125. Fear-Based Nutrition and Food Myths with Dr. Gil Carvalho

125. Fear-Based Nutrition and Food Myths with Dr. Gil Carvalho

In this episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable., Susan Robbins sits down with physician, researcher, and science communicator Dr. Gil Carvalho for a powerful conversation about nutrition misinformation, influencer-driven fear, and what the science actually says about cholesterol, saturated fat, seed oils, oats, and popular diet trends. Dr. Gil Carvalho, founder of the Nutrition Made Simple [https://www.youtube.com/@NutritionMadeSimple?utm_source=chatgpt.com] YouTube channel, is known for breaking down complex health research into practical, understandable information without the fear tactics and sensationalism that dominate so much of the wellness world. Together, Susan and Dr. Gil unpack some of the biggest myths circulating online, including the idea that “higher cholesterol is always better,” that oats are harmful, and that seed oils are toxic. They also discuss why individualized health matters, how genetics influence risk factors like ApoB and Lp(a), and why lab work should guide decisions more than viral social media claims. This episode is a grounded, evidence-based conversation designed to help listeners think critically, ask better questions, and become stronger advocates for their own health. In this episode: * Why high cholesterol should not automatically be dismissed as “healthy” * The difference between cholesterol levels, ApoB, particle size, and Lp(a) * How misinformation spreads through influencer culture * Why oats are not the “worst breakfast you can eat” * The truth about seed oils and inflammation * How genetics impact cardiovascular risk and dietary responses * Why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice often backfires * The importance of personalized nutrition and individualized lab work * Why fear-based wellness messaging can create more harm than good * How social media oversimplifies complex health topics * The role of lifestyle, stress, sleep, movement, and environment in long-term health * Why learning to interpret science critically matters more than following trends Dr. Gil Carvalho Gil Carvalho is a Portuguese physician, research scientist, and science communicator known for his work in nutrition, longevity, and evidence-based health education. Born in Portugal, he earned his MD from the University of Lisbon and later obtained a PhD in Biology from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he trained under pioneering geneticist Seymour Benzer. Carvalho's research spans genetics, molecular biology, nutrition, behavior, aging, and neuroscience, with contributions including the identification of genetic and nutritional mechanisms underlying longevity; his work has been cited over 4,130 times as of 2023 according to Google Scholar. He has collaborated with neuroscientist Antonio Damasio on neural signal transmission and the basis of interoception, and his publications appear in prestigious outlets such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Methods. In addition to his academic career at the University of Southern California, Carvalho is a prominent science communicator, founding the YouTube channel Nutrition Made Simple in 2018, which has amassed over a million monthly viewers by simplifying complex dietary science for lay audiences. He contributes to organizations including the Institute of Limbic Health, and his expert insights have been featured in media like Quanta Magazine and ScienceDaily. Carvalho has received awards such as the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics and a Mathers Foundation grant, underscoring his impact in bridging clinical practice, rigorous research, and public health education. RESOURCES: Connect with Dr. Gil Carvalho: Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@NutritionMadeSimple [http://www.youtube.com/@NutritionMadeSimple] twitter.com/NutritionMadeS3 [http://twitter.com/NutritionMadeS3] facebook.com/DrGilCarvalho [http://facebook.com/DrGilCarvalho] tiktok.com/@nutrition.made.simple [http://tiktok.com/@nutrition.made.simple] instagram.com/gilcarvalho.md [http://instagram.com/gilcarvalho.md] https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/25/episode125/ [https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/25/episode125/] Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ [https://healthyawakening.co/] Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast [http://healthyawakening.co/podcast] Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links [https://healthyawakening.co/links] P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast [https://healthyawakening.co/podcast]

Ep 124. Detox Culture: Is It Helping You or Harming You?

This episode of the Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable. podcast takes a hard look at one of the biggest trends in the wellness world: detox culture. Susan Robbins shares a raw and deeply honest perspective on the fear-based messaging surrounding parasites, mold, heavy metals, cleanses, and “toxic overload,” while explaining what true detoxification actually looks like inside the body. From harsh protocols and supplement overload to the nervous system’s role in health, this conversation challenges the idea that more detoxing always equals better wellness. Susan also dives into the genetics behind detox pathways, including MTHFR, COMT, PEMT, GST genes, inflammation markers, bile flow, and histamine responses. She explains why personalized health matters, why one-size-fits-all detox programs can backfire, and how stress, sleep, nutrition, circadian rhythm, and emotional safety often play a much bigger role in how the body functions than another cleanse ever will. This episode is a reminder that the body already knows how to detox when it has the right support, nourishment, and stability. In this episode: * Why the detox industry often profits from fear * The difference between true toxic overload and depletion * How the body naturally detoxifies through the liver, kidneys, gut, skin, and lymphatic system * Why harsh cleanses can create more stress on the body * The truth about parasite cleanses, binders, colonics, and juice detoxes * How chronic stress impacts detox pathways and hormone balance * Why genetics like MTHFR, COMT, GST, PEMT, IL6, and TNF-alpha matter in personalized health * The connection between histamine, sulfur pathways, glutathione, and detox symptoms * How nervous system regulation impacts healing and detoxification * Why lifestyle rhythms, sleep, meal timing, and stress management matter more than most people realize * How Susan uses epigenetics and PH360 health types to personalize detox support * The importance of building resilience instead of living in fear around health RESOURCES: Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:  Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings [http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings] (this link will provide you a special discount!) https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/18/episode124/ [https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/18/episode124/] Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ [https://healthyawakening.co/] Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast [http://healthyawakening.co/podcast] Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links [https://healthyawakening.co/links] P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast [https://healthyawakening.co/podcast]

123. The Science of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Red Light Healing with Alan Trim

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for centuries, but only recently has it started gaining attention for its powerful role in recovery, performance, longevity, and chronic illness support. In this fascinating episode, Susan sits down with Alan Trim, co-founder of Oxidise Wellness Lab [https://oxydise.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], to unpack the science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy, and why these technologies are becoming game changers for everything from elite sports recovery to neurological health and cancer support. Alan shares his deeply personal story of battling severe insomnia and how hyperbaric oxygen therapy became the turning point that changed his life. Together, Susan and Alan explore how oxygen under pressure impacts inflammation, brain health, recovery, mitochondrial function, and overall resilience. They also dive into the importance of lifestyle foundations, the future of wellness technology, and how to safely navigate the growing world of hyperbaric and red light therapy options. In this episode: * What hyperbaric oxygen therapy actually is and how it works * The connection between oxygen, inflammation, and healing * How hyperbaric therapy supports recovery, brain health, and performance * The role of red light therapy in mitochondrial health and collagen production * Why athletes are using these technologies for recovery and endurance * The impact of hyperbaric therapy on chronic illness and cancer support * What to look for when choosing a hyperbaric or red light therapy provider * Why lifestyle still remains the true foundation of health optimization Alan Trim Bio Alan Trim is the co-founder of Oxydise and Oxydise Wellness Lab, a UK leader in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and advanced red-light technologies. He is a passionate advocate for how these modalities can help in elite sports performance, longevity optimisation, and chronic illness recovery. He has worked with high profile clients including Strictly's Gorka Marquez, Premier League footballers Anthony Elanga and Ola Aina and boxers Joseph Parker and Ben Whittaker. Alan is an International Board of Undersea Medicine qualified professional and has overseen deployment and use of hundreds of hyperbaric and wellness systems across the UK. He is known for translating cutting-edge science into practical systems that enhance recovery, improve cognitive clarity, boost athletic output, and support long-term health resilience. RESOURCES: Connect with Alan Trim: www.oxydise.co.uk [http://www.oxydise.co.uk/] https://alantrim.com/ [https://alantrim.com/] https://www.instagram.com/alan.trim/ https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/11/episode123/ [https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/11/episode123/] Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ [https://healthyawakening.co/] Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast [http://healthyawakening.co/podcast] Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links [https://healthyawakening.co/links] P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast [https://healthyawakening.co/podcast]

122. Root Causes of Chronic Illness in Kids with Dr. Somer DelSignore

This episode goes straight to the root of what is happening beneath chronic illness in children, and it is far more complex than a single diagnosis or quick fix. In this conversation, Dr. Somer DelSignore joins Susan Robbins to explore the real drivers behind immune and neurological dysfunction in kids. From hidden infections and toxin exposure to nutrient depletion and chronic stress, this discussion connects how everyday lifestyle patterns shape long term health. It challenges the habit of chasing symptoms and instead brings attention to patterns, history, and the deeper factors that build over time. What makes this episode powerful is how grounded and practical it feels. You will hear how modern life, including screen time, poor sleep, and highly processed food, keeps kids in a constant stress response and how that shows up in ways many parents miss. The conversation brings clarity without making things complicated. It highlights how small, consistent changes can shift a child’s health in a meaningful way and why prevention starts earlier than most people realize. In this episode: * Why chronic illness in children is rarely caused by one single factor and how multiple stressors build over time * The impact of hidden infections on inflammation, behavior, focus, and common misdiagnoses * How sleep, nutrition, and daily habits directly influence immune strength and brain function * What a constant stress response looks like in children and how it affects growth, mood, and focus * Simple ways to support your child’s nervous system, detox pathways, and overall health without overwhelm * Dr. Somer DelSignore Bio Dr. Somer DelSignore is a pediatric board-certified provider who blends integrative pediatric care with evidence-based medicine to address the root causes of immune and neurological dysfunction. Trained at the University of Pennsylvania and SUNY Upstate and further mentored in integrative medicine, Lyme, and PANS, she is known for highly personalized, research-driven treatment plans for children. Dr. DelSignore is an ILADS Member, a MAPS Fellow, and holds a Fellowship with the American Academy of Ozone Therapy. Her holistic 10-key approach emphasizes nutrition, environmental factors, and mental health, reflecting her commitment to whole-child care. She is the founder of Hudson Valley Integrative Health, where she helps families find clarity, hope, and a better quality of life.   RESOURCES: Connect with Dr. Somer DelSignore: Website: https://hudsonvalleyintegrativehealth.com/ [https://hudsonvalleyintegrativehealth.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylymesandpans/ [https://www.instagram.com/nylymesandpans/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nylymesandpans/ [https://www.facebook.com/nylymesandpans/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somerdelsignorekidslyme/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/somerdelsignorekidslyme/] https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/04/episode122/ [https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/04/episode122/] Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ [https://healthyawakening.co/] Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast [http://healthyawakening.co/podcast] Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links [https://healthyawakening.co/links] P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast [https://healthyawakening.co/podcast]

121. More Exercise Isn’t Making You Healthier, Here’s Why

Episode Show Notes We’ve been taught to believe that more exercise equals better health, stronger bodies, and faster results. This episode challenges that belief in a big way. Susan breaks down how pushing harder and training longer can actually backfire, leading to chronic inflammation, disrupted recovery, and even long-term health consequences that often go unnoticed. This conversation goes deeper than surface-level fitness advice. It connects the dots between genetics, lifestyle, and training patterns to show why two people can follow the exact same workout plan and experience completely different outcomes. From inflammatory gene responses to stress hormone regulation and recovery capacity, your body has a unique threshold, and ignoring it can quietly work against you. Susan also walks through how overtraining shows up beneath the surface, even when you feel “fine.” Blood markers, nervous system dysregulation, sleep disruption, and metabolic shifts all play a role in whether your body is adapting or breaking down. The goal isn’t to stop moving, it’s to train with precision, honoring your body’s rhythms, recovery needs, and individual design. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new lens on exercise, one that prioritizes alignment over intensity, and sustainability over burnout. Because real progress doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what actually works for your body. In this episode: * Why too much exercise can trigger chronic inflammation and slow recovery * How genetics influence your response to stress, training, and inflammation * The role of stress hormones like cortisol in overtraining and burnout * Key gene variants (like COMT, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and what they mean for your body * How different health types respond to exercise, and why personalization matters * The hidden signs of overtraining, even when you feel “healthy” * Blood markers to watch for (fasting insulin, triglycerides, CRP, glucose) * How chronobiology (timing) impacts performance and recovery * Why recovery, not intensity, is where real progress happens * How to train smarter by aligning with your body’s natural capacity RESOURCES: Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:  Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings [http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings] (this link will provide you a special discount!) https://healthyawakening.co/2026/04/27/episode121/ [https://healthyawakening.co/2026/04/27/episode121/] Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ [https://healthyawakening.co/] Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast [http://healthyawakening.co/podcast] Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links [https://healthyawakening.co/links] P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast [https://healthyawakening.co/podcast]