The People's Scientist

In today's episode we take a neuroscience perspective on type 2 diabetes. In this episode, I share a study published earlier this week of which I am a co-author, in the journal Nature. We elucidate how even though nicotine may feel pleasurable and rewarding, it can still send a stress signal to the medial habenula and pancreas. This signal causes an increase in blood glucose levels so we have the...

In this week's episode, we dive into the clinical evidence on how adding garlic to the diet is associated with a lower risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. Garlic supplementation may induces some benefits for heart health, immunity, and inflammation. I also provide some suggestions on how to reduce garlic odor, the main deterrent to garlic intake, based on two scientific investigations. For pape...

In the last two decades bacteria have been detected in the brains of patients who died with Alzheimer's disease and in the atherosclerotic plaques of those with coronary artery disease. In today's episode, we further dive into how bacteria can induce and accelerate two of the most devastating chronic diseases and the latest science on how we can treat heart disease and Alzheimer's in the future. I...

In episode 2 of our Vitamin Miniseries, I share some evidence with you on the first vitamin ever discovered, thiamine. Thiamine is a B vitamin that plays an important role in our energy metabolism and nervous system functioning. Deficiencies in thiamine may be more common than we think. Tune in to this episode to hear what diets may increase our odds of deficiency, signs of deficiency, and what fo...

Many news headlines in the last few weeks are stating that people are dying from e-cigarette use and that it is far more dangerous than initially thought. Is any of this true? Well in today's episode we dive into the CDC reports and many studies published within the last year that looked at the lung and cardiovascular effects of e-cigarette use to find out the truth. IG: Dr. SCaligiuri FB: ThePeop...

In episode 28, I delve into the scientific evidence published in the last six months since our first episode on intermittent fasting and time restricted eating. This way of eating goes against the nutritional dogma that we were taught for so long, ie: eating every 3-4 hours. But a lot of clinical evidence supports waiting longer in between meals for metabolic flexibility, induction of autophagy, r...

This is the start of our requested miniseries where each episode we will discuss one vitamin or mineral, its function in our body, signs if we are deficient, food sources, and signs if we are taking in too much. These episodes will be dispersed throughout the podcast over the next several months. In episode 1 of this miniseries I introduce the history of vitamins and the scary lengths scientists w...

Did you know that individuals diagnosed with depression tend to have high levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their body? In this week's episode we dive into some potential causes of depression with a particular highlight on inflammation. We also discuss clinical evidence on how omega 3 fatty acids can lower markers of inflammation and as a result, how o...

Chia seed back in the 1990s was popularly known as the seed that grew in Chia pets. In today's day, chia seed is boasted for its high nutritional density. It is one of the highest known sources of the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Because of its nutritional content, it may have some great benefits and help individuals maintain...

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale are a rich source of glucosinolates that can be converted to sulforaphane. Sulforphane has shown in cell culture, animals, and clinical trials to induce our Phase 2 detoxification enzymes. This could have potential implications for prevention of cancer and reducing inflammation. IG: @dr.scali...

In this week's episode of The People's Scientist podcast, Dr. Ferland and I discuss the scientific evidence of cannabis on chronic pain, sleep, appetite, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss future areas that are in need of clinical investigation as well as the fine line between recreational and medical use. Dr. Ferland ends the episode off with some great simple advice on sa...

For this week's episode, I have brought on a scientific expert on Cannabis research, Dr Jacqueline-Marie Ferland. Dr. Ferland is a behavioral neuroscientist currently investigating the effects of cannabis on the brain. In this Part 1 episode, we dive into the details on THC, CBD, and their effects on our brain - the good and the bad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of this highly requested episode of skincare trends I share scientific evidence on ways to enhance skin density, hydration, elasticity, and how to reduce sun damage. For example, I discuss the difference between taking hyaluronic acid as an oral supplement versus topical lotion application for skin health. We discuss the importance of collagen, vitamin C, and antioxidants for our skin he...

In Part 1 of this listener request episode, we discuss the molecular biology of skin hydration and what is required for skin homeostasis. We dive into the details of what our skin makes in order to keep hydrated, called natural moisturizing factors, what happens when we apply these compounds to our skin, and what we can apply to our skin to help seal in the hydration. We also discuss the new area...

In episode 18 I delve into the scientific evidence on alkaline water and the alkaline diet. Scientific evidence is in support that alkaline water can preserve bone mineral density and if alkaline water contains lithium, it may have a beneficial effect on mood. However, some health claims being made about alkaline water such as reducing cancer are not supported by scientific evidence. Hosted on Aca...

Electrochemically ionized water produces a rich source of atomic hydrogen. This is particularly popular in Japan. A lot of cell culture and animal studies illustrate that atomic hydrogen sequesters the particularly deleterious reactive oxygen species and does not affect normal homeostatic redox reactions in the body. So is hydrogen enriched water beneficial for inflammatory conditions such as canc...

In this week's episode we cover the scientific evidence of why some people have low testosterone and what this means for their health. We also dive into the scientific evidence on how to naturally raise testosterone and promote healthy levels. In the program we also discuss the fascinating link of sleep and the glymphatic system to testosterone and Alzheimer's disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

In today's listener request episode, we cover the scientific evidence on kombucha, a fermented, acidic and bubbly tea. Kombucha has gained a lot of popularity over the last several years and has been toted for many health benefits. But at the same time, people fear its safety as many case reports exist that implicate homemade kombucha in serious illness and even a death. So I take you though the c...

In this week's episode we talk about the effects of alcohol on our brain and body, cover the health effects of daily low dose alcohol, what is alcohol dependence vs. alcohol addiction, the hidden burden of alcohol dependence in women, and healthful ways to cope with anxiety. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ Check out the Cut the Crap Podcast for healthful coping mechanisms and ways to achieve mental res...

Many trials conclude the detrimental effect of fructose on our appetite and motivation to obtain more calories. But is high fructose corn syrup the same thing as fructose? Is it really that much different from regular table sugar? We dive into the details of this and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of The People's Scientist podcast, we discuss the scientific evidence of phytosterols, which are a plant's version of cholesterol. Phytosterols have been studied extensively since the 1950s and are making a resurgence as a medical treatment. But where can we find phytosterols and what are their health effects? Lsten on to find out! Link for phytosterol content of common food...

In this episode, I take you through what cholesterol does for our body, explain the different types of cholesterol, what atherosclerosis is, and the latest scientific breakthroughs on how to reduce our risk of heart disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people claim that saturated fatty acids should be the primary source of fat in our diet as opposed to "inflammatory seed oils". I am an expert in this field and will cover if this statement is true and explain to you what fats are converted to in our body and what this means for our health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plant based diets that include vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with lower risks for cancer, heart disease, and all cause mortality. The number of times this has been replicated over and over is profound. But how do these diets reduce our risk? Tune in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the scientific evidence say about apple cider vinegar taken on a daily basis? It may have benefits for blood glucose regulation, appetite suppression, and anti-microbial effects. Listen on to find out the details! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.