Plant Proof - Plant Based Nutrition & Inspirational Stories

Episode #272. In the quest for an extended lifespan, has science been led astray? Join me as I sit down with Professor Charles Brenner, a leading global expert in NAD biology, to examine the longevity field's claims and controversies. From debunking common beliefs to questioning high-profile opinions, Dr Brenner delivers a refreshingly candid perspective on the science of aging. Tune in to explore why he believes there's no “cure” for aging, the limitations of animal studies, and what the future might hold for this complex field. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Do we have the genes to live beyond 120 years? (3:54) The genetics of extreme longevity (14:18) Longevity in the animal kingdom (18:26) Why do we age, and the realities of extending lifespan (31:22) How long can we live? (39:01) NAD coenzymes and DNA repair (43:49) "Anti-ageing" products (55:17) Conflicts of interest and the integrity of scientific claims (1:01:08) Discovering nicotinamide riboside (NR) (vitamin B3) (1:03:19) Sirtui

Episode #271. Have you ever wondered just how much of an effect antibiotics have on your health? Gastroenterologist and gut health expert Dr Will Bulsiewicz returns to the show in this episode, breaking down how antibiotics impact our microbiome and the steps you can take to protect and restore your gut health before, during, and after taking them. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) What are antibiotics? (03:01) Efficacy, prescription, and 'antibiotic scar' (08:26) The healthy gut microbiome (15:58) Effects of antibiotics to gut the microbiome (21:32) Clostridioides difficile (28:30) Do you really need antibiotics? (31:04) High-fibre diet (39:44) Sprouts, lentils, and fermented foods (43:25) Prebiotics and prebiotic supplements (46:30) Probiotics and microbiome recovery after antibiotics (58:06) Who may benefit from taking probiotics? (1:05:00) Foods to limit to avoid dysbiosis (1:07:45) Why do antibiotics cause yeast infections? Do probiotics help? (1:09:35) Antibiotics and small intesti

Episode #270. If you’ve ever been confused by the sea of women’s health misinformation, you’re not alone. Join me as I sit down with Dr Jen Gunter, internationally celebrated OB/GYN and New York Times bestselling author, to dispel disinformation with evidence. We address everything from yeast infections to birth control, compounded hormones, and menopausal hormone therapy. This isn’t just a health masterclass, but also a critical conversation about the misinformation and disinformation that is pervasive in women's health discussions: essential listening for anyone who cares about promoting an equitable health landscape. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Jen Gunter on Gynecology (2:56) Misinformation vs disinformation (8:11) Western medicine and the truth about supplements (15:16) Tips for discerning online information (20:43) Yeast infection and how to really treat it (29:42) Can diet treat yeast infection? (38:04) Is a vaginal microbiome test necessary? (44:52) Understanding menstruation

Episode #269. Dive into the heart of controversial nutrition studies and discover the surprising complexities behind everyday food choices with Professor Gardner, a respected authority in the field of nutrition science. As we navigate the maze of dietary patterns, this insightful conversation bridges the gap between scientific evidence and practical nutrition, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health. We discuss: Intro (00:00) A twin study is in the works (4:06) Plant-based meat vs. red meat (8:53) How to make homemade kombucha (18: 40) Different diets for athletic performance (the SWAP-MEAT trial) (23:02) Feedback from athletes (37:21) Which popular diets are truly heart-healthy? (40:35) How different diets measure up to health guidelines (49:12) Practical insights for doctors and patients (55:07) The truth about low fat, vegan diet (59:36) Controversies vs consensus in nutrition (1:02:45) The food industry and medical institutions (1:10:19) Low-fat & low-carb diets for weigh

Episode #268. Ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Matthew Nagra, a naturopathic doctor with a passion for plant-based nutrition. Together, we debunk common nutrition myths and bring clarity to some hot topics. Dr Nagra's evidence-based perspective will guide you through the noise, helping you make informed dietary decisions. From understanding biases to breaking down the facts about phytates and gluten, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the nutrition landscape with more clarity and confidence. We discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Matthew Nagra's health journey (3:24) The dangers of misinformation (7:49) Does Matthew Nagra is biased vegan (11:39) Dr. Matthew's approach to nutrition studies (15:00) Does plants are trying to kill us? (18:42) Does unprocessed red meat increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease? (28:20) Are Food Frequency Questionnaires reliable? (38:43) Tucker Goodrich and the seed oil debate (40:16) What oil you should us

Episode #267. Join me for a deep dive into the influence of the gut microbiome on inflammation and metabolic disease. In this fascinating exchange with Dr Suzanne Devkota, we explore the role of the gut in these conditions, shedding light on food allergies, IBD, and obesity. You’ll learn the practical tips you need to nurture a healthy microbiome, as well as gain a better understanding of what we do – and don’t – know about this incredible system. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) The evolving field of microbiome research (02:13) Gut microbe on social media (09:32) Microbiome definition (12:48) Why the focus on gut bacteria? (13:55) Differences in Microbes (16:02) Microbial shifts and adaptations (18:45) Microbes perturbations (21:35) Human microbiome in evolution (23:54) Healthy microbiome and diversity (27:47) Is the microbiome the sole driver of metabolic diseases? (33:05) Dietary patterns and FODMAP intolerance (41:07) Saturated fat and gut health (49:15) Microbiome metabolites and he

Episode #266. Learn the key pillars for a healthy diet from the world’s most cited nutrition scientist, Dr Walter Willett. In this two-hour exchange, Dr Willett shares the cornerstones of a healthy diet, providing the practical guidance you need to live a long, healthy life. We discuss: Introduction (00:00) Which Foods Should You Eat to Stay Healthy? (04:10) Does the Quality of Foods Matter? (06:39) The Impact of the Average American Diet on Health (08:29) Do We Have Sufficient Evidence on How Nutrition Impacts Our Health? (11:05) Key Tasks/Leaves to Make Healthy Choices (14:03) How Diet Patterns Have Changed from the 70s till Now (15:09) Walter Willet: A Nutrition Story (18:20) Ancel Keys' Research on Fat (19:40) Three Large Observation Studies by Walter Willet and His Team (27:19) Advantages of Large Observation Studies over Randomized Control Trials (32:45) Correlation and Causation in Nutrition (39:15) Food Frequency Questionnaire: Importance of Methods for Measuring Dietary Intake (50:58)

Episode #265. Escaping an echo chamber and admitting that you have changed your mind ­– particularly when you have a large, engaged audience – is no easy feat. In this conversation, I sit down with Thomas DeLauer to break down some of the existing walls between different dietary camps, opening the conversation around nuance and an open-minded approach. We cover: Intro (00:00) Simon makes assumptions about Thomas DeLauer (5:03) Thomas on working out (6:58) Biohacking (8:37) Cold plunges and saunas (9:35) Thomas DeLauer and alcohol (15:51) Tea or coffee (18:50) Battling and overcoming obesity (20:39) Low-carb vs low-fat diet (31:06) Unprocessed vs. ultra-processed diets (39:04) Benefits of CGM for non-diabetic (47:10) Saturated fat and insulin resistance (52:09) What Thomas and Simon's diets look like (1:02:29) Do we need fibre? (1:10:18) Food intolerances (1:17:40) Changing lifestyle after traumatic event (1:23:17) Strategies for a healthier lifestyle (1:26:15) Calorie Counting and Intermitt

Episode #264. Every day for more than 20 years, Adam Sud woke up to a life that didn’t feel like a safe, secure, or hopeful place to be. Struggling with mental health from an early age and relying on addiction as the only dependable “solution”, he spent years facing each day as the most painful one he’d ever had. More than a decade on from the turning point in his journey towards recovery, Adam shares his story and some defining realisations that helped shaped the life he is now excited to experience. Everyone has something to learn from Adam’s story. Regardless of whether you have personally struggled with addiction and mental health, Adam’s profound understanding of behaviour and mindset will resonate with you, and potentially even shift the way you look at your life. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Adam Sud on recovery (04:15) Why expressing love can be difficult (08:55) Substance use disorder (Drug addiction) (14:37) Adam's story (16:46) Nurturing a child with ADHD (24:42) Becoming hooked

Episode #263. Delve into the complex world of neurodegenerative diseases in this evidence-loaded episode with Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. Unpack the current scientific understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, bust popular food myths related to brain health, and discover actionable lifestyle tips for long-term brain health. Join us on this evidence-based journey that blends science with practical, real-life advice. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Drs. Ayesha and Dean play True or False (04:11) Is amyloid plaque the primary cause of Alzheimer's? (05:47) Whole grains, gluten, and brain health (07:11) Artificial intelligence for Alzheimer's disease (14:11) Drs. Ayesha and Dean on Melbourne (17:11) Is olive oil good for brain health? (20:13) What's the beef with red meat? (24:32) Keeping the brain healthy with omega 3 fatty acids (35:25) APOE4 and omega 3 supplementation (48:27) Cognitive changes in midlife (54:47) Reaction to Dr. Michael Klapper's U-turn on omega 3 supplem

Episode #262. Discover the science of getting older without getting old in this conversation with Dr Andrew Steele. From understanding what impacts your lifespan to revealing potential future scientific breakthroughs, this episode is an intriguing journey into the world of aging science. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Andrew Steele on aging (01:38) Age-related diseases and lifespan extension (10:47) Genetic factors, lifestyle, and gene editing for longevity (19:18) Could gene editing help solve poor cholesterol? (27:52) Rapamycin vs metformin for longevity (34:21) The need for expert consensus on anti-aging interventions (39:47) Insights on Bryan Johnson's Project Blueprint (47:50) What are senolytic drugs? (51:24) Yamanaka factors: is aging reversible at a cellular level? (1:05:18) The rationale behind reversing aging and the future of interventions (1:17:42) Lifestyle changes that slow the clock (1:25:40) Calorie restriction and longevity (1:32:41) Air quality, smoking, and vapin

Episode #261. When it comes to cancer and nutrition, sorting fact from fiction is critical. Join me as I sit down with Dr Krystle Zuniga, an expert in this field, to debunk harmful myths, clarify the role of nutrition during cancer treatment, and empower listeners with reliable, science-based knowledge. Tune in to understand how to navigate dietary choices amidst a cancer diagnosis and to learn how to best support those on their cancer journey. Don't miss this essential conversation – it's time to let go of misinformation and understand the true power and limitations of nutrition. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Krystle Zuniga on cancer and nutritional sciences (01:33) Social media and cancer misinformation (04:35) Can food act as medicine? (07:56) The impact of anecdotes on cancer treatment choices (12:57) Survival rates and shifting trends (16:31) Nutrition priorities during cancer treatment (17:38) Cancer treatment and appetite (20:35) Protein recommendations (22:12) Weight loss and

Episode #260. Are you struggling to maintain a healthy weight and navigate the confusing world of diets and weight loss solutions? In this episode, join me as I dive into the science behind eating behaviours, obesity, and the challenges of losing weight with renowned researcher Dr Stephan Guyenet. Discover the different types of eating, the importance of controlling our food environment, and various evidence-based strategies for weight loss. With practical advice and insights from Dr Guyenet, you'll gain a better understanding of the complexities of weight management and how to make informed choices for your health. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation about the widespread issue of obesity and our brain's role in eating behaviours. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) From neurodegenerative disease to obesity neuroscience (01:36) The holiday weight gain (10:38) The problem with excess fat (14:37) 'Personal fat threshold' and diabetes (26:06) Main drivers of type 2 diabetes (31:26) The role of t

Episode #259. Have you ever put much thought into your hydration? If you think that drinking two litres of plain water a day meets your hydration needs, then this conversation is for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Stacy Sims to explore the science behind optimal hydration and its impact on performance. You’ll learn how to determine proper hydration, the role of electrolytes and glucose, and which commonly held beliefs about hydration are myths. Dr Sims shares her research findings and provides practical tips to improve your hydration for better performance and overall well-being. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Stacy Sims on hydration (1:25) Nuances of hydration (3:35) Electrolytes (7:02) The problem with plain water (12:02) How much sodium do you need in a hot or cold environment? (15:00) Sodium and fluid intake during exercise (16:31) Dehydration and its effects on performance (20:07) Importance of slow and steady hydration (22:22) Distilled water and hydration (23:38) Is add

Episode #258. Join me as I sit down with renowned soy expert Dr Mark Messina to clear up misconceptions and address concerns about soy consumption. We dive deep into isoflavones, how much soy you can safely consume, and soy’s safety in relation to male feminisation, breast cancer, and thyroid function. If you’ve been hesitant about incorporating soy into your diet, this episode is packed with essential information you need to make an informed choice. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Soy throughout history (01:45) Dr. Mark Messina and the Soy Nutrition Institute (6:12) Industry affiliation in research (8:04) Debate surrounding soy and breast cancer (18:04) Isoflavones and estrogen (24:04) Isoflavones, breast tissue and cholesterol (32:12) Oversimplification of health information about the soy (40:39) Fermented soy and equol (48:11) How much isoflavones are in your soy foods? (53:16) Safe upper limit of soy isoflavones intake per day (58:50) Are blood tests necessary for high protein eaters?

Episode #257. Uncover the powerful strategies to transform your gym experience and unpack the blood lipids series in this captivating conversation with Drew Harrisberg. You’ll learn more about CGMs for people without diabetes, menopause and osteoporosis, our thoughts on stretching, and much more. Specifically, we discuss: Do CGMs have potential beyond diabetes management? (4:14) Blended fruit vs whole fruit for glycemic response (14:35) Effects of long-term stretching (24:02) Bone mineral density and menopause (33:40) Review on different modality exercises for bone density (38:18) Drew's new fitness program (59:22) Takeaways from the lipid series with Dr. Thomas Dayspring (1:06:54) The Proof's very first immersive experience (1:26:11) When good deeds happen (1:39:05) Outro (1:49:30) To connect with Drew, you can reach him via his Instagram or website, Drew’s Daily Dose. Drew will also be co-facilitating our upcoming immersive experience, which you can learn about here. Make sure to catch his 11 p

Episode #256. Professor Susan Davis, AO returns to answer your questions on menopause. We cover The Proof community’s most common questions, looking towards mental health and menopause, how other conditions such as PCOS impact menopause, common issues including weight gain, different drug treatment options, and much more. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Feedback from the Proof community (02:13) Concerns about misleading health information about menopause (05:57) Oral contraception and fertility (11:23) Summary of Part 1: Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions (14:26) Hormone therapy (HRT) for women over 50 and 60 (20:31) HRT and cognitive function (24:11) Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (32:10) Amenorrhea, exercise, chronic stress and menstrual health (41:34) Health risks of early menopause (46:14) Muscle and bone health (51:21) Treatments for women with breast cancer and vasomotor symptoms (52:35) Exercises that benefit bone health (1:10:33) Could s

Episode #255. Have you ever wondered about the power of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions? Join me as I sit down with Professor Susan Rossell to examine what the research says on psilocybin and MDMA and whether these revolutionary interventions can assist in the treatment of depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and more. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Susan Rossell on mental health research (02:40) The history of psychedelics (11:53) Concerns over the safety of psilocybin and MDMA (18:31) Feasibility concerns for the rollout of psilocybin and MDMA (21:54) Effects of psilocybin (35:52) Psilocybin, SSRIs, and psychotherapy (44:35) Microdosing psilocybin (56:12) Ketamine vs psilocybin (58:00) MDMA for PTSD and recreational use (1:02:03) Future of psilocybin and MDMA and their decriminalization (1:11:00) Mental health advice (1:21:43) Outro (1:25:23) To learn more about Professor Susan Rossell, you can do so on her Swinburne University profile. Connect with Professor Ro

Episode #254. How does a plant-based diet weigh up against a ketogenic diet when it comes to cancer treatment and prevention? Discover the answer to this question and more in The Proof’s first episode dedicated to understanding cancer. In this episode, I sit down with Dr Urvi Shah and Dr Neil Iyengar to examine how cancer develops and the lifestyle measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer, treat cancer, and prevent cancer recurrence. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Cancer and precancerous cells (06:51) Genetics and cancer risk (20:58) Obesity and cancer risk (24:30) Modifiable factors and reducing recurrence risk (36:44) The role of nutrition in cancer treatment (47:34) Plant-based diet vs ketogenic diet (51:50) Dr. Neil investigates the effects of plant-based diets and exercise on breast cancer (1:13:12) Soy, dairy, protein, and cancer risk (1:17:04) Unprocessed red meat and colorectal cancer (1:30:52) Organic foods vs conventional produce (1:37:10) Ultra-processed food an

Episode #253. In Part Three of the blood lipids series, we take a deep dive into interventions to lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). While nutrition is the most powerful lifestyle tool we have to dramatically decrease ApoB, there certainly remains a need for pharmacological interventions – and in this episode, Dr Thomas Dayspring and I walk through four main drug classes, discussing their mechanism of action, effectiveness, and safety profile. We discuss: Intro (00:00) Evolution of cardiovascular disease treatments (03:42) Are we becoming a drug-dependent society? (07:30) Bile acid sequestrants, statins, and more (13:54) Cholesterol-lowering drugs and cognition (35:12) Is Bempedoic acid a good statin alternative? (47:39) Ezetimibe and nuances you should know (55:46) PCSK9 inhibitors (1:03:32) Do statins increase the risk of diabetes? (1:14:58) Gene therapy targeting PCSK9 (1:19:20) Pelacarsen for lowering Lp(a) (1:23:48) Can we take drugs that raise HDL to lower car