In this episode, naturopathic doctor, researcher and author, Alan C. Logan, talks about:

His passion and drive for holistic healthcare: mind, body, medicine, exercise, and its connection to nature.

How today the nutrition field is plagued by opinions, and how he’s always interested to learn where the research is at.

How we’re living in this so called “post truth” world, and how there has never been a more important time for us to focus on evidence-informed practices.

The history of ultra-processed foods: how has this become the norm?

The story of Astro Foods and their Twinkies: How these cakes were put into schools, primarily in disadvantaged communities throughout North America, where the children did not have other breakfast options.

The story of Astro Foods and politics: How a company chose to jump through endless loopholes to redefine a nutritious breakfast. Thus, a cake with zero nutritional value became equivalent to 4 oz. of orange juice, two strips of bacon, an egg and a piece of buttered toast.

The story of Astro Foods and the present moment: What Astro Foods achieved in the 60’s is ongoing. It’s a deep seeded corruption that needs to be fixed because everything is on the line for children.

How science is illuminating the activity of microorganisms, and allows us to see the interconnectivity of ALL aspects of life on Planet Earth. Social, political and economic systems influence and manifest themselves right into the gut level!

The Big Ask: if you’re going to propose that people consume more fruits and vegetables it’s important to understand that for many North Americans, it’s a very tough ask.

The Big Problem: North American ultra-processed foods account for approximately 50% of our total energy intake, which removes the opportunity and potential for microbial diversity.

Food Conundrum: what are you consuming that could have detrimental effects? What are you not consuming that would have protective effects? 

Nutritional psychiatry: research is now connecting nutrition to mental health.

A lifetime of wellness: There’ a lot on the line, because mental health in our youth, determines so much of their potential life course.

Food education: How we teach young people about nutrition has to change. We need to talk about it politically— as matters of power, inequality and food justice.

The rhetorical question: Do you think it is fair, that South Los Angles—which is a 32 square mile area, has 45% of all the fast food outlets of the entire 500 square mile city of Los Angles?

How the health food industry doesn’t get enough credit for having been agents of change.

How 80% of mortality is connected to modifiable lifestyle variables, of which nutrition is a central component.