Gut health, metabolism, and performance are more connected than you think. In this episode of In the Mix, we sit down with Dr. Rosa Keller, PhD, RDN — a nutrition scientist and registered dietitian — to explore how your gut microbiome, dietary nitrates, and metabolic flexibility shape everything from energy levels and recovery to long-term healthspan.

Dr. Keller shares her research on nitrates in vegetables (yes, the same ones that boost nitric oxide for better blood flow), explains why metabolic flexibility is key to preventing chronic disease, and reveals how your gut health impacts exercise performance and healthy aging.

💬 Topics Covered:
 – What “healthspan” really means (and how it differs from lifespan)
 – How gut health supports metabolism, energy, and recovery
 – Why metabolic flexibility helps your body adapt to stress
 – Nitrates, nitric oxide, and how greens improve cardiovascular function
 – The role of fiber, butyrate, and short-chain fatty acids in gut health
 – How dietary diversity supports athletic performance and longevity
 – Science-backed supplements that improve nutrient absorption and muscle recovery