New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof blames almond farmers for the water crisis in the Southwest. Is this fair?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

My guest on the podcast today is Jill Weisenberger. She’s a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, which is now out in a newly updated 2nd edition.  And the timing couldn’t be better because a couple of days after I received the announcement about the release of the updated edition, I got the results of some bloodwork that was done as part of a routine physical. And my fasting blood glucose reading was 101… with a little “H” next to it to indicate that this reading is considered “high.” In fact, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 124 meets the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes. So, this topic just got personal for me!Highlights from our conversation:How prediabetes is diagnosed (there’s more to it than just a single test result)The importance of putting individual test results into contextWho is at risk (more people than you might think)Why Type 2 diabetes (and prediabetes) are not always or only due to lifestyle choicesThe two main issues that cause high blood sugar in people with diabetesNon-dietary strategies for increasing insulin sensitivityThe three different types of physical activity and how they affect blood sugar metabolismThe best timing for exerciseThe type of carbohydrates that improve insulin sensitivityThe role of supplements in managing blood sugarWeight-neutral approaches to diabetes care and preventionResource for listeners: Pre-diabetes checklistPre-Diabetes: A Complete GuideFind Jill across the web:https://jillweisenberger.com/https://twitter.com/nutritionjillhttps://www.instagram.com/nutritionjill/https://www.facebook.com/NutritionJillNutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

High triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. These diet and lifestyle adjustments can help you bring them down naturally.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

People with low thyroid function appear to live longer. So why are drugs to boost thyroid levels among the most commonly prescribed medications?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

“Eat a varied diet” is a fairly standard piece of advice. But some research suggests that less variety might lead to healthier diets. What’s the truth? Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

Vitamin K2 plays an important role in heart health and bone formation. But how much is enough, and is it safe to take high doses?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

I’m joined today by my friend and colleague Tamara Duker Freuman. Long-time listeners will remember Tamara from previous episodes—most recently, clearing up the confusion around so-called Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Tamara is my go-to expert on all things digestive. She’s a registered dietitian, based in New York City and a nationally-known expert on nutrition therapy for gastrointestinal diseases. Her first book was The Bloated Belly Whisperer and she has a new book out this month. It’s called Regular: The Ultimate Guide to Taming Unruly Bowels and Achieving Inner Peace.The idea that being regular is the key to inner achieving peace may sound like hyperbole, but chronic constipation can have a huge impact on one’s quality of life. And a surprising number of people struggle with this. Our discussion includes:Some little-known but very common causes of constipation Why more fiber isn’t always the solutionWhen to consult your doctorWhich over-the-counter laxatives are safe for long-term use?Why fiber can actually be constipating for some peopleHow to customize a dietary prescription that works for youThe book also includes sample meal plans for a variety of digestive issues—including options for those who don’t cook. The book can be found in all the major outlets (if you can, it’s always nice to support an independent bookstore!) and you can find Tamara on Twitter @tamaraduker and Instagram @tamarafreuman or on her website:  www.thebloatedbellywhisperer.comHave a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

Do digestive enzymes impair nutrient absorption? Do potatoes count as vegetables? Should you be scrubbing your lemons? Nutrition Diva answers listener questions.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

Continuous glucose monitors were developed to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But could they also help people optimize their health, athletic performance, or weight loss? The Nutrition Diva looks into the science.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

You may already be familiar with something called the low FODMAP diet, which I’ve talked about in previous episodes. Although the low FODMAP diet can be very effective in relieving symptoms of IBS, it’s not necessarily appropriate or doable by everyone.  Beth Rosen joins me to talk about some alternatives to the FODMAP approach for managing IBS. Beth is a registered dietitian specializing in GI nutrition and disordered eating. She has designed techniques and programs to help chronic dieters, disordered eaters, and those in eating disorder recovery to mend their relationship with food and their bodies. In this interview:Why we seem to lose the ability to digest or tolerate certain foods as we get older.The surprising relationship between eating disorders and IBS and disordered eating.What are FODMAPs and where are they found?The challenges of trying to do a low-FODMAP diet on your own.Who might not be a good candidate for a low-FODMAP approach.Modified dietary approaches (“FODMAP-lite”).Non-dietary interventions such as CBT for IBS.The role that digestive enzyme supplements can play in managing IBS.Free Resource: IBS OrganizerTo learn more about Beth’s work and philosophy, visit her website at www.BethRosenRD.com or find her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

Fact-checking the claim that having water with food is bad for digestion or absorption. Also: how much variety do you need in your fruits and vegetables to meet the requirement?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

A new study links the use of a popular low-calorie sweetener with an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. How worried should you be?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

We’re told that saturated fat is bad for your heart. But is saturated fat from plants different than saturated fat from meat or dairy?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

Bloggers recommend everything from bleach to baking soda. Food safety experts insist that tap water is all you need. What’s the best way to kill germs on fresh produce?Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

We're often told to choose lean protein. But is lean protein actually healthier or is it time to retire this phrase? Plus, listeners respond to a recent episode on alcohol and health.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com

Telling people to eat less salt doesn’t seem to be working. Maybe we should focus on getting more potassium instead.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

Is there any amount of alcohol that can be considered safe? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Related links:Chart of alcohol consumption and increased mortality riskCocktail calculatorNutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/

Nutrient dense foods can help you optimize your nutrition. Energy dense foods can lead to weight gain. Here’s how these two factors interact in a healthy diet.Read More: Nutrition/Energy Density CheatsheetNutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

Popular dark chocolate bars have been found to have concerning levels of lead and cadmium.Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/ 

Low-carb products can be quite high in fiber. But are they a healthy way to get more fiber in your diet? Nutrition Diva is hosted by Monica Reinagel. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 443-961-6206.Find Nutrition Diva on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips.Nutrition Diva is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/https://twitter.com/NutritionDiva https://nutritionovereasy.com/