Ayurveda is the world’s oldest system of natural health, with roots tracing back more than 6,000 years. Originating in India, this holistic healing tradition is centered on balancing the body’s energies to create lasting health and vitality. It offers a complete approach to wellness, weaving together nutrition, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices.

Our guest on Alimentary today, Nidhi Pandya, is an Ayurvedic doctor, international speaker, educator, and author of the book Your Body Already Knows. Nidhi's passion lies in empowering us to become self-aware and live intuitively, achieving Mind-Body Balance. She has gained popularity online and has become known for distilling complex ancient scriptures into practical advice for the modern day. Her 'Inner Climate' method, taught globally, focuses on realigning the mind and body for optimal health, healing, and longevity.

This episode will inspire you to look at daily habits differently and will empower you to use basic health habits to increase your energy and enjoyment of life.

The store cupboard staple for this episode is rice!

Other resources

Website https://www.nidhi.me/Nidhi's Book Your Body Already Knows: Intuitive Ayurveda 21 Days to Reset your Gut, Sleep, Mood, and Health: Bhanshali Pandya, Nidhi, Hemsley, Jasmine: 9781786789280: Amazon.com: Books

Nidhi's book has received high praise from various thoughtleaders, including:

·       Deepak Chopra calls it “A succinct guide for anyone seeking an integrative approach to well-being at all levels—body, mind, and spirit.”

·       Sadhguru sayshe “Deeply appreciates Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya’s efforts to bring the science of Ayurveda with a fresh look to the world.”

·       Dr SuhasKshirsagar says “Ayurveda is the original lifestyle and personalized medicine, and it allows us to develop heightened awareness forintuitive healing. Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya has done an amazing job of presenting this ancient wisdom for a modern audience."

Timing of meals https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/chrononutrition-timing-meals-matters-your-health

Curried Rice Salad https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/22/curried-rice-salad/

Safety when cooking and re-heating rice https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322775#:~:text=It%20is%20possible%20to%20reheat%20rice%20safely%20as,called%20Bacillus%20cereus%2C%20which%20survive%20some%20cooking%20processes.

https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/sfbb-indian-05-cooking-06-rice_0.pdf

Recipes https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/healthy-rice-recipesThe Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT

Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.

Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

When it comes to digestion, understanding our rest & digest and fight or flights states is very important. We want to be able to absorb and use our nutrients to fuel our bodies for energy and repair. Breath or oxygen is life and I wanted to dive a little deeper than the basic breathing exercises that I know. So, I joined a Soma breathwork class in Cavan to learn more from Maria McIntyre and she has kindly agreed to be interviewed in this episode so that we can share with you, just how powerful our breath is.Maria is the founder of Mind Body Breath Healing. She returned to Ireland in 2024 after 6 years abroad — including deep immersion in Māori culture in New Zealand — and has since reconnected deeply with her Irish Celtic roots and the magical power of our land. As a certified SOMA Breathwork facilitator & sound healer she guides transformative journeys through breath, movement and sound. Using binaural & curated beats, her voice, drums, guitar, crystal singing bowls and other vibrational instruments, she creates immersive, multi-sensory experiences that awaken the body and soul.Maria’s work helps quiet the thinking mind, soften the body, reap many health benefits, reset the nervous system and reconnect you to the stillness and wisdom beneath it all, tapping into the power of the breath. Her approach blends modern science with ancient wisdom.ResourcesMaria's website https://www.mindbodybreath.eu/aboutSoma Breath Meditation https://open.spotify.com/track/6aGGC4u1z4wGcuL9jb5kVb?si=02e697ba32f4448bSomatic Shake Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oLqy_K5TDkHealthtea.ie https://healthtea.ie/product/simply-chamomile/Podcast episode with Roisin, Healthtea https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mShdC5GHDizytc68xSFr1?si=e860662b60424424Podcast episode about Cortisol https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Iz2mkkUCKlXMiAyZ2HhCl?si=23d910cb106b41efThe Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gina Siddiqui, emergency medicine physician and CEO of Carte Clinics. Dr. Siddiqui is at the forefront of re-imagining how medicine is practiced to meet today’s demands. Through Carte Clinics, she’s pioneered a model that maximizes doctors’ time for patients by combining personalized care with smart technology.Dr. Siddiqui is deeply passionate about the evolution of the medical profession; she frequently speaks on national platforms to champion positive change for both doctors and patients. At Carte Clinics, her team takes a bespoke approach to health—similar to the precision and care seen in wealth management—delivering seamless, high-quality care through a blend of medical expertise and international reach. Recognizing the foundational impact of nutrition, their team integrates nutrition experts as a core element of patient care.In our conversation, Dr. Siddiqui shares her perspectives on integrating stress management, empowering patient autonomy, and how medicine can sustainably adapt to better support us all in the modern world.Resourceshttps://www.carteclinics.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/22-gina-siddiqui-finding-the-right-specialist-advice/id1756956686?i=1000683033810https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/248-reinventing-healthcare-gina-siddiqui-on-creating/id1412782945?i=1000657422342https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/navigating-medical-entrepreneurship-insights-from-dr/id1623136794?i=1000641839823Courgette recipes https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/collection/best-courgette-recipes/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Ep 47: this episode we learn about how strength training can help us to heal, from Rachel Robertson, a Mindful Movement Mentor, Kinesiologist, and founder of Return to Form. With years of expertise in human kinetics and functional anatomy, Rachel has dedicated her career to transforming movement into a source of strength, confidence, and self-expression.

Rachel’s approach fuses the science of kinesiology with the artistry of Pilates, empowering people to move with confidence and feel truly safe in their bodies. Her philosophy blends evidence-based practice with intuitive movement, redefining how we build resilience, facilitate healing, and cultivate long-term well-being.

In this conversation, we’ll explore how to rebuild trust in your body after injury. Rachel shares practical strategies for intentional movement and insights into the mind-body connection, We also hear the touching details of Rachel’s own personal journey—how her experiences led her to help others heal and reclaim their confidence through movement. Whether you’re recovering from injury, supporting someone on their healing path, or simply seeking a deeper understanding why strength training is so powerful, this episode covers shifting from fear and uncertainty to strength and confidence through mindful movement.Link to a free resource for listeners from Rachel below.

The Store Cupboard Staple for this episode is mighty mung beans!ResourcesRachel's website and social links• Website: https://returntoform.ca/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returntoformkinesiology/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReturntoFormKinesiologyPilateshttps://tenochtitlan.omeka.net/exhibits/show/zongzi/mung-beanshttps://elifesciences.org/articles/85725https://medcraveonline.com/JHAAS/agronomic-historical-and-socio-economic-dimensions-of-mung-bean-vigna-radiata-l-wilczek.htmlhttps://phys.org/news/2023-06-unraveling-historic-journey-mung-bean.htmlhttps://www.britannica.com/plant/mung-beanhttps://insanelygoodrecipes.com/17-mung-bean-recipes/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ieFree Resource for ListenersTitle: Online Mat ClassesDescription: A mat Pilates playlist of workouts for building inner and outer strength.Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHLQU2Z6w_-C3FyRf7d9yi8wb3d5tdI5L&si=bBZcL2VJTtCwhVQa

Ep 46: Researchers have been studying the effects of strength training for more than 40 years and have identified multiple ways it can benefit older adults, including maintaining muscle mass, improving mobility, and increasing the healthy years of our lives. So in this episode I am thrilled to sit down with Kayla Neal, a true trailblazer in fitness and wellness. Her energy is contagious and if anyone can convince us to do some load bearing exercise, Kayla can!

With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Star Cycle in Santa Barbara California, which she has recently sold, and a leading voice in women’s health, Kayla brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our conversation.

In this episode, we dive into Kayla’s journey—how embracing fitness from a young age has been a lifelong investment in her health and vitality. We explore the unique challenges and opportunities women face in midlife, peri-menopause and menopause, and how this stage can actually be a time of empowerment and newfound freedom. Kayla shares why it’s so important for women to prioritize self-care, not just for themselves, but so they can show up with energy and presence for the people they love.

We also discuss the importance of reevaluating our approach to exercise as we age—cutting back on certain routines, ramping up strength training, and focusing on sustainable wellness practices rather than restrictive diet trends. Kayla is redefining what it means to thrive in midlife, championing habits that last and supporting women through every stage of their journey.

The store cupboard staple for this episode is versatile lentils!

Resources

Follow Kayla Socials https://www.instagram.com/kaylajohnsonfitness/How can strength training build healthier bodies as we age? |

National Institute on Aginghttps://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age

Episode with information about bone health https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lyn-sharkey/episodes/21-The-Lovely-Bones-e2c29re

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lyn-sharkey/episodes/23-Considering-Calcium---Bone-Health--Much-More-e2fl5nbDahl

Recipe https://www.noracooks.com/red-lentil-dahl/https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/healthy-lentil-recipesSoup recipes with lentils https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/17/carrot-sweet-potato-butternut-squash-red-lentils/

https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/09/20/broccoli-leek-and-lentil-soup/

The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.

Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Ep 46: Researchers have been studying the effects of strength training for more than 40 years and have identified multiple ways it can benefit older adults, including maintaining muscle mass, improving mobility, and increasing the healthy years of our lives. So in this episode I am thrilled to sit down with Kayla Neal, a true trailblazer in fitness and wellness. Her energy is contagious and if anyone can convince us to do some load bearing exercise, Kayla can!

With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Star Cycle in Santa Barbara California, which she has recently sold, and a leading voice in women’s health, Kayla brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our conversation.

In this episode, we dive into Kayla’s journey—how embracing fitness from a young age has been a lifelong investment in her health and vitality. We explore the unique challenges and opportunities women face in midlife, peri-menopause and menopause, and how this stage can actually be a time of empowerment and newfound freedom. Kayla shares why it’s so important for women to prioritize self-care, not just for themselves, but so they can show up with energy and presence for the people they love.

We also discuss the importance of reevaluating our approach to exercise as we age—cutting back on certain routines, ramping up strength training, and focusing on sustainable wellness practices rather than restrictive diet trends. Kayla is redefining what it means to thrive in midlife, championing habits that last and supporting women through every stage of their journey.

The store cupboard staple for this episode is versatile lentils!

Resources

Follow Kayla Socials https://www.instagram.com/kaylajohnsonfitness/How can strength training build healthier bodies as we age? |

National Institute on Aginghttps://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age

Episode with information about bone health https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lyn-sharkey/episodes/21-The-Lovely-Bones-e2c29re

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lyn-sharkey/episodes/23-Considering-Calcium---Bone-Health--Much-More-e2fl5nbDahl

Recipe https://www.noracooks.com/red-lentil-dahl/https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/healthy-lentil-recipesSoup recipes with lentils https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/17/carrot-sweet-potato-butternut-squash-red-lentils/

https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/09/20/broccoli-leek-and-lentil-soup/

The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.

Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

In this episode of Alimentary, we learn about inflammaging —the hidden process that links chronic inflammation to premature aging. Our guest is Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, a globally renowned immunologist, molecular medicine scientist. She is also the visionary founder of AveSeena, the pioneering skincare brand dedicated to calming inflammaging and promoting skin wellness through the latest advances in immune science.With over 25 years of groundbreaking research into hormonal immunity, inflammation, and longevity, Dr. Ebru has become a leading voice on how our daily lives—from what we eat and how we sleep, to even the media we consume—can trigger or tame inflammation, impacting not just our skin but our overall health. We also chat about the signs that we might not realise are telling us that we have inflammation in our body. Her extensive publications unravel the difference between good and bad inflammation, and she’s passionate about empowering people to reconnect with their bodies through evidence-based rituals and mindful self-care. How oestrogen impacts our immune system and so women may be more likely to experience auto-immune disease comes up, in addition to how a sedentary lifestyle is impacting our skin."Inflammation is not your destiny" - Dr EbruListen in to learn more about the subtle stressors that accelerate aging, and practical daily strategies for building resilience, inside and out. Our store cupboard staple for this episode is Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil!ResourcesAveseena Website https://www.aveseena.com/AveSeena • Skincare (@aveseena) • Instagram photos and videosMore about Olive Oil - https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2024/07/05/what-oil-should-i-use-when-im-cooking/Nourishing our skin - https://open.spotify.com/episode/188zm9WnjTLz9ikYDYHFIf?si=57dabaca23cd4005More about the Lymphatic System - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YJKGSj4vjBZ22BB9bliIe?si=d5dc76253227414bStudy about Inflammaging: a new immune-metabolic viewpoint for age-related diseases https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30046148/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

In this short episode of Alimentary I explain blood pressure readings, what it is, why it matters and lifestyle tips to maintain as healthy a blood pressure as possible.

The store cupboard staple for this episode is a vegetable which can support healthy blood pressure among other things - Celery!

Resources

What Is Blood Pressure? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17649-blood-pressureBlood pressure test - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/blood-pressure-test/Blood Pressure UK https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/understanding-your-blood-pressure/what-do-the-numbers-mean/High Blood Pressure/Hypertension | Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertensionThe best and worst foods for high blood pressure - BHFhttps://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/foods-that-lower-blood-pressurehttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/celery-may-help-bring-your-high-blood-pressure-downhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10950410/

Previous Episode about Fight or Flight and Rest & Digest https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/k65NtXpP8Tb

Healthy Celery Recipes https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19297/ingredients/vegetables/celery/

Washing Fruit & Vegetables https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2023/08/10/how-to-wash-fruit-and-vegetables/

The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT

Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.

Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Hormonal imbalances can be responsible for so many symptoms, many of which can impact our mood and so our level of composure and even happiness. In this episode, I chat to Therapist Michelle Hutton to find out how Reflexology might help to bring us back to balance.Michelle is trained in many therapies including Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation. She also specialises in Oncology Reflexology, Oncology Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Aromatherapy for Cancer patients, and Reflexology for Fertility and Maternity. Michelle is very passionate about her work and will only use pure organic essential oils for her blends.The store cupboard staple in this episode is Beetroot!Resources & ReferencesMichelle's Website https://www.bodyauratherapies.com/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6815051/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12269681/https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/reflexology-for-menopauseBeetroot recipes https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/healthy-beetroot-recipesThe Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

We all know that eating a balanced diet with lots of whole foods helps us to feel better and more energised, so why can we find it so hard to do? My guest in this episode is Elizabeth Dall, a food freedom expert and certified women’s health and wellness coach who helps women create sustainable, healthy habits that lead to body confidence and transformation. Her passion is to help people to create a more balanced, empowered approach to food, body confidence and change.

Elizabeth kindly shares practical strategies for creating healthy habits and achieving a lifestyle of health, without restriction, which can be adapted for our own unique lifestyles. We discuss the role our mindset plays in holding us back, how to quieten some of the noise around food, particularly on social media, breaking free from the all or nothing mindset, mindful eating and how to stay consistent with our goals.

Elizabeth offers really practical advice and reminds us that change is manageable.The lovely herb sage is our store cupboard staple for this episode!Resources"The Woman of Wellness Podcast": https://www.awomanofwellness.com/podcastFree mindful eating meditation: https://awomanofwellness.com/foodconfidenceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomanofwellness/Website: www.awomanofwellness.comhttps://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/20692/ingredients/herbs-spices/herbs/sage/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie