Nutrition For Mortals

They unpack where the adrenal fatigue idea came from and why it differs from real endocrine disease. They explain what cortisol actually does and how its daily rhythm works. They call out trendy diet and supplement claims and the risks of glandular products. They highlight how stress, sleep, and basic nutrition tie into cortisol and practical steps people often overlook.

A playful dive into food folklore and nutrition myths that keep resurfacing on social media. They pick apart the negative-calorie food claim using examples like celery and cauliflower. The thermic effect of food and how digestion really uses energy gets explained. The conversation also covers why these myths persist and the harm they can cause.

They trace how red wine became a supposed health hack and why the French Paradox grabbed headlines. They unpack resveratrol’s rise, hype, and the limits of the science. They explain common biases in alcohol research and why observational studies can mislead. They weigh cancer and mortality risks and share why personal choices matter.

They watch and react to a docuseries about places where people live longest. They debate the framing and use of statistics around death and lifespan. They discuss the series' production choices and tone. They highlight the segment on Okinawa and its claims about longevity and low disease rates.

They trace the strange history of longevity claims from sensational magazine and TV stories to serious Sardinian research. They unpack how the Blue Zones label was coined and turned into city projects and a business. They examine data critiques, debates over record accuracy, and a surprising sale that raises conflict questions.

Stories from patients who were dismissed, blamed, or finally heard in medical settings. Discussion of weight stigma in health care and the contrast between weight-normative and weight-inclusive approaches. Practical tips for clinicians like focusing on metabolic markers, asking about disordered eating, and respecting patients around weighing. Conversation on GLP-1s framed as metabolic care, not just weight loss.

Explore the latest dietary guidelines that have sparked confusion and humor with their upside-down pyramid design. The hosts discuss the contradictions in messaging, from relaxed saturated fat limits to inconsistent alcohol advisories. They critique the minimal focus on plant proteins and the unrealistic expectations for whole grains. The conversation dives into the influence of industry ties on these guidelines and the lack of attention to health equity. Tune in for a lively debate on how these new recommendations shape our food culture!

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Dr. Gregory Dodell, an endocrinologist specializing in hormone health, dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding diets and hormones. He highlights weight-inclusive care and discusses the risks of routine patient weighing, especially for those with disordered eating histories. The conversation explores the benefits of GLP-1 medications for conditions like diabetes and PCOS while emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans. Dodell also sheds light on insulin resistance and offers practical, compassionate advice for managing hormonal health.

This holiday bonus dives into the bizarre past of diet culture from 1800 to 1920. Discover how Lord Byron became the first diet celebrity, promoting extreme eating habits. Experience the origins of the Gibson Girl and how illustrations influenced women’s body ideals. Learn about the harmful effects of rubber corsets marketed for weight loss and how marketing invented the term 'superfood' with bananas. Lastly, explore Lulu Hunt Peters’ calorie counting craze and its lasting impact on dieting today.