely uncomfortable, an inability to invest in the long-term process and being unwilling to "do the work" without constant validation.

Jan 31, 2017

Episode 162: Andrew Chappell, PhD of Sheffield Hallam University is on the show to discuss preliminary data looking into different nutritional strategies followed by natural bodybuilders. Dietary Strategies Of Elite Natural Bodybuilders - Chappell AJ & Simper T., The popularity of natural bodybuilding is increasing rapidly. Within the United Kingdom (UK) the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation (BNBF) runs seven regional qualifiers culminating in a UK finals. This cohort provides an excellent opportunity to study the dietary and training practices of an elite group of natural bodybuilders. In order to achieve the optimal physique for competition the athlete typically undertakes in a fat loss regime whilst attempting to maintain muscle mass normally accrued prior to the weight loss period. A combination of resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, calorie reduction, supplement regimes and peaking strategies are employed in order to obtain this physique. Although recommendations exist, these recommendations are not always based on bodybuilding populations and there is a paucity of applied research in this area. Here we report the results of a recent cross-sectional study investigating the preparation techniques of natural bodybuilding participant's competing at the BNBF finals. There was a tendency for successful bodybuilders to have a different macronutrient composition than unsuccessful bodybuilders. Specifically carbohydrate intake was higher over the duration of a pre-contest diet in successful bodybuilders. Implications for this will be discussed.

Jan 24, 2017

Episode 161: Dublin-based coach and fitness entrepreneur Rob Lipsett is on the show to discuss his journey, philosophies and work with clients. Rob Lipsett is a personal trainer, physique competitor and fitness entrepreneur. Rob has built a loyal following based on giving insights into his own training and lifestyle, blended with handing out solid evidence-based information. In This Episode We Discuss: Lessons learned from competing in natural physique competition Advice for those looking to build a physique naturally Reasons why people don't achieve their body composition goals How to determine whether you should bulk or cut Keeping on track with training and dieting whilst travelling

Jan 19, 2017

Episode 160: Danny discusses tools that have been invaluable to him in life across 5 categories: non-nutrition books, tracking, creation, living life and asking yourself questions.

Jan 17, 2017

Episode 159: Author of the Diabetic Muscle and Fitness Guide, Phil Graham, returns to the show to discuss how diabetics should eat and exercise if they want to gain muscle, lose fat or be healthy, without having their condition hold them back.

Jan 10, 2017

Episode 158: Alex Ritson dives into the metabolic adaptations that occur with dieting (and overfeeding), the implications of this for the dieter and how this can explain the differences between individuals in their response to a diet.

Jan 4, 2017

Episode 157: We kick off 2017 with details of the Sigma Weight Cutting System for MMA & Boxing. http://sigmanutrition.com/weightcut

Dec 27, 2016

Episode 156: We end 2016 with a review of some of my favourite philosophical lessons that I have taken from a number of podcast guests this year. These are key ideas or lessons that I think can be powerful to bear in mind. Mindset Over Tools and Knowledge vs. Doing - Dan Pardi (ep. 131) Why Real Science Matters - Kevin Folta, PhD (ep. 120) Re-framing Failure & Self-Responsibility - Ryan Doris (ep. 114) Obsession is Good - Brett Gibbs (ep. 122) Evidence-Based Practice Blends Science, Experience & Pragmatism - Brad Schoenfeld, PhD (ep. 104) The Human Body is Capable of Amazing Physical Output (and Needs It!) - Brent Ruby, PhD (ep. 124) Fake Science, Critical Thinking & "Science Celebrities" - Ben Esgro, RD (ep. 109)

Dec 20, 2016

Episode 155: Researcher Dr. Kimber Stanhope of UC Davis discusses the scientific research that exists on sugar consumption and it's effect on health and body composition. Kimber Stanhope, PhD, RD, is an associate research nutritional biologist in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at UC Davis. Her work focuses on investigating the effects of sugar consumption on the development of metabolic disease, utilizing well-controlled diet intervention studies in human subjects. She has more than 20 years of nutrition research experience, focused on contributing significantly to the clinical research that will define the optimally healthy diet and delineate the mechanisms involved. She also has a decade of experience as a public health educator, working as a registered dietitian with health clubs and health management organizations, and is the author of a children's book on nutrition. In this episode we discuss: The differing metabolic effects of consuming different types of sugars (e.g. fructose, glucose, sucrose) The dosages that negative consequences start appearing at Misplaced concerns about fructose content in fruit Do negative effects still occur in the absence of a calorie surplus and excessive body fat gain? Fat accumulation at the liver How do artificial sweeteners compare? Effects of sugar consumption on hormones like leptin and adiponectin

Dec 13, 2016

Episode 154: Jeff Rothschild discusses the science and application of fasting protocols, meal timing, time-restricted feeding and their effects on circadian rhythms and health. Jeff Rothschild is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Master's degree in Nutritional Science. He works with a variety of clients including elite ATP and NCAA tennis players, endurance athletes, boxers, swimmers, and a number of touring musicians at TriFit in Santa Monica, CA. Jeff is also a writer for the Examine.com monthly research digest, and teaches college sports nutrition at CSU Los Angeles. Jeff follows a methodical and steadfast approach to nutrition, prioritizing the questions of 'who are you and what are your goals' during the decision-making and counselling process to achieve quality results. This includes an evidence-based approach to nutrition, practising concepts developed over time instead of using untested or unproven ideas. This allows everyone from elite athletes to sedentary individuals to get the most out of sessions, optimize nutrition plans to fit their own needs, and create the greatest and longest-lasting positive changes. Jeff's main areas of interest are sports nutrition, meal timing, intermittent fasting, and circadian rhythms. He has co-authored multiple scientific research papers that have been published in peer-reviewed nutrition and food science journals, served as a reviewer in the peer-review process for journals, and has presented his research at national nutrition conferences. He is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and has spent five years as the assistant tennis coach at CSU Los Angeles. Jeff helped the Golden Eagles earn national Top-25 rankings each of those years, and was a two-time winner of Assistant Coach of the Year for the West Region by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Beyond nutrition and coaching, Jeff has competed as a cyclist and continues to play competitive tennis. Classification of the different types of fasting methods What is research showing us might be the main benefits How to structure a fasting protocol in the real-world and within a normal schedule Time-restricted feeding research Does the timing of the feeding window matter? How feeding can entrain the peripheral circadian clocks Concordance and discordance between light/dark cycles and feeding windows Using longer fasts (multiple days) sporadically to enhance health

Dec 6, 2016

Episode 153: Dan Garner discusses hydration status, electrolyte supplementation and performance nutrition for athletes. Dan Garner is the owner and founder of Team Garner and is the head strength coach and nutrition specialist for hockeytraining.com. Specializing and delivering consistent world class results in physique transformation and athletic performance, Dan has worked with many athletes from the youth leagues right up to the NHL, NFL, MLB and UFC. He is an international lecturer on sports nutrition and has been featured in several major media outlets. In addition to his coaching services, he has created many online products available for purchase and is a bestselling author on Amazon, as well as being a contributor to Alan Aragon's Research Review.

Dec 1, 2016

Episode 152: Lyle McDonald is back on the show to discuss glycaemic load, trigger foods, behavioural eating, hyperpalatability and the difference between giving practical recommendations and what is correct from a physiological perspective.

Nov 8, 2016

Episode 151: How to periodize nutrition for a combat sport athlete through understanding the 4 phases of nutrition they transition through.

Nov 4, 2016

Episode 150: Sigma coach Gar Benn lays out 5 reasons that really explain the notion of "hard-gainers" giving rise to some people feeling they can't gain weight/muscle.

Nov 1, 2016

Episode 149: Mike Israetel, PhD discusses the hierarchy of nutritional factors that have an affect on health, how this differs from just body composition goals and how to avoid getting married to any one diet method. Mike Israetel is currently a professor of Exercise Science at Temple University in Philadelphia, as well consulting nutritional and training for elite strength and combat athletes around the world. Mike is the head science consultant for Renaissance Periodization, where he has authored and co-authored a number for books. He has a PhD in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University, and on the sporting side has experience as a competitive powerlifter, grappler and bodybuilder. In this episode we discuss: Hierarchy of nutrition factors that impact health Evidence-base on dietary fat, saturated fat, grains and other nutrients The false idea that "restriction is bad" Pointless arguments over terms like "clean eating" and "junk food" How to better communicate ideas to the general population without making them over-simplistic

Oct 13, 2016

Episode 148: This was a round-table discussion with the Sigma Nutrition & Performance team, hosted and produced by Human Performance Advancement.

Oct 10, 2016

Episode 147: Sports dietitian Jeff Rothschild discusses how he implements the latest glycogen/carbohydrate availability research into pracitce with his endurance athletes, issues surround supplements on race day and how the menstrual cycle can affect programming and training performance. Jeff Rothschild is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Master's degree in Nutritional Science. He works with a variety of clients including elite ATP and NCAA tennis players, endurance athletes, boxers, swimmers, and a number of touring musicians at TriFit in Santa Monica, CA. Jeff is also a writer for the Examine.com monthly research digest, and teaches college sports nutrition at CSU Los Angeles. Jeff follows a methodical and steadfast approach to nutrition, prioritizing the questions of 'who are you and what are your goals' during the decision-making and counseling process to achieve quality results. This includes an evidence-based approach to nutrition, practicing concepts developed over time instead of using untested or unproven ideas. This allows everyone from elite athletes to sedentary individuals to get the most out of sessions, optimize nutrition plans to fit their own needs, and create the greatest and longest-lasting positive changes. Jeff's main areas of interest are sports nutrition, meal timing, intermittent fasting, and circadian rhythms. He has co-authored multiple scientific research papers that have been published in peer-reviewed nutrition and1797350_10151994670761359_1463077510_n food science journals, served as a reviewer in the peer-review process for journals, and has presented his research at national nutrition conferences. He is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and has spent five years as the assistant tennis coach at CSU Los Angeles. Jeff helped the Golden Eagles earn national Top-25 rankings each of those years, and was a two-time winner of Assistant Coach of the Year for the West Region by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Beyond nutrition and coaching, Jeff has competed as a cyclist and continues to play competitive tennis. In this episode we discuss: How to translate the latest "train low" and "recover low" strategies into practice with athletes Supplementation for endurance athletes How to schedule your supplements/nutrition on race day How the menstrual cycle affects training and nutrition considerations

Oct 4, 2016

Episode 146: Answering a listener question: "I have a sugar addiction. Every time I quit, I get sucked right back in a few months later and gain 10 lbs. What can you say to help me, besides "stop eating sugar?"

Sep 26, 2016

Episode 145: Sleep & performance researcher Ian Dunican of the Australian Institute of Sport, discusses some of his work examining the effects of sleep, circadian disruption, training timing and travel schedules on the performance and recovery of elite level athletes. Ian Dunican is currently undertaking PhD research at University of Western Australia (UWA) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) investigating, among other things, the impact of evening use of electronic devices on sleep and next day athletic performance, the effects of jet lag and transmeridian travel on athletic performance, and the prevalence of sleeping disorders amongst professional Rugby players. In this episode we discuss: What does the evidence base tell us about poor sleep and the impact for athletes? Athlete sleep patterns Work examining the effects of travel schedules on sleep and performance Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool Training timing & schedules effect on performance and sleep Amateur athletes sleep and circadian rhythm distruption due to shift work Is pre-training caffeine contraindicated for PM sessions? The effect of using electronic devices by elite athletes before sleep Future directions for research in this area

Sep 22, 2016

Episode 144: Answering a listener question: "In a few episodes you've mentioned inflammation and how to deal with it. But how do you know if you have a problem with inflammation to begin with?"

Sep 13, 2016

Episode 143: Muscle physiology researcher Dr. Keith Baar from the University of California at Davis is on the show to discuss his teams work looking at nutrional and training strategies that can increase tendon stiffness, hence playing a role in injury prevention and the recovery process from tendon/ligament ruptures and bone/cartilage damage. Dr. Keith Baar is the head of the Functional Molecular Biology Laboratory (FMBL) in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and behavior. His research is focused on understanding how training and feeding result in improved muscle, tendon and ligament function. In his capacity as a researcher, he has made fundamental discoveries on how muscle grows bigger, stronger, and more fatigue resistant. Over the last 15 years, Keith has applied these discoveries working as a scientific advisor to a number of athletic teams/organizations including: Chelsea Football Club, USA Track and Field, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, British Cycling, The English Institute of Sport, Leicester Tigers Rugby, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this capacity he works to maximize the effects of training for both endurance and strength and minimize injury. His most recent work focuses on connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. The podcast will discuss the most recent work designed to determine how to best train and what types of foods compliment training to decrease tendon and ligament injury and accelerate return to play.

Sep 8, 2016

Episode 142: Sigma Nutrition coach Gar Benn discusses how to effectively troubleshoot your dietary approach, evaluating how to improve a diet and effively programming nutrition and training to get optimal results. Gar is a strength coach and nutritionist. He is the owner of City Gym, a strength training facility and powerlifting club based in Limerick, Ireland. Gar is also a coach for Sigma Nutrition, where he has been doing some amazing work with our online coaching clients.

Sep 2, 2016

BOOK: 'Making Weight' - The Ultimate Science Based Guide to Cutting Weight for Combat Sports Helping competitive athletes make weight in an effective and scientific manner is my principle area of practice with my own coaching clients. Currently, my personal roster of clients is about 90% made up of such athletes, so pro MMA fighters, boxers and then also powerlifters and weightlifters. And for today's episode I wanted to get into some of considerations for performance nutrition and weight cutting with fighters specifically. Both in terms of nutrition to support training and to allow them to make weight and refuel appropriately. So what I'm going to get into is really in relation to competitive fighters, training 5-6 days per week, generally with double sessions on most of those, and who have 24 hours or more between the weigh-in and their fight. So please bear in mind that context for anything I may say. There's lots of routes we could go down, but for today I just wanted to highlight 6 mistakes that I find to be very common in how many fighters, and even their coaches, apply and think about their nutrition.

Aug 30, 2016

Episode 140: Layne Norton, PhD is on the show to discuss his current journey back from injury, the psychology of elite athletes and the debate how much of a role body composition plays directly on strength and powerlifting performance. Academically he completed his PhD in nutritional sciences under Professor Donald Layman at the University of Illnois, who you regular listeners will remember being on the podcast back in episode 123. As a competitor Layne was a pro bodybuilder who has more recently achieved large success in powerlifting, winning USAPL nationals in 2015 before going onto win a Silver medal at 2015 Worlds in the 93kg class, breaking a squat world record at the time. Layne puts out content and provides coaching via his site BioLayne.

Aug 25, 2016

Episode 139: Answering a listener question: "How do you use 'days-off' or 'Diet-Breaks' with clients?"

Aug 23, 2016

Episode 138: Sports dietitian and PhD candidate Dana Lis discusses some new research examining the potential for acute low-FODMAP diets to help alleviate GI symptoms in athletes Dana is a well-known sport dietitian with broad experience at the Professional, Olympic, National and International levels. Her passion for high performance sport nutrition has provided her the honor of working with several world-class athletes, achieving top performance; including helping Canada's athletes win Olympic medals at London 2012 and Sochi 2014. As a registered dietitian and graduate of the renowned IOC diploma in sport nutrition, she is currently completing PhD research investigating the effects of gluten-free and acute low FODMAPs diets on gastrointestinal health and inflammation in endurance athletes.

Aug 16, 2016

Episode 137: Ketogains founder Luis Villasenor explains how to set-up a ketogenic diet correctly, discusses common mistakes and smashes misconceptions about all sorts of concepts related to ketogenic diets. Luis is the found of Ketogains, an online community that works to help people achieve their body composition and performance goals through a well-formulated ketogenic diet. They have a respected reputation due to their evidence-based thinking and non-dogmatic approach to nutrition. Luis has been personally using a ketogenic diet for ~ 15 years, whilst building substantial muscle mass, getting lean and training for powerlifting.

Aug 12, 2016

Episode 136: Answering a listener question: "If someone was to only use set sources of protein i.e. chicken and whey. Would they still see the same benefits as to someone who has a more varied approach? In terms of hypertrophy and when on a fat loss phase. With their protein intake calculated as it should be for both. Also would they see negative effects in terms of food intolerance?"

Aug 10, 2016

Episode 135: Nicola Rinaldi, PhD discusses the causes, treatment interventions and science of hypothalamic amenorrhea. Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a condition in which menstruation stops for several months (or more) due to a problem involving the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is in the center of the brain and controls reproduction.

Aug 4, 2016

Episode 134: Answering the question of whether branched-chain amino acid supplementation is a worthy consideration for gym trainees and athletes.

Aug 2, 2016

Episode 133: Performance dietitian Emma McCrudden of the University of British Columbia discusses important considerations for implementing evidence-based nutrition programs with vegan or vegetarian athletes. Emma trained as a Dietitian in the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. She completed her Masters at Loughborough University in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. She worked as an applied Performance Dietitian for the English Institute of Sport (EIS) with a variety of sports including, beach volleyball, England Netball and Bob Skeleton. In 2010 she split her time between England, continuing her work with the EIS and Dublin, working as the lead dietitian for Leinster Rugby. In 2013, she joined the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific in Vancouver and has worked with swimmers, Women's Soccer team, the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth teams, BMX, the Canucks and winter sports in Whistler. Her work focuses on the specialist application of the science of nutrition to performance enhancement in sport aiming to maximise training adaptation and performance, optimize body composition while minimizing risk of injury, over-training, illness and burnout. She is currently based at the University of British Columbia, where she splits her time between lecturing and being a practitioner with the elite athletes on campus.

Jul 26, 2016

Episode 132: Tony Gentilcore discusses his philosophy on coaching, what skills are vital to effective coaching, strategies to develop as a coach, mistakes that coaches can often make and how to help clients get the best results possible. Tony Gentilcore is one of the co-founders of Cressey Sports Performance and helped develop that brand and facility for many years. Now Tony is coaching out of Boston, MA where he is a much sought-after coach, as well as contributing to many of the most well-known fitness publications on the web. In this episode we discuss: Tony's coaching philosophy The skills that are vital to effective coaching Tweaks, progressions and regressions to tailor programs to client needs and circumstances Strategies that coaches can use to develop into the best coach they can be Mistakes that coaches can often make and how to learn from them Reasons why intermediate lifters fail to progress Helping clients get the best results possible in a manner that is right for that individual

Jul 19, 2016

Episode 131: Dan Pardi, PhD discusses all sorts of concepts related to the philosophy of health, including; using tech and tools to improve behaviuors, mindset over tools, research on PERMA and applying the "explore, expolit" concept to health. Dan is an entrepreneur and researcher whose life's work is centered on how to facilitate health behaviors in others. He is the developer of Loop Model to Sustain Health Behaviors to help people live a healthy lifestyle in a modern world. He does research with the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department at Stanford University, and the Departments of Neurology and Endocrinology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. His current research looks at how sleep influences decision making

Jul 12, 2016

Warwick (UK) in that area. Menno's background in science and statistics helped him to develop Bayesian Bodybuilding. The Bayesian method goes beyond the scientific system. It is not just a method of collecting knowledge. Bayesian methods tell us how to form rational beliefs based on the available information. Menno's work is thus data driven and evidence based. Menno is a published academic author and has spoken at some of the world's biggest evidence-based training conferences and events. In this episode we discuss: Menno's recent contest prep: why, how and lessons learned How to structure ab-libitum dieting for fat loss phases The flawed, incorrect idea that "IIFYM is the only way"

Jul 5, 2016

Episode 129: Chris Masterjohn, PhD discusses the role of carbohydrates and insulin in endogenous antioxidant systems, oxidative stress and misconceptions on glycation. Chris is currently Assistant Professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York. He has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut. His dissertation was about the role of glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying molecule that we make within our own bodies from dietary protein, in preventing the accumulation of methylglyoxal, a potentially toxic compound formed in small amounts during energy metabolism that is believed to play a role in diabetes and other degenerative diseases. He writes detailed nutritional science articles on his blog The Daily Lipid and hosts a podcast by the same name. In this episode we discuss: Why it's important people don't fall into the trap of demonizing sugar in the same way they argue other have done to dietary fat in the past. The realtionship between oxidative stress, glycation and diet. The role of glucose and insulin in our bodies' antioxidant systems Why restricting carbohydrates out of fear they increase glycation is erroneous

Jun 28, 2016

Episode 128: Martin MacDonald evaluates the latest protein research discussions, the concept of carbohydrate tolerance, and conservation of muscle mass with large calorie deficits. Martin is the founder of Mac-Nutrition, a thriving nutrition consultancy boasting sought after long-term internship and weekend mentorship programs. He has also developed Mac-Nutrition University, the UK's first ever evidence-based, nutrition course that can be completed online. Martin is a clinical performance nutritionist to British Weight Lifting, the governing body for both the GB olympic weightlifting and Paralympic powerlifting teams. He has also worked with Derby County Football Club, English swimming and other elite sport organizations. He has lectured at the University of Derby and has guest lectured on the prestigious MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition course at Loughborough University. In this episode we discuss: What drove Martin to create Mac-Nutrition University - the UK's only online evidence-based nutrition course What does the recent protein research discussions mean for practical recommendations? Muscle mass retention and large calorie deficits The trap of being 'too moderate' in evidence-based practice Carbohydrate tolerance - what are people referring to? Are low-carb diets compulsory for those with insulin resistance?

Jun 23, 2016

Episode 127: Sarah Doyle of The Better Life Project discusses the how to develop habits, create change, set goals, and cultivate a healthy relationship with food in ourselves and others.

Jun 20, 2016

Episode 126: Melissa Davis PhD of Renaissance Periodization discusses the most important dietary and training principles to consider when planning nutrition and training periods. Currently Melissa is a Research Scientist at University of California at Irvine (UCI) in the field of neurobiology and behaviour, with focus on development and means of inducing critical period plasticity in adults. She previously completed her doctoral studies at UCI in neuroscience. She is also a consultant for Renaissance Periodization and was one of the authors of the RP-produced book: "Renaissance Woman: Fat Loss, Muscle Growth and Performance Through Scientific Eating." Melissa is also a decorated athlete as an elite-level grappler, having won multiple championships in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). She is a IBJJF No Gi World Champion, IBJJF No Gi National Champion and USBJJF Absolute Champion. In this episode we discuss: Nutrition phases for body composition goals: duration, structure and transitioning Periodization of nutrition with training within a long-term plan Nutrition and training principles to address in order to preserve lean body mass during dieting phases Psychology of dieting Target rates of change in body composition Changes in training performance and scale weight across the menstrual cycle Nutrition and training principles for women competing in weight-class based sports Beneficial and detrimental messages perpetuated in the fitness industry

Jun 14, 2016

Episode 125: Cassandra Forsythe PhD, RD discusses the factors that cause loss of the menstrual cycle, what can be done about cellulite and the potential for low FODMAP diets in treatment of IBS. Cassandra is an assistant professor in the Physical Education and Exercise Science Department at Central Connecticut State University, where she teaches courses on Group Leadership, Theories in Strength & Conditioning, Introductory Exercise Science, Health Promotion and Exercise Testing and Prescription. She holds her doctorate (PhD) in Exercise Science and Nutrition from the University of Connecticut and is a Registered Dietitian (RD). She's also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). In this episode we discuss: The primary factors that cause this loss of the menstrual cycle 'Stress Susceptibility' and amenorrhea Irritable bowel syndrome Potential for low FODMAP diets Cellulite formation and can it be reduced?

Jun 7, 2016

Click here for show notes Brent Ruby PhD, discusses his lab's fascinating work on the upper limits of energy expenditure, markers of over-training vs. real-world performance, and the role of environment & temperature on performance and recovery. Brent is the director of the University of Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism (WPEM). The center aims to mesh the research world with the operational field environment by combining study models that integrate the control of the laboratory with the hostilities of the field. WPEM's high tech $1.5 million facility opened it's doors in 2008 and is a 3,550 sqft. facility which includes a biochemistry lab and a climate controlled environmental chamber that researches can manipulate temperature and humidity. The funds for the facility came from a U.S. Air Force grant, however the driving force which created the vision and made this possible was a choice made by Brent Ruby, the Director of WPEM. It was the choice to combine raw, rough field data with carefully controlled laboratory results to draw conclusions. We discuss: Energy demands on long-duration, endurance work and insights into the "human ceiling" of energy expenditure Assessing energy expenditure Markers of over-training vs. actual impact on performance in "real world" settings Balancing the need for tightly controlled trials with designing studies that better simulate real world scenarios in practice The role of environment during the recovery phase and glycogen resynthesis Are sports nutrition products and supplements actually any better than fast food? Hydration, water turnover and heat/cold stress Why performance tanks in the heat: skin temperature versus core body temperature

May 31, 2016

Episode 123: Donald Layman PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois, discusses the "leucine threshold" and activation of the mTOR pathway, amino acid oxidation and why MPS drops 2-3 hours after that peaking even when protein remains being fed. Dr. Layman is professor emeritus at the University of Illinois. Dr. Layman's laboratory is working to define protein and amino acid requirements and the interrelationship between dietary protein and carbohydrates in adult health. His research is focused on the impact of diet and exercise on adult health problems of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. We discuss: What should we define as a "high-protein" diet? Making protein recommendations on a per meal basis The "leucine threshold" and activation of the mTOR pathway Other metabolic signals triggered off by amino acids that play a role in health The roles of insulin and leucine in mTOR activation - shifts in their contribution over time Why oxidation of amino acids does not mean they are "wasted" Why MPS drops 2-3 hours after that peaking even when protein remains being fed Protein synthesis as an energy expensive process Leucine kinetics Protein leverage hypothesis

May 24, 2016

Episode 122: International Powerlifting Federation world champion and world record holder Brett Gibbs is on the show to discuss mindset, programming philosophy, success and failure, and preparation for the upcoming world championships. Brett was born and raised in New Zealand but has recently moved to Canada, where he runs his coaching business Gold Signature Coaching. Some of Brett's achievements include: 2x IPF Raw World Champion 83kg IPF Open World Champion (2015) 83kg IPF Jr World Champion (2014) Best IPF Jr in the World (2014) Smashed 25 world records Best New Zealand Lifter of All Time 2x IPF Jr 83kg World Silver Medalist (2013 & 2014)

May 17, 2016

Episode 121: Graeme Close PhD discusses nutrition strategies that he has researched and employed with professional jockeys in order to allow them to make weight more safely, perform better and improve their overall health. Originally a Professional rugby league player, Graeme is now a Reader in Applied Physiology & Sport Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University where he combines his academic research with nutrition and physiology consultancy to some of the worlds leading sporting organisations. Graeme is currently the head performance nutritionist to England Rugby. He is the lead nutritionist to Team GB Ski and Snowboard and works with some of the worlds leading golfers and Rugby League players. On top of this, and despite spending most of his professional career helping big people get bigger, he currently receives funding from Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (the owner of Manchester City FC) to help professional jockeys make-weight safely. It is this combination of academic theory (over 75 research publications) and applied practice that has enabled Graeme to establish himself as a world-leading nutrition consultant and public speaker. Graeme is the only person in the UK who is an accredited sports nutritionist (rSEN), sports scientist (BASES) and strength and conditioning coach (UKSCA). He is the deputy chair of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register and has recently received a prestigious fellowship from the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES)

May 10, 2016

Episode 120: Kevin Folta PhD, is a horticulture professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Folta is passionate about spreading the word of good science, especially on misunderstood topics like genetic modification. Kevin Folta is a professor and chairman of the horticultural sciences department at the University of Florida. Dr. Folta received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in molecular biology in 1998. Within his lab he researches photomorphogenesis in plants and compounds responsible for flavor in strawberries. Folta's laboratory has two primary research areas: controlling plant traits using light, and using genomics to identify molecular markers for key fruit-plant traits. Folta has been active as a science communicator since 2002, especially relating to biotechnology and genetic engineering. Folta has formal training in communication and has been recognized for his skill by scholarly institutions. He uses his experience to provide workshops to teach scientists and farmers how to communicate science effectively. Just recently, Dr. Folta won the 2016 Borlaug CAST Communication Award. Folta operates the Talking Biotech podcast which is billed as "A science-based assessment of new technology and the future of food",[30] in which he interviews agriculture scientists and experts in the fields of science and communication to discuss the genetic improvement of plants, animals, and microbes and other issues in biotechnology.

May 3, 2016

Episode 119: Krista Casazza PhD, discusses myths surrounding obesity, the role of epigenetics and the importance of the musculoskeletal system in weight loss maintenance and metabolic health. Dr. Casazza is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama. Working with the pediatric population, Dr. Casazza's research interest have evolved into understanding the resource partitioning during critical periods of growth and development with primary focus on the bone fat interface. Krista Casazza obtained her PhD from Florida International University in 2006, where her research focused on dietary and physical activity education interventions in adolescents. During her training Dr. Casazza investigated the effects of macronutrient modification (carbohydrate in particular) on reproductive hormones, insulin dynamics and body composition during a weight loss intervention in peri-pubertal African American girls.

Apr 26, 2016

Episode 118: Caoileann Murphy PhD is on the show to discuss protein metabolism, distribution and recommendations on per meal vs. daily basis. Caoileann has a PhD in exercise physiology, focusing on protein metabolism under the supervision of Stu Phillips at McMaster University. She has recently moved back to Dublin to work with Dr. Brendan Egan's research group.

Apr 19, 2016

Episode 117: Professer Julia Rucklidge from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand discusses some of her research looking at using micronutrient provision in the treatment of mental health disorders, ADHD, depression and PTSD. Clinical psychologist Professor Julia Rucklidge explores a range of scientific research, including her own, showing the significant role played by nutrition in mental health or illness. Julia J Rucklidge, PhD is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Toronto, she did her training in neurobiology (McGill) and Clinical Psychology (University of Calgary). Her interests in nutrition and mental illness grew out of her own research showing poor outcomes for children with significant psychiatric illness despite receiving conventional treatments for their conditions. For the last 8 years, she has been investigating the role of micronutrients in the expression of mental illness, specifically ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and more recently, stress and PTSD associated with the Canterbury earthquakes.

Apr 12, 2016

Episode 116: Professer Kevin Tipton from the University of Stirling discusses nutritional interventions for injured athletes, protein intakes, and the importance of protein timing and distribution for maximal anabolic response. Kevin Tipton is a Professor of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Stirling. His postdoctoral work was under the supervision of Professor Robert Wolfe at UTMB. Kevin's research focuses on exercise, nutrition and muscle metabolism in humans with emphasis on protein nutrition and metabolism in athletes, vulnerable populations, e.g. obese, elderly, and healthy volunteers. He has published over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters and has been invited to speak at numerous international and national conferences. He is an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism and serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. He recently served on the National Academy of Science’s, Institute of Medicine, Committee for Military Nutrition Research. His interest in exercise science extends to the application of the science to athletic populations. He was the Sports Nutrition adviser for the Athletic Department at Auburn University and recently served as a Visiting Scientist at the Australian Institute of Sport in the Department of Sports Nutrition, for the International Olympic Committee on the IOC Sports Nutrition Consensus Conference committee, the FIFA and IAAF Sports Nutrition Consensus Conference committees and the UK Sport Nutritional Supplements Advisory Board. He also has coached and served as fitness and nutrition advisor for amateur soccer and rugby clubs.