Yogurt: Gut Health Superfood or Just Clever Marketing?
Yogurt is a multi-billion dollar industry - and is heavily advertised as a gut microbiome-boosting super food. But what does the scientific literature actually tell us about yogurt and gut health? The History of Yogurt: How yogurt became a Western staple, moving from niche food to health product.What Science Actually Says About Yogurt: Why those ‘live probiotic cultures’ never reach your microbiome.Is Kefir Truly a Superior Option for Gut Health?Plant-Based Alternatives: Can non-dairy options like soy yogurt offer better health benefits?Environmental Impact: Comparing the carbon footprint of dairy yogurt versus plant-based alternatives.Final Verdict: Is yogurt really essential for better gut health, or is it all just clever marketing?I hope this episode helps you look beyond the advertising and make evidence-based choices that genuinely safeguard your digestive health.Links to some of the key papers mentioned in today’s episode: Long-term dietary patterns are associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory features of the gut microbiome.Effects of Regular Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Parallel-Group, Randomized, Controlled StudyIs consuming yoghurt associated with weight management outcomes? Results from a systematic reviewThe Effects of Kefir and Kefir Components on Immune and Metabolic Physiology in Pre-Clinical Studies: A Narrative ReviewA comparison of the nutritional profile and nutrient density of commercially available plant-based and dairy yogurts in the United StateUpdates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods. Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
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How One Sustainability Activist Can Change Millions of Lives - with Klaus Mitchell
“Momentum breeds momentum. Don’t ever feel like you’re not making a difference—because I promise, you are.”Today, we're sitting down with sustainability advocate Klaus Mitchell, the powerhouse behind Plant Based News. If you’ve watched a viral video about veganism, sustainability, or plant-based health in the last decade—there’s a good chance Klaus and his team were behind it.With an online platform reaching over 85 million people every month, Klaus has helped shape influential Netflix documentaries, interviewed A-list changemakers like Joaquin Phoenix, and taken the stage at the UN’s COP climate conference to advocate for a better food system.In this inspiring conversation, Klaus takes us behind the scenes—from launching Plant Based News in his parents’ back garden greenhouse to becoming one of the most impactful media voices in the global movement for sustainable food.We explore the realities of burnout, misinformation, and advocacy —and why hope and storytelling remain our most powerful tools. A timely reminder that each of us can drive positive change, every single day.Follow Klaus Mitchell: Instagram X/Twitter KlausMItchell.comFollow Plant Based News: Instagram X/Twitter YouTube.comTune in: Plant Based News PodcastUpdates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods. Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
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Everyday Foods to Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Body Weight - with Dr. Neal Barnard
‘There are certain foods, when you bring them into your life, things begin to change dramatically’Dr. Neal Barnard shares remarkable insights from his groundbreaking research on nutrition, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. We discuss the everyday foods that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight while promoting overall well-being. This is an inspiring conversation filled with practical tips and actionable advice that I know you’ll find valuable.One of the most influential voices in nutrition and disease prevention—Dr Neal Barnard is a leading clinical researcher with over 140 scientific publications on the benefits of a healthy diet, a best-selling author, and the founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I was deeply honored that he traveled from Washington, DC, to join me for a live event in Exeter. I'm thrilled to share his wisdom with you today!I highly recommend Dr. Barnard’s latest book The Power Foods Diet :The Breakthrough Plan That Traps, Tames, and Burns Calories for Easy and Permanent Weight LossConnect with Dr Neal Barnard on Instagram and Twitter/XUpdates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods. Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
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Why I Ask My Patients To Eat More Plants!
One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “Why do you recommend a plant-based diet?” The answer is simple: I want the best possible outcomes for my patients. As a doctor, I believe we have a duty to use every evidence-based tool available—and healthy dietary change is one of the most powerful tools we have.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Clare Day and Dr. Daisy Lund, hosts of the incredible “In a Nut Shell Podcast,” to share my journey to becoming a doctor who champions plant-based eating. From my early days in medicine to the patients who inspired me to explore the science of food, and the mentors who helped me rethink my approach, this is a conversation about how we can all become more effective advocates for a healthier, more sustainable food system. You’ll also find out what’s usually in my fridge!Thank you to Dr. Clare Day and Dr. Daisy Lund for their help with this episode. I highly recommend that you add their In A Nut Shell Podcast to your regular listening. Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods. Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
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Essential Diet and Lifestyle Practices for a Healthier Menopause - with Dr Nitu Bajekal
Today, I’m in conversation with renowned OBGYN and women’s health expert Dr. Nitu Bajekal as we tackle perimenopause, menopause, and how nutrition and lifestyle can empower women through this crucial phase of life. With over 40 years of experience in female health, Dr. Bajekal shares practical, evidence-based strategies that everyone should know!Whether you’re approaching perimenopause, currently navigating it, or supporting a loved one through this important life stage, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to start conversations with your doctor about peri-menopause and menopause, to make informed decisions about HRT, and to decide which diet and lifestyle practices are right for you. We also cover the roles of alcohol, exercise, and community, and take time to debunk the myths around soybeans and hormonal health.Buy your copy of Dr Nitu’s Books: Finding Me in Menopause: Flourishing in Perimenopause and Menopause using Nutrition and LifestyleLiving PCOS Free: How to regain your hormonal health with Polycystic Ovary SyndromeVisits Dr. Nitu’s website for plant-based recipes & free resources: www.nitubajekal.comConnect with Dr. Bajekal: Instagram TikTokUpdates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods. Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.
Whether you're curious about healthy eating, the science behind nutrition and gut health, or how to live a happier and more fulfilling life, the Eat This Podcast with Dr Alan Desmond will inspire you with evidence-based insights and real-life stories.In each episode, gut health specialist and bestselling author Dr. Alan Desmond interviews doctors, dieticians, researchers and public figures, sharing expert advice on how to eat and live for optimal health and happiness. Tune in for positive conversations about the food we eat and the lives we lead.
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