Nutrition For Mortals

This holiday bonus dives into the bizarre past of diet culture from 1800 to 1920. Discover how Lord Byron became the first diet celebrity, promoting extreme eating habits. Experience the origins of the Gibson Girl and how illustrations influenced women’s body ideals. Learn about the harmful effects of rubber corsets marketed for weight loss and how marketing invented the term 'superfood' with bananas. Lastly, explore Lulu Hunt Peters’ calorie counting craze and its lasting impact on dieting today.

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Dive into the intriguing world of sugar and health as two Registered Dietitians explore the alleged influence of the sugar industry on dietary guidelines. They discuss the 1965 proposal from the Sugar Research Foundation to shape research favoring sugar over fat. Uncover how historical practices of industry funding in academia led to pivotal conclusions in the 1967 review. While acknowledging industry biases, the hosts ultimately contest the notion of a grand conspiracy, emphasizing the importance of context and nuance in understanding nutrition.

Dive into the mystery of whether the sugar industry orchestrated a health narrative shift. Explore how the blame for dietary problems was redirected from sugar to fat. Delve into findings from pediatric dentist Kristina Kearns, including shocking historical documents from the Sugar Association. Unpack a 1954 speech advocating for sugar promotion amidst rising heart disease concerns and the industry's strategic responses to opposing research. Join two Registered Dietitians as they unravel this sugary saga!

Explore the fascinating history of food combining diets, from early natural hygiene principles to the celebrity-fueled Beverly Hills Diet. Discover the strict rules that claim to improve digestion and weight loss but lack scientific backing. Modern influencers are at it again, promoting restrictive resets. Learn about smart, evidence-based food pairings to enhance your health without the fuss. And enjoy a hearty laugh as the hosts poke fun at the absurdity of strict dietary rules.

Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠

Explore the fascinating world of vitamin D, a nutrient linked to bone health and mood regulation. Discover the science behind its unique synthesis and the historical impact of rickets. Delve into the debate over its effectiveness against COVID-19 and mental health, while critically evaluating online claims from self-proclaimed experts. Learn practical advice on supplementation based on individual needs, and uncover the importance of sunlight exposure versus pills. This discussion sheds light on the truths and myths surrounding the 'sunshine vitamin'.

Join Dr. Katie Pelch, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, as she dives into the pivotal world of microplastics. Discover how these tiny particles are infiltrating our food, water, and even our bodies. Dr. Pelch clarifies essential versus nonessential plastic uses and shares alarming studies linking microplastics to health issues. Plus, learn practical steps to reduce exposure at home, striking a balance between convenience and health amidst a growing environmental crisis.

In this lively discussion, Jen shares a heartwarming tale of rescuing an injured crow, drawing from her childhood experiences rehabilitating birds. The conversation shifts to Janine Roth's influential work, exploring the deep connections between women, food, and spirituality. They delve into Roth's tumultuous background and her struggles with food as a means for control and comfort. With insights on self-help literature, the hosts reflect on how these themes intertwine with nutrition and personal growth, creating a rich tapestry of ideas.

Explore the buzz around leaky gut and its rising claims in gut health circles. Discover how sensationalized social media narratives may mislead those seeking solutions for their symptoms. The hosts dissect the origins of these claims, including the controversial Wakefield study, and discuss restrictive diets like AIP and GAPS. They emphasize the lack of solid evidence connecting leaky gut to various conditions and caution against unreliable testing and harmful advice. For anyone facing gut issues, seeking professional guidance is imperative.