Leyla Weighs In

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.

Leyla Weighs In: Tackling Nerve Pain with Essential Micronutrients
September 6, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” on causes and treatments of neuropathic pain, particularly focusing on the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L-carnitine. She discusses various neuropathic conditions such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and burning mouth syndrome. Leyla highlights scientific research and clinical trials that show the benefits and safety profiles of these supplements compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. She also touches upon common side effects, optimal dosages, and the significant improvement in neuropathic pain management offered by these treatments.

Leyla Weighs In: Ensuring Honest and Reliable Scientific Research
August 30, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the growing concerns around the integrity of scientific research. She highlights the recent editorial by Richard Smith, a former editor at the British Medical Journal, suggesting that scientific research should be considered fraudulent until proven otherwise. Leyla introduces the RIDGID framework, developed by researchers at Monash University in Australia, which aims to detect and eliminate fraudulent studies from influencing clinical guidelines and meta-analyses. The framework consists of six steps for reviewing, excluding, assessing, discussing, establishing contact, and reassessing research studies. The episode emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to ensure the accuracy and integrity of scientific research in the medical field.

Leyla Weighs In: Is Your Medication Depleting Your Magnesium?
August 23, 2024
Registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin “weighs In” on the widespread issue of magnesium deficiency. Highlighting important findings from the New England Journal of Medicine and Holistic Primary Care, Leyla focuses on the impact of common medications, like diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, which can cause significant magnesium depletion. She emphasizes the importance of magnesium in over 300 biochemical functions in the body, its role in heart health, and the associated risks of deficiency, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological problems. The episode also covers causes, symptoms, and treatment guidelines for magnesium deficiency, stressing the need for improved detection and supplementation practices among those at risk.

Leyla Weighs In: Nourishing Your Brain–The Link Between Diet and Mental Health
August 16, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” on the significant link between poor diet and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. She highlights recent studies that reveal how unhealthy eating habits can lead to detrimental changes in brain chemistry and structure. Leyla emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes in integrative and functional medicine, suggesting that food quality is crucial for mental well-being. She shares practical advice on managing cravings and urges through techniques like 'urge surfing' and mindfulness. This episode underscores the message that adopting a healthy diet can mitigate stress and improve overall mental health.

Leyla Weighs In: Medicinal Mushrooms–Nature’s Health Powerhouses
August 9, 2024
Nutritionist Leyla Muedin delves into the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, providing an in-depth exploration of various mushrooms like cordyceps, rishi, chaga, shiitake, and lion's mane, highlighting their potential health benefits. These mushrooms are known for promoting immune support, healthy inflammation response, brain health, and other therapeutic effects. Leyla emphasizes the importance of proper identification and expert consultation when foraging mushrooms and encourages including domesticated varieties in everyday cooking to harness their nutritional power.