In this episode of Food Junkies, Dr. Nick Norwitz shares his personal journey with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease and how a ketogenic diet transformed his health when conventional medicine failed. We dive into groundbreaking research on the link between food addiction and viruses, the phenomenon of lean mass hyper responders, and the complexities of cholesterol and metabolic function. Dr. Norwitz also discusses his famous “Oreo Experiment”, where he lowered his cholesterol with cookies, challenging mainstream medical assumptions and highlighting the need for individualized approaches to health and nutrition.

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman interviews Dr. John Davis about how bariatric surgery may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder and food addiction. Dr. Davis explains how changes in gut-brain signaling heighten sensitivity to alcohol and sugar, leading to shifts in cravings and behavior. They discuss the roles of hormones like GLP-1, dopamine, and ghrelin, offering insights into post-surgical addiction risks and recovery challenges.

Is "all or nothing" the only way to recover from Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) addiction, or is there a more flexible, compassionate approach? In this episode, Clarissa and Molly explore harm reduction—a powerful yet often misunderstood tool in food addiction recovery. While widely used in substance use treatment, harm reduction remains unclear in the UPF space, leaving many wondering if it’s a viable option. We break down what harm reduction really is, who it can benefit, and how it differs from moderation management, along with practical strategies like meal timing, food sequencing, mindful eating, and structured meal planning. We also tackle clinician pushback, the role of medications, and the balance between harm reduction and abstinence, helping you navigate recovery in a way that truly works for YOU.

Dr. Kim Dennis discusses the growing recognition of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD) and its impact on mental health. Citing a major study linking UPFA to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and anxiety, she challenges the “all foods fit” model in eating disorder treatment. At her clinic, patients are assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale and offered treatment as usual, harm reduction, or abstinence-based care. She emphasizes the need for individualized, research-backed approaches and urges clinicians to listen to patients as the field shifts toward recognizing food addiction as a serious condition.

Michael Prager, author of Fat Boy, Thin Man, shares his journey from food addiction to recovery and advocacy. He discusses the inspiration behind his books, the parallels between food and substance addiction, and the need for institutional recognition of food addiction. A must-listen for anyone seeking insights into recovery and systemic change.

Dr. Marty Lerner discusses the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating eating disorders and food addiction. He explores how these medications reduce cravings, influence satiety, and their clinical and ethical implications. Dr. Lerner also highlights potential benefits, risks, and the importance of addressing emotional and psychological aspects in recovery.

Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, Stanford-trained neurologist and founder of Migraine Relief Code, explores the root causes of migraines, including genetics, diet, gut health, and toxins. She shares actionable strategies for early intervention, balancing blood sugar, reducing triggers, and using integrative approaches to improve brain health. Take control of your migraines with insights from this must-listen episode!

In this New Year's episode of Clinician's Corner on the Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa share their guiding words for 2025 before diving into a compassionate discussion about navigating recovery challenges. They explore the differences between slips, lapses, and recurrences, emphasizing the importance of accurate language to reduce shame and foster resilience. With practical strategies for addressing recovery setbacks, like reassessing plans, seeking community support, and practicing self-compassion, the hosts empower listeners to approach their journey with curiosity and kindness. Featuring mantras like "Compassion over Criticism" and "Resilience over Regret," this episode offers tools and inspiration to thrive in recovery throughout the year ahead.

Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, Dr. Padda explains how understanding and addressing meta-inflammation can unlock new pathways for treatment and recovery.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda to explore the fascinating concept of meta-inflammation and its role in chronic pain, obesity, and addiction. Dr. Padda shares his unique journey and extensive expertise in addressing metabolic dysfunction and inflammation through a sound nutritional approach.