Why Modern Life Is Making Us Sick with Dr Damien Downing

Nutritional Therapist and founder of Make Me Sugar Free, Leisa Cockayne, joins us to explore the impact sugar has on our health and why it can be so difficult to give up. Drawing on her own experience of stage four endometriosis and transforming her health through nutrition, Leisa explains our complex relationship with sugar and how we’re consuming far more than we realise. From cravings and hidden sugars to misleading food labels and sugar alternatives, she cuts through the confusion and shares realistic strategies for lasting change in both adults and children. If you want to break free from the sugar cycle without feeling deprived, this episode is for you. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Physician and leading expert in ecological medicine, Dr Damien Downing, joins us to explore how light, water and the modern environment can profoundly influence health. Drawing on insights from his latest book, we uncover why fatigue, hormonal imbalances and chronic symptoms are so common - even when we're eating well and taking supplements. Dr Downing explains how modern lifestyles can disrupt the body's natural biology and shares simple ways to optimise light exposure, hydration and daily rhythms to restore balance and feel better. If you're feeling tired, out of sync, or like something is missing from your health routine, this episode is for you. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Could mould be the missing piece behind your unexplained health symptoms? Naturopathic Nutritionist, Mays Al-Ali, joins us to explore mould illness - a complex and often misunderstood condition that can affect everything from energy and cognition to digestion, immunity and hormones. We discuss why it's so frequently missed, the signs and symptoms to look out for and how to test for mould exposure. Mays also shares practical advice on reducing exposure, creating a healthier environment and supporting your body's recovery for long-term wellbeing. If you've been searching for answers to ongoing health concerns, or you suspect mould exposure could be affecting your wellbeing, this episode is for you. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Naturopath Dr Michael Murray, one of the world's most influential voices in natural health, joins us to share his insights on brain health and cognitive function. As rates of brain fog, memory problems and cognitive decline continue to rise, Michael explains the key factors that influence brain ageing. We discuss the impact of lifestyle, inflammation and blood sugar balance, alongside the role of nutrition, herbs and natural approaches in supporting cognitive health. Michael also shares practical strategies for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Nutrition researcher and speaker Dr Zoë Harcombe joins us to explore the growing popularity of weight loss injections and the wider conversation around weight, health and modern lifestyles. As drugs like GLP-1s become increasingly mainstream, we unpack how these medications work, why so many people are turning to them and the concerns surrounding their long-term use. Zoë also explains the bigger picture behind metabolic health, including the role of blood sugar balance, insulin resistance and sustainable lifestyle habits in supporting healthy weight management. This episode offers an insightful and accessible look at one of today’s most talked-about health trends, helping you better understand the risks and alternatives when it comes to long-term health. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Author and researcher Dr Malcolm Kendrick joins us to challenge some of the most widely held beliefs about heart disease. We explore what really lies behind heart attacks and strokes, looking beyond the traditional cholesterol narrative to examine the roles of arterial damage, inflammation and blood clotting. Dr Kendrick unpacks the science of cholesterol and lipoproteins, how statins work, and where common assumptions fall short. This episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on cardiovascular health, helping you better understand risk factors and what truly matters when it comes to protecting your heart. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Nutritionist and CNM graduate, Rose Ferguson, shares her insights into supporting women’s health through midlife. We explore what’s really happening in the body during this transition - from hormonal shifts and changes in insulin sensitivity to the impact of gut health, stress and sleep on metabolic health after forty. Rose breaks down the key physiological changes of perimenopause and beyond, offering practical, achievable nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support balance, resilience and long-term wellbeing during this stage of life. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist and women’s hormone health expert, Vivien Allred, shares insights into supporting hormones naturally. We explore what a healthy menstrual cycle really looks like, the key signs of hormonal imbalance, and how everyday factors such as diet, gut health and exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals can impact hormonal health. Vivien offers practical, achievable strategies to help reduce PMS symptoms, optimise your cycle and support long-term hormone balance, empowering you to take control of your wellbeing. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Bestselling author and founder of NutritionFacts.org, Dr Michael Greger, shares evidence-based insights on ageing and longevity. We explore why we age, what influences how long we stay healthy, and which foods, nutrients and lifestyle habits can help you live longer. Dr Greger breaks down the science behind his latest book, How Not to Age, separating fact from fiction and offering practical, actionable tips to support long-term health. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/

Sophie Barrett from Hifas da Terra reveals how medicinal mushrooms can support stress, sleep, immunity, gut health, hormones, skin and longevity. We explore what makes mushrooms medicinal, which ones to take for specific health needs, the best ways to use them, their role in chronic conditions, and how to choose high-quality products safely. Packed with practical tips, this episode guides you on bringing medicinal mushrooms into your everyday wellness routine. For more information and the show notes, head to the CNM podcast website. Stay updated by following CNM on:Website: https://www.cnmpodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeofnaturopathicmedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNM.UK/