Have you ever wondered if some people simply have a fast metabolism? You know the kind of people that seem to be able to eat anything and still maintain a healthy weight? Does your metabolism slow as you age? What about the effect of the menopause? And are intermittent fasting and certain supplements evidence based ways to speed up your metabolism?

These are the questions I put to Dr Adam Collins, researcher at University of Surrey where I completed my Nutritional Medicine Masters. Dr Collins is a well-known expert in metabolism and nutrition science. He's done a lot of research on energy expenditure, intermittent fasting, and how different diets affect metabolism.

Topics we cover include …

🔬 What is metabolism?

🐢 Can you actually have a “slow” metabolism?

📉 Metabolism and aging

❄️ Cold exposure for metabolism

😰 Stress and metabolic dysfunction

🔁 What is metabolic flexibility?

❤️ Why it matters (beyond weight)

⚡ Carbs vs fat—who fuels what?

🧠 How to boost metabolic flexibility

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Up to 40% of cancers are attributable to modifiable risk factors, including diet, obesity, alcohol, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. The WCRF estimates that about 1 in 3 cancer cases in high-income countries could be prevented by healthier diets, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular physical activity. And according to the National Cancer Institute in the US, physical inactivity is a recognized risk factor for colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.

But even with the best intentions there’s a lot of confusion around lifestyle and cancer. One day it’s red meat, the next it’s microwaves. We hear about them in headlines, social media posts or passed around in conversation, which can make it really hard to know what matters most.

I’m joined today by Professor Robert Thomas, an NHS oncologist and researcher who’s spent decades studying how lifestyle (from food and movement to gut health and supplements) affects cancer risk and recovery.

We talk about …

🧠 Common cancer myths - mushrooms and herbs

🥗 Anticancer diets – What to eat to reduce your risk.

🦠 Gut health & cancer – The powerful connection between your microbiome and cancer.

🔥 Inflammation & risk – How chronic inflammation increases cancer susceptibility.

🏃‍♂️ Exercise & cancer – The science behind how movement helps fight cancer cells.

🧴 Microplastics & personal care products – The hidden risks in everyday items.

💄 Aluminium in makeup & deodorants – Investigating the potential health impacts.

👶 Fertility impact – How lifestyle and environmental exposures may affect reproductive health.

He’s also recently appointed Head of Integrative Oncology at The Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine making him the UK’s first NHS Integrative Oncologist, to complement his existing role as an NHS Consultant Oncologist at Addenbrooke's and Bedford Hospitals. He is also a Clinical Teacher at Cambridge University. At the start of our conversation we talk about his new role and the types of patients he encounters.

View the podcast on our YouTube Channel

You can find out more from Professor on his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ProfThomasMD

Books: How to Live, Keeping healthy with Cancer

🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here

📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app

🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website

☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here

🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan

📷 Follow on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks the 300th episode of The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast!

I started this journey 8 years ago and since then I’ve sat down with world-class researchers, doctors, nutritionists, neuroscientists, exercise physiologists and many more, all with the aim of sharing their knowledge so you can improve your health and understanding of food and lifestyle medicine.

What has made the biggest difference to me personally are a few simple rituals I return to, even when I am sleep deprived, overwhelmed… or caring for a very cute but very demanding newborn.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the daily and weekly habits, shared by some of our amazing guests, that have actually stuck. The ones that help me feel better, think more clearly and stay grounded, no matter what the week throws at me.

Episodes referenced in this podcast:

• Ep #281 with TJ Power - Digital devices and mental health
• Ep #291 - Prof Leigh Breen - Exercising for older adults
• Ep #6 - Dr Michael Farquar - Sleep for Night shift workers
• Ep #282 - Dr Kiran Chopra - Exercise strategies for longevity
• Ep #193 with Johann Hari - Why You Can't Focus
• Ep #267 with Dr Louisa Nicola - Sleep health and how to optimise your brain

🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here

📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app

🌐 View full show notes, including guest details, on our website

☕️ Try Exhale Coffee here

🥗 Join the newsletter and receive a 7 day meal plan

📷 Follow on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.