The Proof with Simon Hill

• Lowering cholesterol with medicine | Dr Thomas Dayspring and Dr Dan Soffer

  In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tom Dayspring and Dr Dan Soffer for a comprehensive look at lipid-lowering therapy. We unpack the science behind statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates, and newer agents like bempedoic acid, asking what really works, who should take them, and how early treatment might prevent disease. From guideline thresholds to real-world decision making, historical trials to future therapies, this conversation offers clarity on one of the most important areas in cardiovascular prevention. In this episode, we cover: What lipid-lowering therapy actually is Statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, and PCSK9 inhibitors How these drugs work and who benefits most Absolute vs relative risk reduction explained Guidelines vs clinical practice Lipoprotein(a) and new therapies on the horizon A detailed yet practical discussion to help you cut through the noise and make sense of lipid-lowering therapies. Intro: What Are Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs and How Do They Work? (00:00:00) How Do Cholesterol-Lowering Medications Lower Heart Risk? (00:05:00) Who Should Start Statins or Other Cholesterol Drugs? (00:09:29) Landmark Cholesterol Trials That Changed Heart Disease Treatment (00:22:54) Do Fibrates Still Matter for High Triglycerides? (00:36:27) Ezetimibe & PCSK9 Inhibitors: Do They Add Benefits Beyond Statins? (00:42:30) CLEAR Outcomes Trial: What It Means for Statin-Intolerant Patients (00:52:02) Bempedoic Acid vs Statins: Effectiveness, Side Effects & Cost (00:53:45) What Do Statin Trials Really Show? Heart Attacks, Death & Risk Reduction (01:00:35) When to Use Low vs High-Intensity Statins (and Add Ezetimibe) (01:10:52) Hydrophilic vs Lipophilic Statins: What’s the Difference? (01:14:17) Do Statins Affect the Brain or Your Body’s Cholesterol? (01:19:03) PCSK9 Therapies Explained: Antibodies, siRNA, Oral Drugs & Gene Editing (01:24:28) What’s the Best Combination Therapy After Statins? (01:30:33) LDL Guidelines Explained: Thresholds vs Goals (01:32:49) The Most Up-to-Date Cholesterol Guidelines (2025) (01:40:25) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Fireflies Stay focused and let Fireflies handle the notes. From transcriptions and summaries to real-time voice commands, Fireflies turns your meetings into actionable insights, seamlessly integrating with Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and more. Sign up for a yearly plan and get two months FREE at fireflies.ai/theproof. Bragg Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and naturally fermented with 100% organic apples, always with the live “Mother” in every bottle. Get 20% off your first order at bragg.com with promo code SIMON. IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

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• Testosterone for women | Professor Susan Davis, AO

  In today’s episode, I sit down with Professor Susan Davis, an endocrinologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on hormones in women’s health. We explore the role of testosterone in women, separating fact from fiction, and tackling the common myths that circulate online and in the media. Susan shares what decades of research actually show about testosterone therapy, its benefits, limitations, and safety, and why participation in clinical trials is essential for moving the science forward. What We Cover Why testosterone is not just a male hormone How levels change throughout a woman’s life Common myths about testosterone therapy and the truth behind them The link between testosterone, libido, and sexual function Evidence for and against claims around mood, muscle, and wellbeing Side effects and safety considerations at female-appropriate doses Compounded hormones compared with pharmaceutical formulations The biggest gaps in research and where the science needs to go next This episode offers an evidence-based look at testosterone in women, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what the science really says. Intro: (00:00) Which Testosterone Claims Are True And Which Are False? (05:42) What Does Testosterone Do In A Woman’s Body? (12:09) How Do Testosterone Levels Change Across A Woman’s Life? (15:12) How Can Women Measure Testosterone Accurately? (20:24) What Is The Relationship Between Testosterone And Low Libido? (27:32) What Are The Outcomes And Dosing Of Testosterone Therapy? (32:24) Which Delivery Methods Work Best For Testosterone Therapy? (39:22) Does Testosterone Improve Muscle Mass Or Mood? (43:46) What Are The Safety Considerations For Testosterone Therapy? (47:15) Compounded Versus Pharmaceutical Testosterone Therapy (52:02) Research Gaps In Testosterone And How Women Can Help (58:09) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Pique Tea Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Fireflies Stay focused and let Fireflies handle the notes. From transcriptions and summaries to real-time voice commands, Fireflies turns your meetings into actionable insights, seamlessly integrating with Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and more. Sign up for a yearly plan and get two months FREE at fireflies.ai/theproof. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States. LMNT Stay hydrated with LMNT. Get a free Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavours with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/SIMON Find your favourite LMNT flavour, or share with a friend. And if you don’t like it? Full refund, no questions asked. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

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• The most important health test people are overlooking | Simon Hill, Msc

  High blood pressure, often called the silent killer, is the most deadly modifiable risk factor worldwide. In this solo episode, I break down the latest European and American blood pressure guidelines into a simple, actionable framework. I explain what blood pressure is, why it matters, how to measure it correctly at home, and the lifestyle changes that can lower it as effectively as first-line medication. Whether you want to prevent hypertension, manage it, or simply understand your numbers, this episode could change, and even save, your life. Introduction: Understanding High Blood Pressure & Its Dangers (00:00) How Common is Hypertension? (05:53) Why Hypertension Has No Symptoms: The "Silent Killer" Explained (07:52) Blood Pressure Numbers Explained: What Do Your Readings Mean? (10:00) How to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately (12:34) Getting an Accurate Reading at the Doctor's Office (14:14) 5 Steps to Accurate Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (16:17) Lifestyle Changes vs. Medication for High Blood Pressure (19:14) 6 Lifestyle Strategies to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally (24:29) DASH Diet for Hypertension & Other BP-Lowering Foods (26:45) What’s the Best Sodium and Potassium Balance for Heart Health? (30:37) How Does Your Gut Microbiome Affect Blood Pressure? (35:15) What’s the Best Exercise for Hypertension? (37:40) Does Alcohol Affect Your Blood Pressure? (43:19) How Coffee & Sugary Beverages Affect Your Blood Pressure (47:50) Smoking, Stress, and Other Lifestyle Factors Affecting BP (49:42) Your Action Plan for Healthy Blood Pressure (51:02) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Bragg Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and naturally fermented with 100% organic apples, always with the live “Mother” in every bottle. Get 20% off your first order at bragg.com with promo code SIMON. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code LIVINGPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com AirBnB Right in the heart of the city, I’ve been hosting a hands-on Airbnb Experience at Little City Farm that’s all about plant diversity, gut health, and delicious food. For more information, or to find other experiences on your next trip, check out airbnb.com/experiences. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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• Are You Eating Enough Fiber? Science-Backed Secrets for Gut Health & Longevity

  In this masterclass, I break down the science of gut health and how to use it to your advantage. You’ll learn the different types of fiber, the benefits of fermentation, and how your gut microbes influence digestion, immunity, and even mood. Plus, I share practical tips for increasing fiber without discomfort and simple ways to nurture a thriving microbiome. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Join me on the path to next-level health optimisation at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States. Shopify Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/proof. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Fireflies Stay focused and let Fireflies handle the notes. From transcriptions and summaries to real-time voice commands, Fireflies turns your meetings into actionable insights, seamlessly integrating with Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and more. Sign up for a yearly plan and get two months FREE at fireflies.ai/theproof. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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• Are You Taking the Right Supplements? Masterclass on Creatine, Probiotics, Omega-3 & More

  In this solo episode, I break down the most common supplements, including vitamin D, omega-3s, creatine, B12, and probiotics. I share what the science really says about their effectiveness, safety, and who actually needs them. I also explain how I use blood test data to make smarter supplement decisions and why testing beats guessing every time. What I cover: Vitamin D and optimal levels Who really needs omega-3s Creatine’s brain and performance benefits Iron, B12, and nutrients to monitor on a plant-based diet Magnesium and why most people are low How to think about multivitamins and “daily essentials” The role of testing in personalising supplementation Supplements I take and why Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. AirBnB Right in the heart of the city, I’ve been hosting a hands-on Airbnb Experience at Little City Farm that’s all about plant diversity, gut health, and delicious food. For more information, or to find other experiences on your next trip, check out airbnb.com/experiences. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at livemomentous.com IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com Bragg Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and naturally fermented with 100% organic apples, always with the live “Mother” in every bottle. Get 20% off your first order at bragg.com with promo code SIMON. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Connect with Simon: Instagram: @simonhill X: @theproof Newsletter: theproof.com/newsletter Support the Show: If you found this helpful, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or sharing this episode with someone who’s on their own health journey. Subscribe and stay connected: Subscribe to The Proof on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and X for more insights and updates.

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