Advertise on podcast: Optimum Nutrition

Is Alzheimer's really written into our genes, or is it largely down to how we live and eat? In the first episode of this new season, journalist Verónica Muñoz Martínez sits down with Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) and best-selling author, to explore how Alzheimer's can be prevented through nutrition. With over 40 years of experience in nutritional therapy, Patrick unpacks that question and more, explaining why he chose Alzheimer's as his life's focus and the practical steps anyone can take to protect their brain. It's a conversation packed with science, personal insight and hope, and a powerful reminder that prevention starts on our plates. Topics covered : Why Patrick made Alzheimer's prevention his main focus and life's workIs Alzheimer's genetic? The truth about the amyloid gene mutationCognitive decline starts young: why testing your brain health matters from your 20sFood for the Brain's free cognitive function test and what it revealsKey supplements and biomarkers for brain health: vitamin C, vitamin D, B12, omega-3, homocysteine and glutathioneUsing data and self-testing for personalised preventionTaking the model global: Patrick's work with China and Algeria on nationwide Alzheimer's preventionIndustry influence in public health policyBehaviour change as the biggest barrier to better healthPatrick's book Alzheimer's Prevention is Cure and his upcoming documentaryIf you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Nutritional therapist Dominique Ludwig joins host Natalie Li to share the simple, no‑nonsense habits that have transformed the health of thousands of clients.  She explains why ditching ultra‑processed foods, eating three proper meals a day and prioritising protein and fibre can rapidly boost energy, mood and satiety.  Dominique reflects on 30 years in the field, how nutrition science has evolved, and why consistency — not perfection — is the real secret to feeling better. She also breaks down her Triple 30 method and the principles behind her new book, No Nonsense Nutrition. A practical, empowering conversation for anyone ready to quiet food noise and feel fuller, stronger and more nourished. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Functional dentist Dr Victoria Sampson joins host Natalie Li to explore why the mouth is one of the most powerful – and overlooked – indicators of whole‑body health.  From the oral microbiome to menopause, and even dental care for astronauts, Sampson breaks down how what happens in the mouth reflects what’s happening everywhere else. Discover why saliva is a diagnostic goldmineLearn how bleeding gums signal systemic inflammationSampson reveals why diet remains one of the biggest drivers of oral healthSampson also shares how she’s redesigning the traditional dental checkup with deeper testing, personalised care, and even the use of music to transform the patient experience. This episode is a sharp, science‑informed look at the mouth-body connection – perfect for clinicians, nutrition professionals, and anyone curious about the future of oral health. Link to Covid investigation Dirk Neefs DentistIf you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

We speak with Emily Johnson, a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie, about growing up with autoimmune arthritis, the years of confusion before diagnosis, and how a science-informed anti-inflammatory lifestyle helped her find steadier ground alongside medication. Now studying a part-time BSc degree in Nutritional Therapy with the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, Emily is developing an in-depth, science-informed understanding of nutrition and lifestyle science.  The course offers hands-on experience and teaches students how to guide clients towards lasting health changes.  In this episode we cover:  • Early symptoms in childhood and at university  • Frustrations with delayed diagnosis and first treatments  • Methotrexate benefits and side effects  • Relapse that led to diet and lifestyle change  • Building Arthritis Foodie and writing two books  • Evidence behind Mediterranean-style eating  • Community support reducing isolation  • Studying nutritional therapy at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION)  • Curiosity about hormones and pain links  • Day-to-day meals, prep, and simple swaps  • First steps for newly diagnosed people  • 80–20 approach and flare-up toolkits Follow Emily Johnson on Instagram @ArthritisFoodie https://arthritisfoodie.com/ Check out Emily's Live Well with Arthritis Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode we sit down with Dr Jenna Macciochi, leading immunologist and author of Immune to Age, to explore the powerful connection between immunity and aging. Macchiochi has spent 20 years studying the immune system. From infectious disease to autoimmunity, lifespan vs. healthspan, and the science of inflammageing, Jenna explains how your immune system is your lifelong health ally. We discuss watershed ages, lifestyle choices that matter most, and the concept of ‘soul span’: living with meaning in the main event of life.  This is the perfect episode for the curious listener seeking sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of longevity. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode of the Optimum Nutrition podcast, host Natalie Li speaks with Tom Baxter, farmer and founder of the Bristol Fungarium, which produces the UK's first organic certified medicinal mushrooms. Tom explores the journey of mushroom farming, the health benefits of various mushrooms like Reishi and Lion's Mane, and the science behind their medicinal properties. Tom shares insights into the challenges faced by the mushroom industry, the cultural significance of fungi, and the future trends in mushroom consumption. This conversation highlights the importance of soil health and the potential of mushrooms to address various health issues, making it a rich resource for anyone interested in nutrition and wellness.  If you want to support their work or try their tinctures, head over to bristolfungarium.com and explore their offerings.  If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode, Dan Kittredge – founder of the Bionutrient Food Association and the Bionutrient Institute – takes us on a journey from his roots on an organic farm to leading a global movement for better food.  He breaks down the concept of nutrient density, why soil health matters more than ever, and how citizen science is empowering everyday consumers to demand higher-quality food.  Dan shares simple, actionable steps farmers can take to improve crop nutrition and outlines a bold vision for shifting agriculture’s focus from yield to quality. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your food and how it impacts your health, this episode is your wake-up call. Chapters  00:00 The Journey of Dan Kittredge 05:34 Understanding Nutrient Density 15:49 The Science of Soil Health and Food Quality 22:29 Empowering Consumers through Citizen Science 23:43 The Nutritional Decline Across Generations 25:32 Transforming Soil Health: A Simple Approach 30:42 Shifting Focus: From Yield to Quality in Agriculture 32:10 The Role of Citizen Science in Agriculture 33:50 Defining Nutrient Density: A New Framework 35:07 The Future of Food: Enhancing Nutrient Density 39:19 Global Outreach: Building a Movement for Change 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:  The Bionutrient Institute is a project of the Bionutrient Food Association. The Bionutrient Meter is a handheld spectrometer that works through the principle of spectroscopy. The Bionutrient Meter has lights (LEDs - light emitting diodes) that emit light at very specific wavelengths, which then bounce off objects like carrots, or carrot pulp, or spinach, or soil. Some of it is absorbed by the object and turned into other forms of energy, like heat. A light sensor in the device reads how much light bounces back for each wavelength very quickly and multiple times throughout a given measurement. Want to learn more? The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms Fri 7 November 2025 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM BMA House, London, WC1H 9JP Join ION for an inspiring evening exploring the science and practice of medicinal mushrooms - with expert talks, a panel discussion, and opportunities to connect. Find out more and book If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

We're back for season four! Julia Bradbury is a renowned British television presenter, journalist and environmental advocate, best known for her work on nature documentaries like Countryfile and Britain’s Best Walks.  In this enlightening and inspiring conversation, she shares her health journey with Natalie Li, Communications Officer at ION.  She discusses the importance of nutrition, stress management, and the healing power of nature. Her new book, Hack Yourself Healthy, explores biohacking and preventative health measures, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness that integrates emotional health and nature therapy.  (Cover image credit: David Venni) Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Julia Bradbury's Journey  02:56 Transition from journalism to nature broadcasting  05:35 Facing Breast Cancer: A Personal Journey  08:34 Nutrition Before and After Diagnosis  11:06 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Health  14:15 Exploring 'Hack Yourself Healthy' and Its Insights  19:55 Food Choices: A New Approach to Nutrition  43:29 Navigating the Toxicity of social media  43:31 The healing power of Ayurveda  01:04:02 The Therapeutic Benefits of Walking  01:09:14 Integrating Nature Therapy into Healthcare  🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:  https://juliabradbury.com/ Julia Bradbury’s new book Hack Your Healthy is out now  🔖Clare Pooley, author of the Sober Diaries, and featured in Hack Yourself Healthy. www.clarepooley.com  🔖Anna Mathur is a psychotherapist, author and speaker.    www.annamathur.com  🔖Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on epigenetics and longevity using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her research and practice.  www.drkarafitzgerald.com 🔖 Two hours a week is key dose of nature for health and wellbeing – a study led by Dr Mat White, of the University of Exeter Medical School.  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3  https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_720059_en.html#:~:text=Research%20led%20by%20the%20University,all%20during%20an%20average%20week.  🔖Hum2n, biohacking lab in London  https://www.hum2n.com/  📌The NMI Summit 2025 is the biggest and most important event of its kind for Nutritional Therapy. It takes place on 3-4 October in London.   This year’s theme: The Path to Resilience: Personalised Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine for Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health  Visit www.NMI.health to learn more.   Use the code ION20% for a special 20% off for ION Podcast listeners.  If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Hannah Dolan is a dynamic food innovator with a passion for creating nutritious, trend-setting meals. As Head of Food at Nursery Kitchen, she’s revolutionising children's nutrition, ensuring young minds grow with wholesome, delicious food. Previously, at Potage, she streamlined operations and elevated product quality, driving higher customer satisfaction. Her six-year tenure at Pret A Manger saw her rise to Head of Global Food Innovation, where she spearheaded bestselling product launches, expanded Veggie Pret and introduced Pret's first vegan bakery range, boosting sales by 60%. She also laid the groundwork for Pret’s consumer packaged goods and evening menu expansion. Earlier in her career, Hannah honed her skills as a food developer at Bakkavor, and Abergavenny Fine Foods, leading major NPD projects across UK retailers.  In this conversation she talks to journalist, Hatty Willmoth, about: Innovation in children’s food.Educating children on food, flavours and textures.Calling on government and early years to set stronger nutrition standards and overcome barriers to great food in the early years.https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/     If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In our latest episode we chat to Kate Cook, a trailblazer in health and nutrition, with over 20 years of expertise transforming lives and workplaces.  As a nutrition and wellness expert, author and keynote speaker, Kate has worked with more than 7,000 clients, including corporate giants like JP Morgan and Pret a Manger, to create healthier, happier teams. Her journey began in her late twenties, leaving the art world to pursue nutritional therapy and founding The Nutrition Network to unite practitioners. With a Master’s degree in Anthropology of Food, Kate views nutrition as both science and soul, championing its transformative power. A TEDx speaker and author of seven books, Kate leads a movement proving age is no barrier to wisdom, energy, or impact. Her work continues to redefine wellness in businesses and beyond. In this candid episode she reflects on her career, how to be sensational at 60, and why the personal touch matters more than ever.  https://katecook.biz/ If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media at @ion_nutrition Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the world of marathon running and sports nutrition with nutritional therapist Janie Perry. From solicitor to a 20-time marathon runner, Janie transformed her career and life, now dedicating herself to offering holistic and sustainable solutions for weight management and sports nutrition.  Janie shares her journey and her mission to help women achieve health, energy, and happiness through nutritional therapy and homeopathy.   Topics we explore include:  The vital role of carbohydrates in marathon training and performance. Why women need to be more mindful of low-carb diets. Balancing carbs, protein, and healthy fats during training. https://www.janieperry.co.uk/    If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media at @ion_nutrition Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this latest episode we delve into the world of obesity with our guest, Dr Natascha (Tasch) Van Zyl, who has dedicated her career to helping individuals living with obesity achieve their best lives.  According to Tasch, it’s not just about losing weight or fitting into a smaller frame, but about maximising health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle changes.  With a focus on compassion, care, and acceptance, she explores how to support those with health conditions by working within their possibilities and reducing stigma through open, honest conversations. Tune in as we discuss the challenges and triumphs in the journey towards better health and wellbeing.  Tasch is a health psychologist and lifestyle medicine specialist who combines her skills in a person-centred and goal-focused approach to support clients in achieving their goals. She is a Senior Teaching Fellow in Health Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. Previously, she headed the Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Nutrition, led year six of the Nutritional Practice qualification (BSc), and led the Behaviour Change Module (BSc & Grad Dip) at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION). Tasch writes articles for healthcare publications and academic journals, and hosts her own radio show called Health Naturally. www.drnataschavanzyl.com If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media at @ion_nutrition Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In the second episode of our third series ION graduate VJ Hamilton, aka The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, discusses her career shift from chartered accountant to nutritional therapy. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery and how she turned to nutrition after suffering with chronic fatigue and alopecia. VJ has lived symptom free for more than eight years.  VJ Hamilton is a Registered Nutritionist (BANT) and an expert in autoimmune disease. VJ combines her knowledge from her medical science degree in Biochemistry & Immunology with Nutritional Therapy to offer a thorough and personalised approach to support her clients based on the most current scientific research. VJ runs a virtual and in-person nutritional therapy and functional medicine practice, The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, specialising in gut skin and immune health.  If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media at @ion_nutrition Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Catherine Jeans is an experienced nutritional therapist, and founder of The Family Nutrition Expert, based in Norwich. Jeans graduated from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and has since lectured for ION and runs her own private practice which has helped over 2,000 clients from around the world. Through her online nutrition courses, private coaching programmes, and live workshops her aim is to educate and inspire families to live a healthy, happy way, every day. Jeans holds professional certificates in NLP and life coaching, as well as being a YTT200 hour Functional Yoga Teacher. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, the UK regulator for complementary health care practitioners. Racing the Rainbow, Jeans’ first children’s book, co-written with Rachel Holmes, presents healthy ways of eating in a fun and engaging way. Packed with facts, activities, and easy recipes, this fun-fuelled publication aims to feed a child’s imagination. Available on Amazon. Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Catherine Sharman is a nutritional therapist and founder of Après, formerly a hit London restaurant and now a healthy ready-meal company. In this episode, Catherine explains how she uses the principles of functional eating – a concept instilled in her while studying at ION – in her food, making little changes to food she loves in order to better support health. Joined by host Hatty Willmoth, a journalist and Communications Officer at ION, Catherine starts by explaining her long professional journey before turning to functional eating. Catherine is adamant that healthy food does not have to be boring. On the contrary, she says, the key to a sustainably healthy diet is eating beautiful, nourishing food that you love; joyful food that just so happens to be healthy. So, what's the difference between a regular chicken satay dish and Catherine’s? What sets apart a 'functional' shepherd's pie from any old version? And what can fish-and-chip lovers do to improve their meal of choice?   If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media at @ion_nutrition, follow Après at @apresfoodco, and take a look at their website (www.apresfood.com) for more information.   Interested in learning about nutrition yourself? Check out www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below. Interested in learning about nutritional therapy? Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more. Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned. Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.