ENCORE: Leyla Weighs In on The Alzheimer’s Connection: Nutrients and Sleep Habits for Prevention

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.












Leyla Weighs In: Rethinking Alzheimer’s

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.












Leyla Weighs In: Exploring Antinutrients–The Double-Edged Sword in Your Diet

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.












Leyla Weighs In: Part Two of The Gluten and Fructan Intolerance Dilemma

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.












Leyla Weighs In: The Truth About Gluten-Free Diets; Is Fructan Intolerance the Real Issue?

Unveiling Fructan Intolerance: The Hidden Culprit Behind GI Issues. Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, delves into the often misunderstood world of gastrointestinal issues, differentiating between gluten intolerance and fructan intolerance. She explains how emerging research suggests fructans, not gluten, may be the real trigger for many GI symptoms. Leyla discusses the structure, impact, and prevalence of fructans in various foods, and their role as prebiotics. She also highlights diagnostic methods and dietary approaches, particularly the Low FODMAP diet, to manage symptoms and properly identify intolerances. Check out part two of this episode next Friday.












Leyla Weighs In on Navigating GLP-1 Medications: Addressing Side Effects and Maintaining Muscle Mass

Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, discusses the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects commonly experienced by patients using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Rybelsus. Leyla introduces a nutraceutical called Digexin, created by N-X-T-U-S-A, which has shown promise in mitigating these side effects and improving overall well-being. The episode highlights the need for patients to prioritize animal protein intake and incorporate strength training to maintain muscle mass, especially when taking GLP-1 medications. Leyla emphasizes the importance of developing healthy habits and lifestyle changes to sustain weight loss after discontinuing these drugs.












Leyla Weighs In on Staying Hydrated: Why Ice Water Isn’t Always the Answer

Hydration Myths & Facts: Why Drinking Ice Water May Not Be Ideal. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin delves into the often-overlooked aspects of hydration, particularly focusing on the potential drawbacks of drinking ice-cold water. She explains the effects of excessively cold water on digestion and overall health, citing insights from experts like Dr. Harry Emrich. Leyla highlights why traditional practices and scientific evidence suggest that cool rather than cold water is more beneficial, especially during warm weather. Additionally, the episode offers practical advice on maintaining hydration through alternative methods, such as consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables, and the potential hazards of certain beverages like hot caffeinated drinks and alcohol during heat waves.












Leyla Weighs In on The Hidden Dangers of Visceral Fat: Exploring Heart and Health Implications

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the critical health impacts of visceral fat, which is the hidden fat around the organs, and its role in accelerating heart aging. Drawing from recent research conducted by the Medical Research Council and published in the European Heart Journal, she explains how visceral fat differs from subcutaneous fat and its association with inflammation, heart diseases, and premature aging. The episode also highlights the importance of exercise, diet, particularly low-carb intake, and hormone replacement therapy in managing visceral fat and reducing health risks. Leyla also shares practical dietary advice and underscores the significance of focusing on fat distribution over total body weight for better health outcomes.












Leyla Weighs In: Exploring Yoga’s Impact on Oral Health and Digestion

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin, a registered dietician nutritionist, details the holistic health benefits of yoga for oral and gastrointestinal health. Based on recent research published in BMC Oral Health and the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, she discusses how yoga can improve periodontal health by reducing stress and systemic inflammation. She also explores specific yoga poses and breathing techniques that support digestion and reduce stress-related gut issues like IBS. Throughout, Leyal emphasizes that yoga’s benefits extend beyond flexibility, offering a holistic path to overall well-being. She encourages listeners to integrate yoga into their self-care routines for comprehensive health improvements.












Leyla Weighs In: Breaking Free–Overcoming Cigarette Cravings

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the importance of quitting smoking. She shares her personal experience with smoking and how she successfully quit. Leyla provides insights on the current statistics of smoking in the U.S. and worldwide from the CDC and WHO. She emphasizes the benefits of quitting smoking, including immediate health improvements and long-term risk reductions. Leyla also offers practical advice on using food and other techniques to curb nicotine cravings, highlighting specific fruits, vegetables, and tools that can help. She concludes with a strong message about the impact of smoking on secondhand smoke victims, including children and pets, and encourages listeners to consider quitting for both personal and communal health benefits.