What if ageing well had less to do with your genes, your skincare routine or the supplements you take ... and more to do with your immune system?

Most of us think about immunity as something that only matters when we’re fighting off a cold or flu. But actually, it’s quietly working behind the scenes every single day shaping how we feel, how we recover and how long we stay well.

Our immune health is also constantly evolving and changing over our lifecycle. From birth to our 20s, midlife and beyond our immune system plays a critical role in how we feel, our risk of disease and how well we age.

Dr Jenna Macciochi is an immunologist specialising in the intersection of nutrition, movement, mind-body practices and lifestyle with the immune system in health and disease.

She’s also a brilliant science communicator who has a beautiful way of weaving science with story. In her new book, Immune to Age, Dr Jenna reframes immunity not as a fortress that springs into action, but as a lifelong partner guiding us through the seasons of our lives from the day we’re born to the way we age.

We dive into:

• Why inflammation is not just good or bad
• How your immune system changes with age
• What to focus on in your 20s, 40s and beyond
• The role of inflammation, infection and stress in ageing
• Supplements like creatine, collagen, taurine, peptides and nootropic mushrooms

Follow @dr_jenna_macciochi and preorder the book “Immune to Age”

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Seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse. A lot of people are feeling it now.

It’s common to reach for antihistamines without really thinking about it. They definitely have their place and can be really helpful when symptoms are bad. But taking them every day is something we still don't fully understand, especially when it comes to long-term effects.

If you deal with allergies for months each year, it’s worth pausing and exploring strategies that might be more sustainable.

Many healthy habits that support overall health can also help manage inflammation, immune function and allergy symptoms. They’re not always as quick as taking a capsule, but they can make a real difference over time.

In this episode, I'm sharing:

• Why seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse
• The role and potential risks of antihistamines
• 5 daily habits that could ease allergy/hay fever symptoms

Quick note about nettle: I didn't find much strong research, but that doesn't mean it couldn't help some people. It just shows how much more there is to learn.

Sources

• Antihistamines: Sue et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024. PMID: 38935035.
• Vitamin D: Malik et al. European Respiratory Journal. 2015
• Dietary diversity: Nakamoto et al. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019
• Fibre: Sdona et al. Clinical and translational allergy. 2022
• Polyphenols, chlorophyll, quercetin, vitamins C, D and E: Pellow et al. Complement Ther Med. 2020
• Fruits & vegetables: Kusunoki et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2017 | Oh et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2020
• Probiotics: Ried et al. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022
• Ginger & curcumin: Yamprasert et al. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 | Wu et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016
• Saline rinse: Wang et al. Allergologia et Immunopathologia. 2020
• Steam inhalation: Vathanophas et al. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2021

🎬 Watch the podcast on YouTube here

📱 Download The Doctor’s Kitchen app

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

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In today’s episode, I’m talking all about protein - why it matters, how much you really need, and how it could be the missing piece in your approach to health.

I’ll dive into:

🍳 Why protein is essential for everything from muscle maintenance to hormone production

🌿 The link between increased protein intake and menopausal health

⚖️ How eating more protein can prevent unwanted weight gain

🥣 Why I believe getting enough protein and fibre at breakfast is one of the smartest moves you can make for long-term health and longevity

🚨 The signs and symptoms of low protein intake, and how to spot them before they affect your energy, immunity, or mood

👥 Who’s most at risk of under-consuming protein, and how to make simple, sustainable changes

🥩 What is the best quality protein source

Whether you’re navigating menopause, trying to improve energy levels, or just want to eat in a way that supports your body as it ages, this episode is packed with practical tips and grounded in science.

Grab the new book Healthy High Protein here.

🎬 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.