The Lab & Health Tests Nutritionists Recommend (and Why) - Ask a Nutritionist

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Brandy Buro walks you through the key labs she likes to see at an annual physical, including vitamin D, fasting glucose, insulin, A1C, liver enzymes, and a full cholesterol panel. She also explains advanced heart-health markers, when tests like ferritin or thyroid panels are helpful, and how “optimal” ranges differ from standard “normal” lab ranges. You’ll learn how to prepare for bloodwork, what to ask your doctor for, and how to use your results as a roadmap for better energy, mood, metabolism, and long-term health.

Looking for gifts that actually support health, not clutter the house? In this festive episode, Britni and Brandy share their handpicked wellness gift guide for 2025, featuring real-food kitchen staples, nourishing snack ideas, high-quality supplements, movement-friendly favorites, and thoughtful self-care gifts. From Dutch ovens and sharp chef’s knives to collagen, omega-3s, and cozy blankets, you’ll find practical, meaningful ideas for everyone on your list. If you want to give gifts that truly make people feel better--inside and out--this episode has all the inspiration you need.

In this episode, Mel and Kara break down the simple, real-food strategies that help you enjoy the season without the blood sugar crashes, cravings, or cardiometabolic backslide. Learn how holiday habits impact triglycerides, HDL, and insulin sensitivity--and how small changes (like eating before an event, building balanced meals, and the 50% movement rule) can keep you energized, steady, and feeling your best. If you want to stay healthy without missing out on the fun, this episode gives you a practical plan you can actually follow.

If your belly feels flat in the morning but looks and feels like a “food baby” by afternoon, this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition is for you. Nutritionist Kara Carper and dietitian Brandy Buro break down the real reasons you’re still bloated after eating--from common triggers like dairy, gluten, sugar alcohols, carbonated drinks, and food additives to deeper issues like gut bacteria imbalances, low stomach acid, and SIBO. They’ll help you spot your personal triggers, explain when probiotics and digestive enzymes actually help (and when they don’t), and walk you through what a bloat-friendly, real-food day of eating can look like.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In this episode of Ask a Nutritionist, dietitian Amy Crum breaks down the most affordable real foods to buy— and the “healthy” items that just aren’t worth your money. You’ll hear smart ways to plan meals, shop intentionally, stretch your protein budget, and stock your kitchen with nutrient-dense foods that won’t go bad before you use them. Amy also covers how to reduce food waste, make the most of frozen produce, buy meat more affordably, and build simple budget-friendly meals that keep you full and energized.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner and feel good afterward. In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt and our resident chef Marianne walk you through how to build a delicious, real-food Thanksgiving -- from a balanced plate strategy to upgraded sides, smarter potatoes, veggie-packed salads, better-for-you desserts, and even what to do with the turkey so it actually turns out juicy and flavorful. You’ll hear practical ideas for gluten- and dairy-free guests, simple make-ahead breakfasts, and festive drinks without the sugar crash.

Not sure if you need a probiotic, a prebiotic, or both? In this episode, dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains what each one does, how they work together to support digestion, immunity, and mood, and how to know which is right for you. She breaks down real-food sources, when supplements can help, and what to expect as your gut adjusts.

Feeling wired-but-tired, anxious, or stuck in fight-or-flight? Dietitians Leah Kleinschrodt and Teresa Wagner explain how food choices directly shape your nervous system, and how to feel calmer, clearer, and more focused with real food. Learn the blood-sugar/cortisol connection, what to eat at breakfast (and why it matters), and the key nutrients that support healthy nerves. Simple swaps, steady meals, and a few smart supplements - no extremes required.

Collagen isn’t just a beauty trend - it’s a key building block for your skin, joints, bones, and gut. In this episode, dietitian Leah Kleinschrodt breaks down what collagen really does, the difference between types I, II, and III, and how to choose a supplement that actually works.

Are your headaches trying to tell you something? Dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent unpack the surprising food and lifestyle triggers behind those frustrating headaches and migraines. Learn how blood sugar swings, dehydration, caffeine, histamine-rich foods, and additives like MSG or aspartame can set them off, and how balanced, real-food meals can bring relief.