Plant Proof - Plant Based Nutrition & Inspirational Stories

Protein is one of the most talked-about nutrients, yet confusion remains about how much we need and which sources are best. I am joined by Dr Matthew Nagra to unpack the science on protein intake, plant versus animal sources, and how to build strength and longevity without compromising your health or the planet. What We Cover The evidence-based protein range for muscle and strength How plant and animal protein compare when total intake is matched Why training drives results more than protein alone New findings linking plant protein to lower chronic disease risk What the Andrea Glenn study reveals about protein density and heart health IGF-1 and mTOR myths and what the data really show The environmental and practical case for plant protein Protein plays a vital role in health, ageing and performance. This episode will help you cut through the noise and make confident, evidence-based choices. You can learn more from Dr Matthew Nagra by following him on Instagram and YouTube, or by vi

I’m joined by author and coach Axel Schura to explore how hardship can lead to transformation. Axel shares his story of stage four cancer and the mindset shifts that inspired his new book “Maybe This Is Happening For You, Not To You”. We discuss fear, recovery, and how to find strength and meaning when life feels uncertain. What We Cover Shifting from “why me” to “what now” Facing fear with curiosity and compassion Tools for anxiety and rebuilding confidence Lessons from Viktor Frankl and the Chinese farmer story The power of belief and responsibility in healing A moving reminder that even in our hardest moments, there is always the potential for growth and meaning. Connect with Axel on Instagram, where he shares insights on mindset, personal growth, and emotional resilience. You can also visit axelschura.com to learn more about his work and get his new book “Maybe This Is Happening For You, Not To You” at axelschura.com/maybe. For more of Axel’s content, including his podcast and YouTube

Dr Dawn Mussallem’s life has defied all odds. After surviving stage 4 cancer, severe heart failure, and a heart transplant, she ran a marathon just one year later. In this conversation, I sit down with Dawn as she shares what she’s learned about resilience, faith, and the science of healing. We explore the mindset behind recovery, how food and lifestyle can prevent disease, and the lessons from decades of cancer research and clinical care. It’s a deeply human discussion on what it means to live with intention, vitality, and compassion. What We Cover Mindset, purpose, and finding meaning in adversity Plant-based diets for cancer prevention and metabolic health Fasting, sleep, and stress management Supplements, Omega-3s, and key nutrients to focus on Myths about seed oils, soy, and grains GLP-1 medications, muscle preservation, and weight management Why connection, joy, and movement are central to longevity A testament to the strength of the human spirit—and a guide to living better,

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr Raymond Townsend, Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We explore how to optimise and treat high blood pressure through lifestyle, medication and a deeper understanding of the latest clinical evidence. Dr Townsend explains how much risk reduction comes from lowering blood pressure, what the newest AHA/ACC guidelines recommend, and how diet, exercise and sleep all play a role in protecting your arteries, kidneys and brain. What We Cover Why lowering blood pressure matters The latest hypertension guidelines When to start medication Key lifestyle interventions for long-term health Common myths about salt, diet and protein New therapies and what’s on the horizon Blood pressure is not just a number — it is a reflection of your overall health. This episode provides a practical guide to lowering it safely and effectively. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offer

In this episode, I am joined by Dr Raymond Townsend, Director of the Hypertension Programme at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss what drives high blood pressure, how it affects the body, and practical steps to protect your heart, kidneys and brain. Dr Townsend explains how genetics, age, lifestyle and arterial stiffness contribute to hypertension, how to measure blood pressure correctly, and why early action and empathy make such a difference in long-term outcomes. What We Cover Understanding blood pressure readings How hypertension harms the heart, brain and kidneys Lifestyle and genetic contributors Why arterial stiffness increases with age The right way to measure blood pressure When lifestyle changes or medication are needed High blood pressure is preventable, manageable and worth your attention long before symptoms appear. Introduction (00:00) Key Takeaways from 40 Years in Hypertension (01:14) What does “hypertension” actually mean? (08:54) How Blood Pressure

In this episode I am joined by Dr Iñigo San Millán, exercise physiologist, researcher, and coach to Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar. His work places lactate at the centre of human health, showing it as a fuel and biomarker rather than a waste product. We discuss how lactate offers a new lens on mitochondrial health, what Zone 2 training really achieves, and why these insights apply to both elite athletes and anyone seeking longevity. What We Cover Lactate myths and the truth about its role in energy Differences between athletic and diseased lactate profiles Zone 2 training and mitochondrial health Balancing training methods for metabolic flexibility Diet, lactate, and critiques of Zone 2 This conversation shows why understanding lactate could be key to improving performance, preventing disease, and ageing well. You can connect with Dr Iñigo San Millán on Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights on exercise physiology, metabolism, and performance. Follow along to learn more ab

What happens when you suddenly lose hearing in one ear? In this solo episode, I share my experience with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, from the moment it struck to the treatments I pursued and the outcome. Along the way I explain what the evidence says about oral steroids, intratympanic injections, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and more, while also reflecting on the emotional side of navigating this health scare. What I Cover The onset and diagnosis of sudden hearing loss Oral steroids, intratympanic injections, and antivirals Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and recovery odds Emotional challenges and mindset shifts Key take-home lessons if this happens to you This is a personal and practical episode that may one day help you or someone you know act quickly in a critical moment. What Happened When I Lost Hearing in One Ear? (00:00) How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Diagnosed? (09:19) What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss? (14:50) Sudden Hearing Loss Treatment Protocol Explained (21:06) Do Hy

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Jed Fahey, nutritional biochemist who pioneered sulforaphane research at Johns Hopkins, and Doug Evans, author of The Sprout Book. We discuss why broccoli sprouts are one of the most powerful foods you can grow at home and how to use them safely and effectively. Jed explains the science of sulforaphane and the strongest clinical evidence so far, while Doug shares practical advice for sprouting at home, seed safety, and making sprouts part of everyday meals. What We Cover Sulforaphane and its unique effects in the body The most promising human trials How much broccoli sprout or supplement is useful Sprouts compared with supplements and mature vegetables Food safety and storage How to sprout easily at home Sprouts are simple, affordable, and surprisingly powerful, and this episode shows you how to get started. You can connect with Doug through Instagram, where he shares insights on health, wellness, and sprouting. Explore more of his work at The Sproutin

In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Ritchie, senior researcher at Our World in Data and author of Clearing the Air. We dive into the data behind climate change, exploring what’s driving it, how solutions are developing, and why optimism is not misplaced. Hannah breaks down the role of food, energy, and industry in emissions, explains where media narratives can create “climate whiplash,” and shares why imperfect solutions still move us in the right direction. What We Cover Food, diet, and agricultural emissions Renewable energy vs fossil fuels Electric vehicles and battery concerns Aviation’s role in climate change AI’s growing energy footprint Individual choices vs systemic change This conversation is a reminder that climate change is solvable, and that progress is already underway. You can connect with Hannah Ritchie on Bluesky and through her newsletter, Sustainability by Numbers, or explore her work at hannahritchie.com and Our World in Data. Why We Get Confused About Climat

What does balance really mean for diet, and why is nuance so often lost in nutrition debates? In this episode, I sit down again with Dr David Katz to explore diet quality, ultra-processed foods, supplements, and the broader links between human and planetary health. In this episode, we cover: Why balance is the key to diet quality Beef, ethics, and planetary health Keto and carnivore, the rise of anecdotes online Ultra-processed foods and why they drive overeating Supplements, evidence, controversies, and David’s personal approach A grounded and insightful discussion on how to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters for long-term health. You can connect with Dr David Katz on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter). To learn more about his work, visit davidkatzmd.com, explore Diet ID, and discover the True Health Initiative. The Critical Role of Diet in Chronic Disease and Longevity (00:00:00) What Does a High-Quality Diet Actually Mean? (00:05:03) Why Balance Is the Ess

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tom Dayspring and Dr Dan Soffer for a comprehensive look at lipid-lowering therapy. We unpack the science behind statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates, and newer agents like bempedoic acid, asking what really works, who should take them, and how early treatment might prevent disease. From guideline thresholds to real-world decision making, historical trials to future therapies, this conversation offers clarity on one of the most important areas in cardiovascular prevention. In this episode, we cover: What lipid-lowering therapy actually is Statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, and PCSK9 inhibitors How these drugs work and who benefits most Absolute vs relative risk reduction explained Guidelines vs clinical practice Lipoprotein(a) and new therapies on the horizon A detailed yet practical discussion to help you cut through the noise and make sense of lipid-lowering therapies. Intro: What Are Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs and How Do They Work? (00:00:00

In today’s episode, I sit down with Professor Susan Davis, an endocrinologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on hormones in women’s health. We explore the role of testosterone in women, separating fact from fiction, and tackling the common myths that circulate online and in the media. Susan shares what decades of research actually show about testosterone therapy, its benefits, limitations, and safety, and why participation in clinical trials is essential for moving the science forward. What We Cover Why testosterone is not just a male hormone How levels change throughout a woman’s life Common myths about testosterone therapy and the truth behind them The link between testosterone, libido, and sexual function Evidence for and against claims around mood, muscle, and wellbeing Side effects and safety considerations at female-appropriate doses Compounded hormones compared with pharmaceutical formulations The biggest gaps in research and where the science needs to go next This

High blood pressure, often called the silent killer, is the most deadly modifiable risk factor worldwide. In this solo episode, I break down the latest European and American blood pressure guidelines into a simple, actionable framework. I explain what blood pressure is, why it matters, how to measure it correctly at home, and the lifestyle changes that can lower it as effectively as first-line medication. Whether you want to prevent hypertension, manage it, or simply understand your numbers, this episode could change, and even save, your life. Introduction: Understanding High Blood Pressure & Its Dangers (00:00) How Common is Hypertension? (05:53) Why Hypertension Has No Symptoms: The "Silent Killer" Explained (07:52) Blood Pressure Numbers Explained: What Do Your Readings Mean? (10:00) How to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately (12:34) Getting an Accurate Reading at the Doctor's Office (14:14) 5 Steps to Accurate Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (16:17) Lifestyle Changes vs. Medication

In this masterclass, I break down the science of gut health and how to use it to your advantage. You’ll learn the different types of fiber, the benefits of fermentation, and how your gut microbes influence digestion, immunity, and even mood. Plus, I share practical tips for increasing fiber without discomfort and simple ways to nurture a thriving microbiome. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five

In this solo episode, I break down the most common supplements, including vitamin D, omega-3s, creatine, B12, and probiotics. I share what the science really says about their effectiveness, safety, and who actually needs them. I also explain how I use blood test data to make smarter supplement decisions and why testing beats guessing every time. What I cover: Vitamin D and optimal levels Who really needs omega-3s Creatine’s brain and performance benefits Iron, B12, and nutrients to monitor on a plant-based diet Magnesium and why most people are low How to think about multivitamins and “daily essentials” The role of testing in personalising supplementation Supplements I take and why Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes wi

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rupy Aujla, NHS GP and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, to explore how food and lifestyle medicine can transform our health. We talk about his personal journey, why the medical system still overlooks nutrition, and how we can use simple, evidence-based principles to prevent disease and feel better. What we cover: Rupy’s story and why food became central to his practice The gap in nutrition training for doctors Lifestyle medicine and chronic disease Building a joyful, sustainable relationship with food Tips for people and practitioners feeling stuck For more, visit thedoctorskitchen.com and follow @doctors_kitchen on Instagram. Intro (00:00:00)Simplifying Nutrition Without Losing the Science (00:05:31)The Health Scare That Sparked a New Direction (00:12:57)How Nutrition Impacts Healing (00:20:19)Why Protein Matters More Than You Think (00:27:46)How Much Protein You Need & Why Some Say Less Is Better (00:33:44)Low Protein Signs (00:44:06)Why Plant Sources G

This episode is the uncut conversation with Dr. Thomas Dayspring and Dr. Dan Soffer, unpacking the results of my coronary CT angiogram and CACS score. We explore what these scans reveal about cardiovascular risk, why good bloodwork isn’t always enough, and how to use tools like ApoB, Lp(a), and imaging to get a clearer picture of heart health. We also discuss statins, lifestyle changes, and the value of early prevention. Topics we cover: My coronary scan results explained What drives plaque and cardiovascular risk Advanced lipid testing (ApoB, Lp(a), LDL) Medication vs lifestyle: when and why Misconceptions about “normal” bloodwork What to do if your CAC score isn’t zero For anyone serious about long-term heart health, this is a must-listen. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the

I just got back my latest blood test results, including over 100 biomarkers like hormone levels, nutrient status, cardiovascular risk, and my estimated biological age. In this solo episode, I walk you through the data and share what I’m doing to stay ahead of potential health issues before they snowball. In this episode: Testosterone, estrogen, and fertility markers B12, omega-3s, vitamin D, and a copper blind spot Thyroid & metabolic health LDL cholesterol and ApoB flagged for action Environmental toxins and my biological age Blood pressure: why it matters more than you think Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a

After 10 years of great blood work on a plant-based diet, I took things further with a coronary calcium scan and CT angiogram to see what’s really happening inside my arteries. The results? I have early signs of plaque. In this episode, I break down my numbers and speak with cardiologists Dr. Thomas Dayspring and Dr. Dan Soffer about what they mean for my long-term risk and yours. What we cover: My CT angiogram and CAC results How much plaque I have and where What ApoB and lifetime cholesterol exposure reveal How diet tweaks impacted my blood lipids Whether I should add medication What this means for others with “good” blood tests but family history Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is

What does it really mean to eat well? In this episode, nutrition scientist Dr. Flávia Fayet-Moore joins me to explore the science of nutrient density, where most people fall short on key micronutrients, and why healthy eating doesn't have to mean giving up enjoyment or accessibility. We talk about the unintended effects of food messaging, the nuance of ultra-processed foods, and how better communication can actually improve population health. Topics covered: Intro (00:00:00) Why Nutrition Science Needs More Micronutrient Focus (00:05:00) Eating Habits & Deficiencies in Young Women (00:12:00) Milk, Juice & Rethinking Nutrient-Dense Drinks (00:30:00) Juice & Cardiometabolic Health: Surprising Findings (00:35:00) Cow’s Milk vs Plant Milks: Nutrients, Fortification & Formulation (00:56:00) Vitamin D, Sunlight & The Power of Mushrooms (01:09:00) Folate, Iron & The Risks of Over-Supplementation (01:30:00) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products