The Proof with Simon Hill

Live better for longer

The Proof Podcast is a space for science-based conversation. Together with his guests, Simon Hill, a qualified physiotherapist and nutritionist, explores the health and longevity benefits that come with mastering physical exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, recovery, sleep, and alignment. Facts, nuance and trustworthy recommendations minus the hyperbole! All the proof you need to live better for longer. read less

Assessing your risk of cardiovascular disease (Lipid Series - Part 2) | Dr Thomas Dayspring
3d ago
Assessing your risk of cardiovascular disease (Lipid Series - Part 2) | Dr Thomas Dayspring
Episode #252. In Part One of the blood lipids series, you learned what lipids are and how they work. In Part Two, Dr Thomas Dayspring returns to talk about the individualised testing you can get to understand where your lipids are now. Discover the tests you need, the ones you don’t, and when to start testing to protect yourself against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We discuss: Intro (00:00) What is Lp(a), and why do you need it checked? (02:05) Does diet influence Lp(a)? (20:36) The oxidized phospholipid test (29:00) Early intervention and atherosclerosis screening for children (31:24) The tests are helpful in predicting cardiovascular disease risk (40:27) Discordance between ApoB and LDL-cholesterol (52:35) Normal range of ApoB levels for a healthy young person (1:03:14) Does atherosclerotic plaque ever disappear? (1:16:52) Triglyceride: HDL ratio vs ApoB test (1:22:15) Screening women in their 30s (1:29:31) Screening women in their 70s (1:37:23) What causes elevated ApoB (1:39:25) Do phytosterols help manage cholesterol? (1:58:55) Secondary prevention (2:07:08) The obviously misunderstood case of ApoB (2:20:45) Outro (2:22:35) Next week, we’ll discuss in detail the interventions you can make to optimise your lipids. Make sure to stay connected via my social links below so you don’t miss Part Three. The best place to connect with Dr Thomas Dayspring is on Twitter, @DrLipid. Learn more about Dr Dayspring’s career and current work on LinkedIn. Discover more insights and supporting studies in the full show notes. To assist with the digestibility of this content my team and I, along with Dr Dayspring, have added a bunch of illustrations and graphs to the video format of these episodes. So if you are visually inclined you can watch these episodes on our YouTube channel. Even if you prefer listening to the first time through audio, I highly recommend coming back for a second pass with the video versions.  We’ve also got a Summary PDF being created with the key learnings from each part of the series. To receive a copy of this simply submit your email at theproof.com/lipidseries.  And we are working on transcripts for these episodes too (release date TBC).  Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high-protein Plant Performance recipe book
What causes cardiovascular disease (Lipid Series - Part 1)  | Dr Thomas Dayspring
13-03-2023
What causes cardiovascular disease (Lipid Series - Part 1) | Dr Thomas Dayspring
Episode #251. Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest killers in the Western world, and it’s vital that we understand cardiovascular health in order to improve lifespan and healthspan. In this episode, I sit down with Dr Thomas Dayspring for Part One of a three-part deep dive into cardiovascular disease and blood lipids. In this introductory episode, we examine how our body absorbs lipids and transports them throughout the body – and what happens when it goes wrong. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Turning a family heartache into a mission (05:12) Atherosclerosis and the role of lipids (14:52) Lipoproteins & cholesterol transport and recycling (28:01) Cholesterol's role in lipoproteins (54:00) Is ApoB a more accurate marker of cardiovascular risk? (58:38) Endothelial transcytosis of lipoproteins (1:07:10) LDL aggregation (1:16:42) LDL particle retention and inflammation (1:23:15) Difference between veins and arteries (1:28:55) Atherosclerosis and genetics (1:30:22) High-fat diets and cholesterol (1:44:01) Fiber and cholesterol absorption (1:48:14) Outro (1:57:48) The best place to connect with Dr Thomas Dayspring is on Twitter, @DrLipid. Learn more about Dr Dayspring’s career and current work on LinkedIn. Discover more insights and supporting studies in the full show notes. To assist with the digestibility of this content, Dr Dayspring, my team, and I have included extensive illustrations and graphs to the video format of these episodes. If you are visually inclined, you can watch these episodes on The Proof YouTube channel. Even if you prefer listening through audio the first time, I highly recommend coming back for a second pass with the video versions. These episodes are investments into a healthier future. We are also currently working on a summary PDF highlighting the key learnings from each part of the series. To receive a copy of this simply submit your email at theproof.com/lipidseries. We are also working on transcripts for these episodes, with the release date to be advised soon. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
The science of ice baths, brown fat and metabolism | Susanna Soeberg, PhD
06-03-2023
The science of ice baths, brown fat and metabolism | Susanna Soeberg, PhD
Episode #250. Ice baths and other forms of cold water exposure have gained a huge amount of traction in the past few years. I’m joined by expert Dr Susanna Søberg to examine what the science says – is cold water exposure safe? What does the research say about the bold health claims? Is brown fat just a buzzword? How do you safely and effectively implement hot and cold exposure into your life? Dr Søberg answers these questions and many more in this three-hour deep dive into cold water immersion. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) The tradition of winter swimming (01:52) Cold water swimming and activating brown fat (09:44) Dr. Søburg's personal experience with cold water bathing (23:13) Funding hurdles and potential benefits of cold water immersion (25:34) Cold water immersion and the body's response (33:36) Brown fat activation and more physiological responses (40:45) What is brown fat? (45:54) Is brown fat genetic? (55:28) Benefits of activating brown fat (58:32) Winter swimming, sauna, and disease: what the data says (1:01:10) Metabolism and shivering (1:13:01) Brown fat activation and muscle building (1:25:06) Who has more brown fat: Women or Men? (1:36:33) Chronic inflammation, exercise, and more benefits of deliberate cold exposure (1:46:11) Cold water immersion for beginners (2:06:18) The minimum threshold for health benefits using cold and heat (2:15:03) Clothes or no clothes? (2:22:57) Temperature regulation and gender differences (2:26:30) Safety protocols & understanding ice plunging lingo (2:34:08) Outro (2:47:18) To connect with Dr Susanna Søberg, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Head to her website, www.soeberginstitute.com, to learn more about Dr Søberg’s work – including her research and her book Winter Swimming. Friends of The Proof can also receive a 10% discount on her Thermalist course with code SIMONHILL. Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Biology of aging and tips to slow it down | Matt Kaeberlein, PhD
27-02-2023
Biology of aging and tips to slow it down | Matt Kaeberlein, PhD
Episode #249. Have you ever wondered how long humans can healthily live for? Professor Matt Kaeberlain joins me in this episode to explain the biological processes of aging, explaining the significance of genetics vs lifestyle, protein restriction, polyphenols, and much more. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Aging and disease (03:42) Evolutionary conserved processes and human life span (17:41) Biological aging: Are epigenetic tests more accurate in telling how well you’re aging? (26:29) Aging process and the burden of senescence cells (34:06) Keys to a longer, healthier life (45:08) Sleep and exercise (55:38) Calorie restriction, longevity, and prolonged fasting (1:15:23) Protein restriction and its implications (1:32:14) Plant protein vs animal protein (1:43:31) Natural occurring polyphenols and supplements related to longevity (1:53:06) Rapamycin and rapamycin derivatives (2:13:53) Anti-aging compounds (2:29:38) Ethical implications of prolonging the life (2:51:08) Outro (2:57:23) To connect with Dr Matt Kaeberlein, you can find him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Head to his website, https://kaeberlein.org, to learn more about his work. If the Dog Aging Project interests you, you can visit the website or read this article in Nature. Keep up to date with Optispan here. Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Nutrition & Exercise tips for Women | Stacy Sims, Phd
20-02-2023
Nutrition & Exercise tips for Women | Stacy Sims, Phd
Episode #248. There is a huge research and science communication gap when it comes to nutrition and exercise for women. Stacy Sims, MSc, PhD joins me today to address this inadequacy, providing guidance on how women can optimise training and nutrition at each stage of life. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Dr. Stacy Sims' academic journey (02:00) Female physiology (05:38) Implications of applying results of male-centric studies to women (09:12) Discerning the variances in physiological makeup between genders to customize training regimes (16:29) Physiological disparities between genders (20:53) Understanding the significance of a balanced diet and exercises tailored to accommodate the menstrual cycle (24:14) Ideal training programs tailored to the menstrual cycle of a 30-year-old woman (52:30) Exercise regimes during pregnancy (1:06:00) Achieving balance through nutrition, diet, and supplementation in your 30s (1:12:58) Female bodybuilding: androgenic compounds and hormones (1:27:55) The correlation between contraception and exercises (1:32:06) Optimizing exercise during menopause: evidence-based strategies for 60-year-old women (1:37:10) Training, nutrition, and supplementation beyond the age of 60 (1:51:44) The significance of lipids in your 30s and 60s (1:56:04) Outro (1:59:12) To connect with Stacy Sims, MSc, PhD, you can do so on Instagram or Facebook. Her website, https://www.drstacysims.com, offers a myriad of resources to guide you on your journey to maximise your body’s potential, and you’ll also be able to find her books there. Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Food, politics, and the environment | George Monbiot
14-02-2023
Food, politics, and the environment | George Monbiot
Episode #247. It's widely accepted that we are in a climate crisis. But what does that mean? Renowned author and journalist George Monbiot joins me in this episode to examine how our food systems are directly impacting our planet's health, and what we can do about it. What do soil and the human gut have in common? Why is food a political issue? What does radical change in the food system look like, and how do we get there? We cover these questions and more, discussing: Intro (00:00) George Monbiot on wildlife, farming, & global food systems (03:39) Plants & soil microbes: a remarkable connection (09:45) Soil bacterial diversity & the dangers of soil degradation (20:36) Profit over sustainability (26:32)  The role of citizens in shaping the food system (34:09)  Why is animal agriculture problematic? (45:38)  Are we the complacent and the silent majority? (57:35)  George Monbiot's alternative to farming animals (01:05:53)  Outro (01:10:16) You can find a comprehensive database of George Monbiot's work on his website, https://www.monbiot.com/, which encompasses his journalistic work and books. Get his book 'Regenesis' here. Connect with him on Twitter, and search "George Monbiot" on YouTube to find a wealth of videos like his short film with Greta Thunberg, this TED Talk, and this fascinating video about wolves and the balance of nature. Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Food Compass: a new food scoring system | Professor Dariush Mozaffarian
07-02-2023
Food Compass: a new food scoring system | Professor Dariush Mozaffarian
Episode #246. Have you ever considered the way our current food system was shaped? Or the way it continues to impact modern dietary guidelines? This episode is for you. In this conversation with distinguished researcher Professor Dariush Mozaffarian, we analyse the past 120 years of nutrition science and assess how this research continues to impact the modern diet. We cover: Introduction (00:00) A Journey Through Nutrition Science History (03:49) The Food Industry's Contributions to Improving Vitamin and Calorie Deficiency and What Went Wrong (16:05) The Evolution of Dietary Guidelines (26:59) Are Food Rating Systems Accurate? (37:48) Is the Role of Saturated Fat in Nutrition Neutral? (44:22) Understanding the Algorithm Behind Tufts' Food Compass (46:57) Industry Funding and Scientific Research (52:03) Validating the Food Compass Scoring System (57:04) Are Breakfast Cereals Healthier? (01:04:45) The Food Compass System: A Work in Progress (01:08:04) Exploring the Uses of the Food Compass and the Possibility of Improving Its Functionality (01:10:33) Takeaways (01:29:19) Outro (01:34:50) If you found this conversation informative, you can learn more about Dr Mozaffarian here, and read more of his work here. If you have any additional questions you would like answered in future, make sure to leave a comment on YouTube. Discover more insights and supporting resources in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Menopause masterclass (Part 1) | Endocrinologist and Professor Susan Davis
30-01-2023
Menopause masterclass (Part 1) | Endocrinologist and Professor Susan Davis
In Episode #245, I'm joined by endocrinologist and clinical researcher Professor Susan Davis, AO. In this detailed exchange – taking place over more than two hours – Professor Davis shares the best practice guidelines for managing menopause. You will learn from a world-leading expert about sex hormones, the physiological changes underpinning menopause, signs and symptoms of peri-menopause/menopause, the struggles of menopause, medical and lifestyle interventions for managing menopause (including hormone therapy), testosterone and sexual desire, the beautiful side of menopause, and plenty more. "One of the – dare I say – more sinister symptoms that women often do not relate to menopause is anxiety." Professor Susan R Davis AO*,* is Director, Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow; Consultant Endocrinologist and Head, Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne; and consultant at Cabrini Medical Centre. Her research spans from basic science to clinical trials, and has been pivotal in the understanding of sex hormones in women across the lifespan in multiple non-reproductive target tissues, including the brain (cognition, mood, sexual function), cardiovascular system (lipids, vascular function, and coagulation), and other tissues (fat, muscle, joint cartilage, and bone). Specifically, we cover: Intro (00:00) Understanding Menopause: Communication and Misconceptions (06:00) Hysterectomy and its Impact on Menopause (10:48) Medical Consultation during Menopause: Is it necessary? (15:48) In-Depth Discussion on Menopause Symptoms and Phases (18:03) Menopause as a Part of the Aging Process (28:28) Hormones and Reproduction during Menopause (30:47) Women's Experiences and Body Changes during Menopause (33:10) Estrogen and Sex Hormones during Menopause (48:20) A Proactive Approach to Menopause: Starting Early for Symptom Management (49:10) Guidelines for Managing Menopause (1:04:31) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (1:13:28) HRT and Breast Cancer Risk (1:24:30) HRT Medications: Guidelines and Recommendations (1:26:50) The Trustworthiness of Big Pharmaceutical Corporations (1:45:35) Breast Cancer and Menopause Medications (1:55:12) The Funding of Menopause Research (1:58:00) Testosterone Therapy in Menopausal Hormone Treatment (2:00:10) Empowering Menopausal Women: Their Continued Contributions to Society (2:18:55) Outro (2:19:40) To connect with Professor Davis, you can find her on Twitter @SRDwomenshealth. Read her published work here, and make sure to check out the resources below for more useful information on this topic. Discover more insights and supporting studies in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Debunking Myths about Cardiovascular Disease | Cardiologist Dr Mohammed Alo
27-01-2023
Debunking Myths about Cardiovascular Disease | Cardiologist Dr Mohammed Alo
In Episode #244, cardiologist Dr Mohammed Alo joins me to talk about cardiovascular disease myths, many of which he has been brilliantly covering on Tik Tok over the past year. Is it perfectly ok to eat a lot of saturated fat and red meat if your triglycerides and HDL are normal? Does a coronary artery scan of zero mean we won’t have a heart attack? What’s better - a coronary artery scan or a CT angiogram for measuring plaque in our coronary arteries. Are statins beneficial? Is too low cholesterol a problem? Does this affect brain health and hormone production? Eggs, fish and fish oil, cooking oils - the list goes on. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Fighting Misinformation on Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition (03:49) TikTok and Cardiology: Reaching Diverse Audiences and Navigating Challenges (18:30) The Risks of the Carnivore Diet and False Claims on LDL Cholesterol (26:50) Atherosclerosis, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, and Treatment Options (36:30) The Importance of Non-HDL Cholesterol as a Predictor of CVD (43:41) Optimizing LDL Cholesterol Levels and Avoiding Unnecessary Medications (49:39) Assessing Cardiovascular Risk in Prediabetes (55:21) Cardiac Imaging and Detecting Heart Attack and Stroke Risk (57:24) Artery Calcification in Endurance Athletes: Understanding Imaging Tests (1:08:48) Debunking Myths on Coconut Oil and Fish Oil (1:20:02) Oils of choice and Dr. Alo's stand on canola oil (1:30:00) Eggs and Cholesterol: How much is too much? (1:32:40) Can Unprocessed Red Meat Raise Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease? (1:36:39) Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef: Examining the Debate (1:46:39) Salt, Salt Substitutes, and Hypertension (1:57:25) Outro (2:00:04) We covered a lot. To explore more of Dr Mohammed Alo’s work, check out his website or connect with him on YouTube and TikTok. Discover more insights and supporting studies in the full show notes. The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Clearing the confusion on saturated fat once and for all | Dr Gil Carvhalo, MD, PhD
16-01-2023
Clearing the confusion on saturated fat once and for all | Dr Gil Carvhalo, MD, PhD
Episode #243. It’s time to face the facts on saturated fat. Dr Gil Carvalho returns to examine a bold new study on this controversial topic, breaking down whether you need to reconsider your food choices in the wake of this study’s release. We discuss: Intro (00:00) Saturated fat misunderstandings: Is saturated fat bad? (17:20) Principle 1: Dose matters? — How much saturated fat is too much? (22:07) Is no saturated fat the goal? (30:12) Principle 2: Replacement nutrient matters (31:54) Principle 3: Source matters (45:53) Mechanisms: Saturated fat and heart disease (50:48) Saturated fats and genetics (55:47) Target ApoB level (59:40) Importance of lifetime exposure (1:03:02) Statins and heart disease risk: Are statins bad for you? (1:08:53) Mendelian randomization studies (1:10:52) The totality of evidence (1:15:59) Saturated fats and total mortality (1:17:46) Saturated fat and liver health (1:19:51) Gaps in the research (1:20:43) Common arguments against lowering saturated fat (1:23:52) Outro (1:38:36) To explore more of Dr Gil Carvalho’s work, you can find him on YouTube. You can also connect with him on Twitter and Facebook, and listen to our previous conversation in Episode #207. Discover more insights and supporting studies in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Part 2: Health and longevity  | The Proof 2022 year in review
09-01-2023
Part 2: Health and longevity | The Proof 2022 year in review
Last week we featured Part 1 of the best moments from The Proof in 2022, and this week we bring you part 2. Episode #242 is a compilation that mostly focuses on sleep, exercise and planetary health featuring a range of guests from across the year. Guests featured include Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, Dr Alan Flanagan, Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr David Jenkins, Dr Kieron Rooney, Paul Taylor, Fritz Horstmann, Drew Harrisberg and Nicholas Carter. Specifically, we cover: Intro (00:00) Sleep and weight gain with Drew Harrisberg (01:28) Tips for better sleep with Dr. Andrew Huberman (13:00) Manage Craving with Fritz Horstman (15:49) Carnivore Crazy with Drew Harrisberg (39:42) Big Pharma and Big Food with Dr. Alan Flanagan and Drew Harrisberg (49:32) Good stress with Dr. Paul Taylor (59:48) Mitochondria and Longevity with Dr. Kieron Rooney and Drew Harrisberg (1:12:14) Mitochondria and Longevity with Dr. Paul Taylor (1:17:46) Fermented foods (1:24:27) Developing an exercise program with Drew Harrisberg (1:25:18) Improving brain function with Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai (1:41:57) Resistance starch and cancer with Drew Harrisberg (1:55:32) What's causing climate change with Nicolas Carter (2:06:11) Should we eat fish with Dr. David Jenkins (2:11:01) Building new habits with Fritz Horstman (2:12:51) Outro (2:26:46) Episodes featured: Episode #206 with Drew Harrisberg Episode #205 with Dr Andrew Huberman Episode #239 with Fritz Horstmann Episode #203 with Drew Harrisberg Episode #229 with Paul Taylor Episode #226 with Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai Episode #223 with Drew Harrisberg Episode #222 with Dr Kieron Rooney Episode #230 with Nicholas Carter Episode #216 with Dr David Jenkins I hope you find this episode helpful for consolidating some of the key learnings from 2022. To make sure you never miss an episode be sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spotify and/or YouTube. Whichever platform you prefer to receive notifications from when new episodes of The Proof are released. To check out our sponsors who make this show possible, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Another way to show your support is to leave a review on the Apple podcast app, or a comment on YouTube - I read all of these. And don’t forget to grab a copy of my new Plant-Based Ferments recipe book - a great way to improve your overall health by encouraging greater microbiome diversity. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Part 1: Health and longevity  | The Proof 2022 year in review
03-01-2023
Part 1: Health and longevity | The Proof 2022 year in review
To bring in the new year I thought it would be good to take a moment and consolidate some of the memorable moments, and key takeaways, from 2022.  In Episode #241, part 1 of a 2 part year in review, we traverse how to think about nutrition, so we can better make sense of claims online, diet, and cardiometabolic health, how you can flip the switch on your microbiome so the trillions of gut bugs in your large intestine reward you with better health, and the benefits up for grabs through consuming our food over less hours - otherwise known as time restricted eating or fasting. Guests featured include Dr Gil Carvhalo, Dr Richard Johnson, Dr Alan Flanagan, Danny Lennon, Dr David Jenkins, Dr Justin Sonnenburg, Dr Erica Sonnenburg, Dr Christopher Gardner, Dr Tim Spector, Dr Don Layman, Dr Valter Longo, Dr Stuart Phillips, Dr Satchin Panda and Dr Courtney Peterson. Specifically, we cover: Intro (00:00) Circadian Disruption is a Problem with Dr. Satchin Panda (01:59) Fasting & weight loss with Dr. Courtney Peterson (08:26) Optimal fasting window with Dr. Satchin Panda (15:49) Nutrition science claims with Dr Gil Carvalho (36:49) Diet & metabolic health with Dr. Richard Johnson (51:32) Cholesterol & CVD with Dr Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon (57:22) Lowering cholesterol with Dr. David Jenkins (1:14:06) Gut microbiome with Drs. Erica and Justin Sonnenburg (1:24:44) Fibre & inflammation with Dr. Sonnenburg and Dr. Gardner (1:32:43) Fermented foods (1:49:35) Building microbiome diversity with Drs. Erica and Justin Sonnenburg (1:50:26) Simple dietary advice with Dr Tim Spector (1:55:57) Muscle & metabolic health with Dr. Donald Layman (1:58:34) Aging pathways with Dr. Valter Longo (2:07:24) Muscle & aging with Drs. Stuart Phillips and Christopher Gardner (2:14:48) Outro (2:20:11) Episodes featured: Episode #221 with Dr Satchin Panda Episode #232 with Dr Courtney Peterson Episode #207 with Dr Gil Carvhalo Episode #233 with Dr Richard Johhson Episode #231 with Dr Alan Flanagan & Danny Lennon Episode #216 with Dr David Jenkins Episode #202 with Dr Erica Sonnenburg & Dr Justin Sonnenburg Episode #191 with Dr Justin Sonnenburg & Dr Christopher Gardner Episode #224 with Dr Tim Spector Episode #236 with Dr Don Layman Episode #237 with Dr Valter Longo Episode #228 with Dr Stuart Phillips & Dr Christopher Gardner I hope you find this episode helpful for consolidating some of the key learnings from 2022. Part 2 of the year in review will be released next week with a focus on exercise, planetary health and more. Happy new year. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Eating for cardiometabolic health | Andrea Glenn, PhD, RD
27-12-2022
Eating for cardiometabolic health | Andrea Glenn, PhD, RD
Episode #240. There’s a lot of noise about cardiometabolic health: claims that certain diets will work miracles, and hype that specific foods must be avoided at all costs. Research dietitian Dr Andrea Glenn joins me today to get to the core of which dietary patterns will actually improve your cardiometabolic health outcomes. We discuss: Intro (00:00) Andrea Glenn on dietary patterns (07:31) Which country has the best dietary guidelines today? (11:35) What is cardiometabolic health? (13:15) Similarities and differences between the DASH, Nordic, Mediterranean, and Portfolio Diets (16:31) Can the Portfolio diet lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke? (21:29) The compositions of plant predominant diets and the demonization of carbohydrates (37:05) Are DASH, Nordic, Mediterranean, and Portfolio diets good for preventing and managing diabetes? (44:32) The worst and the best sources of fat (50:27) Is the pro-metabolic diet legitimate? (54:19) Is canola oil healthy? And is it better than olive oil? (01:03:39) The effects of protein according to studies (1:11:05) What are plant sterols? (1:17:20) Plant predominant versus plant exclusive (1:22:36) To stay in the loop with Dr Andrea Glenn, you can connect with her on Twitter. Learn more about Dr Glenn and read her research papers here. Discover more insights and dozens of supporting studies in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
How to Lose Fat & Gain Muscle on a Plant-Based Diet | Coach Fritz Horstmann
20-12-2022
How to Lose Fat & Gain Muscle on a Plant-Based Diet | Coach Fritz Horstmann
Episode #239. Looking for simple, practical ways to improve your exercise regime and eat for better health? Coach Fritz Horstmann understands the difficulties of balancing health with a busy life, and joins me today to offer guidance on how you can do just that. We discuss: Intro (0:00) Fritz’s Vegan Fitness Transformation (12:48) Combining Intuitive & Educated Eating (30:52) Fritz’s Coaching with Calorie Counting (42:04) Plant-Based Protein Sources (46:55) Bloating (55:32) Results in Fritz’s Program (57:43) Getting your steps in (1:09:08) Develop Habits for Success (1:11:01) How to get Motivated (1:19:18) Fritz’s Training Structure (1:24:38) Principles for Progress (1:30:04) Is Your Gym Program Working? (1:35:48) Protein Powder (1:38:03) Heart Disease & Animal Protein (1:52:30) IGF1 & Lactate Testing (1:58:21) Fritz’s Vegan Hat (2:07:50) Nutrient Supplements (2:11:44) Is Juicing Good for You? (2:17:37) Manage Cravings (2:21:46) Meal Prep vs Eating Out (2:30:59) Overrated / Underrated Claims (2:52:05) Outro (3:13:41) To connect with Fritz Horstmann, join his community on Instagram. You can also visit his website to learn more about his coaching, and listen to his podcast, Plant Based Fitness Secrets. Discover supporting studies and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Protein, IGF-1 and health Q & A | Valter Longo, PhD
13-12-2022
Protein, IGF-1 and health Q & A | Valter Longo, PhD
Episode #238. Left with questions after last week’s conversation with Dr Valter Longo? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr Longo returns to answer some of the queries I had in the wake of our last episode, tying off some loose ends and clarifying his stance on protein consumption and longevity. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (0:00) Reduce Cancer Risk with IGF1 (1:47) Biological Age Test (4:11) Laron Syndrome & Longevity (6:24) Does Everyone with High IGF1 get cancer? (13:06) Pressure for Longevity (20:30) Does Exercise Reduce Risk? (22:15) Average IGF1 (26:19) Conclusion (31:03) Make sure to listen to the last episode of The Proof, where Dr Valter Longo and I examine protein consumption in detail. To connect with Dr Valter Longo, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about Dr Longo’s research on his website, https://www.valterlongo.com/, where you will also be able to view and purchase his book, The Longevity Diet. Dr Longo first appeared on The Proof in Episode #106, which you can listen to here. Discover supporting studies and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Protein, fasting, cancer, and longevity | Valter Longo, PhD
06-12-2022
Protein, fasting, cancer, and longevity | Valter Longo, PhD
Episode #237. Dr Valter Longo introduces intriguing questions to the show: could protein consumption actually be harmful to our health? How important is muscle tissue? Can fasting be used as an adjunct cancer treatment? We investigate these questions and many more, diving into the research on IGF-1, mTOR, and the fasting-mimicking diet. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (0:00) Ideal diets for longevity (2:58) Important Pathways for aging (9:15) IGF1 Elevation (16:24) Actue vs Chronic elevation of IGF1 (19:46) Danger of Protein Over Consumption (25:11) Impact of exercise on IGF1 (32:52) Muscle Mass and Longevity (38:35) Study on High Protein Later in Life (41:59) How to get IGF1 tested (48:03) Low IGF1 & Cognitive Decline (49:54) Resistance to IGF1 (53:00) Mendelian Randomization Studies (54:38) Fasting Mimicking Diet (59:21) Fasting and Cancer (1:16:03) Ketogenic Diet & Cancer (1:27:51) Outro (1:32:15) To connect with Dr Valter Longo, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about Dr Longo’s research on his website, https://www.valterlongo.com/, where you will also be able to view and purchase his book, The Longevity Diet. Make sure to listen to Dr Longo’s previous appearance on The Proof, Episode #106. Discover supporting studies and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book
Protein amount, quality and timing | Dr Don Layman
28-11-2022
Protein amount, quality and timing | Dr Don Layman
Episode #236. Dr Donald Layman is an expert in protein synthesis and metabolism. With endless online dialogue on protein, Dr Layman offers clarity and answers pressing questions in this episode: how does protein interact with skeletal and metabolic health? Is aging dependent on our DNA? How much protein should I consume, and when? These questions, and many more, are answered in this week’s episode. We cover: Intro (0:00) Muscle & Metabolic Health (5:00) Moderate vs HIIT Training (14:00) Are Aging Outcomes Genetic? (16:29) Longevity vs Vitality (19:15) Muscle Protein Synthesis (24:40) Is the Protein RDA Sufficient? (43:03) Protein Intake for Aging (56:05) Why Leucine (59:48) Longevity and Protein (1:03:33) Cardiovascular Disease (1:16:08) Protein Distribution (1:25:30) Questionable Industry Funding (1:29:17) Meal Timing (1:34:09) Protein Threshold (1:39:33) Danger of Cold Therapy (1:43:26) Important Supplements (1:46:20) Chronic Kidney Disease (1:49:20) Outro (1:52:41) To connect with Donald Layman, PhD, you can find him on Twitter. Check out his website, https://metabolictransformation.com/, to learn more about metabolic health. Discover additional resources, supporting studies, and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons) Creator of TheProof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book
Skincare, haircare and deodorant | Michelle Wong, PhD
21-11-2022
Skincare, haircare and deodorant | Michelle Wong, PhD
Episode #235. Cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong shares a different approach to skincare – one you're probably not used to seeing on your Instagram feed. In an age of extensive skincare routines and misleading marketing, how do we navigate our skin’s natural state and optimise its appearance and wellness? We cover this question and many more in this week’s episode. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (0:00) Defining ‘Clean Beauty’ (2:17) ‘Natural’ vs synthetic (7:14) EWG’s Skin Deep Database (8:26) What to Avoid (10:17) Is the Risk worth the Reward? (15:32) PFAs (20:25) “Free From” Claims (22:59) Risk During Pregnancy (30:08) Effective Ingredients (32:56) Addressing the Root Cause of skin issues (35:05) Skin’s ability to Heal (36:11) Danger in Combining Ingredients (38:06) Aging & Collagen (40:21) Combining Multiple Products (52:02) Does Price Indicate Effectiveness? (54:16) Participants in Studies (59:31) Preventative Aging (collagen vs retinol) (1:01:57) Hyaluronic Acid (1:07:49) Exfoliation (1:09:57) Skin Microbiome (1:15:14) Pigmentation (1:17:24) Overrated Ingredients (1:19:27) Natural Plant Compounds (1:21:27) Acne (1:24:36) Hair Care (1:32:47) Shampoo/ Conditioner (1:37:34) Hair Loss (1:40:41) What to Avoid (1:42:01) Deodorants (1:44:49) Society’s Beauty Standards (1:51:12) Outro (1:55:29) To connect with Michelle Wong, PhD, you can find her via the Lab Muffin Beauty Science social accounts on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. For a comprehensive guide on skincare basics, Dr Wong has an eBook available for purchase here. Listen to Dr Wong’s previous appearance on The Proof, focusing on sunscreen, at Episode #234. Discover additional resources, supporting studies, and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons) Creator of TheProof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book Enjoy, friends. Simon
Sunscreen must-knows | Michelle Wong, PhD
15-11-2022
Sunscreen must-knows | Michelle Wong, PhD
Episode #234. We all know that sunscreen is important, but what are the consequences of using (or not using) certain products? Cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong joins me to examine sun damage and aging, chemical vs mineral sunscreens, “reef safe” sunscreens, and scary-sounding ingredients. Learn all you need to know about choosing and applying a sunscreen to offer you the best protection of your largest organ. We discuss: Intro (0:00) Michelle's Story (2:20) Defining Cosmetics (4:56) Understanding the Skin’s Physiology (7:44) Misinformation with Products (11:20) What to Look For (19:00) Sunscreen & Skin cancer (22:50) “Reef-safe” Sunscreen (41:45) Regulation & Absorption (50:41) “Contains SPF” vs Sunscreen (1:04:35) Lotion vs Aerosol (1:06:04) How to Apply (1:07:07) How high of SPF? (1:13:01) Kids Sunscreens (1:16:04) Seed Oils & Sunburn (1:17:11) Benzene (1:19:15) Bringing it all together (1:21:18) Outro (1:24:45) Dr Michelle Wong’s online presence offers a wealth of information on skin care and cosmetic chemistry. You can connect with her on socials via Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Head to Dr Wong’s website, https://labmuffin.com/, to learn more. Discover additional resources, supporting studies, and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons) Creator of TheProof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book
Saturated fats, sugar and metabolic health | Richard Johnson, PhD
08-11-2022
Saturated fats, sugar and metabolic health | Richard Johnson, PhD
Episode #233. Dive deeper into how saturated fats and sugar affect metabolism and the liver in this conversation with Dr Richard Johnson. The Proof community had many questions after Dr Johnson’s appearance on Episode #215, and we return today to answer them: What does human outcome data say? What are the risks of the keto diet and high blood sugar? Do our opinions align? We answer these questions and more, addressing: Intro (0:00) Dr. Johnson’s Thesis on Fructose (3:27) Gaps in Current Studies (11:28) Saturated Fat Versus Sugar (20:20) Long-term risk of Keto Diet (33:09) Fructose Effect on Saturated Fat (36:28) Survival Mechanisms (40:40) Type of Fat (46:37) Metabolic Health & Fructose (53:00) Role of the Liver (1:02:20) Problem with High Blood Sugar (1:09:15) Triglycerides & Uric Acid (1:17:22) When Fatty Liver Happens (1:27:52) Ceramides (1:31:45) Outro (1:33:30) To connect with Dr Richard Johnson, you can find him on Instagram and Twitter, or learn more on his website. For a more comprehensive picture of Dr Johnson’s stance, make sure to check out his book, Nature Wants Us To Be Fat. Discover additional resources, supporting studies, and more insights in the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons) Creator of TheProof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book