Mel Luther is a dedicated nutrition consultant with experience in one-on-one coaching, group coaching, public speaking as a nutrition educator, and hosting wellness retreats. She is passionate about nutrition education, coaching, and science writing. Mel earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Anthropology from the University of Hawaii, followed by certification as a holistic nutritionist through the Energetic Health Institute. She also holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. Her diverse background includes working in integrative nutrition and pharmacy centers, and cardiac rehabilitation programs, and contributing to the writing and educational platforms at Designs for Health.

Mel's work in cardiac rehab as a nutritionist underscores the importance of blood sugar management and heart disease. The relationship between cardiovascular health, diabetes, and blood sugar management is often overlooked by practitioners but plays a critical role in optimal patient health. Together Mel and I discuss the key changes that her clients implement for blood sugar management, including effective nutrients, quality sleep, timing meals, continuous glucose monitoring, and hemoglobin levels. She shines a light on what really works and what doesn't, the role gender plays in blood sugar management, and the surprising relationship between coffee consumption and ovarian health.

I'm your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Mel Luther - https://www.nutritionwithmel.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: 4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote Normal GLP-1 Production - https://www.casi.org/4-surprising-botanicals-promote-normal-glp-1-production

Nutrition Blog: Berberine: For Blood Sugar, Healthy Weight, and Beyond - https://www.casi.org/berberine-for-blood-sugar-healthy-weight-and-beyond

Science Blog: Recent Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Explores Potential Link Between Certain Micronutrients and Glucose Metabolism - https://www.casi.org/micronutrients-and-glucose-metabolism

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:32 Mel's introduction into functional medicine started with unresolved asthma and digestive issues in her youth.

05:20 Nutritional Anthropology considers practices that have been utilized for thousands of years.

08:29 Mel's work in cardiac rehab as a nutritionist underscores the importance of blood sugar management in heart disease.

10:25 An overview of three pillars in Mel's rehab program – nutrition, exercise, and mindset.

13:25 Cardiac events are the number one reason Mel's patients seek health coaching and motivational interviewing.

15:20 Top changes that Mel's clients implement for blood sugar management.

17:24 Timing meal recommendations for blood sugar management.

19:15 Nutrients that play a key role in blood sugar management, include niacin, magnesium, and thiamine.

25:20 Vitamin B6 and folate deficiencies in neuropathy, mental health, and blood sugar management.

28:08 Top pre-diabetes medications that result in nutrient depletions, including GLP-1.

32:20 Herbal and nutrient support for patients, including fiber and berberine.

34:09 The connection between blood sugar, mental health, and quality sleep.

40:45 Continuous glucose monitoring for non-diabetics.

44:25 Key sex differences in blood sugar management, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

45:51 Hemoglobin levels are not directly connected to blood sugar levels.

48:08 PCOS symptoms and indicators.

51:45 The relationships between coffee consumption and ovarian health.

54:02 Mel's top three supplements, favorite health practices, and her changing views on vegetarianism.