Integrative Medicine Matters

Integrative Medicine Matters
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Integrative Medicine Matters is a show that explores the science & practice of whole-person health. Join Dr Elizabeth Thompson, founder of the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM), as she interviews leading experts in lifestyle, functional & integrative medicine. She will discuss topics like nutrition, herbal medicine, fasting, movement, mindfulness & much more. NCIM is transforming healthcare through Integrative Medicine education for healthcare providers, clinical appointments for patients & a membership to learn & connect with like-minded professionals. Visit www.ncim.org.uk

  1. Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: The Science Behind Anxiety, Energy and Calm with Emma Beswick

    3d ago

    Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: The Science Behind Anxiety, Energy and Calm with Emma Beswick

    In this fascinating episode of Integrative Medicine Matters, Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Emma Beswick, nutritionist and founder of LifeCode GX, for a wide ranging and deeply personal conversation about nutrigenomics and what our genes can tell us about our health. Emma takes us on a remarkable journey from the powerhouses of our cells to the pathways behind anxiety, calm and cognitive function, revealing how small variations in our genetic code can have a profound impact on how we feel every day. Drawing on her own experience of lifelong anxiety and the moment she discovered her GABA pathway was genetically compromised, Emma explains how understanding our individual genetics can transform the way we approach nutrition, lifestyle and wellbeing. Warm, wise and genuinely eye opening, this conversation will change the way you think about your body, your health history and your potential. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: *Your mitochondria do far more than make energy, they have their own DNA and play a central role in inflammation, immunity and how well you age *Why chronic inflammation acts like a slow smouldering fire inside your body and what you can do to protect yourself *Why exercise is the one medicine that cannot be bottled and how it makes you more resilient from the inside out*How tiny variations in your genetic code could explain persistent anxiety, poor energy and feeling overwhelmed and why these are entirely supportable *Why your GABA pathway could be the missing piece in your mental health and the simple everyday supports that can make a real difference About the Guest Emma Beswick is an experienced Nutritional Therapist as well as co-founder and CEO of Lifecode Gx, the leading experts in nutrigenomics testing and education. She lectures widely on the subject of nutrigenomics and is well known and respected for her knowledge and ability to present complex aspects of nutrigenomics in an accessible and clinically relevant way. She has particular, and personal interests in women’s health, neurological health, metabolism, and health span. SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can:  👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including ⁠⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠⁠ you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ –and let us know your thoughts.   Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    45 min
  2. The Whole Person Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine with Dr John Sykes

    May 14

    The Whole Person Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine with Dr John Sykes

    Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with GP and lifestyle medicine advocate Dr John Sykes about why true health goes far beyond managing biomarkers. Drawing on his work both in the NHS and private practice, John makes the case for whole person care — addressing physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, harmful substances and social connection as the real foundations of health. The conversation explores the growing role of GLP-1 weight loss medications, whereJohn argues passionately that wraparound lifestyle care should be the core treatment, not an afterthought. He touches on the battle between big food and big pharma, the critical importance of muscle mass as we age, and the scienceof muscle myokines as natural anti-inflammatory agents. The episode closes on an optimistic note, celebrating community-based initiatives like Park Run and the growing momentum behind lifestyle medicine as a genuine force for change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Health is physical, mental and social wellbeing, not just absence of disease • 70% of chronic disease is lifestyle driven and much of it can be reduced or reversed • Why stopping GLP-1 drugs without lifestyle support can leave patients worse off • How exercise dramatically cuts risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression & dementia • Why resistance training from midlife is essential to prevent age related muscle loss • Leg and grip strength are among the best predictors of a long functional life • Personalisation is essential as advice only works when it fits someone's real life SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Dr John Sykes is a GP in Bath who is as passionate about Lifestyle Medicine as he is about General Practice. Whilst living in Australia, Dr Sykes has utilised his keen interest in positive lifestyle changes to set up a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic in Sydney to reduce, prevent or reverse disease and to help his patients lead healthier, happier lives. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine as well as a Trustee and Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He has organised and delivered several national and international conferences on Lifestyle Medicine in the UK. This includes the inaugural “RCGP Lifestyle Medicine” Conference, which won a local award with the RCGP.   Dr Sykes has worked in several areas of need, an experience which has shaped his interest in chronic disease management for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mental health disorders.If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠ ⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠, including ⁠single modules⁠ you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics andconversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    45 min
  3. Timing Is Everything: How Your Circadian Rhythm is Reshaping Your Health with Adriano dos Santos

    Apr 30

    Timing Is Everything: How Your Circadian Rhythm is Reshaping Your Health with Adriano dos Santos

    About This Episode Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Adriano dos Santos, sleep medicine researcher and circadian biology specialist, for a eye-opening conversation about the scienceof your internal body clock. Adriano argues that many patients are not diagnostic failures but timing failures, and that simple adjustments to when you sleep, eat and live could transform your health.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why you can feel chronically unwell despite normal test results and what circadian misalignment really means • How every single cell in your body contains its own clock and why this changes everything about how we approach health • Why when you eat matters just as much as what you eat and how to work with your body's natural rhythms • Why melatonin starts rising as early as 6pm and what you could be doing in the evening that is silently sabotaging your sleep • Why the direction of light in your home matters and the simple lamp switch that could transform your sleep • How your gut bacteria directly influence your brain's ability to produce calming neurotransmitters that help you sleep • The everyday habits backed by hard science that support better sleep, from dimming lights to gratitude journaling About the guest: Adriano dos Santos is a clinical registered nutritionist and researcher specialising in circadian biology and the gut–brain–microbiome axis. He is a speaker knownfor translating complex scientific concepts into practical insights that advance integrative health. He holds a Nutrition Science Degree (BSc Hons) andcertifications including AFMCP (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice). His expertise in sleep medicine, gut health, and metabolic syndromes, combined with his passion for improving patient outcomes, is trulyinspiring.   SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠⁠, including ⁠⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠⁠ you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ –and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    47 min

  4. Apr 16

    Ginkgo for Your Brain, Ginger for Inflammation: The Science of Herbal Medicine Explained

    Pioneering herbalist Simon Mills joins Dr Elizabeth Thompson for a fascinating exploration of why Integrative Medicine remains essential despite persistent barriers in mainstream healthcare. With over 40 years of experience, Simon traces the evolution from "alternative" to "complementary" to "integrative" medicine, revealing how he co-founded the Research Council for Complementary Medicine. The conversation delves into the science behind key botanical medicines, from ginkgo's remarkable effects on circulation and cognition to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, while challenging common misconceptions about herbal medicine being "slow" to work. Simon emphasises the immediate physiological effects of plant-based remedies and introduces lesser-known therapeutic agents like resins (myrrh and frankincense) for immune support. The episode concludes with exciting emerging research on the neurovascular unit (formerly the blood-brain barrier) and how dietary plant compounds are revolutionising our understanding of brain health and neuroinflammation. In our latest episode, he shares: Why ginkgo became Germany's most prescribed drugThe ancient principle of "heat" that modern science now confirmsHow the gut-brain connection actually works (it's not what you think)Which herbs work immediately—and which require standardized extractsThe most exciting frontier in brain health research ⁠SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE⁠ If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠ ⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠, including ⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠ you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ –and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    45 min

  5. Apr 2

    Medicinal Mushrooms for Cancer? Evidence-Based Integrative Oncology with Dr. Santhosshi Narayanan

    Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with Dr Santhosshi Narayanan, integrative medicine physician at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, about evidence-based integrative oncology. Discover how medicinal mushrooms, Ayurveda, acupuncture, and mind-body practices are safely combined with conventional cancer treatment in one of the world's leading cancer centres.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✨ Why integrative oncology matters - treating the whole person, not just the cancer 🍄 Medicinal mushrooms explained - start with shiitake from your grocery store  🧘‍♀️ Mind-body medicine improves patient outcomes - meditation, yoga, and stress management 🏥 How MD Anderson integrates complementary therapies safely alongside chemotherapy 🌿 Ayurvedic wisdom meets modern oncology - personalised nutrition and gut health 🔬 Research-driven approach builds trust with oncology teams 💬 Why open communication about supplements is essential for patient safety About the Guest Dr Santhosshi Narayanan is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Integrative Medicine Centre at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre. She is double American board‑certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine and holds a master’s degree in Ayurveda. She serves as Vice President of Advancement, an executive role for the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO), where she has also co‑chaired the Global Committee and founded the Ayurveda Special Interest Group. She previously served on the Board of the American College of Physicians (ACP). SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠, including single modules you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    49 min

  6. Mar 19

    The Healing Power of Voice: Where Art Meets Medicine with Christina Shewell

    Voice therapist Christina Shewell reveals how sound and speech heal your body. Learn why emotional expression speeds wound healing by 52%, how grief gets trapped in your voice, and simple exercises to release stress through sound. Discover the surprising science where art meets medicine.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why 2.14 million UK choir singers experience profound wellbeing benefitsHow sound vibrations physically affect your body at a cellular levelThe 8 aspects of voice that impact your health and communicationWhy grief and trauma can literally get trapped in your voiceThe study showing 52% faster wound healing through emotional expressionSimple voice release exercises to reduce stress and change your energyHow cultural suppression of sound limits our healing potentialAbout the Guest Christina Shewell, MA, FRCSLT ADVS, is an internationally known spoken voice teacher, speech and language therapist and communication skills coach, with long experience in both voice development and therapy. She has been senior lecturer in voice and counselling skills at University College London,voice teacher at major acting schools and continues to work in a variety of ways, including as a coach for RADA Business.  SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠, including single modules you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    44 min

  7. Mar 5

    Fasting, Longevity and Cancer Care: The Science with Professor Valter Longo

    50% OFF our online self-paced 10-hour Discovery courseFasting for Longevity, Wellness & Lifespan just enter the code PODFAST50 at checkout! In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Thompson speaks with world-leading longevity researcher Professor Valter Longo about the science of fasting and its growing role in integrative medicine, metabolic health and cancer care. Professor Longo explains the research behind the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), a structured approach designed to replicate the biological benefits of fasting while allowing food intake. Together, they explore how fasting may activate cellular repair processes such as autophagy, influence stem cell regeneration and support metabolic flexibility. The conversation also examines emerging evidence suggesting fasting may help reduce certain cancer treatment side effects and potentially enhance treatment response inspecific settings. Professor Longo discusses the importance of personalised approaches, the balance between nutrition and pharmaceuticals, and why the refeeding phase is critical for regeneration and repair. This episode offers a fascinating evidence-informed discussion on how lifestyle interventions may support long-term health, longevity and integrative cancer care. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Integrative Medicine and Longevity scienceThe Fasting Mimicking Diet explainedAutophagy and cellular repairStem cell regeneration and metabolic healthFasting and cancer treatment supportFasting vs pharmaceutical approaches to weight lossWhy refeeding is essential after fastingDr Valter Longo is a Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science and Director of the Longevity Institute at the School of Gerontology of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, one of the world’s leading centres devoted to teaching and research on aging. SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠, including single modules you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics andconversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    46 min

  8. Feb 19

    Listening to the Body: Personalised Nutrition, Cancer Support & Integrative Care

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? In this episode of Integrative Medicine Matters, Dr ElizabethThompson speaks with nutritional therapist and author Kirsten Chick about why one-size-fits-all health advice often fails, particularly for those navigating cancer, chronic stress, and complex health challenges. Together, they explore how personalised nutrition and Integrative Medicine place the individual at the centre of care, combining scientific evidence, practitioner expertise, and patient experience. The conversation highlights the impact ofstress on hormonal and metabolic health, the role of adrenal function, and how functional testing and mindful lifestyle approaches can support recovery and resilience. Kirsten also shares insights from her book Nutrition Brought to Life, offering practical, accessible strategies to help people reconnect with their bodies, simplify health decisions, and create sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Why generic nutrition advice often doesn’t work • The link between stress, adrenal health, and chronic illness • How personalised nutrition supports cancer recovery and long-term wellbeing • When functional testing, including cortisol testing, can be helpful • The role of mindfulness and nervous system regulation in digestion and health • Why stable blood sugar and protein intake are key foundations for resilience • How to simplify supplements and avoid health advice overload • The future of integrative medicine and emerging health technologies About the Guest Kirsten Chick is a nutritional therapist specialising in personalised nutrition and integrative cancer support. She is the author of Nutrition Brought to Life, a practical guide to understanding nutrition in a holistic and accessible way. SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can: 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters 👉 ⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month 👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠ 👉 ⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠ 👉 ⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠, including single modules you can enrol in today! NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠. We would love to get your feedback on the topics andconversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ – and let us know your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.

    46 min
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About

Integrative Medicine Matters is a show that explores the science & practice of whole-person health. Join Dr Elizabeth Thompson, founder of the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM), as she interviews leading experts in lifestyle, functional & integrative medicine. She will discuss topics like nutrition, herbal medicine, fasting, movement, mindfulness & much more. NCIM is transforming healthcare through Integrative Medicine education for healthcare providers, clinical appointments for patients & a membership to learn & connect with like-minded professionals. Visit www.ncim.org.uk

Information

  • Creator
    Integrative Medicine Matters
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Integrative Medicine Matters
  • Show Website
    Integrative Medicine Matters

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