Alimentary!

Ep 55: Today’s conversation on Alimentary! comes at a critical moment for brain health. Dementia is now one of the fastest‑growing public health challenges worldwide, with Alzheimer’s disease a leading cause. In Ireland, an estimated 64,000 people are currently living with dementia — a number expected to rise to approximately 150,000 by 2045 as our population continues to age.The scale is even more striking in the United States, where more than 7.2 million people aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2025 — around one in nine older adults — with projections nearing 13 million by 2050. What’s becoming increasingly clear, however, and deeply hopeful, is that dementia is not inevitable.I’m delighted to be joined today by Emer Sexton, neuronutritionist and founder of NeuroNourish Clinic, based at the Cavan Digital Hub. NeuroNourish is a specialised brain health clinic focused on early cognitive support and dementia prevention.Emer’s work combines clinical data, cognitive testing, and structured behavioural intervention to identify and reduce the early drivers of cognitive decline — long before symptoms become established. Crucially, her approach addresses a significant gap in current healthcare systems: the continuous monitoring of cognitive risk, alongside personalised, data‑driven intervention over time.Built on Emer’s own personal journey of recovery, NeuroNourish is driven by a clear and empowering mission — to provide clarity, structure, and control over long‑term brain health.This conversation is particularly relevant for anyone beginning to think more seriously about their cognitive future, whether due to family history, subtle changes, or simply a desire to take a proactive approach.In this episode, we explore Emer’s story, the science behind neuronutrition, and what a structured, long‑term approach to protecting brain health can truly look like in practice.Emer SextonFollow On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/neuronourish_clinic/https://cavandigitalhub.ie/2026/03/23/new-member-spotlight-neuronourish/https://www.anglocelt.ie/2026/03/06/mind-matters-cavan-woman-retrains-the-brain/Referenceshttps://alzheimer.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Plain-Language-Summary-The-Experience-of-Dementia-in-Ireland-2023.pdfhttps://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figureshttps://dementia.ie/topic/dementia-by-numbers/https://theworlddata.com/alzheimer-disease-statistics-in-us/https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/targeting-14-lifestyle-factors-may-prevent-up-to-45-of-dementia-caseshttps://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/nearly-half-of-global-dementia-cases-could-be-prevented-or-delayed-by-addressing-14-health-and-lifestyle-factors-says-new-report/Sardines Recipes https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19181/ingredients/fish-seafood/fish/sardines/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/

Ep 54: In this episode of Alimentary, we explore the science, claims, and real world applications of red light therapy, a non invasive treatment increasingly used for inflammation, recovery, skin health, and more. I’ve been interested in red light therapy for its potential autoimmune benefits, but as you’ll hear, the conversation reveals a much broader therapeutic range.Dr. Carl Rothschild is the founder and lead researcher at Trifecta Light™ Technologies, specialising in advanced LED infrared/red light therapy systems. With over 30 years of research and development in light based therapies, he is regarded as a global thought leader in this space. He is also the author of Illuminated Healing, a comprehensive guide to the science behind LED infrared/red light therapy.What We Cover in This Episode• What exactly is red light therapy?• How red and near infrared wavelengths interact with the mitochondria.• How red light therapy influences inflammation and oxidative stress.• Collagen synthesis in skin health and tissue repair.• Potential benefits for autoimmune challenges.• Dr. Carl’s decades of research and the evolution of red light technology.Key Takeaways• Red light therapy delivers targeted wavelengths that help mitochondria produce more ATP—fuel for cellular repair and regeneration.• It may support conditions involving inflammation, oxidative stress, or tissue damage.• The therapy is non invasive, safe for most people, and used across medical, physiotherapy, wellness, and dermatology settings.• Individual experiences vary, but research continues to expand rapidly.ResourcesDr Carl's Website https://trifectalight.com/Studies https://trifectalight.com/studies/Illuminated Healing Book https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Healing-Unraveling-Mysteries-Therapy/dp/B0C9GG2ZYVUS Listeners - More information https://linktr.ee/trifectalightofficialIrish Listeners - https://ratoathphysio.ie/ & https://lumired.ie/Studies Psoriasis Combination 830-nm and 633-nm light-emitting diode phototherapy shows promise in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis: preliminary findings - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19764893/Skin Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311288/Pain Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions - PMC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34913330/Collagen Boosting Low-level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33594706/Smoothing fine lines & wrinkles Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapyBest areas to target Best Body Areas to Target for Full-Body Pain Relief – LumiRed https://lumired.ie/blogs/blog/best-body-areas-to-target-for-full-body-pain-reliefPiperine-The Bioactive Compound of Black Pepper: From Isolation to Medicinal Formulations - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33371546/
Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33500785/Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29065496/https://www.eatingwell.com/turmeric-recipes-anti-inflammatory-boost-2025-8787388The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Ep 52: In this episode we are exploring a subject that touches so many lives and is close to my own heart and that is fertility. Whether you’re just starting to think about growing your family or you’ve been on this journey for a while, this episode is packed with insights that could change the way you approach parenthood.Our guest is someone who has dedicated nearly two decades to helping couples dream bigger about starting families. Dr. Aumatma Simmons is a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist and the co-founder of the Holistic Fertility Institute and Madre Fertility app. Her work focuses on creating hormonal harmony, improving mental and emotional well-being, and optimizing overall health to achieve fertility success—with an incredible 85% success rate.Dr. Aumatma is also a best-selling author, an award-winning podcaster with her show ‘Egg Meets Sperm,’ and a captivating speaker whose TEDx talk on ‘Fertility Secrets’ has inspired thousands. In the USA she has appeared on networks such as ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, and more. She joins us to share her expertise, her passion, and her vision for a more holistic approach to fertility.So, if you have ever wondered what is possible beyond or to complement conventional treatments, or you’re curious about how lifestyle, mindset, and natural medicine can transform your fertility journey—this conversation with Dr Aumatma Simmons is for you. ResourcesDr Aumatma's Website https://holisticfertilityinstitute.com/https://madrefertility.com/Dr Aumatma's Ted Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVv-O-SDXe0&t=2sNancy Birtwhistle https://www.nancybirtwhistle.co.uk/Non-toxic products https://www.healthspectra.com/best-non-toxic-period-products-for-a-healthier-cycle-eco-friendly-safe-alternatives/Irish Website selling non-toxic options https://www.earthmother.ie/period-products.htmlRecipeshttps://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2025/03/27/peanut-butter-date-chocolate-treats/https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19200/ingredients/fruit/date/Ayurvedic Date-Almond Fertility SmoothieIngredients4–5 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 20–30 minutes¼ cup raw almonds, soaked overnight and peeled1 cup warm whole milk (cow’s milk or plant based, such as almond or rice milk) 1 small pinch of cardamom and/or cinnamon 1 tsp ghee (optional, adds richness and aids nutrient absorption) InstructionsSoak the dates (20–30 min) and almonds (overnight), then drain.Warm the milk gently—avoid boiling to preserve agni (digestive fire).Combine almonds, dates, milk, and spices in a blender.Add ghee if using.Blend until smooth and creamy.Serve warm, ideally mid-morning or before bed.The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Ep 52: According to bettercare.ie Dyspraxia/DCD is estimated to affect 6–10% of the population in Ireland, with many cases going undiagnosed due to varied symptoms and limited awareness. In an article published on RTE.ie the Department of Education report that about 1 in 20 schoolchildren in Ireland are now diagnosed with autism, which represents a threefold increase in under a decade. Referrals for autism assessments have more than doubled in the last five years, with some services reporting up to 300% increases in requests. This surge is largely attributed to greater awareness, improved diagnostic practices, and reduced stigma.In this episode we explore an inspiring story and talk to someone who teaches practical solutions which make a real difference in people’s lives, our guest, Brenda Cassidy, founder of the Braincalm Institute™.Brenda’s journey began with a deeply personal mission: helping her own child overcome anxiety and sensory challenges while waiting months—or even years—for formal diagnoses and medication. Drawing on her expertise as an Occupational Therapist, Brenda developed the Braincalm™ Programme, a simple yet powerful approach that helps children and teens (and even adults) become focused, calm, and able to self-regulate their behaviour.What started as a mother’s determination has grown into a movement. Since launching the original programme in 2015 and founding the Braincalm Institute in 2021, Brenda has empowered thousands of parents and trained over 5,000 school staff across Ireland and beyond. Her work is transforming classrooms and homes by giving adults the tools to support children with sensory issues and emotional regulation challenges.In this episode, we’ll dive into Brenda’s story of necessity, the background of Braincalm™, and how her practical strategies are changing lives every day. If you are struggling to get a diagnosis or help a child with challenges which make it difficult for them to regulate their behaviour, such as Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, then listen in - the Braincalm programme is helping people to feel calmer, more confident, and ready to thrive. At the end of the episode, I suggest some calming snacks and explain how they help and the store cupboard staple is nutritious and delicious hummus!ResourcesBrenda's website www.braincalminstitute.comBraincalm Programme https://www.braincalminstitute.com/programmeBrenda's Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Funpraxia-childhood-step-step-programme-ebook/dp/B01L0MEEP8https://bettercare.ie/insights/dyspraxia-guide-diagnosis-treatment-support/https://www.rte.ie/news/upfront/2025/0414/1507654-examining-the-rise-in-adhd-and-autism-diagnoses/https://educationelephant.ie/the-rise-in-autism-adhd-diagnoses-a-crisis-or-a-breakthrough/https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/22/basil-black-pepper-hummus/Healthy Hummus recipes https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/healthy-food-guides/best-healthy-hummus-recipesThe Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Ep 51: In this episode of Alimentary! we are diving into a topic that affects every single one of us—whether we realize it or not: the hidden impact of EMFs on our health, longevity, and overall wellness. From smartphones and Wi-Fi to wearable devices and smart homes, our modern lives are surrounded by invisible waves of electromagnetic fields. So, what do these exposures really mean for our bodies, our brains, and even our fertility?
To help us unpack this, we’re joined by Arthur Menard—Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of HAVN, the world’s first EMF-blocking apparel designed for daily wear. HAVN’s patented WaveStopper™ fabric is trusted by doctors, elite athletes, and even the U.S. Air Force to reduce radiation exposure that can affect hormones, fertility, and cognitive function. Since launching, HAVN has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide take control of their wellbeing in our hyper-connected world.
In this conversation, Arthur and I talk about how witnessing his grandparents battle cancer influenced his career choice and lead him to study EMFs, and why it is so important to become aware of our exposure to protect our health. He shares some tips about how we can reduce our exposure in addition to telling us about how he has developed clothing which can block EMFs. Arthur’s mission is simple but powerful: to help people live longer, feel better, and thrive in an increasingly connected world. This episode brings science, innovation, and actionable strategies together in a way you won’t want to miss.
The store cupboard staple for this episode is the humble carrot - turns out it isn't so humble after ll!
Resources
Arthur's Website https://checkout.havnwear.com/
This is not a paid advertisement for HAVN Clothing, but if you should choose to check out their products and purchase from them, Arthur has kindly offered 15% Discount Code - ALIMENTARY - to listeners of this show.Electromagnetic Fields https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/physical_agents/electromagnetic_fields/electromagnetic_fields/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8484862/https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/healthy-carrot-recipes/
https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2022/03/19/homemade-red-cabbage-coleslaw/
https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/17/carrot-sweet-potato-butternut-squash-red-lentils/
The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT
Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.
Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie