Food Junkies Podcast

Auteur(s): Clarissa Kennedy
  • Résumé

  • Welcome to the "Food Junkies" podcast! Here we aim to provide you with the experience, strength and hope of professionals actively working on the front lines in the field of Food Addiciton. The purpose of our show is to educate YOU the listener and increase overall awareness about Food Addiction as a recognized disorder. Here we discuss all things recovery, exploring the many pathways people take towards abstinence in order to achieve a health forward lifestyle. Most importantly how to THRIVE rather than just survive. So stay positive, make a change for yourself, tell others about your change, and hopefully the message will spread. The content on our show does not supplement or supersede the professional relationship and direction of your healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder or mental health concern.
    Voir plus Voir moins
Épisodes
  • Episode 217: Nick Norwitz (Part 1)
    Feb 20 2025

    In this compelling episode of Food Junkies, we welcome Dr. Nick Norwitz, a researcher, educator, and metabolic health advocate whose mission is to "Make Metabolic Health Mainstream."

    Dr. Norwitz, a valedictorian from Dartmouth, PhD in Metabolism from Oxford, and an MD candidate at Harvard Medical School, shares his journey with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This struggle led him to discover the life-changing power of a ketogenic diet. His transformation inspired his relentless curiosity to challenge outdated medical paradigms and explore cutting-edge research in metabolic health.

    We dive into some groundbreaking topics, including:
    The Connection Between Food Addiction and Viruses – Could a virus in your gut microbiome be influencing addictive food behaviors?
    Understanding Lean Mass Hyper Responders – Why do some people see their cholesterol skyrocket on a ketogenic diet?
    The Role of Individualized Nutrition – How n=1 experimentation can be the key to optimizing metabolic health.
    Debunking Cholesterol Myths – What’s the truth about dietary cholesterol and heart disease?

    Dr. Norwitz also shares his famous “Oreo Experiment,” in which he lowered his cholesterol by eating Oreos—not as a recommendation but as a fascinating metabolic demonstration that challenges traditional assumptions about fat and carbohydrates.

    This conversation was so insightful and packed with science that we had to make it a two-part episode! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll discuss dairy, olive oil, carnivore diets, and more.

    🎧 Tune in to learn:
    ✔️ How Dr. Norwitz turned a devastating health condition into a lifelong passion for metabolic science.
    ✔️ The latest research on the gut microbiome and food addiction.
    ✔️ Why cholesterol numbers might not mean what you think they do.
    ✔️ How to apply scientific curiosity to your health journey.

    🔗 Resources & Links:
    👉 Follow Dr. Nick Norwitz:

    • YouTube: Nick Norwitz YouTube Channel
    • Twitter/X: @NickNorwitz
    • Instagram: @nicknorwitz

    📩 Subscribe & Stay Connected:
    If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Let us know what you think!

    📆 Next Episode Teaser:
    In Part 2, we’ll continue our deep dive into metabolic health and nutrition, discussing topics like dairy, olive oil, carnivore diets, and whether cholesterol truly matters for longevity. Don’t miss it!

    🎙️ Thank you for listening to Food Junkies!

    The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min
  • Episode 216: Dr. Jon Davis
    Feb 12 2025
    In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Jon Davis, a principal investigator on the study Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a principal scientist at Nova Nordisk, where he researches how gut-brain signaling mechanisms regulate appetite and metabolic disorders. His work explores the neurobiological connections between obesity, bariatric surgery, and substance use disorders—examining how bariatric procedures may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) through gut microbiome and brain reward pathway alterations. The Food Junkies Podcast team is particularly interested in whether similar mechanisms might predispose post-bariatric surgery patients to sugar or food addiction. What We Discuss in This Episode: 🔹 Dr. Davis’ Background & Research Journey – From an interest in neuroscience and memory formation to studying brain plasticity, substance use, and ultimately, bariatric surgery. 🔹 Unexpected Discoveries – How interviews with post-bariatric surgery patients and their spouses revealed a pattern of increased alcohol consumption. 🔹 Clinical Findings – Research has consistently shown that some patients who were low consumers of alcohol pre-surgery develop AUD post-surgery, while frequent drinkers pre-surgery may actually reduce their consumption afterward. 🔹 Mechanisms at Play: Gut Rewiring & Alcohol Sensitivity – How changes in gut absorption impact blood alcohol levels.Hormonal Influences – The role of GLP-1 and ghrelin in regulating appetite, alcohol consumption, and cravings.Dopamine & Reward Pathways – The link between obesity, food reward, and neurochemical changes post-surgery. 🔹 Rodent Models & Sugar Sensitivity – Research demonstrating that bariatric surgery increases rodents’ sensitivity to both alcohol and sugar, potentially explaining post-surgery changes in cravings. 🔹 Long-Term Outcomes & Weight Regain – Data suggests that 30–50% of bariatric surgery patients regain weight within five years. What are the implications for food addiction recovery? 🔹 Pharmacological & Surgical Interventions – Comparisons between bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic and Mounjaro) in regulating appetite and cravings. 🔹 The Debate on Food Addiction – Where the scientific community stands on whether food addiction should be classified as an addiction akin to substance use disorders. Key Takeaways: ✔ Bariatric surgery alters the gut-brain axis, leading to changes in both alcohol and sugar sensitivity. ✔ Some post-surgical patients are at increased risk for developing AUD due to heightened alcohol absorption and reward pathway changes. ✔ Neurobiological and hormonal factors contribute to food cravings and hedonic eating post-surgery. ✔ Obesity is often associated with low dopamine levels, and bariatric surgery may help restore dopamine balance, reducing food cravings. ✔ Long-term post-surgery weight regain is common, raising questions about sustainable solutions for metabolic disorders. Future Directions & Research Needs: 🧪 Neuroscience of Post-Bariatric Surgery – More studies are needed on brain dopamine changes post-surgery. 📊 Longitudinal Studies – Tracking post-surgical patients' eating behaviors, alcohol consumption, and cravings over time. 🧠 Behavioral & Psychological Interventions – Combining pharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital tools to personalize weight loss and addiction treatment. 💡 Preventive Approaches – Identifying high-risk individuals pre-surgery to provide better education and support for long-term success. Final Thoughts from Dr. Davis: "If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Keep an open mind. Science is about asking what if and following the data wherever it leads." Resources & Links: 🔗 Study: Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 🔗 Learn more about Dr. John Davis’ research at Nova Nordisk 🔗 Food Junkies Podcast – Subscribe for more episodes on food addiction, recovery, and science-backed solutions 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced changes in alcohol or food cravings post-bariatric surgery? Let us know in Vera's Facebook Group: Sugar-Free for Life: I'm Sweet Enough The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min
  • Episode 215: Clinician’s Corner - Exploring Harm Reduction in Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder
    Feb 6 2025
    In this episode, we dive into a hot topic in the world of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Use Disorder—Harm Reduction. This concept, widely recognized in substance use recovery, has been largely undefined or misunderstood in the food addiction space. Today, we explore: What is harm reduction?How does it work in food addiction recovery?Who might benefit from harm reduction strategies?Practical ways harm reduction can be applied in real-world recovery Join Clarissa and Molly as they break down harm reduction principles, share real-life client applications, and discuss how respect for autonomy, compassion over shame, and evidence-based strategies can support individuals on their unique recovery paths. Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Respecting Individual Recovery Journeys – Meeting people where they’re at without shame or coercion ✅ Common Misconceptions About Harm Reduction – How it differs from moderation management ✅ Practical Harm Reduction Strategies – Meal timing, food sequencing, mindful eating, and more ✅ Addressing Clinician Pushback – Why harm reduction is often misunderstood in food addiction spaces ✅ Balancing Abstinence & Harm Reduction – Helping clients determine the best path for them ✅ The Role of Medications & Surgical Interventions – Understanding how medical tools can support food addiction recovery Key Harm Reduction Principles: 1. Respect for the Person Compassion over shame: People struggling with UPF addiction deserve respect and understanding—not guilt or judgment.Meeting people where they are: Recovery is personal; some may need to eliminate certain foods, while others focus on reducing harm without complete abstinence.Building trust: Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations fosters a supportive recovery environment. 2. Commitment to Evidence Understanding food addiction science: Research shows UPFs hijack the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive overeating. Harm reduction is based on evidence, not willpower.Using proven strategies: Structured meal planning, protein-rich whole foods, and blood sugar stabilization can help reduce cravings and binge episodes.Medication as a tool: Some individuals benefit from medications like Naltrexone/Bupropion to regulate cravings—similar to medication-assisted treatment for substance use. 3. Focus on Harms Minimizing the most damaging behaviors: Recovery is not about immediate perfection but reducing harm over time.Shifting food choices: A harm-reduction model may involve replacing binge-triggering UPFs with minimally processed alternatives.Reducing metabolic harm: Eating whole foods first, balancing blood sugar, and prioritizing nutrition can help mitigate UPF-related health consequences. 4. Recognizing Food Addiction Realities Not everyone can quit UPFs overnight: A phased approach may be more sustainable.UPFs are engineered for addiction: Willpower alone is not enough—practical strategies like structured eating and environmental changes can help.Food as a coping mechanism: Understanding the emotional role of UPFs helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies. 5. Prioritizing Autonomy Individualized recovery paths: Some people thrive with full abstinence, while others focus on reducing harm in certain settings (e.g., social gatherings).Empowering self-directed choices: Individuals should have the freedom to set their own recovery boundaries and decide which tools work for them.Allowing flexibility: Recovery is not all-or-nothing—setbacks are learning experiences, not failures. 6. Socio-Cultural Sensitivity Considering food access and affordability: Many people in recovery have financial or geographical barriers to whole foods. Harm reduction respects these realities.Cultural food traditions: Recovery must honor cultural identity while balancing UPF reduction goals.Reducing stigma in marginalized communities: A non-judgmental, compassionate approach is crucial, especially for those with limited resources. Final Takeaway: Harm reduction is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and neither is abstinence. The key is bio-individuality—what works for YOU? We encourage both individuals in recovery and clinicians to stay curious, open-minded, and evidence-based when considering recovery tools. 🔗 Connect with the Food Junkies Podcast: 📢 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Your feedback helps us spread awareness and reach more people on their recovery journey. 📩 Join the Conversation – Connect with us on social media and let us know your thoughts on today’s episode! Email us: foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    53 min

Ce que les auditeurs disent de Food Junkies Podcast

Moyenne des évaluations de clients
Au global
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 étoiles
    1
  • 4 étoiles
    0
  • 3 étoiles
    0
  • 2 étoiles
    0
  • 1 étoile
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 étoiles
    1
  • 4 étoiles
    0
  • 3 étoiles
    0
  • 2 étoiles
    0
  • 1 étoile
    0
Histoire
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 étoiles
    1
  • 4 étoiles
    0
  • 3 étoiles
    0
  • 2 étoiles
    0
  • 1 étoile
    0

Évaluations – Cliquez sur les onglets pour changer la source des évaluations.