Research on the Mediterranean diet continues to show an association with various health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Newer research shows that it is also associated with cognitive health and mental health benefits, specifically a lower risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and potentially reducing the risk of depression and anxiety disorders.

Tune into this episode with dietitian coauthors of the newly released Smart Mediterranean Diet Cookbook, Serena Ball and Deanna Segrave-Daly, to learn about:

· Current research on nutrition, diet and brain health

· Specific foods such as spices, herbs and seeds to include in the diet and why

· If/how the mediterranean diet can be affordable

· How to fill your “smart” shopping cart

· Pantry and freezer basics

· Healthy kitchen hacks

· Easy ways to incorporate the mediterranean diet into your lifestyle

· Simple, delicious recipes and meal plans

· Resources for health professionals and the public

Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/263

There are many factors that impact gut health: diet, mental health, genes, exercise, and more. Many of these factors can be changed to improve overall health via the gut. Mental health and the role of stress is important to consider in the management of one's physical health and may become an important target of treatment.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic GI condition that presents with abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits and is diagnosed based on symptoms after ruling out other conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

GI conditions, such as IBS, often require medical management in addition to food, mood and lifestyle changes.

The newly released book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS is an evidence-based toolkit that will help readers understand the ins and outs of IBS, the available treatment options and key strategies that can be implemented right away.

Tune into this episode with Dr. Megan Riehl and Dietitian Kate Scarlata to learn about:

· Gut health in general

· How stress impacts health

· How a GI psychologist is different from a general mental health provider

· What IBS is, how it develops and how it is diagnosed

· The newly released book: Mind Your Gut

· The gut, brain and food connection

· Nutritional and behavioral strategies to manage IBS

· Common IBS myths

· Lifestyle factors to improve gut health and overall health

Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/262

The Ultra Processed Foods Debate: Are They Causing Negative Health Outcomes?

Research on ultra-processed foods (UPF) has greatly increased over the past few years as has media coverage on the topic. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) will address the scientific question: “What is the relationship between dietary patterns with varying amounts of ultra-processed foods and growth, body composition, and risk of obesity.”

Tune into this episode with Dr. Joanne Slavin to learn about:

· The role of processed foods/food processing in the diet

· Various definitions of UPF

· DGAC’s process for addressing scientific questions

· Why processing and UPF has emerged as an issue

· Current, prominent research studies on UPF

· Consumer attitudes and beliefs, realities of UPF in the diet

· Expert recommendations for healthy dietary patterns

· Food technology’s role in providing a nutritious, safe, sustainable food supply

· Resources and references

Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/261