Diet and Health Today

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Come and enjoy Zoë Harcombe and guests chat about what’s important to you in the world of Diet & health today. This show has something for everyone who’s concerned about their own health and the health of their family and friends, with up-to-date science, advice and tips from leading diet, health an…

Zoë Harcombe


    • Jun 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 95 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Diet and Health Today

    LMHRs with Professor Adrian Soto-Mota

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 81:31


    In this episode, Zoë and Adrian Soto-Mota delve into the complexities of Lean Mass Hyper Responders (LMHRs) and their lipid profiles, discussing the implications of the Lipid Energy Model, the rarity of LMHRs, and the health considerations associated with their lipid triad. They address criticisms of recent research, the need for further studies, and the importance of understanding cardiovascular risk factors beyond just lipid levels.

    Why Vegans Have Smaller Brains - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 61:10


    In part 2, Zoë explores the themes of farming, diet, and sustainability, focusing on the misconceptions surrounding plant-based diets and the importance of livestock in regenerative agriculture. The guests discuss the detrimental effects of modern arable farming on soil health and climate change, while advocating for a balanced approach to food production that includes both plant and animal sources. They emphasise the need for a shift in dietary guidelines and public perception to support sustainable farming practices. Video of conversation plus show notes and transcript over at www.zoeharcombe.com  

    Why Vegans Have Smaller Brains - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 52:47


    In this  conversation, Zoë speaks with three experts, Dr Anita Tagore, Alison Morgan and David Ellis about their book, 'Why Vegans Have Smaller Brains and How Cows Reverse Climate Change.' They discuss the interconnectedness of diet, health, and the environment, critique current dietary guidelines, and explore the benefits of a meat-based diet. The guests share their personal journeys into nutrition and farming, emphasising the importance of animal-based foods for both human health and environmental sustainability. Video of discussion, show notes and transcript over at www.zoeharcombe.com

    Prof Tim Noakes and Zoë explore fuelling for athletic performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 65:15


    In this episode, Tim Noakes discusses his journey in exercise science, challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding carbohydrate loading and the role of glucose in athletic performance. He emphasises the importance of fat adaptation for athletes and the potential dangers of high carbohydrate diets, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes. Noakes also reflects on the evolution of exercise science and the need for a paradigm shift in how we understand diet and exercise.

    Ketogenic Psychiatry with Dr Rachel Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 57:49


    In this conversation, Dr. Rachel Brown discusses her journey into metabolic psychiatry, emphasising the importance of holistic health approaches, particularly the ketogenic diet, in treating mental health issues. She shares insights on the relationship between insulin resistance, gut health, and mental well-being, and highlights the significance of circadian rhythms in modern lifestyles. Dr. Brown also addresses the limitations of traditional psychiatric medications and the potential of dietary interventions.

    Unpacking the Health Risks of Processed Foods and Industrial Seed Oils with Dr. Chris Knobbe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 66:35


    In this conversation, Dr. Chris Knobbe discusses his journey from being an ophthalmologist to a public health advocate focusing on the dangers of processed foods and industrial seed oils. He highlights the relationship between the rise in use of seed oils and the increase in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Dr. Knobbe emphasises the need for a shift in dietary guidelines to eliminate seed oils and promote ancestral diets, arguing that the current reliance on processed foods is detrimental to public health.

    Zoë chats with Guy Ben Zvi about seed oils

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 63:29


    In this fascinating conversation, Zoë and Guy Ben Zvi discuss the complexities of omega-6 fatty acids, particularly focusing on seed oils and their impact on health. They discuss the essential fats necessary for human nutrition, the dangers of oxidation in seed oils, and the ongoing debate surrounding their toxicity. Guy emphasizes the importance of understanding the biochemical processes involved in fat metabolism and the role of oxidative stress in chronic diseases.

    Zoë and Dr Nina Teicholz explore the negative health effects of seed oils

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 60:13


    In this conversation Dr Nina Teicholz and Zoë explore the history and impact of seed oils in our diet. They discuss how seed oils, such as soybean and canola oil, were introduced into the food supply in the early 20th century and became increasingly popular due to their lower cost and the endorsement of health organizations, the influence of industry and other factors that have contributed to the continued promotion of seed oils in dietary guidelines.

    Zoë & Dr Peter Brukner discuss the power of nutrition in health and sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 58:20


    In this conversation, Dr. Peter Brukner shares his journey from a successful sports medicine career to becoming an advocate for low-carb nutrition and its impact on health. He discusses his personal transformation after adopting a low-carb diet, the significant effects of nutrition on athletes, and the challenges faced in changing dietary guidelines. 

    Zoë and Prof. Norman Fenton talk about his book 'Fighting Goliath'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 73:15


    In this conversation, Zoë chats with Professor Norman Fenton, a professor of risk at Queen Mary University about his book 'Fighting Goliath and his insights on COVID-19, the flawed narratives surrounding the pandemic, and the implications of lockdowns and vaccinations. Fenton discusses the inaccuracies in PCR testing, the misclassification of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and the psychological tactics used to manipulate public perception.

    Zoë chats with Marc Girardot about The Bolus Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 96:15


    In this episode, Zoë chats with Marc Girardot, who discusses his groundbreaking work on his Bolus Theory, which posits that injections bypass the body's natural defenses, leading to various health issues. Girardot shares his insights on the implications of this theory, emphasising the need for a re-evaluation of medical practices and public awareness regarding the potential harms of injections. Video podcast and transcript available at https://zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Jon Furniss about the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 67:21


    In this conversation, Jon Furniss shares his personal journey with Type 1 diabetes, detailing his diagnosis, self-education, and the importance of understanding insulin management. He discusses the impact of lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, on blood glucose levels and shares insights from his experiences with fasting and endurance challenges. We also touch on the significance of gut health and the role of infections in diabetes management, emphasising the need for quality information and community support for those living with diabetes.

    Zoë and Hannah Sutter discuss the complexities of the ketogenic diet

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 59:45


    In this conversation, Zoë Harcombe and Hannah Sutter discuss the complexities of the ketogenic diet, exploring its history, variants, and applications in both weight loss and medical treatment, particularly for epilepsy. They discuss personal experiences with keto, the importance of compliance, and the need for individualised dietary approaches. The conversation also touches on future research directions and the potential of keto in addressing various health issues.

    Zoë chats with Dr Ben Bikman about the use and effects of GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide - Ozempic and Wegovy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 69:51


    In this episode, Zoë chats with Dr Benjamin Bikman about GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs used for weight loss and diabetes management. They discuss the role of GLP-1 in metabolism, the effects of GLP-1 agonists on weight loss and insulin sensitivity, and the potential side effects and limitations of these drugs. Dr Bikman explains how GLP-1 agonists slow down intestinal movement, leading to feelings of nausea and reduced appetite. He also discusses the paradox of these drugs stimulating the growth of new fat cells while promoting weight loss. Full show notes and video over at https://www.zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Dr Ahmad Malik about prioritising patient values in medical care

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 68:19


    In this conversation, I chat with Dr Ahmad Malik, a foot and ankle surgeon, about his experience in the medical field and the impact of guidelines on patient care. We discuss the influence of guidelines on medical decision-making, the commercialisation and privatisation of the NHS, and the erosion of clinical expertise. Ahmad shares his concerns about the de-skilling of surgeons and the focus on efficiency over patient-centered care. He emphasises the importance of critical thinking and individualised treatment in medicine.

    Zoë chats with Dr Lindsay Browning about the importance of sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 62:52


    Dr Lindsay Browning is an international sleep expert, psychologist and best-selling author. In this conversation we discuss the importance of sleep and the misconceptions surrounding it. Dr Browning explains that sleep cycles consist of different stages, including deep sleep and REM sleep and that it is normal to wake up multiple times during the night. Dr Lindsay Browning discusses the importance of sleep and provides insights into improving sleep quality. She explains the impact of technology, stress, and caffeine on sleep, as well as the role of circadian rhythms and jet lag. Dr. Browning also shares tips for managing insomnia and the benefits of napping. For full show notes and video interview,  please visit www.zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Guy Ben Zvi about Omega3 and fish oils

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 63:20


    I really enjoyed this interview. I learned lots and I found Guy's answers to what seemed like basic questions very interesting. In an hour we covered: Why Guy became interested in omega-3 in the first place? For him and his family; The three top dietary factors that he thinks are part of chronic disease; The forms in which omega-3 comes and what the balance should be and many more fascinating questions. For full show notes and video interview,  please visit www.zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Dr Christy Kesslering about metabolic health and cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 52:25


    In this conversation, Dr. Christy Kesslering discusses the connection between cancer and metabolic health. She shares her journey as a radiation oncologist and how she discovered the importance of insulin in cancer development. Dr. Kesslering emphasises the role of markers in assessing metabolic health and guiding dietary interventions. She also discusses the evidence for the efficacy of diet in cancer treatment and the use of fasting in combination with keto diets. For full show notes and video interview,  please visit www.zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with James Goolnik about dental health

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 62:27


    Dentist James Goolnik discusses the connection between dentistry and nutrition, specifically focusing on the impact of sugar on dental health. He emphasizes the importance of regular dental checkups and explains how dentists can identify early signs of tooth decay and oral cancer. For detailed shownotes, transcript and video, visit https://www.zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Nick Thompson, aka The Holistic Vet

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 75:06


    Nick Thompson is a vet. He has been fighting for responsible, species-appropriate raw food feeding for pets for over 25 years. His tireless drive for healthy pets from birth to graceful old age brought him to raw feeding in the mid-1990s. We struggled to keep this to an hour covering so much of interest to animal lovers and pet owners – as well as anyone interested in diet and health…  For video of interview and transcript, visit https://zoeharcombe.com

    Gary Taubes and Zoë chat about science, diabetes, journalism and books

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 73:27


    In this really varied podcast (a bit over an hour), Gary and Zoë cover topics from bad science to sugar. There were many prepared questions, but the first question took a really interesting direction, which led to the uncovering of many varied topics. For video and transcript, visit https://zoeharcombe.com

    Zoë chats with Dr Georgia Ede about diets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 64:57


    In this wonderful meeting of minds, Georgia and Zoë  talk about why the dietary guidelines are just about the opposite of what we should be advised to eat.  They discuss how they both got into the world of diet and health and why they now think as they do. Georgia shares when and how she personally realised that many plants were ‘not her friends' and how she resolved this. They cover animal foods vs plant foods, nutrients, anti-nutrients and what we need to base meals on. For full show notes, transcripts and video, visit www.zoeharcombe.com

    Gareth Wyn Jones and Zoë chat about modern farming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 63:01


    In a lively hour, Gareth and Zoë discuss all things farming from BAFTA nominations, supermarket power, fair prices for produce, diversification, the weather, the ‘Beast from the East', to Brian May, badgers and, of course, Clarkson's Farm.

    Ian Lake chats with Zoë about living with Type 1 Diabetes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 53:42


    Dr Ian Lake is a UK General Practitioner and a person with Type 1 Diabetes, T1D. He was diagnosed with LADA (Late Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) Type 1 Diabetes, at age 36 and managed it with a DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) style approach for the first 20 years. He changed his approach to a very low carb diet approximately 9 years ago and he shares his learnings and experiments in this podcast.  For show notes and full video of our chat, visit https://zoeharcombe.com

    Jason Fung chats with Zoë about Type 2 Diabetes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 51:52


    In this episode, Jason Fung and Zoë discuss low carb, low calorie and fasting as tools for putting T2D into remission. The discussion included the metabolic challenge with low calorie diets and why fasting avoids this. Jason sorts out thermodynamics along the way! Full show notes, video and transcript over at https://www.zoeharcombe.com/

    Zoë chats with Ben Rubin about the UK NHS health system

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 65:56


    A fascinating two part chat with Ben Rubin in which we explored the NHS, Ben's personal connections with the NHS, why it's so complex, the costs, how the NHS should be designed (human centred) and how it is designed (layer upon layer of tech projects and upgrades).  Part 2 is available at zoeharcombe.com and dietandhealthtoday.com

    Zoë chats with Prof. Marcantonio Spada about substance and behavioural addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 37:35


    Professor Marcantonio Spada is Professor of Addictive Behaviours and Mental Health in the School of Applied Sciences at London South Bank University where he is Deputy Lead of the Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research and Course Director of the MSc Addiction Psychology and Counselling. Professor Spada also serves as both Editor-in-Chief of Addictive Behaviours and Addictive Behaviours Reports, and as Associate Editor of Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. He has significant expertise in psychological therapies and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

    Liz Earle chats with Zoë about the importance of maintaining great mid-life health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 36:24


    Liz Earle MBE has been a trusted authority in the world of wellbeing for over 30 years. She has written more than 35 books on many aspects of nutritional, hormonal and gut health, as well as being a regular wellness TV presenter and host of the popular Liz Earle Wellbeing Show podcast. She is passionate about improving the health of mid-life women and beyond, especially helping women from all backgrounds achieve a better ‘second half'. Full shownotes over at https://www.dietandhealthtoday.com/

    Zoë chats with Dr Malcolm Kendrick about his new book... The Clot Thickens

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 44:40


    Dr Kendrick is a GP living in Macclesfield, England. He has spent over 30 years researching the reasons for heart disease, which you can now read about in his new book "The enduring mystery of heart disease... The Clot Thickens"

    Zoë chats with Monya Kilian Palmer about keto recipes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 32:23


    Monya is a chef and culinary consultant originally from Cape Town, South Africa. Since moving to the UK in 2012, she has worked for both Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck Group and Le Cordon Bleu.

    Zoë chats with Zoë Clews about what can be achieved with hypnotherapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 36:53


    Zoë Clews is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mental Health Campaigner, businesswoman & one of the most recommended and highly regarded Hypnotherapists working in the UK today. As a Complex PTSD, Anxiety & Depression specialist she has nearly 20 years' experience working with private clients to treat a wide range of conditions and is the founder of Zoë Clews & Associates which is an 11 strong team of Hypnotherapists, Therapists & Coaches providing a one stop shop for emotional & psychological issues.

    Dr Jen Unwin chats with Zoë about her work, her book and sugar addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 36:35


    Dr Jen Unwin is a Consultant Clinical Health Psychologist. She was a past Chair of the UK Association for Solution Focused Practice and winner of the British Psychological Society Karen Ehlert Lifetime achievement award in clinical health psychology. in this podcast, she chats with Zoë about her work, her book and sugar addiction

    Zoë chats with Frédéric Leroy about the global demonisation of livestock farming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 51:18


    In essence, Frédéric is a unique expert in being able to discuss the food supply from a global perspective – considering both human health and planet health. He understands the role that ruminants play from in factors from nutrition to topsoil and his understanding of the big food companies and other major organisations trying to influence what we eat, is second to none.

    Zoë chats with Davs Dennis about his passion for puppy training

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 35:12


    Davs (Dafydd) Dennis is a former Royal Marine, paramedic, current CrossFit seminar staff flow master and CrossFit affiliate owner. The important part of Davs' bio for this podcast is that he is the owner of Cardiff Dog Training! Davs is all these things in his brief bio, but far more importantly he's a friend and as fabulous a person as his dogs think he is!

    Zoë chats with Paul Kaye about the issues raised in his book 'The Killing Fields'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 43:24


    Poacher turned gamekeeper, Paul Kaye, takes an insiders look at the games played by the food industry and supermarkets to ensure we make bad food choices.

    raised poachers paul kaye 'the killing fields'
    Laura Dodsworth talks about her new book 'A State of Fear'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2021 40:54


    Laura Dodsworth is an author, journalist, photographer and filmmaker.  In her latest book 'A State of Fear', she investigates how the government weaponised our fear against us – supposedly in our best interests – until we were one of the most frightened countries in the world.

    Davs Dennis chats about the importance of maintaining functional fitness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 34:14


    Davs (Dafydd) Dennis is a former Royal Marine, paramedic, current CrossFit seminar staff flow master and CrossFit affiliate owner. In this episode on fitness, Davs and Zoë use their shared knowledge and experience of the CrossFit terminology and principles to talk about fitness generally.

    Nina Teicholz chats about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2021 38:05


    Nina Teicholz is a wonderful trail blazer in our real food world. She is a passionate advocate for nutrient-dense food and is working so hard to protect our rights to be able to consume it. In this episode, she chats with Zoë about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

    Zoë Chats with Dr Campbell Murdoch - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 34:55


    Zoë Chats with Dr Campbell Murdoch about the future of healthcare, medicine and personal lifestyle changes.

    Zoë Chats with Dr Campbell Murdoch - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2020 46:16


    Zoë Chats with Dr Campbell Murdoch about how he got into medicine, what's important to him and challenges that he has faced.

    Dr Robert Cywes Part 3 - How do we overcome carb addiction?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2019 42:11


    Robert  shares fascinating insights into the types of people who develop carb addiction. Not everyone is vulnerable. “Not everyone is capable of getting fat.” The answer lies in parenting styles. You’ll spot immediately if you are at risk and you’ll start to understand how not to parent a child.

    Graham Harvey on mixed farming, feeding everyone and the vegan mistake

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2018 33:42


    Zoë chats with Graham Harvey about the benefits of mixed farming food systems.

    Dr Joanne McCormack – How a GP fixed herself and now tries to help others

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2018 30:23


    Dr Joanne McCormack is a UK General Practitioner (GP) and the named GP for children’s safeguarding for Warrington. Jo has been a GP for over 25 years in the Warrington area and ran her own practice for many years.

    Dr Robert Cywes Part 2 - What does a carb addict eat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 29:13


    Zoë chats with Dr Robert Cywes about carbohydrate addiction and obesity. This is Part 2 – What does a carb addict eat? Shownotes over at http://www.dietandhealthtoday.com

    Adam Pike, Tim Noakes' Lawyer on 'that trial'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2018 58:38


    Zoë chats with Adam Pike, Professor Tim Noakes’ lawyer. Adam is the man who has been core to the legal team, which successfully defended Tim against the charge that followed from what has now become known as the £1.5 million tweet!

    Graham Harvey: How and when nitrates and chemicals changed British farming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2018 33:18


    Graham Harvey gives us a concise history of the introduction of nitrates into British farming and the impact of World War I and World War II on the chemical fertiliser industry (and concomitant explosives industry!). For show notes, please visit http://www.dietandhealthtoday.com/

    Carbohydrate addiction - Part 1. With Dr Robert Cywes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018 34:14


    In this series, Zoë chats with Dr Robert Cywes about carbohydrate addiction and obesity.

    Childhood Obesity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2018 23:09


    Zoë chats with Bill Padley about the Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall initiative on childhood obesity

    Carbohydrates and cardiovascular disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2018 17:15


    Zoë chats with Bill Padley about the recent report looking into carbohydrates and cardiovascular disease. For show notes, visit http://dietandhealthtoday.com

    What you need to know about fats

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2018 16:05


    Zoë Chats with Bill Padley about fats, and why we shouldn't fear them

    Health news roundup with Bill Padley

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2017 16:43


    Zoe chats with Bill Padley from TRE about calories

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