Optimum Nutrition

Nutritional therapist Dominique Ludwig joins host Natalie Li to share the simple, no‑nonsense habits that have transformed the health of thousands of clients. 

She explains why ditching ultra‑processed foods, eating three proper meals a day and prioritising protein and fibre can rapidly boost energy, mood and satiety. 

Dominique reflects on 30 years in the field, how nutrition science has evolved, and why consistency &mdash...

Functional dentist Dr Victoria Sampson joins host Natalie Li to explore why the mouth is one of the most powerful – and overlooked – indicators of whole‑body health. 

From the oral microbiome to menopause, and even dental care for astronauts, Sampson breaks down how what happens in the mouth reflects what’s happening everywhere else.

• Discover why saliva is a diagnostic goldmine
• Learn how bleeding gums signal...

We speak with Emily Johnson, a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie, about growing up with autoimmune arthritis, the years of confusion before diagnosis, and how a science-informed anti-inflammatory lifestyle helped her find steadier ground alongside medication.

Now studying a part-time BSc degree in Nutritional Therapy with the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, Emily is dev...

In this episode we sit down with Dr Jenna Macciochi, leading immunologist and author of Immune to Age, to explore the powerful connection between immunity and aging. Macchiochi has spent 20 years studying the immune system.

From infectious disease to autoimmunity, lifespan vs. healthspan, and the science of inflammageing, Jenna explains how your immune system is your lifelong health ally. We discuss watershed ages, lifestyle choices...

In this episode of the Optimum Nutrition podcast, host Natalie Li speaks with Tom Baxter, farmer and founder of the Bristol Fungarium, which produces the UK's first organic certified medicinal mushrooms.

Tom explores the journey of mushroom farming, the health benefits of various mushrooms like Reishi and Lion's Mane, and the science behind their medicinal properties. Tom shares insights into the challenges faced by the mushroom ind...

In this episode, Dan Kittredge – founder of the Bionutrient Food Association and the Bionutrient Institute – takes us on a journey from his roots on an organic farm to leading a global movement for better food. 

He breaks down the concept of nutrient density, why soil health matters more than ever, and how citizen science is empowering everyday consumers to demand higher-quality food. 

Dan shares simple, actiona...

We're back for season four!

Julia Bradbury is a renowned British television presenter, journalist and environmental advocate, best known for her work on nature documentaries like Countryfile and Britain’s Best Walks. 

In this enlightening and inspiring conversation, she shares her health journey with Natalie Li, Communications Officer at ION. 

She discusses the importance of nutrition, stress management, and the healin...

Hannah Dolan is a dynamic food innovator with a passion for creating nutritious, trend-setting meals. As Head of Food at Nursery Kitchen, she’s revolutionising children's nutrition, ensuring young minds grow with wholesome, delicious food. Previously, at Potage, she streamlined operations and elevated product quality, driving higher customer satisfaction.

Her six-year tenure at Pret A Manger saw her rise to Head of Global Food...

In our latest episode we chat to Kate Cook, a trailblazer in health and nutrition, with over 20 years of expertise transforming lives and workplaces. 

As a nutrition and wellness expert, author and keynote speaker, Kate has worked with more than 7,000 clients, including corporate giants like JP Morgan and Pret a Manger, to create healthier, happier teams.

Her journey began in her late twenties, leaving the art world to p...

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the world of marathon running and sports nutrition with nutritional therapist Janie Perry. From solicitor to a 20-time marathon runner, Janie transformed her career and life, now dedicating herself to offering holistic and sustainable solutions for weight management and sports nutrition. 

Janie shares her journey and her mission to help women achieve health, energy, and happiness...

In this latest episode we delve into the world of obesity with our guest, Dr Natascha (Tasch) Van Zyl, who has dedicated her career to helping individuals living with obesity achieve their best lives. 

According to Tasch, it’s not just about losing weight or fitting into a smaller frame, but about maximising health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle changes. 

With a focus on compassion, care, and acceptanc...

In the second episode of our third series ION graduate VJ Hamilton, aka The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, discusses her career shift from chartered accountant to nutritional therapy. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery and how she turned to nutrition after suffering with chronic fatigue and alopecia. VJ has lived symptom free for more than eight years. 

VJ Hamilton is a Registered Nutritionist (BANT) and an expe...

Catherine Jeans is an experienced nutritional therapist, and founder of The Family Nutrition Expert, based in Norwich. Jeans graduated from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and has since lectured for ION and runs her own private practice which has helped over 2,000 clients from around the world.

Through her online nutrition courses, private coaching programmes, and live workshops her aim is to educate and inspire families to live...

Catherine Sharman is a nutritional therapist and founder of Après, formerly a hit London restaurant and now a healthy ready-meal company. In this episode, Catherine explains how she uses the principles of functional eating – a concept instilled in her while studying at ION – in her food, making little changes to food she loves in order to better support health. Joined by host Hatty Willmoth, a journalist and Communicati...

Dr Kirstie Lawton is a nutritional therapy practitioner and ION lecturer who specialises in paediatric nutrition, i.e. nutrition for children. In this episode of the Optimum Nutrition podcast, Kirstie addresses common questions and misconceptions about how best to support a child’s health with nutrition, particularly focusing on how to help them develop a healthy relationship with food that will serve them for life. In conver...

Giulietta Durante is a menstrual cycle nutritionist, registered nutritional therapy practitioner, and podcaster who lives and breathes her specialist subject: the menstrual cycle. In this episode, Giulietta explores why she feels it’s so empowering to embrace every phase of the menstrual cycle, with all the challenges and opportunities each brings. Joined by host Hatty Willmoth, a journalist and communications officer at ION,...

Layla Gordon is a nutritional therapy practitioner based in Poole, Dorset, who graduated from ION back in 2021. In this episode of the Optimum Nutrition podcast, Layla explains healthy fats in conversation with host Hatty Willmoth, a journalist and communications officer. Together they explore the different types of fats and how they interact with every cell in the body. Starting with the basics, this episode asks, is fat bad? Does...

Amy Pamment is a nutritional therapy practitioner and ION lecturer who specialises in chronic fatigue syndrome, children’s health and neurodiversity. In this episode of the recently relaunched Optimum Nutrition podcast, Amy discusses her own experience with chronic fatigue syndrome, and the steps she took to get well, as well as CFS more generally. Hosted by journalist and communications officer Hatty Willmoth, this episode t...

Sam Feltham is the founder and director of the Public Health Collaboration (PHC), a charity dedicated to improving public health and saving the NHS money through better lifestyle information. The PHC largely focuses on tackling the UK’s diabetes crisis by promoting ‘real food, low carb’ lifestyles. In this episode of the recently relaunched Optimum Nutrition podcast, Sam Feltham discusses carbohydrates with journa...