Nutrition For Mortals

This episode kicks off our two-part deep dive into one of nutrition’s most talked-about controversies: the idea that “Big Sugar” reshaped health policy, redirected blame toward dietary fat, and helped create the low-fat food era many of us grew up in. Did the sugar industry really “rewrite the rules of health” or is there more to this story? Join us, two Registered Dietitians (and friends!) as we embark on a time travelling investigation and get to the bottom of this! Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: The 2016 Cristin Kearns JAMA article The Mother Jones piece Vice TV Report- How The Sugar Industry Keeps You Hooked October 1967 Sugar Association meeting notes 1954 Henry Hass speech transcript, “What’s New in Sugar Research”Introduction of Diet-Heart Hypothesis by Ancel Keys1964 Report to the SRF by John Hickson For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Can the way you combine foods really change how your body digests them—or even help you lose weight? For well over a century, food combining diets have claimed exactly that. From the early natural hygiene movement to the wildly popular Hay Diet, to the celebrity-fueled Beverly Hills Diet of the 1980s, these plans have promised better digestion, improved energy, and rapid weight loss all by simply avoiding consuming certain combinations of foods. But what does science say about food combining? And is there any evidence that separating foods helps your digestion or metabolism? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we break down the history and the hype behind food combining diets, explore how these ideas took hold, and discuss why your digestive system is far more capable than these diets suggest.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: American Natural Hygiene SocietyHealth Via FoodHerbert Shelton LectureJudy Mazel InterviewThe Beverly Hills DietFood Combining Made EasyKenzie Burke Food CombiningFood Combining StudyFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

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Few nutrients get as much hype as vitamin D. It’s been promoted for everything from stronger bones and better mood to reduced risk of chronic disease and cancer prevention. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, a wave of self-proclaimed “vitamin D truthers” took things further—claiming massive doses could prevent or even cure the virus. But what does the science actually say about how much Vitamin D you should be taking? And are there truly health benefits of mega-dosing Vitamin D? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we dig into the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and shed light on the facts (and fiction) surrounding this much-debated nutrient.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health The Vit D-Folate Hypothesis for Skin Pigmentation (and other hypotheses)Unexpected actions of vit D in innate and adaptive immunity Vit D Supplementation and depression meta-analysis of RCTs Vit D status and COVID-19 severity (observational data #1)Vit D status and COVID-19 severity (observational data #2)Vit D from cod liver oil and and COVID-19 incidence Vit D Supplementation with single high dose and hospital LOS in COVID-19 RCT Vit D Supplementation and COVID-19 review/meta-analysis Vit D Supplementation in COVID-19 for deficiency COVID-19 and Vit D Misinformation on Youtube Analysis Vit D Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults Vit D Supplementation and Prevention of Cancer and CVDVit D and Cancer Risk / Mortality Research Challenges The effect of sunscreen on vit D review Sunlight: Time for a Rethink? FTC charges Eric Nepute for Violations For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Microplastics are having a major moment in the headlines, but there’s a lot of confusion about what they actually mean for our health. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katie Pelch, Senior Scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, to unpack the truth about microplastics—what they are, how they get into our food and water and what the current research says about their risks to humans. So join us, two Registered Dietitians (and one environmental scientist!) as we break down the evidence and make sense of the growing conversation around plastics in our food and bodies.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Dr. Katie Pelch, Senior Scientist, Environmental HealthMicroplastics a Growing Concern for Health and EnvironmentSingle-Use Plastics 101Microplastic Is Inside Your BodyThe Essential-Use Approach: A Policy Tool for Reducing Exposures to Toxic ChemicalsNJM Miroplastic StudyMicroplastic and Brain Tissue StudyFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

"Leaky Gut"—or more accurately increased intestinal permeability—has become a buzzword in the world of gut health. It's often blamed for everything from bloating and fatigue to autoimmune diseases and food sensitivities. Social media is full of gut-healing advice and restrictive plans like the AIP and GAPS diets, which claim to ‘heal’ the gut lining and reverse chronic illness. But how much of this is supported by real evidence? And what do we actually know about intestinal permeability in humans? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we cut through the confusion and break down the science of “leaky gut”.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Wakefield FraudRetracted Wakefield StudyLeaky Gut Article #1Leaky Gut Article #2Leaky Gut Article #3Leaky Gut Article #4Leaky Gut Article #5Leaky Gut and NSAID UseLeaky Gut and Alcohol UseGlutamine Use and Leaky GutGAPS Diet BookFactual Wellness ArticleFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

The Blood Type Diet has been touted as a personalized approach to eating—claiming that your blood type determines the foods you should eat (or avoid) to optimize health, lose weight, and prevent disease. It’s a compelling idea, with books and websites promising individualized wellness based on nothing more than your ABO type. But how much of this is backed by science? And where did this idea even come from? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we explore the origin, popularity, and scientific evidence behind the Blood Type Diet—and explore whether your blood type should truly dictate your food choices. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: D'Adamo WebsiteEvolution of Blood TypeHistory of Blood TypesBlood Type Diet Study #1Blood Type Diet Study #2Blood Type Diet Study #3Understanding LectinsEat Right 4 Your TypeOne Man’s Food…Is Someone Else’s PoisonD’Adamo Institute (aka Matt's parking spot)For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

In nutrition, uncertainty isn’t just common—it’s expected. Science evolves, studies conflict, and context matters. But in the space between “we’re still learning” and “we know for sure,” there’s opportunity—and not always the good kind. Enter a formula that’s been used again and again: highlight the confusion, cast doubt on conventional advice, then sell a clear, confident solution. In this episode, we explore how the natural uncertainty in nutrition science is often weaponized—turning curiosity into fear, and questions into clicks, followers, and sales. So join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we dive into the world (and the formula!) of nutrition misinformation. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

This episode was originally released 11/13/2024Want to support the show and get bonus episodes EVERY MONTH? ⁠⁠Join our Patreon!⁠⁠We’ve got MERCH! Check it out ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠Don’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Feel free to contact our ⁠⁠real, live nutrition counseling practice⁠⁠**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

This episode was originally released 2/19/2025Want to support the show and get bonus episodes EVERY MONTH? ⁠Join our Patreon!⁠We’ve got MERCH! Check it out ⁠HERE⁠Don’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Feel free to contact our ⁠real, live nutrition counseling practice⁠**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

This episode was originally released 2/5/2025Want to support the show and get bonus episodes EVERY MONTH? Join our Patreon!We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Feel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

This episode was originally released 6/12/2024Want to support the show and get bonus episodes EVERY MONTH? Join our Patreon! We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Feel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Synthetic food dyes have recently made headlines—again. From bold health assertions to whispers of an upcoming U.S. ban, these additives come with a lot of claims and a lot of controversy. But what does the research actually tell us about the health risks of consuming food dyes? And where did these health claims actually originate? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we dive into the colorful history, controversial discourse and current science of synthetic food dyes.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: How Vitamin A is MadeComplete List of European Food Dyes2012 Meta-Analysis History of Aniline Purple1988 Rat StudyButter Yellow ArticleEuropean Re-Eval of ErythrosineColor Additives HistoryRFKjr/Makary Press ConferenceCBS News Article (Food Industry Response)Why Your Child Is HyperactiveThe Chemistry of Food DyesFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

Keto became a popular weight loss diet in the 1990s and has been a mainstay of diet culture ever since. Promoted as the ultimate solution for weight loss, mental clarity, and better health, keto has earned a loyal fanbase. But do these bold claims actually hold up under scientific scrutiny? And can anyone realistically maintain such a restrictive eating pattern in the long term? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, for the second in this two part series, A Tale of Two Ketos. Today it's time to tackle “Diet Culture Keto.” Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public by William BantingThe Drinking Man’s Diet, 1964Martinis and Whipped Cream, 1966The Atkins’ Diet Revolution, 1972Robert C. Atkins, 72, Creator of Controversial Diet, Dies Joe Rogan Experience #994 with Dom D’Agostino Joe Rogan Experience #1364 with Brian RedbanEnergy Expenditure and Body Composition on Keto Low Carb vs Isocaloric Low Fat Over One Year “Short-Term” Keto for Weight Loss“Long-Term” Keto in Type 2 DiabetesPotential Genetic Adaptation in Inuit PeoplesFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**

Join us, two Registered Dietitians (and friends!), as we explore the history and science of the ketogenic diet as a miraculous therapeutic tool in the treatment of neurological disease. This is the first of two episodes about the keto diet. Next time we’ll dive into the world of “Diet Culture Keto.” Same diet, very different story! Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: The History of Epilepsy: From Ancient Mystery to Modern MisconceptionKetogenic Diet in the Treatment of Epilepsy The Metabolic Role of Ketogenic Diets in Treating EpilepsyCharlie FoundationMillicent Kelly and the Modern History of the Ketogenic Diet First, Do No Harm starring Meryl StreepThe Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on the Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Impact on Improving Cognitive FunctionsEffects of ketogenic diet on cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer’s diseaseMediterranean ketogenic diet… in Alzheimer’s disease in humans Impact of keto diet on symptoms of Parkinson’s diseaseKetogenic diet versus Mediterranean diet on glycated hemoglobin in prediabetes and T2DMFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**