The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

Dr Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and UW professor studying brain health, metabolism and performance. He breaks brain care into three simple levers: mental stimulation with challenging skills, supplying key nutrients like omega‑3s and vitamin D, and supporting recovery through sleep, stress framing and targeted exercise. Short, practical habits to keep your mind sharper for longer.

James Nestor, award-winning science journalist and author of Breath, explores how modern habits warped our breathing and what that means for sleep, stress and long-term health. He shares stories from a plugged-nose experiment, why nasal breathing and nitric oxide matter, practical diaphragm and palate training, non-surgical fixes for blockages, and simple habits to start improving breathing today.

I talk a lot about what we eat for our health. But what about the air we breathe at home?If you or your kids have asthma, constant sniffles, a lingering cough, sinus issues, or you’ve noticed damp patches and that musty smell, this episode could change how you think about your home.As a new dad, I'm personally really interested in how our home environment shapes early immune development. This conversation made me think differently about ventilation, condensation and what really matters.My guest is Dr Peter Cook, a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. His research looks at how airborne fungal spores interact with the immune system and drive allergic and asthmatic disease, an area that has been surprisingly neglected.In this episode, we go into:What mould actually is and when it becomes a problemWhat is a safe level of mould?How mould exposure can trigger asthma and allergic diseaseWho’s most at riskWhether mould testing kits are worth your moneyIf dehumidifiers and air purifiers actually workPractical steps you can take this week to reduce your exposure and protect your health🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan📷 Follow on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a UCL psychiatrist and author who challenges the serotonin/chemical imbalance idea. She explores how the serotonin theory arose and was marketed, the limits of measuring serotonin, and what the 2022 review found. The conversation covers antidepressant effectiveness, emotional numbing, side effects and withdrawal, and safer approaches to treating depression with informed consent.

Lara Lewington, technology journalist and presenter who covered BBC Click and wrote Hacking Humanity, explores health tech and AI in medicine. She discusses breath and saliva testing, continuous glucose monitors and microbiome tools. She explains wearables for sleep and stress, AI-enabled digital coaching, jet-lag apps, and the promise of targeted cancer screening and smarter air-quality monitoring.

Professor Michael Antoniou, a molecular geneticist studying how agricultural chemicals affect the microbiome and long-term health. He explains what glyphosate is and how it contaminates cereals and urban environments. He discusses links to gut microbiome disruption, liver disease and cancer. He outlines how chronic low-dose exposure builds up and practical ways to reduce personal contact with residues.

Dr Gabrielle Lyon, physician and founder of the muscle-centric medicine movement and author of Forever Strong, reframes muscle as a metabolic and endocrine organ. She covers why muscle drives metabolic health and longevity. Practical protein targets and how to dose protein per meal. Training principles for strength, metabolic flexibility, recovery habits, and building lasting standards for family health.

Mallika Basu, a food writer and author of 'In Good Taste', dives into the intricate web connecting our food choices to bigger issues like biodiversity, culture, and inequality. She sheds light on the downsides of ultra-processed foods and advocates for traditional diets that are both climate-friendly and delicious. Mallika discusses the environmental and social costs of global food systems, the importance of local and organic options, and how regenerative farming can be a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Staci Whitman, a functional dentist and founder of Bloom Kids, delves into the intricate links between oral and whole-body health. She explains the surprising benefits of mouth taping for better sleep and nasal breathing, while cautioning about its suitability. Staci also unpacks the ongoing fluoride debate, discussing its systemic impact and presenting non-fluoride alternatives. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of diet on dental health and practical tips to foster healthier habits for both kids and adults.

Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian and founder of the Better Nutrition Program, discusses the complexities of GLP-1 medications and their role in metabolic health. She sheds light on why many struggle with satiety and how modern marketing disrupts our appetite signals. Ashley emphasizes the importance of individualized support when considering GLP-1s, noting potential side effects, monitoring needs, and the role of supplements in enhancing their efficacy. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of nutrition and weight health.