Nutritionist Leyla Muedin reveals the alarming increase in obesity-associated cancers in the United States over the past two decades. Highlighting findings from a recent study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, Leyla underscores the significant rise in cancer deaths linked to obesity, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans. She also explores the complex causes of obesity, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and offers insights into effective weight management strategies. Additionally, Leyla examines the high rates of heart disease in various U.S. states, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and public health initiatives to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the recently released 2025 report on the best overall diets. She critiques the methodology behind nutritional research, emphasizing issues such as recall bias and the reliability of food frequency questionnaires. Leyla then provides an in-depth review of the top ten diets listed in the report: Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, Mayo Clinic, TLC, Menopause, Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-inflammatory, Volumetrics, and Cleveland Clinic diets. She argues that many of these diets are misrepresented, particularly regarding their fat content and sustainability claims. Leyla also offers her insights on what constitutes a truly effective and sustainable diet.

Understanding the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15: A Guide to Healthier Produce Choices: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Highlighting the importance of making informed produce choices, Leyal explains the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, which list the most and least contaminated fruits and vegetables, respectively. Key findings include the presence of harmful pesticides in 75% of non-organic produce and the health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Leyla offers practical tips on reducing pesticide intake, such as opting for organic produce, washing fruits and vegetables, and utilizing frozen options when fresh organic produce is unavailable.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the benefits of drinking water over diet beverages for women with type 2 diabetes, highlighting a study that found water consumption led to greater weight loss and a higher rate of diabetes remission. Additionally, the episode explores how a low FODMAP diet can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms for women suffering from endometriosis. Leyla explains the science behind FODMAPs and provides practical dietary advice for those affected by these conditions.

Staying Cool and Eating Right: Summer Meal Tips and Hydration Advice. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin has strategies for eating well during a heat wave without needing to cook extensively. She highlights no-cook meal ideas, including salads, tinned fish preparations, and charcuterie boards, along with refreshing dishes like ceviche and gazpacho. Layla also addresses the debated topic of drinking fluids with meals, providing advice on how it may impact digestion and overall health based on individual needs. She stresses the importance of avoiding overly cold drinks to prevent digestive discomfort and advocates for sufficient daily water intake.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explores the significance of detoxification and its impact on overall health. She highlights the role of the liver in detoxification and discusses how various foods and nutrients can support liver function to optimize detoxification pathways. Leyla covers the importance of consuming organic produce, clean seafood, and minimizing exposure to toxins found in household products, medications, and certain foods. She also details the phase one and phase two enzymes involved in detoxification, the importance of specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and the signals that might indicate the need for liver support. Lastly, she encourages listeners to make healthier dietary choices and lifestyle changes to support their liver and overall well-being.

Addressing Fatigue: The Role of Nutrient Deficiencies and Lifestyle Changes. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the various causes and potential solutions for fatigue. She highlights how nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B12, D, and minerals like iron and magnesium, contribute to tiredness. Leyla emphasizes the importance of understanding the root cause of symptoms in integrative and functional medicine. She also touches on lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep patterns, high carbohydrate diets, and alcohol consumption that may exacerbate fatigue. Practical advice on dietary changes and the significance of regular check-ups for vitamin levels is provided, aiming to help listeners address fatigue and improve overall wellness naturally.

Strategies for Sticking to Therapeutic Diets: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin shares strategies for sticking to therapeutic diets. Leyla discusses the challenges and excitement of starting a new diet and offers practical advice on how to stay on plan. She covers essential preparation steps, including organizing your kitchen, planning meals, and making smart food choices. Leyla also provides tips for traveling while maintaining a therapeutic diet, highlighting the importance of planning ahead and making mindful decisions. 

In this episode of Intelligent Medicine, host Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, discusses the growing issue of health anxiety. She explains how the frequent medical screenings in modern healthcare can contribute to this condition by instilling fear about potential health problems. Leyla offers practical advice for managing health anxiety through intentional lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, and reducing intake of substances like caffeine, alcohol, and processed sugars. She emphasizes the importance of open communication with healthcare providers and shares how controlling the controllables can significantly improve both mental and physical well-being.

–Why isn’t nutrition taught in medical schools?
–Is there a place for Culinary Medicine in medical schools?
–I’m taking all the supplements you recommend for osteoporosis. Since I’m a man, is there a more unique treatment?
–Does Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics cover the oral microbiome?

–I know the importance of morning sun for setting circadian rhythms. How do I safely get midday sun?
–I’m getting mitral valve and aortic valve repair with biological valves. What are your thoughts on this?
–Would hyperbaric oxygen help with surgical recovery even if I don’t have complications?
–Please comment on the study of dairy reducing absorption of polyphenols in blueberries
–I’ve been taking warfarin for 18 years and read it may cause osteoporosis—which I have.  Should I switch to Eliquis?
–Should I be concerned about my high ferritin level?