Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat, is a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. A new study has found that drinking diet sodas puts you at a 20% higher risk for AFib. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study, and how much diet soda per week poses the highest risk. Reference: Sun, Y., Yu, B., Yu, Y., Wang, B., Tan, X., Lu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, K., & Wang, N. (2024). Sweetened beverages, genetic susceptibility, and incident at...
Mar 31, 2024•9 min
The Environmental Working Group's 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ (aka the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List) was released on March 20, 2024, and the results are shocking! Listen in this week as Dee talks about the list, what it means for your health, and how to strategize your grocery budget to ensure the least amount of pesticide exposure. Get the Guide at https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
Mar 24, 2024•10 min
A recent study shines light on the profound impact of diet on chronic pain. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and the strong undercurrent of desire among chronic pain sufferers to adopt healthier eating practices. Reference: Dong, H. J., Brain, K., Olsson, M., Dragioti, E., Gerdle, B., & Ghafouri, B. (2024). Eating habits and the desire to eat healthier among patients with chronic pain: A registry-based study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 4705. https://www.ncbi.nl...
Mar 17, 2024•9 min
Following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), yogurt manufacturers in the United States will now be allowed to state on their labels that yogurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Listen in this week as Dee discusses which type of yogurt qualifies, and why eating yogurt may help with blood sugar control. Reference: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, March 1) FDA announces health claim for yogurt and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes . https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-con...
Mar 10, 2024•13 min
As its name suggests, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a dietary approach that provides the same health benefits typically seen with water-only fasting, but you still get to eat! Listen in this week as Dee discusses the FMD and a recent study showing that following the FMD for just 5 days a month could wind back your interal clock nearly three years. Reference: Brandhorst, S., Levine, M. E., Wei, M., Shelehchi, M., Morgan, T. E., Nayak, K. S., Dorff, T., Hong, K., Crimmins, E. M., Cohen, P., ...
Mar 03, 2024•13 min
A new study adds wasabi to the list of foods that show significant improvement in both working and episodic memory. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and what you need to know about sources of wasabi. Reference: Nouchi, R., Kawata, N. Y. S., Saito, T., Nouchi, H., & Kawashima, R.. (2023). Benefits of wasabi supplements with 6-MSITC (6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate) on memory functioning in healthy adults aged 60 years and older: Evidence from a double-blinded randomized co...
Feb 25, 2024•7 min
The parsnip is a humble root vegetable that is highly underrated. Listen in this week as Dee discusses their rich nutritional profile, health benefits and why parsnips deserve a prime spot on your plate. Reference: Kenari, H. M., Kordafshari, G., Moghimi, M., Eghbalian, F., & TaherKhani, D. (2021). Review of pharmacological properties and chemical constituents of Pastinaca sativa. Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 24(1), 14–23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8010426/ Link to Parsnip...
Feb 18, 2024•10 min
If you favor using wood cutting boards, wood utensils, and wood butcher blocks, you know they need to be moisturized to keep them from drying out. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best food grade antibacterial oil to beautifully moisturize your wood cutting boards. Reference: International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Mineral oil, untreated or mildly treated. Chemical Agents and Related Occupations - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304428/ Link to Dee's re...
Feb 11, 2024•12 min
Americans are fixating on protein while neglecting the crucial role of fiber in their diets. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the optimal protein intake, debunking the myth that more is better. Link to purchase Dee's recommended protein powder: https://processedfreeamerica.org/is-whey-the-only-way/
Feb 04, 2024•12 min
While the impact of multivitamins on overall health sparks ongoing debates, a fresh study hints at their potential to put the brakes on memory loss. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the outcomes of the study, and what to look for in a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. Reference: Vyas, C. M., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., Cook, N. R., Rist, P. M., Weinberg, A., Moorthy, M. V., Baker, L. D., Espeland, M. A., Yeung, L., Brickman, A. M., & Okereke, O. I. (2024). Effect of multivit...
Jan 28, 2024•13 min
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant made within the body. However, there are a number of circumstances that interfere with its production, leaving the body vulnerable to severe free radical damage. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of CoQ10, the conditions that may benefit from increased amounts of CoQ10, and the best food sources and forms of supplemental CoQ10. Link to CoQ10: https://amzn.to/3nE3vwM
Jan 22, 2024•13 min
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that eating a greener version of the Mediterranean diet that includes duckweed and other high polyphenol foods was twice as effective in reducing life-threatening blood vessel stiffness. Listen in this week as Dee explains what the "Green Mediterranean Diet" consists of, what duckweed is, and how you can benefit from both. Reference: Tsaban, G., Shalev, A., Katz, A., Yaskolka Meir, A., Rinott, E., Zelicha, H., Kaplan, ...
Jan 14, 2024•13 min
Five U.S. cities implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages between 2017 and 2018, as a key policy to reduce cardiometabolic diseases and other health conditions. Did consumers reduce their consumption? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of a recent study that examined the correlation between increases in prices of sugar-sweetened beverages and purchases. Reference: Kaplan, S., White, J. S., Madsen, K. A., Basu, S., Villas-Boas, S. B., & Schillinger, D. (2024). Evaluation o...
Jan 08, 2024•9 min
One of the top-trending health-related questions searched on Google in 2023 was "What helps with bloating?" Listen in this week as Dee provides insight into why bloating is such a common problem and what you can do to improve digestion and stop the bloat! Link to Purchase Digestive Enzymes: https://amzn.to/3DBV9OR Reference: Di Stefano, M., Miceli, E., Gotti, S., Missanelli, A., Mazzocchi, S., & Corazza, G. R. (2007). The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and ga...
Dec 31, 2023•19 min
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb with health benefits documented in medical texts dating back to 77 AD. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how rhodiola enhances brain functions and reduces anxiety. Link to Purchase Rholiola: https://amzn.to/41kHmHC
Dec 17, 2023•9 min
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has over 4,000 years of traditional use in India for improving many conditions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many benefits of Ashwagandha! Link to Purchase Ashwagandha: https://amzn.to/46SNk3m
Dec 11, 2023•8 min
Three decades ago a team of independent nutrition experts was recruited by the USDA to create the first Food Guide Pyramid published in 1992 to help Americans get healthier. But, the USDA caved to food industry interests and modified the experts' recommendations, and have never taken a clear stance against processed foods. As a result, Americans are less healthy than they were 30 years ago. Listen in this week as Dee discusses a promising change that may be coming in 2025 as the food guidelines ...
Nov 26, 2023•11 min
A new study reveals that diet sodas sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame (also known as Equal) increase insulin levels the same as regular sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the impact this has on weight gain, diabetes and overall health. Link to The Science of Skinny: https://amzn.to/3SOpLp3
Nov 19, 2023•13 min
A special type of fiber has been found to be especially effective at suppressing appetite and tamping down cravings. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how beta glucan works in the body and which food sources are the best. Link to Muffin Recipe: https://processedfreeamerica.org/dees-flourless-oat-bran-muffins-apple-cinnamon/
Nov 12, 2023•11 min
Promising research shows vitamin K provides defense against age-related conditions like osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of vitamin K in bone health and beyond. Reference: Xv, F., Chen, J., Duan, L., & Li, S. (2018). Research progress on the anticancer effects of vitamin K2. Oncology letters, 15(6), 8926–8934. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958717/...
Nov 05, 2023•16 min
A study looking at gut bacteria levels in over 2,500 people has linked low levels of certain types of gut bacteria with higher incidence of depression, affirming previous research linking diet quality to this mood disorder. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the the results of this study and the foods that influence a healthy gut and balanced moods. Reference: Radjabzadeh, D., Bosch, J. A., Uitterlinden, A. G., Zwinderman, A. H., Ikram, M. A., Van Meurs, J. B. J., Luik, A. I., Nieuwdorp, M., L...
Oct 29, 2023•11 min
The OMAD (one meal a day) diet is making big and bold promises for weight loss and better health, including delaying the aging process. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research and whether this dietary approach is a viable option for you. Reference: Meessen, E. C. E., Andresen, H., van Barneveld, T., van Riel, A., Johansen, E. I., Kolnes, A. J., Kemper, E. M., Olde Damink, S. W. M., Schaap, F. G., Romijn, J. A., Jensen, J., & Soeters, M. R. (2022). Differential effects of one meal p...
Oct 22, 2023•13 min
Most everyday kitchen spices have a long history of medicinal use, and many of them are good for increasing metabolism in the body due to their thermogenic properties. Listen in this week as Dee discusses five common spices that are known for their ability to lower inflammation, rev up metabolism and burn fat more efficiently.
Oct 15, 2023•11 min
A new study shows that walnut consumption is especially potent for heart health, and the earlier you start, the better the benefit. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and why walnuts are an important shield against heart disease. References: Steffen, L. M., Yi, S. Y., Duprez, D., Zhou, X., Shikany, J. M., & Jacobs, D. R., Jr (2021). Walnut consumption and cardiac phenotypes: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Nutrition, Metabolism,...
Oct 08, 2023•9 min
Psyllium husk has been dubbed by some social media blogs as a "poor man's" Ozempic. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the similarities and differences between psyllium husk and the popular weight loss drug, and suggests a novel natural alternative that has shown significant improvements in body weight, abdominal circumference, and body fat percentage. References: Boix-Castejón, M., Herranz-López, M., Pérez Gago, A., Olivares-Vicente, M., Caturla, N., Roche, E., & Micol, V.. (2018). Hibisc...
Oct 01, 2023•15 min
A polyphenol compound in hibiscus called Hibiscus sabdariffa is shown in studies to aid weight loss by controlling appetite and increasing production of the AMPK gene which regulates cellular energy. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the AMPK gene and its role in weight loss, lowering blood pressure and even anti-aging! References: Boix-Castejón, M., Herranz-López, M., Pérez Gago, A., Olivares-Vicente, M., Caturla, N., Roche, E., & Micol, V.. (2018). Hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols...
Sep 24, 2023•7 min
In addition to being one of the fundamental amino acids used to building protein in the body, glycine is involved in many different important chemical reactions within the body, especially its ability to quell inflammation. It also has a sweet taste, similar to sugar, but without any of the calories or negative effects on blood sugar. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many health benefits of glycine, and how to use it as a sweetener. Reference: Razak, M. A., Begum, P. S., Viswanath, B., &...
Sep 18, 2023•12 min
A recent study evaluated over 2,000 fish oil supplements and found that the variable doses suggested on product labels are typcially much lower than the doses used in studies that associate fish oil benefits for heart, brain and joint health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of this study and what the optimal doses of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are. Reference: Assadourian, J. N., Peterson, E. D., McDonald, S. A., Gupta, A., & Navar, A. M. (2023). Health claims and doses...
Sep 10, 2023•11 min
A new study shows that the majority of dairy farmers in Ireland use a pasture based, grass-fed feeding system that produces milk with significantly higher levels of 4 key nutrients compared to grass-fed dairy cows in the U.S. and other countries. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of this study and why Irish butter really is better. Reference: Timlin, M., Fitzpatrick, E., McCarthy, K., Tobin, J. T., Murphy, E. G., Pierce, K. M., Murphy, J. P., Hennessy, D., O’Donovan, M., Harbourne...
Sep 04, 2023•10 min
The medical term "fatty liver disease" is getting a new name as terminology adapts to better reflect the symptoms of the disease and becomes more sensitive to patient experiences. The changes were needed because the term could be considered to confer stigma. Listen in this week as Dee reveals the new name for this metabolic condition, and offers some helpful nutrtion advice on how to support healing of the liver. Reference: Rinella, M. E., Lazarus, J. V., Ratziu, V., Francque, S. M., Sanyal, A. ...
Aug 28, 2023•13 min
