

Mayo Clinic on Nutrition
Mayo Clinic Press
"Mayo Clinic on Nutrition" digs into the latest nutrition trends and research to help you understand what’s health, and what’s hype. Together with Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt, we’ll unravel the complexities of modern diets, offer evidence-based nutritional advice, and debunk common myths about the things we eat. Whether you want to understand a dietary concern, manage your weight, or simply eat better, we’ll learn how to make nutrition choices to not just eat well, but be well.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 35min
From Study to Headline: How We Get Our Nutrition News
Whether it's social media, traditional news, or our friends and family, we're constantly hearing about nutrition trends that may or may not be rooted in solid science. So how do we find reliable information?On this episode of On Nutrition, we brought back dietitian nutritionist Joy Heimgartner to talk about the hierarchy of evidence in studies, resources for fact-checking the headlines, and how to spot junk science.International Food Information CouncilAmerican Institute for Cancer ResearchAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Diabetes AssociationAmerican Heart AssociationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 7, 2025 • 39min
SPECIAL EPISODE! Diet for Longevity: Eating Well to Age Well
In this special episode, we'll hear On Nutrition host Tara Schmidt as a guest on Mayo Clinic Aging Forward!One in two older adults are at risk for malnutrition. While our physiology is changing, so are the body's nutritional needs; changing tastes, comorbidities, and financial insecurity can also play a role. So how can we optimize good nutrition as we get older, in order to fuel longevity?On this episode of Aging Forward, dietician Tara Schmidt talks how dietary needs change post-menopause, the decline of our metabolisms, and the key nutrients to prioritize for older adults.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 29, 2025 • 30min
The Functionality of Fiber: Caring for Your Gut Microbiome
Dr. Purna Kashyap, a gastroenterologist and researcher at Mayo Clinic, delves into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome. He discusses the critical role of fiber in gut health and how undigested fibers nourish beneficial microbes. Dr. Kashyap explains the intricate relationship between diet and microbiome diversity, warning against the dangers of highly processed foods. He also critiques at-home microbiome tests and shares insights on the effectiveness of probiotics, emphasizing the value of whole, plant-based diets for a thriving gut.

Jul 16, 2025 • 40min
Debunking the Protein Propaganda: How Much is Too Much?
Nowadays you can find protein added to almost anything - pancakes, popcorn, crackers, pasta, granola, and so much more. Many people, from bodybuilders to surgery patients, are intereted in designing their diets around getting "enough" protein. But is there a chance everyone is overdoing it?On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Su-Nui Escobar about the best natural sources of protein, the formula to calculate how much protein our bodies actually need, and her favorite recipes for getting enough.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 1, 2025 • 41min
Unpacking the Ultra-Processed: How to Curb the Health Risks of Convenient Food
Bright orange cheese puffs. Daffodil-yellow snack cakes. Lime green soda. These are clearly ultra-processed foods. But, what about your frozen veggie burger, your protein cookie, or even that whole wheat bread you buy at the grocery store? You might not think you eat ultra-processed foods, but unless you’re living 100% farm-to-table, you probably do. So, are ultra-processed foods as scary as they sound? Should we stop eating them altogether… and is that even possible?On this episode of Mayo Clinic on Nutrition, we talk with Dr. Stephen Kopecky about the ultra-confusing world of ultra-processed foods.Purchase Dr. Kopecky's book, Live Younger Longer, from Mayo Clinic Press today.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 17, 2025 • 41min
Sober-Curious? The Surprising Harmful Impacts of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol can be a social lubricant at awkward happy hours, or a way to take the edge off after a long day. But over time, how can regular drinking lead impact our sleep, dispositions, or even our likelihood of developing cancer?On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with registered dietitian and Culina Health founder Vanessa Rissetto about how to escape the cultural pressure to drink, and her extreme path to quitting cold turkey. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

16 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 45min
Pre-Diabetes Prevention and Management: Tips From a Diabetes Dietitian
Gina Wimmer, a registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, shares invaluable insights on managing pre-diabetes and diabetes. She explains the importance of lifestyle changes in reversing pre-diabetes and discusses the differences between various diabetes types. The conversation tackles common myths, the role of carbohydrates, and how exercise can help manage blood sugar levels. Gina also emphasizes the significance of education, empathy, and realistic dietary choices in living well despite diabetes.

May 20, 2025 • 35min
Why Energy Drinks Are More Dangerous Than You Realize & Exploring Natural Alternatives
When you're pulling an all-nighter, or driving a long distance, you may be tempted to grab an energy drink to stay alert.But once the caffeine has faded...what impact has it left on your brain, heart, and sleep quality? And is there a safe way to have an energy drink in moderation?On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with cardiologist Dr. Anna Svatikova about her research on energy drinks, the growing number of young people who drink them, and whether or not to crack open that can.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 6, 2025 • 43min
The Truth Behind '10,000 Steps A Day': Using Health Tech to Improve Your Wellbeing
It's common to have some sort of health tracker on your phone, wrist -- or even around your finger. But is recording all activity in our diet and exercise actually necessary? And can knowing ALL our health data ever be harmful?On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with dietitian and nutritionist Ro Huntriss about our obsession with our own metrics, the ever-evolving world of AI, and how to properly engage with healthcare technology.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 22, 2025 • 31min
Can French Fries Increase Your Fertility?: Navigating the Myths of Conceiving, Risk Factors, and Proper Nourishment
One in six people struggle to conceive. Factors like age and irregular menstrual cycles are out of their hands -- but their diet, however, is completely under their control. That said, is there actually any correlation between what we eat and our fertility?On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Ali Ainsworth about subfertility, supplements, and whether pomegranate can help you get pregnant.You can purchase Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception from Mayo Clinic Press.Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Additional resources: Mayo Clinic infertility informationresolve.orgasrm.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


