The Orange Pill Podcast

83 Episodes

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Episode 83- Inside the FDA’s Cosmetics Overhaul: What MoCRA Is Really Changing

2026-01-2227:13

For nearly a century, U.S. cosmetic regulation remained largely unchanged. That era officially ended with the passage of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), and now, the FDA is racing to catch up. In Episode 83 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we unpack five major regulatory developments that signal a fundamental shift in how cosmetics are tested, labeled, and enforced in the United States. Drawing from recent FDA actions and the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda, this episode explores: • The FDA’s long-awaited move to mandate asbestos testing in talc products • Why the agency is using a broader mineral definition to future-proof safety • How fragrance “trade secrets” are ending with allergen disclosure rules • The delayed but historic push toward a formaldehyde ban in hair products • How the 2025 administrative transition has triggered a widespread regulatory freeze impacting MoCRA timelines We discuss what these shifts mean for brands, manufacturers, regulatory teams, and consumers, and why companies should already be preparing their quality systems, documentation, and compliance strategies. This episode isn’t just about beauty. It’s about accountability, transparency, and the future of consumer protection.

Episode 82- Beetroot, Brain Blood Flow, and the Oral Microbiome: New Insights into Cognitive Decline

2026-01-2030:55

The world is facing a neurological emergency. Dementia cases are projected to nearly triple by 2050, and despite decades of pharmaceutical research, effective, scalable solutions remain limited. This has pushed scientists to look beyond single-target drugs and toward food-based, systems-level interventions. In Episode 82 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore why red beetroot is emerging as a serious scientific contender in the fight against what many researchers now call “Type 3 Diabetes” , the metabolic and insulin-resistant decline of the aging brain. This episode unpacks groundbreaking research showing that beetroot’s benefits are not just nutritional, but neurological, vascular, and microbiome-dependent. It also reframes brain health as a mouth-to-microbe-to-mitochondria conversation, and positions beetroot as a powerful example of how whole foods may influence neurodegeneration. 🎧 Listen to Episode 82 to discover why the future of cognitive resilience may begin not in the pharmacy, but in the produce aisle.

Episode 81- The “First Milk” Phenomenon: What a New 12-Week Clinical Trial Actually Says About Colostrum

2026-01-1537:26

Colostrum, often called “liquid gold”, has taken over longevity circles, biohacking podcasts, and premium supplement shelves. Marketed for everything from gut health to immune resilience and anti-aging, its popularity has surged faster than human clinical research. In Episode 81 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we break down a newly published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial from the Journal of Functional Foods that finally puts colostrum to the test in adults aged 55–70. This episode explores what the data actually shows: • Colostrum’s antibodies survive digestion and remain bioactive in the gut • IGF-1 levels increased while age-related decline continued in the placebo group • Participants saw reduced leg fat accumulation, suggesting metabolic preservation • Markers pointed toward immune priming, not just passive immunity • No short-term changes in bone density or cognition - a reality check on timelines • A strong safety profile, with mostly mild, short-term digestive effects Rather than a miracle cure, this study positions colostrum as a biologically active, patience-requiring intervention for immune and metabolic resilience in aging populations.

Episode 80- From Fruit Peel to Pain Pathways: How Geraniin Shows Promise for Nerve Pain

2026-01-1335:24

Neuropathic pain affects up to 18% of the global population and remains one of the most difficult chronic conditions to manage. Existing therapies often come with serious trade-offs such as sedation, dependency, and limited long-term relief, highlighting the urgent need for safer, more effective solutions. In Episode 80 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore fascinating new preclinical research on geraniin, a naturally occurring compound found in plants like the peel of the rambutan fruit. The study suggests this compound doesn’t just blunt pain signals, it may actually help damaged nerves function better. Rather than acting as a single-target “painkiller,” geraniin demonstrated a multi-pathway approach, addressing several biological drivers of nerve damage at once. This research highlights the growing potential of complex natural compounds in tackling equally complex chronic conditions.

Episode 79- Why You Can’t See Government-Backed Health Claims on Your Food Labels

2026-01-0933:27

When you scan a food or supplement label, you might assume you’re seeing the most credible health information available. But what if some of the most authoritative, government-backed science is being kept off labels altogether? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we unpack a new legal battle that’s putting the FDA’s regulatory authority, free speech, and consumer rights under the spotlight. At the center of the case is a surprising contradiction: claims drawn directly from research published by the NIH, CDC, and other federal health agencies are being blocked by the FDA from appearing on product labels. We explore: • Why the FDA is preventing companies from sharing government-authored health findings • How a 1997 law was designed to allow these claims and why critics say the FDA overrode Congress • Why this case is being framed as a First Amendment issue, not just a regulatory one • How a recent Supreme Court ruling could dramatically shift the balance of power • What this fight means for scientific transparency and informed consumer choice This episode isn’t just about supplements. It’s about who gets to decide what health information reaches the public and whether consumers are being protected or restricted.

Episode 78- From Tossing and Turning to Real Rest: The Corn Leaf Extract That Improved Sleep in Clinical Research

2026-01-0637:44

More than one in four adults struggle to fall or stay asleep and while prescription sleep aids can help, they often come with side effects like grogginess, confusion, and memory impairment. That’s why researchers are increasingly searching for safer, evidence-based alternatives. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into a fascinating new triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Food Science & Nutrition that explored a standardized Corn Leaf Extract (CLE) as a natural sleep aid. The results were striking. We also explore one of the most intriguing findings of all: while objective brain data showed clear improvements over placebo, both groups felt their sleep had improved - highlighting the powerful difference between perception and measurable physiology. This episode unpacks what this means for the future of natural sleep solutions and why objective clinical tools matter more than ever.

Episode 77- Inflammation, Cheese, and Personal Biology: What Diet Really Means for Dementia Risk

2025-12-1837:22

As dementia rates climb worldwide, projected to reach nearly 153 million cases by 2050, diet has emerged as one of the most important modifiable risk factors. But the science behind “brain food” is far more complex than simply avoiding certain foods or adding others. In this final episode of the year, the Orange Pill Podcast takes a deep dive into three surprising scientific findings that are reshaping how we think about diet and long-term cognitive health. In Episode 77, we explore: • Why the inflammatory potential of your overall diet matters more than individual foods • How a massive 25-year study found high-fat cheese and cream were associated with lower dementia risk • Why “healthy eating” isn’t one-size-fits-all and how race, genetics, and vascular health change outcomes Drawing from large population studies including the Framingham Heart Study, Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, and the Chicago Health and Aging Project, this episode challenges simplistic narratives and points toward a more personalized, inflammation-aware approach to brain health. As we wrap up the year, this episode invites a more thoughtful question: What does a truly brain-healthy diet look like for you?

Episode 76- Supplements on the Front Line: What the U.S. Military Teaches Us About Safety, Performance, and Risk

2025-12-1635:08

Dietary supplements promise strength, focus, resilience, and disease prevention, but how well do we truly understand their benefits and risks? In Episode 76 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive investigations of supplement use ever conducted: a Department of Defense–commissioned report by the Institute of Medicine examining dietary supplement use among U.S. military personnel- one of the world’s most physically and mentally stressed populations. This episode unpacks the most important and surprising findings, including: • Why supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs, and what that really means for safety • Why “sold on base” does not mean “military-approved” • The proven benefits and real limitations of caffeine as a performance aid • The striking gap between supplement use and disclosure to healthcare providers • Why more clinical research is urgently needed in high-stress populations like the military We also address common misconceptions about FDA oversight, dietary supplement GMPs, and adverse event reporting, revealing a regulatory framework that is often misunderstood by the public. This episode offers critical insights not just for service members, but for consumers, healthcare providers, regulators, and supplement brands alike.

Episode 75- This Gut Bacteria Byproduct Melts Fat Without Killing Your Appetite: 5 Surprising Findings About DAT

2025-12-1128:54

Weight-loss science is having a renaissance. While today’s blockbuster drugs curb appetite by acting on the brain, a groundbreaking new discovery points to an entirely different frontier - one inside the gut. In Episode 75 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore a remarkable molecule produced not by our bodies, but by our gut bacteria. It’s called Desaminotyrosine (DAT), and new research suggests it could help the body burn fat faster, cleaner, and without ever decreasing appetite. This discovery points toward a future where weight management isn't about eating less, but about helping your gut bacteria work smarter. Listen to Episode 75 to learn how your microbiome could become one of the most powerful tools in metabolic health.

Episode 74- Beyond Calm: 4 Surprising Scientific Findings on L-Theanine for Stress and Focus

2025-12-0925:36

In a world where stress is constant and focus feels fleeting, many people turn to L-theanine, the calming amino acid found in green tea. But new clinical research on a purified form, AlphaWave® L-Theanine, reveals a story far more sophisticated than the usual “relaxation without drowsiness” claim. In Episode 74 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we unpack four surprising scientific discoveries that challenge long-held assumptions about L-theanine and how it affects the brain: 1️⃣ It creates a measurable state of “relaxed wakefulness.” A single dose significantly boosts alpha brainwaves - the same patterns seen in meditation. 2️⃣ It sharpens attention, not just calm. In a 28-day clinical trial, participants taking AlphaWave® improved their cognitive reaction speed faster and more consistently than placebo. 3️⃣ It may improve sleep efficiency, not sleep duration. Surprisingly, participants slept less but maintained strong next-day cognitive performance - suggesting more restorative sleep cycles. 4️⃣ Your mindset matters too. The study also showed that placebo participants reported lower stress, highlighting the powerful interplay between biology and belief. This episode paints a new picture of L-theanine as a cognitive state modulator, not just a calming agent - one that helps the brain filter out stress “noise” while elevating focus, clarity, and restorative rest. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 74 to explore the science behind stress, focus, and the future of nootropics.

Episode 73- A Gene-Edited Fungus That Eats Less, Grows Faster, and Still Tastes Like Meat: 5 Takeaways Changing the Future of Protein

2025-12-0226:29

The global protein crisis is here and science may have just delivered an unexpected solution: a gene-edited fungus that uses 44% less sugar, grows 88% faster, produces clean, complete protein, and still tastes remarkably like meat. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into groundbreaking new research on Fusarium venenatum, the same fungus behind mycoprotein, and explore how a precise, “scarless” CRISPR edit is reshaping the sustainability, nutrition, and future potential of alternative proteins. From environmental impact to regulatory acceptance to consumer perception, this episode explores how fungi, and gene-edited foods more broadly, may redefine the future of protein on a warming planet.

Episode 72- Beyond the Hype: 5 Surprising Truths Science Has Uncovered About Your Dietary Supplements

2025-11-2043:17

The supplement aisle is packed with promises - better sleep, stronger immunity, improved focus - but how much of it is truly backed by science? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we go beyond the marketing noise to explore five surprising truths decades of research have revealed about dietary supplements. From the downfall of once-hyped herbal remedies to the rise of personalized nutrition and the untapped influence of the gut microbiome, this episode challenges the outdated “one nutrient, one solution” mindset. We uncover: • Why some of the biggest studies on popular herbs failed • Why “one-size-fits-all” nutrition simply doesn’t work • How your gut microbes change how supplements behave • The real story behind industry-funded research • How nutrition science has evolved from deficiency prevention to health optimization This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make smarter, science-driven choices about their health and understand what’s truly shaping the future of supplements.

Episode 71- 4 Surprising Reasons the “Better FDA Act” Might Not Make Your Food Safer

2025-11-1835:05

Most of us trust that the foods we buy are safe and clearly labeled, but a new bill in Washington may quietly change the rules. In this episode, we break down the “Better Food Disclosure Act of 2025”, a bill introduced by Senator Roger Marshall that promises to strengthen transparency in the food system. At first glance, it looks like progress. But beneath the surface are four major structural issues that critics warn could actually weaken food safety regulation, not strengthen it. We explore: • How new food chemicals could be approved by default if the FDA runs out of time • Why removing unsafe ingredients may become harder than ever • The massive, unfunded workload the bill hands to an already overextended FDA • How “disclosure” doesn’t necessarily mean public transparency With insights from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), we uncover why some experts are calling this bill a legislative “lobster trap”- easy for chemicals to enter the food supply, nearly impossible to remove them once inside. Join us for Episode 71 as we unpack the fine print and help you understand what this bill could mean for public health and the future of food safety in the U.S.

Episode 70- 5 Surprising Truths About Health Products Research: What to Watch Out for When Choosing a Clinical Trial Partner

2025-11-1336:28

That “Clinically Proven” label on your favorite supplement might not mean what you think. In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the world of health product research, where not all studies are created equal. Join us as we explore five surprising truths about how health products are tested, from the misuse of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to the hidden pitfalls of fully virtual trials. You’ll learn why the FDA is cracking down on vague “quality of life” claims, how some trials rely on predicted margins instead of actual data, and why the future of clinical research lies in hybrid trial design, combining scientific rigor with participant convenience. If you’re a supplement brand, formulator, or regulatory professional, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode 69- 3 Surprising Legal Trends Every U.S. Dietary Supplement Brand Needs to Know

2025-11-1128:45

The U.S. dietary supplement industry is thriving, but beneath the surface of growth lies a rising wave of class action litigation that’s reshaping how brands think about packaging, marketing, and labeling. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we uncover three emerging legal trends every supplement company should know: 1️⃣ Slack-fill lawsuits - why “empty space” in your packaging could cost millions. 2️⃣ Protein spiking claims - the controversy shaking up the protein powder market. 3️⃣ “Made in the USA” pitfalls - how global sourcing could land domestic brands in legal hot water. Compliance with FDA rules is no longer enough. Learn how to protect your brand reputation and stay ahead of these new legal risks reshaping the supplement industry.

Episode 68- From Substance to State: How the Cognalyzer Is Redefining Cannabis Impairment Testing

2025-11-0636:38

The legalization of cannabis has created a billion-dollar problem that technology is only now catching up to solve: how can we accurately measure impairment, not just use? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into groundbreaking research featuring the Cognalyzer®- a novel EEG-based device that measures brainwave alterations to detect cannabis impairment directly. Unlike traditional methods such as saliva or blood tests, which can penalize sober individuals long after consumption, this technology focuses on what truly matters: the brain’s current state. This episode challenges assumptions, highlights the science, and explores how objective data can pave the way for smarter regulation and safer consumption.

Episode 67- A Major New Study Reveals a Surprising Way to Reduce Aggression by up to 30%

2025-11-0446:52

Aggression, from playground fights to serious violence, has long challenged families and communities alike. But what if one of the simplest, safest, and most effective tools for reducing aggression has been sitting on our dinner plates all along? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking new meta-analysis spanning nearly 30 years of research that reveals how omega-3 supplementation, the same fatty acids found in fish oil, can reduce aggression by up to 30%. Join us as we unpack: The evidence behind 29 randomized controlled trials How omega-3 helps regulate both “hot” and “cold” aggression Why experts are calling for its immediate implementation And how this simple nutritional step could transform mental health strategies Tune in to discover how a small dietary change could make a big difference in behavior, brain health, and community well-being.

Episode 66: The Super-Nutrients in Your Food Aren’t Working - and How Nanotech Could Change That

2025-10-2342:40

We all try to eat better, loading up on antioxidant-rich berries, turmeric, and green veggies, but here’s the surprising truth: many of those “super-nutrients” never make it past your digestive system. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore how nanotechnology is rewriting the rules of nutrition. From nanoencapsulation that protects fragile compounds like curcumin and quercetin, to upcycling food waste into potent new supplements, science is finally addressing the “bioavailability bottleneck.” But with every breakthrough comes new questions, about safety, regulation, and the fine line between innovation and over-engineering our food. Are we entering an era of “programmed nutrition,” and what will it mean for the future of health and wellness?

Episode 65- The Hidden Dangers of Biogenic Amines: Why Setting Specifications Matters for Foods and Supplements

2025-10-2139:50

Fermented foods like cheese, wine, and cured meats are celebrated for their complex flavors, but they may harbor hidden risks. In this episode of The Orange Pill Podcast, we explore the world of biogenic amines (BAs), naturally occurring compounds that can pose health hazards despite their delicious origins. From the “cheese effect” of tyramine to toxic synergy among multiple amines, we discuss why regulating histamine alone isn’t enough. Learn why food safety experts are calling for clear specifications for biogenic amines in foods and dietary supplements, and how manufacturers can proactively protect consumers.

Canada’s CBD Crossroads: Health Canada’s Next Big Move for Cannabis and NHPs

2025-10-1629:02

In Episode 64, we continue to unpack the regulatory evolution of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) in Canada (continuation of Episode 44) and what’s next for the industry. From the Cannabis Act to proposed pathways that could finally allow CBD Natural Health Products (NHPs) to be sold without prescriptions, this episode dives deep into how Health Canada’s changing stance could reshape accessibility, innovation, and economic opportunity.

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