224 Mushrooms, Chocolate and Olive Oil: Keys to Healthy Longevity with Mark J Smith PhD

In this episode, Dr. Mark J. Smith shares actionable insights from Paleo for Life, the book he co-authored with Trevor Connor, to help you align your nutrition and fitness choices with your biology. From dark chocolate and mushrooms to olive oil and other nutrient-dense foods, Dr. Smith explores how ancestral nutrition and longevity nutrients can extend your healthspan. He also touches on his approach to physicality through sprint interval training Whether you're new to the Paleo lifestyle or optimizing for later-life vitality, you’ll walk away with practical tools to reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and maintain independence through aging.  Mark J. Smith is a UK-born exercise and nutritional scientist and Chief Science Officer at ThePaleoDiet.com. A pioneer in ancestral nutrition, Dr. Smith studied under Dr. Loren Cordain, one of the founders of the Paleo movement. He combines rigorous scientific research with practical strategies to support healthy aging, weight management, and metabolic health. His expertise includes nutritional biochemistry, longevity nutrients, and evidence-based fitness interventions. Dr. Smith is also an advocate for simplified, sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance both health span and quality of life. 

0:00 – Introduction
Gillian opens the episode with the Growing Older Living Younger welcome message and the 2025 theme: Age is Just a Number.
Invitation to book a complimentary wellness strategy call.

1:35 – Meet Dr. Mark J. Smith
Gillian introduces Dr. Smith with a summary of his credentials, background, and contributions to Paleo nutrition and sports science. Highlight of his co-authored book Paleo for Life and his collaboration with Dr. Loren Cordain.

4:00 – Origins of the Paleo Philosophy
Dr. Smith shares how he became involved with Dr. Cordain and the early Paleo movement and what initially drew him to ancestral health.

7:10 – Spotlight on Specific Foods
Gillian brings up chapters in Paleo for Life on mushrooms, chocolate, and olive oil. Dr. Smith explains the health benefits and why these and other nutrient-dense foods matter in the context of longevity.

11:45 – Applying Paleo to Clinical Practice
How the Paleo model was used to support patients with autoimmune and metabolic conditions.

15:20 – Movement and Longevity: HIIT vs SIT
 
Dr. Smith explains the difference between SIT (Sprint Interval Training (SIT)and traditional HIIT. Discussion of the effectiveness of SIT for older adults and those looking to preserve lean muscle and cardiovascular health.

20:30 – Simple Entry Points to Paleo Living
Dr. Smith offers three practical tips for someone just beginning to shift toward a Paleo lifestyle. Focus on accessibility and sustainability for listeners 50+.

24:00 – Lessons from Elite Athletes
How lessons from coaching professional athletes can be adapted to aging populations. Importance of functional movement, recovery, and mindset.

28:30 – Personal Longevity Philosophy
Dr. Smith shares his own guiding principles for staying strong and vibrant as we age. Emphasis on individualized routines and consistency.

31:20 – Final Insights, Takeaways and Closing Remarks
Gillian invites Dr. Smith to share one message for those just starting their wellness journey. She thanks Dr. Smith and recaps key discussion points and links to Paleo for Life and ThePaleoDiet.com.

Book a one-on-one call with Dr. Gillian Lockitch  

 Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community 

Learn about Dr. Mark Smith and the Paleo Diet

thepaleodiet.com

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