Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the crucial importance of Omega-3 fats, particularly emphasizing their role in mental and heart health. She highlights a recent UK Biobank study demonstrating that higher Omega-3 levels are linked to a significantly lower risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Additionally, another study in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that elevated Omega-3 levels correlate with a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Leyla underscores the necessity of a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 sources like fatty fish and grass-fed meats, arguing that these nutrients are crucial for optimal mental and heart health.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the renaming of fatty liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (M-A-S-L-D) to reduce stigma and improve diagnosis. Dr. Mary Ella’s efforts at the University of Chicago Medicine highlight how this change aids in better patient identification and treatment. Leyla emphasizes lifestyle changes like a low-carb diet to manage and reverse the disease. The episode also covers the prevalence of fake extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the market, ways to identify authentic olive oil, and the importance of choosing quality over mass-produced options.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details key aspects of supplement use and addresses frequently asked questions. Topics include the importance of targeted supplementation, the rationale behind personalized dosages, best practices for starting new supplements, and managing common issues like nausea and bright yellow urine. Leyla also explains why some supplements may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and provides guidance on how to adjust dosages for optimal results. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of pharmaceutical-grade supplements available on Fullscript and the necessity of regular blood tests to fine-tune supplementation.

The Benefits of Matcha for Women in Menopause: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the potential benefits of matcha for women going through menopause. She explains how matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, offers higher concentrations of antioxidants, amino acids, and phytonutrients compared to regular green tea. These properties can help support cognitive function, mood stabilization, cardiovascular health, and weight management. The episode also touches on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, restful sleep, and meaningful social connections. Leyla highlights how simple daily rituals, such as enjoying a cup of matcha, can provide emotional grounding and routine for women navigating menopause.

Unmasking Hidden Sugars in ‘Healthy’ Drinks: Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, examines the surprising amounts of sugar found in commonly perceived ‘healthy’ drinks. She discusses how beverages like energy drinks, fruit smoothies, and chai lattes can exceed the daily recommended sugar intake, based on a study by Ben’s Natural Health. Leyla warns that even health-focused products and homemade drinks can contain high sugar levels, which can impact weight, blood sugar levels, and overall health. She emphasizes the importance of being an ‘ingredient sleuth’ and making informed choices. 

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details a study on the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation in older women with sarcopenia. The study, published in the journal Medicine, found that combining 1000 mg of vitamin C and 335 mg of vitamin E with a 12-week resistance training program significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and certain blood parameters compared to a placebo group. The benefits were attributed to the alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Leyla underscores the importance of adequate animal protein intake to optimize resistance training outcomes.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Their Link to Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes Risk in Night Owls: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses research findings linking nutrient deficiencies to Alzheimer’s disease and how diet and supplementation can play a crucial role in prevention. She highlights the importance of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene for brain health and their potential to reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Leyla also delves into the connection between evening chronotypes (‘night owls’) and an increased risk of diabetes, emphasizing the role of lifestyle factors and offering suggestions for healthier sleep habits. She encourages listeners to maintain a diet rich in carotenoids for better cognition and eye health, and to adjust sleeping patterns for overall well-being.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin focuses on a new perspective in Alzheimer’s research, particularly the role of microglial cells. She reveals insights from integrative neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter’s presentation at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, emphasizing the significance of microglial cells in Alzheimer’s disease. The discussion highlights the traditional focus on beta amyloid plaques and introduces the importance of shifting from the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglial cells. Dr. Perlmutter advocates for addressing systemic metabolic and inflammatory issues, pointing out factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, and high blood sugar, which are crucial in preventing Alzheimer’s. The episode delves into lifestyle interventions such as ketogenic diets, fasting, and nutritional impacts to manage and potentially reverse the detrimental shift in microglial behavior.

Navigating the Complexities of Antinutrients in Your Diet: Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, delves into the controversial topic of antinutrients. Responding to a question from a listener named Deanna, Leyla explains the different types of antinutrients—such as phytates, oxalates, tannins, lectins, goitrogens, and phytoestrogens—and their potential impacts on nutrient absorption. She discusses the dual nature of these compounds, highlighting their possible negative effects along with their roles in health benefits like gut microbiota support and anti-cancer properties. Leyla also shares practical food preparation tips for mitigating the adverse effects of antinutrients and emphasizes the importance of dietary variety.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the differences between gluten intolerance and fructan intolerance, highlighting how many people mistakenly attribute their symptoms to gluten. She explains the role of FODMAPs in diet, their impact on gut health, and the importance of a personalized approach to managing intolerances. Additionally, Leyla reviews a recent study showing that vegans have significantly lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids compared to other dietary groups, emphasizing the need for careful planning and necessary supplementation to maintain optimal health for those on plant-based diets. ICYMI: Click HERE for Part 1.