Foodie Pharmacology Podcast

Decoding Food's Hidden Secrets with Dr. Selena Ahmed

Have you ever wondered what’s really in your food—beyond just vitamins, minerals, carbs, proteins, and fats—but also the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that impact health? This week on the show, our guest is Dr. Selena Ahmed, Global Director of the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) and Dean of Food EDU at the American Heart Association. With her expertise in food systems research and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Ahmed delves into PTFI’s mission to transform our understanding of food composition and quality.

We discuss the importance of biodiversity, nutritional yields, and sustainable farming practices like agroforestry, which support both healthier ecosystems and better human health. Plus, we explore how the fusion of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science—including the role of AI in food analysis—is uncovering new insights into what we eat. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of food! Learn more: https://foodperiodictable.org 

This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/

#food #podcast #nutrition #biodiversity #PTFI

Doctors by Nature with Dr. Jaap de Roode

We’ve all seen it—whether it’s a cat rolling in catnip with pure delight or a dog eating grass, only to vomit it up later. Are these just quirky animal behaviors, or could they be something more—perhaps even a form of self-medication using nature’s pharmacy? 

This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Jaap de Roode, a biology professor at Emory University, to discuss his fascinating new book,  'Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.' He shares remarkable insights into how a wide range of creatures—from monarch butterflies to chimpanzees and house sparrows—intentionally use plants and other natural substances to treat infections, repel parasites, and improve their health.

Our conversation delves into the evolutionary and learned behaviors behind animal self-medication, as well as the broader implications for traditional and modern medicine. Dr. de Roode also offers practical advice on how we can better support wildlife and our pets by making more informed choices about their habitats and diets. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the surprising ways animals harness the power of nature to heal!

#nature #medicine #animals

Unlocking the Secrets of Human Milk with Dr. Lars Bode

This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Lars Bode, a leading expert in human milk research and director of the Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego. Dr. Bode takes us on a fascinating journey into the science of breast milk, breaking down its unique composition, health benefits, and role in shaping infant development. We discuss how maternal diet, environmental exposures, and even medications influence milk production, as well as the critical role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in supporting infant immunity and gut health. Dr. Bode also shares groundbreaking research on milk-derived compounds with potential applications in adult health, including cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Don't miss this deep dive into one of nature’s most remarkable superfoods! 🔗 Learn more at https://hmi.ucsd.edu/ 

#HumanMilk #Breastfeeding #InfantHealth #GutMicrobiome #MaternalHealth #NutritionScience #MilkResearch #FoodiePharmacology

Metabolic Psychiatry with Dr. Matthew Bernstein

This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Matt Bernstein, a psychiatrist specializing in metabolic medicine, to discuss the use of ketogenic diets in improving mental and brain health. Dr. Bernstein shares his personal journey and the transformative results he has seen in his patients, and delves into the science behind ketosis, mitochondrial function, and the role of diet in managing serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of how dietary changes can play a pivotal role in brain health and overall wellness. Learn more about this approach to health at www.accordmh.com.

#mentalhealth #ketogenicdiet #ketosis #psychiatry #metabolism #brainhealth

Medicinal Mushrooms with Hamilton Pevec

Our guest this week is Hamilton Pevec, ethnomycologist, entrepreneur, and filmmaker who has dedicated his career to advancing medicinal mushroom efficacy and mycological science. Hamilton discusses his work in advancing medicinal mushroom science and shares insights into the Telluride Mushroom Festival, fungal forays, and the incredible health benefits of various mushrooms. Discover how functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane can support your health, the process behind extracting their medicinal properties, and practical tips for responsible mushroom foraging. Interested in trying his mushroom extracts? Our podcast listeners get a special discount at https://hamiltonsmushrooms.com/FOODIEPHARMA or use coupon code FOODIE10.

#mushroom #chaga #resihi #lionsmane #cordyceps #foodie #podcast

Underbelly with Dr. Rachel Hall-Clifford

Access to clean water is a luxury that many of us take for granted. Without it, the most vulnerable among us—especially children—are at risk of life-threatening diarrheal disease and stunted development due to the cycle of malnutrition and infection. Our guest this week is medical anthropologist, Dr. Rachel Hall Clifford, author of the new book, “Underbelly: Childhood Diarrhea and the Hidden Local Realities of Global Health” available via open access at MIT Press. Rachel shares insights on the challenges of accessing clean water, effective rehydration therapies, and the complex social dynamics affecting health care in rural communities. Discover the importance of low-cost, community-driven solutions and the vital role of women in global health. 

#publichealth #malnutrition #cleanwater 

Agriculture – Food – Health Linkages in Latin America with Dr. Andres Jaramillo-Botero and Dr. Natalia Vázquez Manjarrez

What can the building blocks of our food ingredients tell us about our health and the health of our planet? This week on the show, we discuss the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics with experts Dr. Andres Jaramillo-Botero and Dr. Natalia Vázquez Manjarrez. Andres is the founding Director of the iOMICAS Research Institute, a Rockefeller Foundation PTFI Center of Excellence focused on elucidating and democratizing access to food composition at the molecular level and led since 2018 the international research alliance, ÓMICAS, a multi-omics crop breeding optimization program funded by the Colombian government through the World Bank’s PACES program. Natalia leads the Metabolomics Unit within the Department of Nutrition Physiology at the National Institute of Medical Sciences Salvador Zubirán in Mexico City. We examine diet from the molecular level and discuss where the future of food might take us!

 

This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/

 

#food #omics #diet #health 

Building a Sustainable Future with Maisie Ganzler

This week we explore valuable lessons on defining sustainability, avoiding corporate greenwashing, and creating meaningful change. Our guest is author, speaker, and corporate advisor Maisie Ganzler. She is the go-to expert on how companies can make positive change for our world. Driving strategy for Bon Appetit Management Company, the $1.7 billion foodservice leader, Maisie tackled local purchasing, antibiotics, sustainable seafood, humane care of farm animals, climate change, farmworkers’ rights, and food waste. We discuss the balance between humane treatment of livestock and environmental sustainability, including the complexities of removing antibiotics from food production. Maisie shares how businesses can strategically grow while committing to sustainability and the importance of transparency in telling their brand stories. Learn more about these insights from her book, 'You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime,' about building an authentic, sustainable brand. Visit her website: https://www.maisieganzler.com/

 

#sustainability #foodsystems #marketing 

Cattle Behavior and Animal Welfare with Dr. Temple Grandin

The global beef market is valued at over $400 billion USD, and US consumers eat more beef than any other country in the world. Yet, most consumers know relatively little about livestock handling and the practices bringing cattle from the field to the dinner plate. This week our guest is Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading expert on animal behavior in the livestock industry. Dr. Grandin shares her extensive knowledge on ethical livestock handling, sustainable grazing, and the importance of proper cattle management. The conversation delves into practical advice for managing cattle, from rotational grazing to addressing genetic issues in breeding, and highlights Dr. Grandin’s contributions to improving animal welfare in slaughterhouses. Listeners will gain an insightful perspective on the interconnectedness of animal welfare and sustainable agriculture. To learn more about Dr. Grandin’s work, visit her website at https://www.grandin.com/ 

#Beef #Cattle #Sustainability #Livestock #Podcast

The Global Protein Transition with Dr. Robert Hall and Dr. Justin Siegel

Vegan or meat protein? Does the type of protein we eat matter for muscle gain? This week we investigate how proteins and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are processed by our bodies. I speak with nutrition and protein experts Dr. Robert Hall and Dr. Justin Siegel about their research on this topic with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative. We also discuss what a global protein transition to plant-based proteins might do for the health of our planet and our bodies. 

This podcast is sponsored by The Periodic Table of Food Initiative in association with the American Heart Association. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of science. For more information on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, please visit https://foodperiodictable.org/ 

 

#protein #proteomics #PTFI #vegan #meat #foodie #podcast