MEET THE GUEST
Tom Nikkola is a fitness and natural health expert with over 23 years of experience in strength training, nutrition, and metabolic optimization. He is the founder of VIGOR Training, author of The 3 Pillars of Vigor, and publisher of the widely read Nikkola Newsletter. Tom empowers high-performers to break through the noise of mainstream health advice using science-backed, real-world strategies. His work focuses on enhancing energy, longevity, and mental clarity through sustainable lifestyle shifts rooted in evidence-based principles.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
How Tom’s childhood battle with leukemia sparked a lifelong passion for natural health and functional fitness.
What methylation actually is, why it matters, and how genes like MTHFR, COMT, and CBS affect detox, mood, and resilience.
The dangers of synthetic folic acid and why 40–60% of people can’t process it, leading to anxiety, miscarriages, and more.
Why eating healthy isn’t always enough how foods like avocados, fermented veggies, and even folic acid-fortified grains can backfire if your genes are sensitive.
How genetic testing can reveal which methylation pathways need extra support and how to balance B vitamins, sulfur, and glutathione.
The connection between histamine overload, MAOA variants, neuroinflammation, and anxiety and how your gut drives most neurotransmitter production.
Why adrenal fatigue is real, how chronic stress rewires your cortisol output, and what conventional medicine gets wrong about burnout.
The three pillars of recovery: strength training, sleep, and protein and why they’re the foundation for every healing protocol.
Why group workouts, calorie restriction, and cardio may make you feel worse if your genes and hormones aren’t supported.
What genetic resilience really means, and how to rebuild yours with a personalized, root-cause approach to fitness and health.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Sequencing
Genetic testing to uncover your traits, risks, and health insights.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/Sequencing
Promix
Clean supplements made with real food, protein, pre-workout, and more. Use code THETRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/PromixNutrition
Rho Nutrition
Pharma-grade creatine for strength, absorption, and results. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/RhoNutrition
Oura Ring
Smart ring that tracks sleep, heart rate, and recovery to optimize your health.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/OuraRing
Pulsetto
Wearable vagus nerve stimulator to calm stress and support nervous system balance.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/Pulsetto
Jaspr
Medical-grade air purifiers that filter mold, VOCs, and allergens. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/Jaspr
BodyBio
Phospholipids and minerals for brain, cell, and methylation support. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/BodyBio
Quicksilver Scientific
Targeted detox support for mold, metals, and liver health. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/QuicksilverScientific
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website:
http://tomnikkola.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tomnikkola/
KEYWORDS
health, wellness, genetics, methylation, MTHFR, COMT, adrenal fatigue, nutrition, fitness, metabolic optimization, mental health, anxiety, genetics, strength training, nutrition, stress management, resilience, adrenal fatigue, neurotransmitters, gut health