There are many factors that impact gut health: diet, mental health, genes, exercise, and more. Many of these factors can be changed to improve overall health via the gut. Mental health and the role of stress is important to consider in the management of one's physical health and may become an important target of treatment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic GI condition that presents with abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits and is diagnosed based on symptoms after ruling out other ...
Apr 24, 2024•56 min•Ep. 262
The Ultra Processed Foods Debate: Are They Causing Negative Health Outcomes? Research on ultra-processed foods (UPF) has greatly increased over the past few years as has media coverage on the topic. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) will address the scientific question: “What is the relationship between dietary patterns with varying amounts of ultra-processed foods and growth, body composition, and risk of obesity.” Tune into this episode with Dr. Joanne Slavin to learn ...
Apr 10, 2024•52 min•Ep. 261
This Sound Bites® Podcast episode is sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and Wendy Bazilian is a paid partner for the California Walnut Commission. Food trends ebb and flow but eating a plant-based diet has continued to trend and is likely to stick around for years to come. However, what exactly does a plant-based diet mean? What foods fit? And do people really understand how to implement it and reap the benefits? We will discuss the latest research on the effects that simple plant-bas...
Apr 03, 2024•46 min•Ep. 260
From Seed to Spoon Part Two Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company. Steven Dominguez and Danielle Dalheim are employees of Quaker’s parent company, PepsiCo. This episode will explore Quaker’s oat milling technology as well as the culinary versatility of oats, encouraging listeners to think beyond the breakfast bowl. Tune into this episode with guests Chef Steven Dominguez and Dietitian Danielle Dalheim to learn about: · an overview of the oat milling process · how diffe...
Mar 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 259
From Seed to Spoon Part One Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company of which today’s guests, Kristin Stewart and Di Wu, are employees of its parent company, PepsiCo. This episode will dive into Quaker’s agricultural science expertise and industry leadership to breed new varieties of oats that deliver on nutrition, taste and sustainability. Tune into this episode with guests Dr. Di Wu and Dr. Kristin Stewart to learn about: · an overview of the nutritional profile, benefi...
Mar 13, 2024•35 min•Ep. 258
Global communications consultancy Ketchum recently published a wide-ranging research study on the attitudes and beliefs of Gen Z about food. The report, “The Gen Z Say/Eat Gap,” expands on Ketchum’s legacy of food insights, intelligence and landmark research and provides guidance for food companies and communicators on how to connect with Gen Z successfully. Ketchum’s research also looked at Gen Z RDs and nutrition students and identified differences in motivations, preferences and behaviors of ...
Feb 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 257
The Truth About Diet, Weight & Fertility While there are many factors that affect fertility, diet is one of the few things that we can modify. Various nutritious dietary patterns have been linked to improved natural conception and fertility treatment outcomes, and none of those diets restricts gluten, soy, dairy, or specific food groups. For those who are trying to conceive, or who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or managing conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis, dietary and life...
Feb 08, 2024•56 min•Ep. 256
This episode delves into the heart of modern farming with a goal of being more critical of sensational headlines. Join us as we explore the complexities of agriculture, separating fact from fiction by debunking myths and shedding light on the nuanced realities that shape the food production system today. Whether you’re a seasoned ag enthusiast or just curious about where your food comes from, this episode aims to help guide your understanding of the truths behind modern farming and cultivating t...
Jan 24, 2024•47 min•Ep. 255
The Mediterranean Diet has gained widespread recognition for its health benefits, supported by decades of medical research. However, many misconceptions about the diet persist. Tune into this episode to learn about the Mediterranean diet/lifestyle including: · the history · diet pillars · common misconceptions · health benefits · research studies · culinary aspects · success stories · incorporating cultural foods · simple steps to get started · how RDNs can help clients · resources for the publi...
Jan 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 254
The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting for Weight Management and Health Outcomes Intermittent fasting (IF) diets are rising in popularity and more human clinical trials are being conducted to determine their safety and efficacy. The most studied forms of intermittent fasting to date include alternate day fasting (‘fast day’ alternating with ‘feast days’), the 5:2 diet (two fast days and five feast days per week), and time-restricted eating (only eating within a specific window of time each day)...
Dec 13, 2023•43 min•Ep. 253
Imagine having type 1 diabetes, taking insulin and not being able to monitor your blood glucose levels at home until that technology was developed and made available to you thirty years after your diagnosis. Today’s episode is a candid conversation with my best friend’s mom, Jeanine, about living with type 1 diabetes for over 65 years. She’s seen a lot of changes in diabetes treatment and management during that time – but says that she never felt like she couldn’t do something because she had di...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 252
EPA+DHA Research: Diabetes, Cognition, Depression and Anxiety Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important nutrients that play crucial roles in supporting healthy hearts, brains, eyes, joints, inflammation, as well as mental health. They also play an important role in fetal brain and eye development and reducing the risk of early preterm birth. However, 95 percent of Americans – and 80 percent of people worldwide – are not getting en...
Nov 16, 2023•56 min•Ep. 251
Protein Quality, Nutrient Bioavailability & A Global Perspective on Animal Agriculture While plant-source foods provide important nutrients in our diets, animal-source foods contain more bioavailable sources of multiple critically needed macro- and micronutrients that can contribute to proper physical and cognitive growth of children. In rural parts of developing countries, these animal-source foods are vital for preventing undernutrition and allowing proper growth and brain development in c...
Nov 01, 2023•35 min•Ep. 250
A considerable amount of misinformation exists about food allergies among the public and health professionals alike. This episode delves into the prevalence and pathophysiology of food allergies, emphasizing the difference between self-reported and diagnosed cases, with around 6% of both U.S. adults and children affected. The immune-mediated nature of food allergies and the various types of reactions they can trigger are discussed as well as the importance of clinical correlation with test resul...
Oct 18, 2023•50 min•Ep. 249
Seed oils are often attributed to negative health effects due to their prominence in ultraprocessed foods and misunderstood science. Seed oils are a primary source of essential polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs: omega-6s and omega-3s) and are encouraged in most dietary patterns. However, the typical American diet is higher in omega-6s than is recommended, and while adults are generally meeting the recommendation for omega-3 intake, new evidence indicates we may benefit from a higher amount. Different ...
Oct 04, 2023•53 min•Ep. 248
Join Melissa and her editor/producer and friend Jon A. Gay aka “JAG in Detroit” as they discuss some exciting milestones and the back story on the Sound Bites® Podcast. Tune into this episode to learn about: How and why Melissa started the podcast over 8 years ago Jon’s background in radio and how he transitioned into the podcast space How Jon and Melissa met and started working together Some fun bloopers and outtakes Trending topics and most popular episodes Challenges and other podcast insight...
Sep 28, 2023•40 min•Ep. 247
The newly released "Cooking à la Heart" is a cookbook aimed at promoting better health through simple, delicious recipes. Co-author and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Amy Myrdal Miller, who has managed Type 1 diabetes for over 45 years, emphasizes a flavorful approach to heart healthy eating patterns. Amy’s culinary passion and conviction that cooking doesn’t have to be difficult, boring or time-consuming is evident throughout the book. Tune into this episode to learn about: · Why flavor is t...
Sep 20, 2023•53 min•Ep. 246
New Technology Supports Behavior Change in Hypertension Management Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common modifiable cause of death in the world and affects 1.3 – 1.4 billion people worldwide including almost 50% of people over the age of 65. Consistently controlling blood pressure over time is the most crucial element in minimizing the risks of blood pressure driven diseases such as stroke, heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, cognitive decline, vision loss, reproduct...
Sep 07, 2023•59 min•Ep. 245
Beyond Traditional Nutrients: The Role of the Food Matrix on Health According to new research conducted by the University of Kansas Medical Center, just three cups of dairy milk a day can increase the brain’s level of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from some of the damage that accompanies aging and aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Tune into this episode to learn about: · The term “food matrix” and it’s role in health · The dairy food m...
Aug 23, 2023•42 min•Ep. 244
A new paper published in the Journal of Nutrition addresses mis- and disinformation in food science and nutrition and how this impacts practitioners and the public. The introduction and expansion of social media has created opportunities for credible health professionals but also challenges in that self-proclaimed experts use this platform to get attention, grow their brands and ultimately, spread mis- and disinformation. This episode sheds light on the attention economy, where stories, regardle...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 243
Blood Sugar Management: More Than Just Carbohydrates Blood sugar management is crucial for people with diabetes, and balanced meals and snacks are key for people with diabetes, prediabetes and even those at risk for diabetes. Many people think carbohydrate foods and sugar are the only dietary factors involved, and often focus on what to limit or eliminate from their diets in order to manage blood sugar. The truth is that incorporating other important nutrients into your meals and snacks can actu...
Jul 26, 2023•43 min•Ep. 242
An Inclusive and Diverse Way to Think About Healthy Eating There is a growing disconnect between mainstream notions of “healthy” foods and the fact that traditional, cultural foods can be, and often are, inherently nutritious. This narrow view of healthy eating is misguided at best, with traditional foods often being left out of the conversation or even demonized. When you consider a more inclusive and diverse way to think about healthy eating, you realize the importance of exploring and embraci...
Jul 12, 2023•57 min•Ep. 241
Nutrition and obesity-related research are scientific topics which should be executed with the same degree of rigor, transparency, and truthful communication as in any other area of science. However, this type of research may be weaker than it should be due to flaws in the types of questions asked, the design of studies, the execution of studies, the analysis of resulting data, the interpretation and communication of studies and results. This weakens the overall quality of the literature and may...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 240
Reducing food waste at home has multiple benefits: you’ll stretch your food budget to save money, time, and potentially even boost your nutrition, all while supporting a healthy planet. A flexitarian eating style can help reduce food waste because you have more flexibility to eat and enjoy all types of foods and to use up leftover foods in a variety of creative ways. This 3-part podcast series discusses the benefits of flexitarian eating and its intersection with promoting a healthier relationsh...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 239
Diet culture emphasize thinness over health and equates weight loss and thinness as superior - both physically and morally - which leads people to spend time, money and mental effort towards achieving the “ideal body.” A healthy relationship with food on the other hand is free from diet rules about what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat and allows you to eat all foods in a way that feels good for your body. This balanced and flexible approach to food fits perfectly in the flexitarian lifes...
Jun 14, 2023•45 min•Ep. 238
Part 1 of 3: The Flexitarian Diet is a Lifestyle, Not a “Diet” The average American diet is low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy, and high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, which is a significant public health issue. Switching to a flexitarian eating pattern, which contains both plant-based and animal-based foods in a balanced approach, can help encourage a healthy lifestyle, and with possible benefits to the planet, too. This 3-part series discusses the benefits of flexitarian eating a...
Jun 07, 2023•47 min•Ep. 237
Today’s episode is about menopause and this important transition in midlife – both physically and mentally. We discuss some of the research and recommendations for navigating this journey as healthfully and joyfully as possible. Tune into this episode to learn about: · Estrogen’s role in muscle health and bone health · Exercise recommendations during menopause · Strength training and “inefficient” exercise · Training to train · How to reevaluate the stories we tell ourselves about our food choic...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 236
During adolescence the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and developmental changes happening are the background for whatever else is going on in the teenager’s life, including their eating habits and behaviors. From skipping meals, to snacking to disordered eating, teens are often experimenting, seeking independence and taking risks. How can parents and caregivers best support their child and set them up for success during this time of growth, development and transition? Tune into this epis...
May 10, 2023•53 min•Ep. 235
Rethinking buzzwords like clean eating, superfoods and vegan, Terry Walters shares her life’s work through her newest cookbook and inspires others to explore and embrace plant-based cooking. “Try one plant-based recipe a week. Focus on the foods, tastes and colors that you're not getting in your diet now, add something fermented, and if there's any way at all, share the journey with somebody else.” – Terry Walters Tune into this episode to learn about: · How and why Terry became a self-taught pl...
Apr 25, 2023•42 min•Ep. 234
Certain populations find it difficult to gain weight and keep it on – especially in a healthful way. In particular, teen athletes may struggle to add muscle mass in hopes of improving their sports performance and think they need to consume large quantities of protein and supplements. Tune into this episode with sports nutrition expert Nancy Clark to learn about: · Different types of people who struggle with gaining weight · Common questions and myths about healthy weight gain · The role of diffe...
Apr 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 233
