Leyla Weighs In

Leyla Weighs In: Rejuvenate with Tai Chi
November 15, 2024
Leyla Muedin discusses the multifaceted health benefits of Tai Chi. Leyla, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York City, highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health that includes nutrition, exercise, hydration, sleep, and sunlight. Emphasizing the growing body of research, she outlines how Tai Chi positively impacts balance, blood pressure, back pain, depression, Parkinson's disease, cognition, and inflammation. Leyla also shares her personal experience with Tai Chi helping her overcome vertigo. Featuring insights from Tai Chi expert Andrea Felix and recent studies, the episode underscores Tai Chi's significance for mental and physical well-being across all ages.

Leyla Weighs In: Sweet Solutions–Preventing the Health Pitfalls of Sugar
November 8, 2024
The Health Implications of Sugar and Low-Carb Diets: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin highlights the health consequences of indulging in sugar and alcohol. She stresses the importance of re-evaluating one's diet, especially during the holiday season, to mitigate risks associated with overindulgence. The podcast delves into a University of Surrey study linking sweet cravings to increased risks of depression, diabetes, and heart conditions. Additionally, it discusses recent findings on how low-carb diets can improve beta cell function in people with type 2 diabetes, offering a potential path to better disease management and medication reduction. The episode aims to inform and guide listeners towards healthier food choices.

Leyla Weighs In: Navigating Alcohol Consumption During the Holidays
November 1, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin delves into the reconsideration of alcohol consumption during the holiday season. With increasing awareness of the effects of alcohol on sleep and overall health, Leyla discusses a study from the European Heart Journal that links excessive alcohol intake to heart arrhythmias, using data from the Munich Beer Related Electrocardiogram Workup Study (MunichBREW). The episode explores the broader cardiovascular impacts of alcohol, such as elevated heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure. By highlighting that alcohol is a mitochondrial poison and neurotoxin, the discussion extends to its role in causing weight gain, liver disease, certain cancers, and mood disorders. Leyla encourages listeners to reevaluate their drinking habits and consider alternatives like alcohol-free beverages to achieve better health outcomes during a season known for indulgence.

Leyla Weighs In: Harnessing the Power of Small Changes for Better Health
October 25, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin has indispensable advice on adopting five fundamental habits for a healthier future. These habits include eating nutrient-dense foods, staying active, ensuring quality sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated. Additionally, she shares practical tips for creating an environment that supports these healthier choices. Strategies such as planning meals, laying out workout clothes, and setting up a distraction-free bedroom are discussed to help make these habits easier to implement and sustain. This episode encourages listeners to take proactive steps in designing their surroundings to facilitate better lifestyle choices.

Leyla Weighs In: Overcoming IBS and Candida
October 18, 2024
Addressing Candida and IBS with Diet and Botanicals. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses candida overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She offers insights into botanical supplements such as caprylic acid, olive leaf, and oil of oregano, emphasizing the importance of a low-carbohydrate, yeast-free diet. She addresses listener Sandy's query on IBS, detailing the individualized approach required for effective treatment, alongside dietary changes. Leyla explains the interconnectedness of candida with various health issues, including autoimmune conditions, and the impact of diet and probiotics on managing symptoms. The episode further explores the role of antibiotics and NSAIDs in contributing to a leaky gut, alongside lifestyle adjustments necessary to improve gut health.

Leyla Weighs In: Natural Alternatives to Weight Loss Drugs
October 11, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the popular pharmaceutical semaglutides, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. She explains their mechanisms of action, uses, and common side effects. Leyla also introduces Calocurb, a natural alternative made from hops, and explains how it can mimic the effects of semaglutides by stimulating the release of crucial digestive hormones. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in fats and proteins for optimal health and weight management.

Leyla Weighs In: Sperm Quality and Diet–The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods
October 4, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on sperm quality, referencing a study from the journal Human Reproduction. Findings indicate higher UPF intake is linked to lower sperm count, concentration, and motility in Spanish men. Leyla also explores a study on the effects of a lifelong vegetarian diet on male fertility in Loma Linda's Blue Zone population. She emphasizes that ultra processed foods and higher body mass index (BMI) correlate with deteriorating sperm quality, suggesting whole foods as a healthier dietary choice to improve fertility.

Leyla Weighs In: Cutting Out Sugar and Starch for IBS Relief
September 27, 2024
Registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses dietary strategies for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She compares the traditional low FODMAP diet with a recent study advocating a low sugar and starch diet, highlighting the effectiveness of both approaches in alleviating IBS symptoms. Leyla provides detailed information on which foods to avoid and which to consume on a low FODMAP diet and stresses that while both diets can significantly improve IBS symptoms, they are not intended to be long-term solutions. The episode offers insights into how dietary changes, along with botanical supplements, can help relieve IBS-related issues such as bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits.

Leyla Weighs In: Why Washing Produce Isn’t Enough
September 20, 2024
Effective Produce Cleaning and Pesticide Concerns: registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the importance of buying organic produce and the limitations of washing fruits and vegetables to remove pesticide residues. She explains the findings of a new study published in the American Chemical Society's journal Nano Letters, which indicates that washing does not effectively remove pesticides that penetrate the fruit's peel into the pulp. She provides practical tips for cleaning produce, emphasizing buying organic and peeling fruits like apples to minimize pesticide exposure. The episode also addresses food safety practices, consumer concerns, and the significance of choosing high-quality food for long-term health.

Leyla Weighs In: The Microbiome — A Blueprint for Whole-Body Wellness
September 13, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” on the significant role of the microbiome in integrative medicine. From its impact on various organ systems to its broad influence on human health, the discussion highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans and their microbiota. Leyla explores how the microbiome affects the immune system, gut health, endocrine responses, neurological functions, and more. The episode also touches on how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and environmental exposures influence microbial balance, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to wellness.