Mikkipedia

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Matt Nagra, a naturopathic doctor and researcher known for his evidence-based perspective on nutrition, with a particular focus on plant-based diets and chronic disease.

In this episode, the conversation tackles one of the most debated topics in nutrition right now: protein. Matt helps unpack why protein has become such a focal point, how to interpret the current evidence, and what outcomes actually matter when we’re talking about intake and health. They explore the long-standing protein RDA and what it was designed to represent.

The discussion then moves into protein quality, addressing common claims around plant versus animal protein, and why mechanistic research doesn’t always align with long-term health outcomes. Matt also provides important context around dietary patterns and chronic disease risk, helping to separate the role of protein itself from the broader way people eat.

They finish with a dive into choline, covering its role in the body, how it interacts with other nutrients like folate and betaine, and what this means for people following predominantly plant-based diets.

It’s a thoughtful, nuanced conversation that cuts through the noise and brings clarity to some of the biggest questions in modern nutrition.

Dr Matt Nagra is a naturopathic doctor who graduated from the Boucher Institute after completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Victoria. He holds additional board certifications in prescriptive authority, immunisations, advanced injection therapies, intravenous therapies, and acupuncture. Using an evidence-based approach, he creates individualised treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s health goals and lifestyle.
He has a particular passion for plant-based and vegan nutrition, physical medicine, and chronic disease treatment. With additional training in nutrition, he holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell University and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, where he has also authored multiple articles. His work aims to support individuals in thriving on plant-based diets, while bridging the gap between lifestyle-based interventions and medical care.


Choline paper: https://www.academia.edu/3067-1345/2/4/10.20935/AcadNutr8085

Instagram: @dr.matthewnagra
Dr. Nagra’s website

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Creators and Guests

Host
Mikki Williden

What is Mikkipedia?

Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!

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you

00:03
Hey everybody, Mikki here, you're listening to Mikkipedia and this week on the podcast I speak to Dr. Matt Nagra, a naturopathic doctor and researcher known for his evidence-based perspective on nutrition with a particular focus on plant-based diets and chronic disease. In this episode, the conversation tackles one of the most debated topics in nutrition right now, protein, and Matt helps unpack why protein has become such a focal point, how to interpret the

00:33
current evidence from his perspective and what outcomes actually matter when we're talking about intake and health. So we do also explore the RDA briefly and what it was designed to represent and just his thoughts on the shift in the current recommendations. We also discuss protein quality, addressing common claims around plant versus animal protein and why mechanistic research doesn't always align with long-term health outcomes.

01:01
MAT also provides important context around dietary patterns and chronic disease risk, helping to separate the role of protein itself from the broader way that people eat. And then we finish off with a dive into choline, covering its role in the body, how it interacts with other nutrients like folate and betaine, and what this means for people following predominantly plant-based diets. And we discuss choline because it illustrates

01:26
what we think we know about nutrients and plant-based diets, but what research actually shows and intakes actually show us. And I really enjoyed this opportunity to chat to someone whose views are just vastly different from mine and just get a better understanding of a different perspective basically. So Dr. Matt Nagra is a naturopathic doctor who graduated from the Belcher Institute after completing a Bachelor of Science in Mike

01:54
Microbiology at the University of Victoria. He holds additional board certifications in Prescriptive Authority, Immunizations, Advanced Injection Therapies, Intravenous Therapies and Acupuncture. Using an evidence-based approach, creates individualized treatment protocols tailored to each patient's health goals and lifestyle. He has a particular passion for plant-based and vegan nutrition, physical medicine and chronic disease treatment.

02:22
His work aims to support individuals in thriving on plant-based diets while bridging the gap between lifestyle-based interventions and medical care. And I have linked as to where you can find Matt over on his website, on Instagram, where he shares a lot of really great information for free, and also a link to the Colleen paper that he and I discuss today.

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Before we crack on into the interview though, I would like to remind you that the best way to support this podcast is to hit the subscribe button on your favorite podcast listening platform. That increases the visibility of M