In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietitian Britni Vincent explains why zinc is essential for everything from immune strength and skin health to digestion, hormones, and even mood. You'll learn surprising signs of deficiency - like white spots on nails, poor wound healing, or changes in taste and smell - and learn how stress, gut health, and certain medications can lower your zinc levels. You’ll also learn the best food sources, when supplementation makes sense, and how small changes can make a big difference in your overall health.

Struggling with disruptive diarrhea? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, our dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent dive into the real food solutions that can help improve your gut health and restore your confidence. From the roles of gluten and dairy to sugar, medications, and probiotics, they break down the hidden culprits and practical steps to heal your digestive system. Whether you’re dealing with occasional urgency or chronic diarrhea, this conversation will give you hope and strategies to get your gut and your life back on track.

Do smoothies destroy fiber and nutrients, or are they a healthy way to get more fruits and vegetables? In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, registered and licensed dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains whether blending breaks down fiber, how smoothies compare to juicing, and what oxidation actually means for nutrient loss. She also shares practical tips for making balanced, high-fiber smoothies with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies so you can enjoy them as a meal, snack, or even dessert.

In this uplifting episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt sits down with Mike and Marcia, two of our clients who share how small nutrition changes made a big impact on their lives. Hear about how they learned to stabilize their macular degeneration with real food, their shared stories of cochlear implants, and how they learned the value of working together toward their health goals.

Magnesium is essential for hundreds of functions in the body, but with so many supplement forms out there, how do you choose the right one? In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, registered dietician Britni Vincent breaks down the differences between magnesium glycinate, citrate, chloride, and more. You’ll also learn about food sources, common deficiency signs, and why magnesium supports everything from sleep and relaxation to digestion and brain health.

Tired of being tired? Dietitians Britni Vincent and Brandy Buro share the real-food fixes and simple lifestyle tweaks that can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. From balancing blood sugar to cutting late-day caffeine, plus smart supplement tips, this episode gives you the tools to finally get the restful sleep you deserve.

In this fresh and practical episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitian Britni Vincent, chef and culinary educator Marianne Jurayj, and licensed nutritionist Elizabeth Leppart share their favorite tips for shopping at local farmers' markets. From choosing vendors and identifying the best produce to easy meal prep ideas and family-friendly ways to get kids excited about vegetables, this episode is packed with inspiration for making real food simple, flavorful, and affordable. Whether you’re new to the farmers’ market or a weekly regular, you’ll walk away with recipes, smart shopping strategies, and a reminder that real food matters, especially when it’s fresh and local.

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin," but for something so essential, most of us don’t get enough. In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, dietitian Brandy Buro breaks down everything you need to know about vitamin D: why it matters, how to get enough, and how to understand your lab results. If you’ve ever wondered how much is too much (or whether that midwestern winter is messing with your levels) this episode is your go-to guide for staying in the sweet spot, all year long.

We’ve all heard that alcohol affects everyone differently, but did you know that women are biologically more vulnerable to alcohol’s effects than men? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitians Britni Vincent and Melanie Beasley dive into the science of how alcohol impacts women’s hormones, metabolism, sleep, bone health, and risk for disease—even at lower levels of drinking. You’ll hear eye-opening statistics along with practical, compassionate guidance for anyone rethinking their relationship with alcohol - so whether you're sober-curious, cutting back, or simply want to make more informed choices, this episode offers non-judgmental support, science-backed insights, and realistic tools for better health.