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ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOEzoe.com
The world’s top scientists explain the latest health, nutrition, and gut health research and translate it into practical advice to improve your health & weight. Join ZOE Science & Nutrition, on a journey of scientific discovery. Hosted by Jonathan Wolf.

Episodes

Stop dementia before it starts

How early should you start taking dementia seriously? Here’s 5 things you can do now to reduce dementia risk today. Professor Claire Steves and Jonathan Wolf explore the multifaceted world of dementia. They delve into the significance of dental health, genetics, diet, and physical activity — plus, they unpack the latest research — to give you practical strategies for preventing dementia. Claire is a consultant physician in geriatric medicine at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. She’s al...

Mar 28, 202456 min

Three ways to prevent diabetes with Professor Naveed Sattar

In today’s episode, we’re talking about a disease so widespread that it touches nearly every family in some way: type 2 diabetes. It’s not just a health issue, it's a rapidly expanding crisis. And many people don’t know that they have it. In the U.S. alone, 100 million people have prediabetes, and more than 37 million have type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with life-altering effects. Prof. Naveed Sattar joins us to shed light on preventing, treating, and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes....

Mar 21, 202457 min

The truth about SIBO with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

Do you know what SIBO is and how it could be affecting your health? In today’s episode, Jonathan and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz dive into the world of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition that may underlie common health issues ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to brain fog. Together, they tackle myths and share insights into SIBO diagnosis and treatment. Could rebalancing your gut microbiome be the answer you've been searching for? Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is board-certified in inte...

Mar 14, 202428 min

Fitness routines for menopause with Dr. Stacy Sims - exercise for every stage

Are you navigating the twists and turns of perimenopause and beyond? Traditional exercise advice often misses the mark for women in this phase, mostly because its source is research focused on men. In today’s episode, we're joined by the acclaimed Dr. Stacy Sims, a leading expert on women's exercise science. Stacy delves into how menopause affects our exercise responses, and she offers strategies to adapt your fitness routine for optimal health during and after menopause. Ready to transform your...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 4 min

Coffee's hidden health benefits

If you thought coffee was just a caffeine kick, think again. Prof. Tim Spector & coffee expert James Hoffmann explore the intricate relationship between coffee and health. They uncover truths and myths about caffeine and describe coffee’s fascinating role in improving gut health. Tim also shares exciting news about soon-to-be published research. The topic: coffee and the gut microbiome. Plus, James brews coffee live in the studio and helps us understand the different coffee variants. He even div...

Feb 29, 20241 hr 12 min

Live more healthy years

Do you want to live to 100? Dan Buettner may be able to help. Dietary patterns, community, environment, and stress management play pivotal roles in longevity, and he’s studied the longest living people on earth. From Sardinia's matriarchal villages to Okinawa's garden-rich diets, this episode takes us on a tour of insights. It's not just about living longer, it's about thriving. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by Dan Buettner and Prof. Tim Spector to discuss the secrets of a longer, healt...

Feb 22, 20241 hr 6 min

The surprising truth about histamine intolerance

We've probably all heard of “antihistamines,” medications that can ease symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. But what is “histamine”? It’s a vital chemical that our bodies produce, and it plays a role in a number of functions that support our health. Histamine intolerance seems to be increasingly common, but it’s difficult to diagnose. Some people may not be aware that they have it or how to treat it. In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan speaks with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, ...

Feb 15, 202433 min

Beat stress with science: 4 key techniques for stress relief with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Stress is a main factor contributing to ill health, and Dr. Rangan Chatterjee believes that it’s the number-one cause of the illnesses he treats. In today's episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Rangan sheds light on the causes of stress, ranging from sleep deprivation and overwhelming workloads to a lack of quality time with others. You’ll learn how “microdoses” of stress can reach a tipping point, why recognizing these doses is key, and which powerful strategies can help you cope. Are you ready ...

Feb 08, 20241 hr 3 min

Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi

They’re not a plant or an animal — fungi are their very own kingdom of life. And their unique composition means they offer novel, often unbelievable, benefits to our health. Certain species of fungi are currently used to treat conditions ranging from cancer to depression. The love of mushrooms (or mycophilia) has grown in recent years. And at the heart of this movement is biologist Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, author of the bestseller Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shap...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 1 min

What to eat for your health - according to science

From fads to fallacies, misconceptions have permeated diet narratives for decades. So, we dig in and demystify to forge a personalized path toward sustainable well-being. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by Prof. Christopher Gardner and podcast regular Dr. Sarah Berry. Christopher is a professor of medicine at Stanford University and the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Sarah is an associate professor in nutrition at King’s College London and chief ...

Jan 25, 20241 hr 3 min

The truth about the Mediterranean diet

Each day this week, we examine one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll discover these diets' true impact on your health. Today, we’re talking about the Mediterranean diet. This indulgent diet champions vegetables, beans, fish, and even red wine, all with a liberal helping of extra virgin olive oil. However, this relatively high-fat diet undergoes many regional adaptations, and the wide range of options can be confusing, even intim...

Jan 24, 202423 min

Does calorie counting improve your health?

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out these diets' true impact on your health. Today, we’re talking about the century-old paradigm of weight management — calorie counting. Rooted in the law of thermodynamics, the notion is simple: Consuming fewer calories than expended results in weight loss. While seemingly straightforward, the practical application of calorie counting can prove chal...

Jan 23, 202416 min

The carnivore diet exposed: Healthful or harmful?

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out the true impact of these diets on your health. Today, we’re talking about the carnivore diet, a zero-carb approach centered on meat, fish, eggs, and minimal dairy while excluding all plant foods and alcohol. Advocates claim it can help with autoimmune conditions, type 2 diabetes, and weight loss, asserting that our ancestors thrived eating this wa...

Jan 22, 202414 min

Does the paleo diet hold the secret to health?

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out the true impact of these diets on your health. Today, we’re talking about the paleo diet, rooted in the idea of emulating our hunter-gatherer ancestors after concerns about the impact of a modern westernized diet packed with highly processed foods. However, the diet often involves consuming increased amounts of saturated fats, primarily from meat....

Jan 21, 202414 min

Are low-fat diets bad for your health?

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out these diets' true impact on your health. Today we’re talking about the low-fat diet, popularised in the 1970s and fueled by the belief that fat was the culprit behind heart disease and weight gain. However, the aftermath saw a surge in low-quality carbs. Food manufacturers, in the quest for low-fat options, replaced fats with sugar and refined gra...

Jan 20, 202416 min

The keto diet uncovered: The truth about fat vs. carbs

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out these diets' true impact on your health. Today we’re talking about the keto diet, a global phenomenon favoring fats over carbs, lauded for potential health benefits like improved blood sugar control and weight loss. Yet, the allure of keto does come with downsides. With a dearth of fiber and essential nutrients — as well a reputation for being not...

Jan 19, 202414 min

How to master healthy eating habits with James Clear

Many of us want to make positive changes to our eating patterns in January. But it’s not easy. Ultra-processed foods, for example, are everywhere. So how can we make healthy habits stick? In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan is joined by James Clear and Dr. Federica Amati, who offer strategies for overcoming obstacles and changing the way we eat, so we can all have longer, healthier lives. James Clear is a writer, speaker, and author of the number-one New York Times bestseller...

Jan 18, 20241 hr 6 min

The best exercise to improve your health

Professor Andy Galpin brings you evidence-based exercise regimes to make a fitter future achievable for everyone. Most people need to do more exercise. Despite us being aware of its obvious benefits to our health, we can still struggle to get active. So, what’s holding us back? A persistent injury, lack of free time, or simply not knowing how to get started? Dr. Andy Galpin believes it’s always possible to incorporate exercise. In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Andy ask...

Jan 11, 202453 min

Inflammation and your gut: Expert guidance to improve your health

Did you know that you can potentially extend your life by 10 years if you eat the right foods and that this is even possible if put into practice later in life? Inflammation is the cause of most diseases and illnesses, if you would like to learn how to reduce inflammation then look no further! In today’s episode, Prof. Tim Spector and Dr Will Bulsiewicz delve into the gut microbiome, how it reacts to different foods and overall well-being. We learn about microbial diversity and its pivotal role ...

Jan 04, 20241 hr 2 min

How to eat in 2024: 7 essential strategies

Happy New Year! Thinking about extreme dieting this January? Think again. There are easy ways to eat well and boost your immune system while still enjoying every mouthful. In today’s episode, Tim and Sarah break down seven essential strategies for eating healthily in 2024. They also debunk common misconceptions, emphasize the importance of food quality, and encourage you to focus on the sheer enjoyment of what you eat. Dr. Sarah Berry is an associate professor in the department of nutritional sc...

Jan 01, 20241 hr 16 min

10 tips to help you live healthier: Part 2

In this special two-part episode, we’re taking a journey back through all of our episodes to bring you 10 actionable tips that will have a big impact on your nutritional health. Here, in part two, we’ll find out why you should stop counting sheep and how fidgeting can boost your health. These are evidence-backed tips to help you live and eat healthier. If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to joinzoe.com/podcast and get 10% off your personalised nutrition program. Download o...

Dec 28, 202334 min

10 tips to help you live healthier: Part 1

In this special two-part episode, we’re taking a journey back through all of our episodes to bring you 10 actionable tips that will have a big impact on your nutritional health. Here, in part one, we’ll explore whether you actually need to spend more on organic food, why snacking can help your diet, and plenty more. These are evidence-backed tips to help you live and eat healthier. If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to joinzoe.com/podcast and get 10% off your personalised...

Dec 21, 202335 min

Why unhealthy carbs are making you sick, and what to do about it

Do you realize how closely your diet affects your general health and well-being? Have you ever wondered how advertising affects what you eat? How much do you think your childhood diet is affecting your health in the long run? In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by Prof. Walter Willett to discuss the importance of carefully considering what you eat and making decisions that support your health. Professor Walter Willett, from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, is the world's most c...

Dec 14, 20231 hr 18 min

Could this diet solve your gut issues?

Do you know what FODMAPs are? Many of us aren’t aware of these cryptic carbohydrates hidden in everyday foods. How can undigested FODMAPs cause bloating, gas, and other symptoms as they ferment in your gut? In today’s episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, ZOE’S U.S. medical director and a board-certified gastroenterologist, teaches us about FODMAPs and how to tell if a low-FODMAP diet could be right for you. If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off y...

Dec 07, 202326 min

How body fat impacts health and aging

As we age, the distribution of our body fat changes, particularly around menopause. Most people think of body fat as bad, but fat tissue plays a number of hugely important roles in our health. In today’s episode of ZOE Science and Nutrition, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Sarah Berry and Prof. Deborah Clegg. Together, they debunk the myth that fat is bad, enlighten us about why body fat is distributed where it is, and explore the differences in fat distribution between men and women. Deborah Clegg is...

Nov 30, 202358 min

Exercise myths busted: Practical steps to sustain your health

Admit it, exercise isn't everyone's favorite pastime. Of course, our ancestors weren't hitting the gym by choice — our evolution has wired us to stay active, and this natural activity actually slows down the aging process. The good news is that you can achieve the benefits without feeling like you're "exercising." In today’s episode, Prof. Daniel Lieberman debunks exercise myths. He also teaches us how exercise impacts our health and how learning from our evolution can unlock the secrets of a lo...

Nov 23, 20231 hr 10 min

We risked it all! Does ZOE work? Here's what our latest trial results show

We’ve been working for the past 2 years on a randomized controlled trial of ZOE membership. Participants used personalized nutrition advice to try to improve their health — and the results are fascinating. In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan, Sarah, and Tim ask: How did ZOE hold up as part of this trial? If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program. Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 01:03 -...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 5 min

How to prevent heart disease, according to science

Heart disease is among the top five causes of death globally, and it’s the first in the United States and United Kingdom. In the U.S., it causes 1 in 5 deaths. But what is heart disease, exactly? Can we take steps to avoid it? Prof. Eric Rimm, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is here to enlighten us. In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Eric explore what we can do to reduce our chances of getting heart disease. If you want to uncover the right foods for yo...

Nov 09, 202358 min

The surprising truth about lectins

What are lectins, and are they dangerous? These “antinutrients” have come under attack and were recently the subject of a dietary fad fueled by a popular book. As always, there’s more to the story. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to dive deep into the world of lectins. They dissect questionable studies, debunk myths, and offer expert advice about how to approach foods containing these misunderstood compounds. Will is a board-certified gastroenterologist with 14 year...

Nov 02, 202327 min

Aging and longevity reimagined: Is mindfulness the secret?

Can the power of your thoughts help defy aging? Could your mind help improve your eyesight or even heal wounds faster? These ideas might seem far-fetched, but our guest, Harvard Professor Ellen Langer, has spent four decades uncovering the real science behind this. In this episode, discover how to harness your mind-body connection to enhance your well-being. Ellen Langer is an American professor of psychology at Harvard University. In 1981, she became the first woman ever to be tenured in psycho...

Oct 26, 20231 hr