Foodie Pharmacology Podcast

Food Medicine is a Recipe4Health with Dr. Steven Chen and Nat Irwin

What if your doctor prescribed kale instead of pills? This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Quave sits down with Dr. Steven Chen and Nat Irwin to discuss Recipe4Health, a pioneering “Food as Medicine” program transforming how we treat chronic disease. Based in Alameda County, CA, this initiative pairs regenerative and organic produce with health coaching—all covered by Medi-Cal (Medicaid).

Learn how fresh, regenerative produce is being prescribed to thousands of patients as part of a broader effort to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes and depression. This innovative model also delivers ripple effects beyond the clinic—supporting BIPOC farmers, restoring soil health, and advancing equity through the H3E (Health Cubed Equity) framework, which links human, ecological, and economic well-being. Together, we unpack how food, coaching, and community can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and nourish both people and the planet.

This podcast episode 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/

Case study form the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School: https://chlpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Alameda-County-Case-Study-May-2025-V4.pdf

 

#FoodAsMedicine #Recipe4Health #HealthEquity #RegenerativeAgriculture #ChronicDisease #FoodiePharmacology #Organic

Psilocybin and the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Louise Hecker

Psilocybin and the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Louise Hecker

Could magic mushrooms hold the key to longer life? In this episode, Dr. Quave chats with Dr. Louise Hecker, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Founder of Fibronox, about her groundbreaking research on psilocybin and aging. You may have seen the headlines—her team found that psilocybin slowed cellular aging, reduced oxidative stress, and even extended lifespan in mice. Dr. Hecker shares the origin story behind the study, which started with rooftop workouts and curiosity, and walks us through the science behind her findings. From challenges in getting regulatory approval to designing realistic dosing regimens for her laboratory studies, we discuss what it takes to study psychedelics in the lab. We also explore future directions in longevity research and how this ancient fungal compound might one day support healthier aging. Tune in to learn how psilocybin could reshape the way we think about aging and health.

#psilocybin #psychedelic #aging #longevity #healthyaging

What’s on the Menu with Nathalie Cooke

Menus aren’t just lists of food—they’re time machines. This week on Foodie Pharmacology, Dr. Cassandra Quave returns to Season 7 with literary food historian Dr. Nathalie Cooke of McGill University. Together, they explore how menus offer rich clues into the cultural, economic, and even medical mindsets of past centuries.

From elephant soup on menus to how Coca-Cola and cigarettes once appeared as health tonics, you’ll hear surprising stories of how dining habits—and health claims—have evolved. Discover how art, identity, and even politics show up on the plate, and how modern “no-choice” tasting menus harken back to royal traditions.

Don’t miss this fascinating dive into culinary history through the lens of Nathalie’s latest book, Taste and Traditions: A Journey Through Menu History.

🎧 Subscribe now and take a seat at the historical table.

#MenuHistory #FoodCulture #CulinaryTraditions #WildFoods #HealthOnTheMenu #FoodiePharmacology

From Cactus to Culture: The Science of Ethnomicrobiology with Dr. César Ojeda

This week on the show, we speak with Dr. César Ojeda, an ethnobiologist specializing in fermentation, biocultural diversity, and microbial ecology. Dr. Ojeda shares his insights on traditional Mexican fermented beverages, particularly focusing on the science and cultural importance of these foods. We discuss the concept of ethnomicrobiology, the role of microbes in traditional agriculture, and how microbial communities impact the fermentation process. From lessons on prickly pear cactus fermented beverages and the significance of various fermentation containers, we cover a delightful array of fun food science topics!

#cactus #fermentation #pricklypear #microbiology 

Food as Medicine with Kathy Taylor and Dr. Rosette Chakkalakal

This week on the show, we’re joined by Dr. Rosette Chakkalakal, an Associate Professor at Emory School of Medicine and Director of Preventive Medicine, and Kathy Taylor, Director of Medical Nutrition Therapy at Grady Health System. Dr. Chakkalakal and Taylor share insights into Grady’s innovative Food as Medicine program, which addresses food insecurity and chronic disease management through nutrition-based interventions. We discuss the critical role of fresh produce access, cooking education, and personalized nutrition counseling in improving health outcomes for patients with diabetes and hypertension. Our guests highlight how Grady’s approach is transforming patient care—helping to lower A1C levels, reduce hospital visits, and even put diabetes into remission. They also share valuable lessons for other healthcare institutions interested in implementing similar programs. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how food can truly be medicine! 🔗 Learn more at gradyhealth.org

#nutrition #podcast #diabetes #primarycare

The Plant Powered Diet with Sharon Palmer

If you feel like you never have time to cook a healthy meal, this episode is for you! This week on the show, we’re joined by Sharon Palmer, known as the ‘Plant-powered Dietician.’ Sharon shares helpful tips on easy and healthy meal preparation and explores the intersection of nutrition and sustainability. Plants really are the best when it comes to supporting a healthy planet and a healthy you! Sharon also discusses her new book 'The Plant Powered Plan to Beat Diabetes' and shares valuable information on managing and preventing chronic diseases through dietary choices. Learn more about her work at https://sharonpalmer.com/ and https://foodandplanet.org/. 

 

#vegan #vegetarian #cookbook 

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