

Sigma Nutrition Radio
Danny Lennon
Discussions about the science of nutrition, dietetics and health. The podcast that educates through nuanced conversations, exploring evidence and cultivating critical thinking. Hosted by Danny Lennon.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 18min
Multivitamin Nihilism: Is it Actually Worthless to Supplement? (SNP37)
Alan Flanagan, an expert in nutrition science, debunks the myths surrounding multivitamin supplementation. He dives into the contentious debate: Are these supplements essential for health, or merely expensive placebos? Flanagan discusses the nuances of nutrient deficiencies, the role of multivitamins in specific populations like pregnant women, and the complexities of achieving dietary adequacy. He emphasizes the importance of context, urging listeners to consider individual dietary needs over blanket recommendations.

11 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
#551: How to Shift from Short-term Dieting to Sustainable Lifestyle Changes – Laurin Conlin
Laurin Conlin, an IFBB bikini pro and expert in flexible dieting and mental health, shares her insights into the pitfalls of short-term dieting versus sustainable lifestyle changes. She discusses the critical role of psychology in fitness coaching and how to foster healthier relationships with food. Laurin also addresses the challenges of disordered eating in the fitness community and how social media influences body image. Moreover, she emphasizes the need for personalized coaching approaches that empower client autonomy and facilitate lasting change.

10 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 53min
#550: Eating Disorder Risk in Sport, Wellness & Fitness – Jillian Lampert, PhD, RD
Jillian Lampert, a registered dietitian and PhD in public health nutrition, specializes in eating disorders, particularly within sports and fitness. She discusses the complexities of eating disorders, highlighting how rigid ‘clean eating’ obsessions and diet culture contribute to disordered eating. Dr. Lampert explores the unique pressures athletes face and emphasizes the need for better awareness and systemic change in treatment. She advocates for open conversations and practical strategies to support recovery and healthier relationships with food.

29 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 19min
#549: Are We Doomed? Trust, Misinformation, and the Future of Health & Fitness Science – Joe Klemczewski, PhD
Joe Klemczewski, a renowned nutritionist and author, discusses the complex world of fitness and nutrition misinformation. He emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing credible voices from influencers in the age of social media. The conversation reveals how the obsession with quantifiable metrics in coaching often overshadows human connection. Klemczewski also highlights the importance of educating young consumers to navigate dietary claims and encourages professionals to strike a balance between data and meaningful relationships with clients.

Jan 8, 2025 • 22min
IGF-1 and Diet: Cause For Concern? (SNP36)
Alan Flanagan, an expert in chronobiology and nutrition, dives into the intricate relationship between IGF-1 and diet. They discuss how IGF-1 impacts growth, metabolic health, and its controversial links to cancer and cognitive decline. Listen in as they explore the challenges of using IGF-1 as a biomarker and the complexities of dietary influences on its levels. Flanagan also unpacks the nuances between total and free IGF-1, and what this means for diet and longevity.

18 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 48min
#548: Disordered Eating and Body Image in the Fitness Industry – Michelle Carroll
Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology at the University of Edinburgh, dives into the complex world of disordered eating and body image within the fitness industry. She discusses how societal pressures and the overvaluation of leanness can lead to detrimental behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the need for fitness professionals to align their practices with values that promote well-being. Carroll also offers practical advice for cultivating healthier relationships with food, navigating the impact of social media, and redefining success in fitness.

31 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
#547: Healthspan, Healthy Ageing & Chronic Disease – Best of 2024
In this engaging discussion, Aisha Shirzai, a neurology expert from Loma Linda University, underscores the importance of lifestyle in Alzheimer's prevention. Patty Barrett clarifies misconceptions about cholesterol management and lipid-lowering medications. Jordan Feigenbaum emphasizes the profound benefits of exercise for longevity. Mohamed Allo sheds light on hypertension prevention, while Alan Flanagan examines the nuanced health impacts of red meat. Alice Lichtenstein, a nutrition authority, discusses the evolution of dietary fat research and its implications for heart health.

Dec 18, 2024 • 59min
#546: Professional Standards & Scope of Practice for Nutrition Professionals – Alex Thomas
In this discussion, Alex Thomas, President of the Sports Nutrition Association, sheds light on the often-overlooked professional standards vital for sports nutrition practitioners. They dive deep into legal risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding scope-of-practice guidelines to avoid severe repercussions. Alex shares insights on navigating insurance complexities and ethical dilemmas in nutrition advice, particularly for elite athletes. The conversation highlights the necessity of aligning with professional organizations to promote safe, evidence-based practices within the industry.

26 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 57min
#545: Carbohydrate Metabolism, Performance & Metabolic Health – Prof. Javier Gonzalez
In this engaging discussion, Professor Javier Gonzalez, a Nutrition and Metabolism expert at the University of Bath, dives deep into carbohydrate metabolism and its significance for both athletic performance and metabolic health. He shares insights on how glucose dynamics affect exercise, explores the pros and cons of ketogenic diets, and explains the importance of personalized dietary approaches. Listeners will learn about reactive hypoglycemia, the effects of carbohydrate intake on sports performance, and recent research addressing long-term health outcomes.

Dec 3, 2024 • 12min
Appetite and Satiety: Key Concepts and Practical Insights (SNP35)
Explore the fascinating dynamics of appetite and satiety, from biological signals in our gut to psychological food cues that can influence our eating habits. Learn about the satiety cascade, sensory-specific satiety, and how nutrient composition affects hunger regulation. Discover individual differences, like satiety phenotypes, that shape our eating behaviors. This insightful discussion offers practical tips for managing hunger, grounded in scientific evidence.


