Think iron supplements are a harmless way to boost energy? Think again! In this essential episode of The Pea PodCast, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD uncovers the surprising "dark side" of iron, a mineral that's vital for life but can be dangerously misused. We'll bust common myths, reveal why taking too much iron can actually lead to serious health issues like organ damage and increased cancer risk, and explore the complex truth behind popular advice like taking iron with Vitamin C. From the hidden dangers of self-medication to truly safe ways to get your iron (hello, cast iron skillet!), this episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever considered an iron supplement. Don't miss out on empowering yourself with the full picture of this critical nutrient!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript and References From Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling that afternoon slump and eyeing an "instant energy" boost? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Pea PodCast, your host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD pulls back the curtain on the hidden dangers lurking in many so-called "energy" supplements. We're talking about products often marketed with compelling promises but frequently containing undeclared, potent pharmaceutical drugs – from stimulants like sibutramine and DMAA to even anabolic steroids and antidepressants!

We dive deep into:

• The deceptive allure of quick energy fixes and how they can create a dangerous cycle of perceived effectiveness.
• The alarming truth about supplement regulation: Why supplements aren't treated like drugs, and the "Wild West" environment this creates.
• The pervasive problem of undeclared ingredients: What hidden substances might really be powering your energy boost.
• The serious health toll: Unpack the profound risks to your cardiovascular, neurological, and hormonal systems, as well as potential liver and kidney damage.
• The "recall conundrum": Why dangerous, adulterated products often linger on shelves for years despite FDA warnings.
• Your essential toolkit for protection: Learn the red flags to spot and discover reliable strategies, like independent third-party certification, to make safer choices.

Don't let clever marketing put your health at risk. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the supplement aisle with confidence and caution!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript and References From Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you reaching for that neon-colored sports drink after every workout, or even just after a warm day? This week on The Pea PodCast, we're diving deep into the world of electrolytes and challenging the massive marketing machine behind those popular beverages! Your host, Alicia Simpson, sits down with special guest Ashleigh Martin to uncover the real truth about your body's electrolyte needs.

In this episode, we'll get to the bottom of:

• What exactly are electrolytes and why are they crucial for your body's functions (think more than just hydration!).
• The common myths perpetuated by sports drink advertising – when do you actually need a supplement?
• How your body naturally regulates its electrolyte balance through everyday functions.
• Simple, delicious, and often overlooked food sources that provide all the electrolytes most people need. (Spoiler: your kitchen pantry is an electrolyte goldmine!)
• Who truly benefits from electrolyte supplements (hint: it's likely not who you think!).
• Practical tips for staying properly hydrated and maintaining optimal electrolyte levels without breaking the bank or falling for the hype.

Tune in to get the shocking truth about electrolytes and empower yourself to make truly informed choices about your hydration!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

References for Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Body Mass Index, or BMI, has long been a standard metric in health assessments, but is it truly a reliable indicator of health? In this thought-provoking episode of The Pea PodCast, your host Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD sits down with Ashleigh Spitza MS, RD, CD, CLC, CDCES, to peel back the layers on this widely used measurement.

We dive into:

• What BMI actually is and its historical origins (you might be surprised!).
• The major limitations of relying solely on BMI, including its inability to distinguish between muscle and fat, and its problematic basis in historical data primarily from white European men.
• Why BMI can be misleading for athletes, different body types, and various ethnic groups.
• Alternative and more comprehensive ways to assess health and body composition beyond a single number, such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall lifestyle factors.
• The evolving perspective on BMI in the medical community, including recent policy changes by organizations like the American Medical Association.

Tune in to gain a more nuanced understanding of health, challenge conventional metrics, and empower yourself with knowledge that goes beyond the scale!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript and References From Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the debut episode of The Pea PodCast! Ever wondered what those "new study shows..." headlines actually mean for your health? Join your host Alicia C. Simpson MS, RD, IBCLC, LD as we embark on a crucial journey: demystifying the world of scientific health research. We'll break down the essentials: the importance of sample size, the power (and limitations) of different study designs, understanding statistical significance, and why medical consensus isn't built on a single paper. Plus, we'll talk about following the money and potential conflicts of interest. Arm yourself with the knowledge to sort fact from fiction and truly understand the evidence behind wellness claims!

Connect with The Pea PodCast!

Want to keep the wellness conversation going between episodes? We'd love to connect with you on social media and beyond!

• Substack: Find exclusive content and deeper dives at https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram: @PeaPodNutrition
• Facebook: Pea Pod Nutrition
• Threads: @PeaPodNutrition

You can also follow your host, Alicia C. Simpson MS,RD,IBCLC,LD, for personal insights as The ADHD Nutritionist on:

• TikTok: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Instagram: @TheADHDNutritionist
• Threads: @TheADHDNutritionist

Got a headline that's got you scratching your head? We want to break it down for you! Email us your confusing health headlines or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We might just feature it in an upcoming episode!

Transcript of Today's Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going:

• Substack https://peapodnutrition.substack.com/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peapodnutrition/
• Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@the.adhd.nutritionist

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