How to use FOOD as MEDICINE | Dr Mark Hyman | Feel Better Live More Podcast

Today’s conversation is all about food and my guest is world-renowned medical doctor, Dr Mark Hyman. Mark has spent decades in clinical practice and we share a real passion for empowering our patients with practical information that they can use to improve their health. As well as his clinical work, Mark is an educator, author and campaigner and is committed to changing policy for the betterment of public health. Last time I spoke to Mark back on episode 98 of the podcast, we spoke about how the food choices we make can impact our health, the environment and climate change. We continue that conversation in today’s episode by talking about the content of his brand-new book, The Pegan Diet. Despite the title, this is not a diet book – it outlines the core principles of nutrition that underpin good health and can be followed by anyone, whatever your dietary or cultural preference.

In our conversation, we take a deep dive into concepts like food is medicine, personalised nutrition and the unnecessary conflict between many diet ‘tribes’ – who Mark and I believe actually have more in common than you might think. Mark explains that scientists have identified upwards of 25,000 different phytonutrients, not just in plant foods but also in grazing animals, which our bodies can process and use in complex ways. He explains how our ultra-processed Western diets are contributing to the chronic disease epidemic and that our current food system isn’t just driving poor health, it’s one of the biggest causes of climate change. We also discuss the importance of reducing our food waste, the need for regenerative agriculture and the harm caused by factory farming.

Mark’s simple, back-to-basics approach is within all our reach. It’s a myth, he insists, that eating well takes time, money and effort. He argues that the food industry has hijacked our kitchens and convinced us we need to outsource our meals, and it’s time to take back control.

I always get a lot from my conversations with Mark and this one is no exception. I love his message that we can all be part of the solution – for our own health, that of society and of the planet. I hope you enjoy listening.

Connect with Mark:
YouTube @drmarkhyman

Mark’s Books:

Related Feel Better Live More podcast episodes:

#feelbetterlivemore #diet #nutrition
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

[lindsaytideswell]

2 unbelievably inspirational people with complete common sense. Why why why why isn’t this stuff mainstream

[michellelappin]

If the mainstream medical community doesn't want to say "food is medicine" how about simply saying food choices impact health and wellness? How this can be controversial, I will never understand. Garbage in, garbage out. It's that simple! Love this interview.

[raewise]

We ARE listening Mark! We are. And we are changing our lives and living it. And we are sharing it with our families and friends. We are changing the way we deal with our doctors. Please never stop, we are listening! 😍

[aprilmichael]

My wish is for every doctor to eventually wake up & have Dr Hyman's wisdom & thirst for service to humanity. One of very few doctors I have joy listening to as a 59 year old South African woman. Witty, great sense of humour too. Perfect combo to me 👋🏼👋🏼🤩💥

[xelaklement]

Amazing. One of the best podcasts so far. Eating meat or not eating meat isn't the ONLY problem. I've been trying to explain that to people so often. If you take part in modern society you're always going to be damaging the environment (not only with food! Think about your phones etc.) so the best we can do is trying to reduce that damage as much as possible by understanding where it really comes from. Thank you!

[mash]

Thank you for caring!!! Dr. Hyman going to his patients’ kitchen to teach them to cook ‘real’ food is so inspirational! What a lovely caring and kind heart.

[RoseMary-glee]

Dr Hyman, yes I’m listening. Not only am I listening, I’m RELYING on your pursuit and info!!!

[chleoi]

Dr. Heiman is a gem!!
He is the only dr. Who is interested in heath & the environment in such depth, if you have any chance, listen to this podcast. If you don't have time, listen to the last 5 minutes & you will have such important advice 👌

[judymanning]

Thank you Dr Hyman for being principled. 🤗

[bettypaulino]

Thank you Mark for everything you do.
I learn a lot about how I can eat and how everything affect ours body .
🥰💪🙌🏻👌

[annamaynard]

Bravo...medics take the Hippocratic oath and Hippocrates is famous for saying Let food be thy medicine. Thank you for helping the UK to catch up.

[raewise]

I feel SO bad for doctors who DARE to increase their knowledge and ADD to their education toward functional medicine. They are treated as traitors to their profession!?! How brave they are to venture down this path, and to share it!! These doctors are healing and curing in an amazing way!! Forever grateful!

[laco]

Wow! This is one of your most insightful podcasts Doc! Thank you for the great job you are doing saving our lives ❤

[barbararuga]

Great conversation with Dr. Hyman & yurself. Life Is a learning experience. Thank you both.

[Penelope]

Dr. Chatterjee, your show’s content and caliber of guests are impacting many lives for the good. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Shouts out to the Mrs.for all her valuable hard work.

[kerryjean]

I'm 60 and moved out of my parents age 16 and I have never thrown out not even a speck of food. I have always composted. I am an avid gardener. I'm also a pedantic recycler.
This is a fabulous video x

[kevinthorpe]

Thankyou Rangan for such an insightful podcast. Dr Mark emphasizes what Hippocrates said....Let food be thy medicine.

[mariselamoreno]

Thank you Rangan and Mark for bringing us this knowledge, which empowers us to make the right health choices. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[sharonleslie]

If you own chickens, you will have very little food scraps that go to waste as they can eat most of these. There are no eggs as yellow and as good as homegrown eggs. The chickens can eat their own shells which gives them calcium back.

[tracymason]

A fantastic interview. Thank you so much.