Nutrition Diva

886. Put "GLP-1" on a label and you can sell almost anything right now: supplements, snacks, drink powders, even a gadget that sits next to your toilet. Some of these products are designed for people taking GLP-1 medications, who can have real nutritional needs. Others promise to boost your body's own GLP-1 as a path to weight loss. That second pitch is a lot shakier, and the reason comes down to what these medications are and how they work. Monica separates the science from the marketing: What GLP-1 is, and what this gut hormone does after you eat Why semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide aren't technically "GLP-1s," and what receptor agonists, dual agonists, and triple agonists are The more accurate names the medical community has proposed for this drug class, and why none of them has stuck How fermentable soluble fiber feeds your gut microbiome, produces short-chain fatty acids, and raises natural GLP-1 Why nobody was talking about boosting natural GLP-1 until these medications took off A bathroom…

885. You need choline every day. Nobody can tell you exactly how much. There's no RDA for choline, because there isn't enough data to set one. What we have instead is an estimate — and it traces back largely to a single study that enrolled only men. The numbers for women were scaled down from there, mostly by body size. Choline is an essential nutrient a lot of people have never heard of. Your liver makes some of it, but not enough, so the rest has to come from food. It's needed to build phosphatidylcholine and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and it plays an outsized role in brain development before birth and in early childhood. Monica walks through what's known and what isn't: Why choline gets grouped with the B vitamins even though it isn't one What severe deficiency does to the liver, and what recent research links low intake to in older adults Why there's no RDA for choline, and what an Adequate Intake is actually based on How estrogen changes the picture, and why premenopausal women may need less…

884. Your doctor can write you a prescription for a statin or a blood pressure medication. What if they could also prescribe fresh vegetables, and your health insurance paid for them? That’s one of the central ideas behind the Food Is Medicine movement, and cardiologist Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian is one of its leading voices. In his new book, “Food Is Medicine: Healing Our Bodies, Nourishing Our Minds, and Transforming Our Food System,” he argues that diet is the leading driver of chronic disease in the US and that it can also be part of the treatment. Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, talks with Dr. Mozaffarian about: What “food is medicine” means, and what it doesn’t How produce prescriptions and medically tailored meals and groceries work, and how they differ from SNAP Promising results from pilot programs serving people with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, and high-risk pregnancies Why opening grocery stores in food deserts didn’t change how people ate What car safety and anti-smoking efforts…

883. You've probably been told to skip broccoli, garlic, spicy food, sushi, peanuts and even your morning coffee while breast-feeding. How much of that advice holds up? Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, sorts fact from folklore on what to eat and what to avoid while nursing. She covers the colic theory about cruciferous vegetables, the open question of whether eating peanuts during breast-feeding affects a baby's allergy risk, and the NIH ESCAPE trial now testing it. In this episode, Monica explains Whether cabbage, broccoli and garlic really cause gas and colic in breast-fed babies Why spicy food doesn't harm breast milk, and how your diet shapes your baby's food preferences What the research says about peanuts during breast-feeding, and why early peanut introduction cuts allergy risk How much caffeine and alcohol are considered safe, and how long to wait before nursing Why the pregnancy rules on sushi and soft cheese don't apply while nursing Which fish to choose, how many extra calories and fluids you need, and…

882. Someone in your office comes back from vacation with a box of soups and shakes and announces they're doing a five-day fast. Except they're eating. Fasting-mimicking diets are unusual among viral wellness protocols in that there is a real body of peer-reviewed research behind them. There is also a company selling the five-day kits, founded by the researcher who developed the protocol and funding many of the trials. Both of those things are true at the same time. In this episode, Monica breaks down what the research actually shows: What the five-day protocol involves, including the calorie targets and why it's deliberately low in protein What "fasting mimicking" means, and which effects of a multi-day fast it's trying to reproduce The 2017 trial in 100 healthy adults, where participants lost about five and a half pounds over three months but saw no change in blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, or inflammation Why the subgroup findings are interesting and why they aren't proof The 12-month trial in…

699.What's the latest guidance on how much protein we should eat, and what sources of protein are best, especially as we age? In response to a New York Times article released this week, we are bringing back this episode form 2023, with a fresh introduction from Monica. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adaptogens, Botanicals, and Boosters: Which Products Actually Deliver? | Nutrition Diva LIVE in NYC! In this special live episode, recorded at the Drinks with Benefits alcohol-free festival in New York City—brought to you in partnership with Liquid I.V.—host Monica Reinagel dives into the fascinating world of functional beverages to separate scientific fact from clever marketing. Monica explains exactly what you should look for on a label, how much of an active ingredient you actually need to see results, and why a sprinkle of "mushroom dust" doesn't necessarily make a beverage functional. This episode explores the real evidence behind today's trendiest drink categories, including: Adaptogens: How ingredients like ashwagandha affect stress resilience and why daily consistency matters. Nootropics: The truth about mushroom coffee blends, and the powerful, jitter-free cognitive focus created by combining L-theanine and caffeine. Sleep Aids: Why timing is everything for melatonin, and the current evidence for…

881. Bodybuilders have been taking creatine for decades, and its effects on strength and muscle mass are well established. Lately it's also being sold for brain health, better sleep, and menopause. The evidence on those newer claims is a lot thinner, but it isn't nothing. Creatine is stored mostly in your muscles, where it powers short bursts of high-intensity effort. Your body makes some of it, and you get the rest from meat and fish, which is why vegans tend to run lower. Stores also decline with age as muscle mass drops. Monica walks through what the research actually shows, including her own experiment with creatine supplementation: Why creatine doesn't build muscle directly, and what it does instead The 2 to 5 pounds of water weight most people gain in the first few weeks, and why it isn't the kind you'd notice in your jeans What a 2025 meta-analysis found about creatine, resistance training, and strength in adults over 50, and why the training group eventually caught up The sleep-deprivation studies,…

880. CoQ10 shows up in cellular energy production, in antioxidant defense, and increasingly, in marketing aimed at anyone over fifty. It's sold for energy, for athletic performance, and especially to the millions of people taking a statin, since those medications really do lower CoQ10 levels in the blood. So who genuinely benefits? In this episode, Monica sorts the credible case from the promotional one. She covers why your body makes most of its own CoQ10 rather than getting it from food, what statins actually do to your levels and whether that matters, and what the evidence says about the claim that CoQ10 relieves statin-related muscle pain. You'll also hear the better-validated steps to try before reaching for a supplement, why she compares this situation to glucosamine and joint pain, how to take CoQ10 if you decide to test it yourself, and why the energy-boosting claims deserve real skepticism. Join us for a live show taping on September 17 in New York City. Details at wellnessworkshere.com/live. New to…

879. Are you eating too much protein, or not enough? The honest answer is that the question itself is flawed, because there's no single number that fits everyone. In this episode, Monica breaks down why protein needs shift across a lifetime. The mTOR "growth switch" inside your cells runs hot during childhood, powering the tissue-building that young bodies require. In your 30s and 40s, dialing protein back may nudge cells toward repair and cleanup instead. And after 50, when muscle naturally starts to decline, eating more actually helps preserve strength, mobility, and bone health well into later years. She also puts the recent longevity headlines in context. A widely covered review of animal studies found that lower protein intake can extend lifespan in flies and rodents, yet those results don't map neatly onto human biology, where lifestyle, genetics, and the rest of your diet all shape how you grow older. Monica offers a more grounded way to think about protein: match your intake to your age, sex, and…

878. A tick bite you may not even remember getting can leave you unable to eat a hamburger, a slice of pizza, or a bowl of ice cream. That's alpha-gal syndrome, and it's turning up far outside its original range. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in the cells of most mammals but not in humans. When a lone star tick injects it under the skin, the immune system can start treating it as a threat. After that, beef, pork, lamb, venison, and sometimes dairy or gelatin can trigger a reaction three to six hours later, which is a big part of why this food allergy goes undiagnosed for years. Today, Monica breaks down what the research actually shows: Why the lone star tick's range is expanding into the Midwest, the Northeast, and eastern Canada How alpha-gal syndrome differs from Lyme disease, and why they get confused What the CDC's estimate of 450,000 cases means, and why the "1 in 4" figure circulating on social media isn't measuring the same thing What a diagnosis means for your diet, including collagen,…

Eight glasses a day. An ounce per pound. A pinch of salt in your water. Everyone has a hydration rule, and most of them came from somewhere other than the research. This live episode was recorded in front of an audience at the Friends of the National Arboretum in Washington, DC (@fonarboretum), with an outdoor yoga session led by Bikram Yoga Works (@bikramyogaworks). Thank you to both for making the night possible. Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, answers listener questions about hydration and explains what the research actually supports. She breaks down the four phases of hydration, which are intake, absorption, retention, and distribution, and explains why sodium and glucose work together to pull fluid out of your digestive system and into your tissues faster than water alone. That mechanism is exactly what an electrolyte drink mix like Liquid I.V. is built around, which is why it can be such a useful tool when you are sweating hard, training, traveling, or just trying to keep up on a hot day. Monica also covers…

877. L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is having a moment with longevity enthusiasts and menopause influencers alike, promoted to calm anxiety, clear brain fog, improve sleep, and slow aging. But does the research hold up? In this episode, Monica breaks down what the studies on L-theanine actually show about attention, sleep quality, stress, and cellular aging, and why a cup of coffee or a short nap might do just as much for your focus. This is the expert roundtable on healthy aging that Monica participated in with USNWR that triggered this episode on theanine. References Cognitive and affective effects of L-Theanine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials | Molecular Psychiatry The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect L-Theanine Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by Reducing the End Products of Advanced Glycosylation l-theanine: From tea leaf to trending supplement – does the science match…

876. There's no vitamin F or G. After E, we jump straight to K, and that quirk is a hint that this nutrient is more complicated than it looks. Vitamin K isn't one thing. It's a whole family of compounds -- K1, K2, MK-4, MK-7 -- that come from different sources and do completely different jobs, from blood clotting to steering calcium into your bones instead of your artery walls. In this episode, Monica untangles the confusing terminology and gets to the question listeners keep asking: does a vitamin K2 supplement actually protect your bones? She digs into what the research really shows, including a widely cited meta-analysis that lumped together two very different kinds of studies, why the prescription-strength results don't tell you much about the low-dose supplement in your cabinet, and whether the food and gut bacteria you already have might be doing the job on their own. Plus, the truth about taking vitamin K with your vitamin D. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a…

On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in November 2025. 838. Are manufacturers using a regulatory loophole to sneak untested chemicals into our food? In this episode, we break down what GRAS really means, why it exists, and how the process works. Resources: GRAS database Database of substances added to foods New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the…

874. If you're prone to kidney stones, you've probably been told to cut back on calcium. If you're worried about your bones, you've been told to get more. So which is it? Turns out it's a false choice. The old advice to restrict dietary calcium doesn't lower your risk of calcium stones -- it can raise it, while leaving your bones more vulnerable to loss. In this episode, Monica breaks down why the calcium in your food behaves so differently from the calcium in a pill, when timing it with a meal actually makes a difference, and how much calcium and vitamin D you really need if you're filling a gap. She also looks at how sodium, animal protein, and fluid intake each shape your kidney stone risk, and why the same evidence-based eating habits that guard against osteopenia and protect bone health as you age are also the ones that protect your kidneys. Related episodes 130 - Are you getting enough calcium? Could you be getting too much? 131 - What are the best sources of calcium? 427 - Does a high protein diet…

On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in November 2024. California recently enacted legislation to ban certain food dyes in public schools. What’s the scientific case to support this? Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN. Transcripts are available at Simplecast. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition…

874. Some wellness articles promise that certain foods can flush plastics and forever chemicals out of your body. In this episode, Monica tracked down the actual studies behind those claims, looking at what the research on fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants really shows about clearing PFAS. She also unpacks why PFAS and microplastics keep getting lumped together even though they behave nothing alike, and covers the practical steps that do the most to limit your exposure. References Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in circulation in a Canadian population: their association with serum-liver enzyme biomarkers and piloting a novel method to reduce serum-PFAS - PMC Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - PMC Related episodes 871: Can you eat your way off your cholesterol medication? 756: Can you absorb nutrients through the skin? Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, founder of Wellness Works Here. New to Nutrition Diva?…

On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in August 2024. Examining whether vitamins and nutrients can really be absorbed through the skin using products like patches and creams. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a…

873. Colonoscopy prep flushes everything out of your large intestine, including the trillions of bacteria that make up your gut microbiome. So once it's over, is that a chance to rebuild your intestinal flora better than before? A listener named Fred wondered the same thing, and when he asked his gastroenterologist, the idea got pooh-poohed. In this episode, Monica digs into what colonoscopy prep actually does to your gut bacteria, how quickly a healthy microbiome bounces back, and whether that reshuffling opens a real window to influence which species take hold. She shares her common-sense approach to restoring gut flora afterward, from the fiber-rich foods that feed beneficial bacteria to the fermented foods linked with greater microbiome diversity, plus the two things worth easing off while your gut recovers. And she weighs in on whether probiotic supplements are worth your money or just wishful thinking. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva?…

On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in September 2023. Traveling doesn't mean your healthy eating habits have to take a vacation too. Nutrition Diva shares practical, no-hype strategies for finding good options in convenience stores, airports, fast food joints, and unfamiliar cities — so you can stay on track wherever the road takes you. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Hosted on Acast. See…

787. How do we balance the need to protect our skin from UV rays with our body’s need for vitamin D? Mentioned in this episode: DMinder (iOS/Android) - http://dminder.ontometrics.com/ Vitamin D and UV Tracker (Android) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uv.vitamindtracker SunDay Vitamin D and UV Tracker (iOS) - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sunday-vitamin-d-uv-tracker/id1133953409 Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com Find Monica at wellnessworkshere.com Discover more from Nutrition Diva: Facebook LinkedIn Newsletter…

Summer Saturdays: Best of QDT Encore Episode: This episode originally aired May 2024. 706. Bloggers recommend everything from bleach to baking soda. Food safety experts insist that tap water is all you need. What’s the best way to kill germs on fresh produce? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! Research references: Antibacterial action of vinegar against food-borne pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli | National Library of Medicine | 1998 Aug (nih.gov) We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other…

872. Social media is full of alarming food lists: staples a cancer survivor swore off, ingredients a nutritionist says to toss immediately. In this episode, Monica works through three listener questions that share a common thread -- microwave popcorn and PFAS, microplastics in chewing gum, and whether mold makes oatmeal a risk. She sorts the legitimate concerns from the inflated ones, and explains why cooking your oats for 10 minutes won't do what a viral claim promises. Related Episodes 480 - Can Xylitol prevent bone loss? 856 - Is coffee mold actually making you sick? Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age.…

871. Your doctor says your LDL is too high and you'd rather change your diet than take a pill. The Portfolio Diet promises results that rival statin drugs -- but wait until you hear what it actually takes to follow it. Nutrition Diva breaks down the science, the evidence, and the real-world catch. References: Effects of a Dietary Portfolio of Cholesterol-Lowering Foods vs Lovastatin on Serum Lipids and C-Reactive Protein | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA Network Assessment of the longer-term effects of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods in hypercholesterolemia - ScienceDirect Related Episodes: 560 - Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits 592 - Is Soy Healthy or Harmful? 260 - What Are Phytosterols? Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics…

870. Parasite cleanses are all over social media right now -- promising to explain your bloating, brain fog, and fatigue. But do they actually work? Monica digs into the science behind these trending protocols, what parasites really look like (spoiler: not what the influencers are showing you), and when you might actually need to worry. References: Effective Laboratory Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Where, When, How, and What Should We Look For? - PMC Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases | Parasites | CDC Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID‐19 - PMC Can ivermectin be used to treat COVID-19? Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a…

869. Beans are gut health gold -- but the same compounds that feed your microbiome are also what cause the gas. So when you take an enzyme supplement like Beano to tame the bloat, are you undermining the benefit? Monica has a more reassuring answer than you might expect. References: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover pilot study: Acute effects of the enzyme α‐galactosidase on gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients - Neurogastroenterology & Motility Effects of Low FODMAP Diet on Symptoms, Fecal Microbiome, and Markers of Inflammation in Patients With Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Randomized Trial - PubMed Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also,…

School's out, the days are long, and summer should be the healthiest time of year for kids — more time outside, more fresh produce, more freedom to move. So why do so many children actually gain excess weight during summer vacation? In this episode, Monica breaks down a counterintuitive but increasingly well-documented trend: for many kids, especially those who are already overweight, summer is actually the riskiest season for unhealthy weight gain. And she walks through five practical, family-friendly strategies to turn that around before the school bell rings again. Encore Episode: This episode originally aired on June 24, 2015. Nutrition Diva is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

868. Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple most of us reach for without a second thought — but should we be more careful about how we use it? This week, Monica breaks down what actually happens when aluminum foil comes into contact with your food, which cooking conditions increase leaching, and whether the aluminum-Alzheimer's connection holds up under scientific scrutiny. Plus, find out whether the shiny side vs. dull side of foil really matters, whether aluminum water bottles are any better than plastic, and simple ways to reduce both your aluminum exposure and your environmental footprint. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger…

In light of Summer BBQ season, let’s take a look at the latest formulations and how they compare to each other and to real beef. Since their wildly successful introduction in 2019, plant-based burgers like Beyond and Impossible have continued to evolve. Encore Episode: This episode originally aired on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Mentioned in this episode: Nutritional Comparison of Plant-Based Burgers (Nutrition Over Easy blog) New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by the Quick and Dirty Tips Network. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Learn more at Quick and Dirty Tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

867. Information about food and nutrition has never been easier to come by. But as more and more people turn to TikTok, YouTube, or ChatGPT for health advice, it's important to consider whether you're looking for inspiration or authority. Monica breaks down how to tell the difference between a good lunch idea and a real health claim, when AI tools can genuinely help, and when you need a qualified professional instead. Expert advice for navigating life after graduation — for new grads and the people cheering them on. From finances and freelancing to nutrition and knowing when to ask for help, find it all in our "Life After Graduation" playlist on Spotify. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut…

866. The market is suddenly full of products claiming to prevent or even reverse gray hair — not by dyeing it, but by actually changing what's happening inside the hair follicle. Some of these serums, supplements, and "anti-gray systems" are backed by genuinely interesting science. Others are getting way ahead of the evidence. Today, Monica breaks down the biology of why hair goes gray, what ingredients show the most promise (and for whom), and which products are banking more on your hope than on clinical proof. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email:…

865. The USDA unveiled the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the "Inverted Pyramid" has been sparking a lot of discussion. After a decade of MyPlate, why is the government returning to a pyramid visual—and why is it upside down? In this episode, Monica breaks down the major shifts in the new US guidance, including: The protein pivot: Why protein is taking center stage and what it means for your health. The plant-based omission: Why beans and legumes were left out of the new visuals despite the scientific evidence. The global gap: How the new US pyramid compares to the UK’s Eatwell Guide and Canada’s food plate. AHA vs. USDA: Why the American Heart Association is issuing its own "course correction" on salt and saturated fat. This episode will help you navigate these changes without losing sight of common-sense nutrition. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes…

864.Does putting spinach in your smoothie cancel out the calcium? Will your morning cup of tea prevent you from absorbing iron? In this episode, Monica looks into the science of mineral absorption and explores the truth behind "anti-nutrients" like oxalates, tannins, and fiber. While certain compounds in food can bind to minerals—like the oxalates in spinach or tannins in tea—the body has built-in buffers to keep you healthy. In this episode, we discuss: The Spinach paradox: Why the calcium in greens isn't always bioavailable. Iron inhibitors: How coffee and tea affect iron levels (and how Vitamin C can help). The fiber myth: Why a high-fiber diet won't lead to mineral deficiencies. Fortified foods vs. supplements: Is calcium-fortified orange juice or soymilk better than a pill? The good news is the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) already accounts for these interactions. Tune in to learn why a varied diet is your best defense and why you probably don't need to micromanage your meals to get the minerals…

In this episode, Monica breaks down the latest research on resveratrol and bone loss prevention. While the 2020 RESHAW study in Australia showed promising results for postmenopausal women, a more recent meta-analysis tells a different story. We separate the supplement hype from the evidence-based nutrition strategies that actually protect your skeleton as you age. Key Takeaways: The RESHAW Breakdown: Why 150 mg of resveratrol led to modest gains in hip and spine density—and why you’d need a lot of wine to replicate it. 10-Year Fracture Risk: How to use the FRAX calculator to estimate your likelihood of a major fracture as part of your longevity strategy. The Meta-Analysis Reality Check: Why mashing up 10 human trials suggests resveratrol might not be the "magic pill" for bone density. The "Healthspan" Levers: Why protein timing, Fibermaxxing, and Vitamin K remain the gold standards for sarcopenia prevention and bone strength. Resources: FRAX Calculator: 10-year fracture risk tool Episode 734: Closing the…

862. Can you actually "reset" your taste buds by cutting out sugar? You’ve heard that a 30-day sugar detox will make your cravings disappear, but a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests our preference for sweetness is more permanent than we thought. This week, Monica debunks the "palate reset" myth and explores a more effective way to manage a sweet tooth. Key Takeaways: The myth of the palate reset: Why "The Sweet Tooth Trial" found that cutting sugar for 6 months didn't change taste preferences. The first 1,000 days: How early life exposure sets your biological "sweetness" baseline. Behavior over biology: Why addressing emotional triggers is more effective than a 30-day cleanse. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying…

689. Is your hair falling out? Nutrient deficiencies may be to blame. Reversing it starts with finding the cause. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com Discover more from Nutrition Diva: Facebook LinkedIn Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

861. Can the order in which you eat your food "flatten the curve" of your blood sugar? From social media influencers to clinical research, a lot of people are talking about meal sequencing. This week, Monica breaks down whether saving your carbs for last actually improves insulin response, prevents Type 2 diabetes, or if it’s just another "hack" that doesn't hold up for everyone. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com Discover more from Nutrition Diva: Facebook LinkedIn Newsletter Transcripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted…

860. Are you throwing away the most nutritious parts of your groceries? From blending avocado pits into smoothies to snacking on peanut shells, social media is full of "zero-waste" food hacks—but are they actually safe? This week, Monica digs into the compost bin to separate the "hidden treasures" from the literal trash. We go over which veggie scraps are nutritional powerhouses (hello, beet greens!) and which ones—like rhubarb leaves and apple seeds—could actually be toxic. Plus, the truth about whether eating corn cobs and peanut shells is "fiber" or just a recipe for a digestive disaster. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series,…

859. Does pickle juice really work, or are we all just falling for a briny trend? From the sidelines of the Philadelphia Eagles to the "wellness shots" at your local grocery checkout, pickle juice has officially gone viral. But while influencers claim it’s a cure-all for everything from hangovers to gut health, the actual science is a bit more surprising. In this episode, Monica digs into the research to separate the "sour" myths from the "salty" truths. You’ll discover: The "Neurological Reset": Why pickle juice stops muscle cramps in 90 seconds (and no, it’s not the electrolytes). Vinegar vs. Fermentation: How to tell if your pickles actually contain probiotics or if they’ve been pasteurized into "sterile" snacks. Metabolic Nudges: The truth about acetic acid, blood sugar spikes, and how pickle juice compares to GLP-1 effects. The Hangover Myth: Can a shot of brine really undo a night of drinking? The Sodium Catch: Why your daily "wellness shot" might be delivering more salt than your heart wants. Whether…

858. Are "low net carb" candies actually a healthy alternative, or just clever chemistry? In this episode, Monica breaks down the science of net carbs and the marketing behind some brands. We dive deep into the ingredient list to explain how sugar alcohols (like erythritol and isomalt) and functional fibers (like polydextrose and soluble corn fiber) affect your body. If you’ve ever wondered why low-sugar treats cause bloating or gas, or if those 26 grams of fiber actually "count," this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: How to calculate net carbs: The math manufacturers use to subtract fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates. The GI Impact: Why high-fiber candies can lead to digestive discomfort and "functional fiber" warnings. Blood Sugar vs. Calories: How keto-friendly sweets compare to traditional treats like Swedish Fish. Food Psychology: Why labeling food as "Shameless" or "Guilt-Free" can harm our relationship with eating. Stop viewing your snack choices as a moral scorecard.…

Does your food lose its nutritional value as soon as it hits the heat? This week on Nutrition Diva, Monica answers a listener's question about how different cooking methods—specifically the Instant Pot versus the stovetop—impact the vitamins and minerals in your meals. We look into the science of nutrient retention, debunking "urban legends" about microwaving, and explaining why frozen vegetables might actually be more nutritious than the "fresh" ones sitting on your counter. The "New Car" Analogy: Does nutrient value drop immediately, or is it a gradual decline? Pressure Cooking vs. Boiling: Why the Instant Pot often beats the stove for preserving fragile vitamins. The Leftover Equation: How many nutrients are actually left in your 3-day-old chili? The Cardinal Rule: The one thing you should never do when reheating food (hint: it’s not about the nutrients, it's about microplastics). The Kale Chip Lesson: Why the "most nutritious" way to cook is the one that actually gets eaten. Related Episodes: Episode…

856. According to the internet, your morning brew might be hiding "mold toxins" that cause brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. But is mold-free coffee a bona fide health breakthrough, or just a clever marketing play? This week, Monica takes a closer look at the science of mycotoxins in coffee, specifically Ochratoxin A (OTA). We separate food safety facts from "wellness guru" fiction to find out if standard coffee beans are actually undermining your health. What Mycotoxins Are: Understanding the difference between visible mold and chemical compounds like Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A. The Roasting Defense: Why the roasting process is your best protection against toxins and why "green coffee" products carry different risks. Hazard vs. Risk: A crucial distinction in food safety—is the presence of a toxin the same thing as a threat to your health? Practical Prevention: 4 simple steps to minimize exposure—from checking "roasted on" dates to proper home storage—without paying a premium for specialty brands.…

855. Is your "healthy" breakfast actually setting you up for a mid-morning crash? Many of us reach for 100-calorie yogurt cups or fiber bars thinking we’re making the right choice, only to find ourselves eyeing the office donut box by 10:00 AM. This week, the Nutrition Diva breaks down 9 essential tips to transform your morning meal from a nutritional afterthought into a powerhouse that fuels your brain and body. Whether you’re a cereal lover or a fan of leftovers, Monica explains how to strike the perfect balance between protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a…

854. Do artificial sweeteners help—or hurt—efforts to manage weight? Fresh research offers some surprising new answers. References: Effect of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers on weight management and gut microbiota composition in individuals with overweight or obesity: the SWEET study | Nature Metabolism The role of sweeteners in weight loss | Nature Reviews Endocrinology Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/new-research-alert-how-do-sugar-substitutes-affect-the-microbiome/transcript New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the…

853. A recent study on ultra-processed foods seems to be yet another nail in the coffin for UPFs. But all is not as it seems. References Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health Related Episodes: Maybe “hyperpalatabilty” isn’t the problem after all The surprising links between UPFs and diet quality | Nutrition Diva Find a transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva…

852. Fermented dairy may affect cholesterol differently than butter or processed meats—but it’s not a free pass. Here’s what the evidence actually shows about yogurt, cheese, saturated fat, and LDL cholesterol. References Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to Be Concerned? - PMC Milk and Dairy Product Consumption and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - ScienceDirect Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed Harnessing the Magic of the Dairy Matrix for Next-Level Health Solutions: A Summary of a Symposium Presented at Nutrition 2022 Dairy and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Recent Observational Research - PMC Fermented dairy product consumption and blood lipid levels in healthy adults: a systematic review New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also…

851. A current nutrition trend encourages people to dramatically increase their fiber intake. But how much fiber is actually helpful? And when can “more” start to backfire? Find a transcript here. Recommended Resources: The Bloated Belly Whisperer by Tamara Duker Freuman Regular, by Tamara Duker Freuman Related episodes: 805 - The real truth about fiber supplements your digestive health needs 560 - Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits 479 - How to Increase Fiber Without Overloading on Calories 589 - Do You Get Enough Fiber on a Low-FODMAP Diet? 712 - Potty Talk with Tamara Duker Freuman 507 - Bloating: The Causes and the Cures 710 - Beyond FODMAPS with Beth Rosen, RD New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone…

850. What if the real danger of hyperpalatable junk food isn't that it tastes too good, but that it actually silences the biological signals that tell you you're full? This episode explores groundbreaking neuroscience suggesting that overeating is driven by a lack of satisfaction rather than an excess of pleasure. Related episodes: 483 - Protein Density: How To Get More Protein for Fewer Calories | Nutrition Diva 702 - Nutrient dense vs energy dense and why it matters | Nutrition Diva 479 - How to increase fiber without overloading on calories References The body sends a signal: Perspectives on interoception | PLOS Biology In defense of pleasure: We need to rethink food reward and obesity | PLOS Biology New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a…

849. It is now easier than ever to get a prescription for powerful weight-loss drugs, thanks to a growing number of telehealth providers. But is this responsible care for obesity or something else? Find a transcript here. Ted Kyle on Telemedicine for Obesity Care. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.