In a world flooded with claims, advice, and recommendations on how to extend our lifespan, the buzz around various diet approaches, supplement regimens, and lifestyle hacks is deafening. But amidst the noise, one must pause to ponder: Are these claims rooted in science? And perhaps more crucially, are we even asking the right questions or pursuing the correct goals in our quest for longevity?
Join us in our upcoming podcast episode as Danny delves into these intriguing questions. Rather than getting lost in the sea of trends and fads, Danny offers his insights on the essential inquiries we should be making. Discover how to shift our focus towards the core factors that genuinely enhance our chances of leading longer, healthier lives. Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking exploration into the science and philosophy behind longevity.
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There has been much debate about the role of nutritional reductionism in research. This approach generally aims to study diet’s effects by breaking down the intricate web of dietary factors into smaller, more manageable components. But critics have asked does this approach truly capture the full picture of nutrition’s influence on our well-being?
In an attempt to help answer research questions there has been a proposal for the use of “nutritional geometry”, a framework that delves into the multidimensional relationships between nutrients and their effects on organisms. Within this framework, the protein leverage hypothesis emerges, proposing that our bodies prioritize protein intake and adjust food consumption accordingly. But how does this theory fit into the broader spectrum of nutrition science, and what implications does it hold for understanding and managing our diets?
Additionally, as aim to do better nutrition research, we are met with philosophical questions that challenge traditional reductionist views. Is it enough to simply dissect foods into their nutrient components, or do we need a more holistic understanding of dietary patterns and their impact on health?
In this episode, Prof. David Raubenheimer and Dr. Jonathan Sholl discuss the need to have an approach where science meets philosophy, and where reductionism meets synthesis. And we dive into ideas they have proposed that make a defense of some aspects of reductionism.
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Sigma Nutrition is ten years old this week!
Over this time, I’m grateful for a wealth of insights garnered from interviews with some of the brightest minds in the field of evidence-based nutrition science.
Through these conversations, I’ve come to understand the critical underpinnings of scientific thinking, the importance of honing our critical appraisal skills, and the crucial distinction between accurate dissemination of information and misleading “half-truths”.
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Navigating the vast landscape of research literature, particularly in the realm of nutrition science, presents numerous challenges for readers seeking to extract meaningful insights.
Before diving into research papers, individuals should have a precise understanding of the specific questions they seek to address. Without this clarity, there is a risk of wasting time on irrelevant studies or misinterpreting findings.
Furthermore, the selective approach to sourcing research is crucial. With countless studies available, employing heuristic strategies to filter out irrelevant ones and prioritize those aligned with research goals is essential.
Effectively reading nutrition studies requires a nuanced understanding of statistical concepts and methodologies used in various studies. Developing this understanding can be challenging, especially for individuals without a background in statistics or research methodology.
In this episode, we discuss all these issues.
Course syllabus: Applied Nutrition Literacy
Questions Answered in This Episode:
This is a preview of is one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers.
To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed.
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The question of whether dietary fat quality causally affects atherosclerosis risk has been a subject of extensive research and debate within the field of nutrition and cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in arteries, is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Traditionally, dietary fat has been implicated in contributing to atherosclerosis, with a focus on reducing overall fat intake. However, recent studies have shifted the focus towards the quality of dietary fats rather than their quantity.
Not all fats are created equal, and researchers are now paying closer attention to the types of fats consumed in the diet. Saturated fats, commonly found in animal products and some tropical oils, have long been associated with increased cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, and fish, have been linked to potential cardiovascular benefits. Research suggests that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats may have a positive impact on blood lipid profiles and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Additionally, genetic factors and individual responses to different fats may play a role in how dietary fats impact atherosclerosis risk.
In this episode, Dr. Jacob Christensen discusses the research in this area and some conclusions about whether we can say dietary fat quality causally increases atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This includes looking at the relationship between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and ASCVD, the link between dietary fat quality and LDL particles, and then finally the relationship between dietary fat quality, LDL particles, and ASCVD.
About the Guest:
Jacob J. Christensen is a clinical dietitian and researcher at University of Oslo. His research interests include cardiovascular diseases, lipid metabolism, nutrition, genomics and data science.
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There is a lot of interesting research going on related to plant-derived fatty acids, owing to their potential to help improve health and provide sustainable alternatives to other sources of healthy-promoting fatty acids.
In addition to work looking at the long-investigated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), some research is now starting to look at more novel fatty acids like stearidonic acid (SDA), and pinolenic acid (PLA), each presenting unique structures and potential benefits within various plant sources. One intriguing focal point is Ahiflower oil, a distinctive source that harbors both ALA and SDA.
In this episode, Dr. Ella Baker of the University of Southampton discusses some of the science behind plant-derived fatty acids, offering a deeper understanding of their distinctive qualities, conversion pathways, and the captivating interplay between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Dr. Baker’s research to date focuses on the metabolism, functionality, and underlying mechanisms of action of plant-derived fatty acids. Her interests include novel plant-derived fatty acids and exploring the effects on membrane structure and function.
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Kidney stones, crystalline deposits formed within the kidneys, present a formidable challenge to individuals grappling with their debilitating effects. These mineral accumulations, though small in size, can inflict significant pain and discomfort as they navigate through the urinary tract.
Understanding the nuances of dietary management and treatment for kidney stones is crucial for those seeking relief and prevention.
What makes this subject particularly intricate is the diversity of kidney stones – a mosaic of compositions ranging from calcium oxalate to uric acid. Recognizing that not all kidney stones are created equal, dietitians and renal specialists tailor their recommendations to address the specific nature of the stones, unveiling a spectrum of dietary strategies that aim to alleviate symptoms and impede the recurrence of these insidious formations.
In this episode, specialist renal dietitian Deepa Kariyawasam brings us through the main causes of kidney stones, the potential dietary interventions, and how to guide individuals toward personalized pathways for kidney stone management.
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Alzheimer’s disease has a profound impact on individuals, families, and societies worldwide. As a progressive neurodegenerative disease, it not only robs individuals of their cognitive abilities but also places an immense emotional and economic burden on caregivers.
Mechanistically, the causes of Alzheimer’s are incredibly complex and not fully understood. And in terms of treatment, the landscape appears challenging. Drug discovery efforts for dementias, including Alzheimer’s, have faced setbacks, leaving a void in effective treatments. Consequently, attention has shifted toward preventive strategies, including dietary patterns.
From a prevention standpoint, both genetics and lifestyle should be considered. Which throws up many interesting questions…
To what extent do genetic factors contribute to Alzheimer’s risk compared to lifestyle choices, and how does this interaction influence disease development?
What role does lifestyle play in Alzheimer’s risk, and is there evidence supporting the influence of specific nutrients on cognitive health?
How do diet patterns impact Alzheimer’s risk? Are there discernible risk differences associated with specific dietary choices, and how do these interact with genetic factors, such as the ApoE genotype?
In this episode, Drs. Ayesha Sherzai and Dean Sherzai are on the podcast to answer these questions and discuss this topic in more depth.
About The Guests:
Dr. Ayesha Sherzai is a neurologist and co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University, where she leads the Lifestyle Program for the Prevention of Neurological Diseases. She completed a dual training in Preventative Medicine and Neurology at Loma Linda University, and a fellowship in Vascular Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University. She is also a trained plant-based culinary artist.
Dr. Dean Sherzai is co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. Dean trained in Neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed fellowships in neurodegenerative diseases and dementia at the National Institutes of Health and UC San Diego. He also holds a PhD in Healthcare Leadership with a focus on community health from Andrews University.
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