Dishing Up Nutrition

80% of Americans have acne at some point in their lives. It is the most common skin condition in the U.S. with 50 to 60 million Americans having a problem with acne. Is having acne a serious health problem? Perhaps not, but it can lead to a serious health problem and can be a source of stress for those who struggle with it. As dietitians, we want to look at the foods that can cause acne for many people, tips to help promote healthy skin, and key supplements to support you from the inside out.

As many of our young people head back to school, they may be looking for ways to perform better in whatever sport or activity they have signed up for. If an athlete’s nutrition does not support their energy needs, while practicing and conditioning, then they are not going to perform at their best during a game, a match, a meet or an event. In the past, for long-term energy and optimal athletic performance, loading up on carbohydrates or “carb loading” was recommended. But is this advice still the best way to go? Does research back up this recommendation? As dietitians, we want to focus our attention on the foods young people should eat to help them compete in whatever sport or activity they want to excel at, so tune in for ideas on what to eat, how much to eat, and ways to make it happen with busy schedules.

On many Dishing Up Nutrition shows, we have discussed how sugar and processed carbs make body fat, how nutrition or lack of nutrition affects your brain, how food affects menopause symptoms and digestion. Today, the question is what should I eat to maintain or make muscle? This is an important topic for whatever life stage you are in, but especially as we age. Carolyn and Melanie share research that reports eating sufficient amounts of protein is critical to prevent muscle loss and to promote muscle gain. Tune in for ideas and tricks that we have found to add more protein into your diet for more fat loss and less muscle loss.

High sugar or glucose levels in your blood can cause problems in many parts of your body, including your heart, your eyes, your brain and your kidneys. Did you know that nearly ½ of the U.S. adult population has a blood sugar problem? If you or a family member have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and are puzzled over what to eat, this show will give you some ideas about foods that increase blood sugar and foods that help lower blood sugar. There is clear evidence that diabetes is controllable and even reversible with nutritional and lifestyle support and we want to help!

In today’s world of processed foods, it is not always easy to start and stick with a real food eating plan. As parents and grandparents, we often know the connection between our mental health and our food, but how do we personally put it into practice? And how do we help our teens, young adults, or grandchildren follow a plan to do reduce anxiety and depression? Today, we introduce you to a new nutritionist on Dishing Up Nutrition who shares her personal story as a teen and offers wisdom to help the teens in your life.

What goes in our gut may affect what goes on in our brain. Research has found that people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also have increased rates of depression. So if you or someone you love are experiencing anxiety, depression, low moods, chronic stress, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or other digestive or mental health issues this show is for you! Join Dar and Leah as they discuss the gut/brain connection and what you can do about.

Approximately 1 in 4 Americans experience arthritis. If you are one of the 55 million who have arthritis or if you are someone who experienced pain and inflammation frequently, you have to ask yourself, “what am I eating that is causing my pain?” In this show, we cover four food groups to avoid and eight anti-inflammatory food that would be beneficial to add in.

If you have anxiety or trouble sleeping, it may be related to your diet. Anxiety can be traced back to gluten and caffeine. It is also estimated that half of the country has a magnesium deficiency. Avocados and almonds are among the many foods in which you can increase your magnesium intake and get better sleep. In this episode, our nutritional specialists will provide tips and suggestions on what you can do nutritionally to avoid anxiety and sleep deprivation.

The National Cancer Institute predicts that almost 40% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. With that statistic in mind, what can you do? What nutritional practices will help reduce your risk of getting cancer? In this show, we’ll  cover facts about sugar, how it relates to cancer, and what you can do to decrease your risk.

Heard the buzz about buying local and shopping at farmer’s markets in the summer for your produce? Join us as two nutritionists and a culinary educator chef tackle the topic of how to shop the market and what to do with all those delicious veggies once you get them home.