Foodie Pharmacology Podcast Folgen

We’d once again like to thank Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated for their sponsorship of this episode. What if a single tick bite could change the way you eat forever? In this episode, I sit down with allergy expert Gary Falcetano to explore alpha-gal syndrome, a strange and increasingly recognized condition triggered by tick bites that can lead to delayed allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian products. We unpack the science behind this unusual immune response, why symptoms can emerge hours after eating, and why many cases go undiagnosed for years. From hidden sources of alpha-gal in foods and medications to the growing spread of tick species linked to the condition, this conversation reveals how a tiny bite can have surprisingly large consequences. We also share practical tips for prevention, diagnosis, and staying safe outdoors, whether you’re hiking in your backyard or heading out on your next adventure. This Foodie Pharmacology podcast episode is part of a special two-part series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated. The views and opinions in this podcast are those of the presenters and represent the synthesis of the science.  

Did you know that one of the most important organs shaping lifelong health is only temporary? In this episode of Foodie Pharmacology, I sit down with developmental biologist Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld to explore the fascinating science of the placenta and its role as the communication hub between mother and developing baby. We discuss the emerging concept of the placenta-brain axis and discuss how maternal diet, the gut microbiome, environmental exposures, and even tiny molecular signals can influence fetal development long before birth. From serotonin and the microbiome to probiotics, inflammation, and the hidden impacts of modern life, this conversation reveals how the earliest environment we experience may shape health outcomes for years to come.

Journey to Brazil to uncover the hidden roots of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition shaped by African plant knowledge, resilience, and cultural memory. In this episode, I speak with ethnobotanist Dr. Bob Voeks to explore how enslaved Africans preserved sacred healing traditions and foodways across the Atlantic, transforming plants into powerful symbols of identity and survival. From spiritual cleansing rituals with sacred leaves to the fascinating story of caruru, a revered okra dish tied to twin deities, we trace the remarkable journey of African plants through the diaspora. Along the way, we uncover surprising connections linking Candomblé, callaloo, and even Southern gumbo, revealing how food can carry history, spirituality, and culture across continents and generations.  #Okra #Gumbo #Acarajé #DiasporaFood #AfricanCuisine #BlackEyedPeas