Quick Bites #6: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner, Mel Sulaver, and Erik Bustillo discuss the latest research and practical applications of creatine in reproductive health, pregnancy, and athletic performance. They explore how dietitians can incorporate creatine guidance into clinical practice and the exciting new developments in women's health and sports support. Dr. Kleiner and Mel (alongside Dr. Stacey Ellery) are presenting at the Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) the weekend after this was recorded, this episode is a sneak peek into their talk!Keywordscreatine, reproductive health, pregnancy, dietetics, sports nutrition, supplement safety, women's health, fertility, clinical practice, researchKey topics discussed:Creatine in reproductive health and fertilityLatest research on creatine and pregnancyPractical counseling for creatine supplementationRegulatory considerations for supplement safetyInnovative formulations and quality assuranceThe role of creatine in fetal development and postpartum healthCommunication with healthcare providers about creatine useEmerging guidelines and future research directions

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo discuss the nuances of eating late at night, especially for those who exercise in the evening. They explore how timing, calorie intake, and food choices impact recovery, sleep, and fat loss. keywordsnutrition, late-night eating, exercise, recovery, calorie deficit, muscle synthesis, sleep, smoothies, sports nutrition key topicsTiming of nutrition after evening exerciseImpact of late-night eating on fat gain and sleepImportance of calorie balance for muscle recoveryRole of smoothies and light foods in evening nutritionFront-loading calories earlier in the day Chapters00:00 Introduction to late-night eating and exercise02:09 Eating late if it doesn't interfere with sleep04:21 Maintaining a small caloric deficit for fat loss05:19 Choosing light, nutrient-dense foods like smoothies06:10 Pre-workout nutrition and front-loading calories07:00 Closing thoughts and audience questions

This episode explores the benefits and limitations of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for people without diabetes, emphasizing the importance of understanding blood sugar responses and avoiding unnecessary stress or dietary restrictions. keywordsCGM, blood sugar, diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic health, blood glucose, health monitoring, insulin resistance, weight loss, metabolic response key topicsBenefits of CGMs for people with diabetes and pre-diabetesLimitations of CGMs for healthy individualsBlood sugar response to food and stressThe concept of area under the curve in blood glucose monitoringMisinterpretation and anxiety caused by CGMsNormal blood sugar fluctuations and their significanceBias in studies on CGM effectiveness for weight lossThe importance of context in blood sugar managementSpecific cases where CGMs are useful, like type 1 diabetesThe psychological impact of monitoring blood glucose takeawaysCGMs are beneficial for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes to manage insulin and medication.For healthy individuals, CGMs can cause unnecessary worry and dietary restrictions.Blood sugar spikes are normal and not inherently harmful if they return to normal quickly.The area under the curve of blood sugar levels over time is a key indicator of metabolic health.Many studies claiming benefits of CGMs for weight loss are biased or poorly designed.Monitoring blood sugar without understanding normal responses can lead to stress and misinterpretation.CGMs should be used selectively, especially in specific medical cases.Avoid comparing your blood sugar or weight journey to others, as individual responses vary.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest02:37 Normal blood sugar fluctuations after eating04:11 The cultural focus on blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance05:26 Understanding blood sugar spikes as a normal response06:26 The importance of the area under the curve in blood glucose07:23 Bias in studies claiming CGM benefits for weight loss08:44 Limitations of CGMs for non-diabetics and healthy people09:42 Avoiding stress and unnecessary focus on blood sugar levels10:35 When CGMs are appropriate and specific cases11:06 Closing thoughts and advice for listeners

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo explore the effectiveness of greens powders compared to eating actual greens, discussing scientific evidence, marketing claims, and practical considerations. keywordsgreens powders, nutrition, dietary supplements, scientific evidence, health, AG1, Athletic Greens, micronutrients, dietary choices key topicsComparison of greens powders and actual greensScientific evidence and data gaps in supplement efficacyMarketing and branding of greens products like AG1Practical considerations for dietary supplement useCost-benefit analysis of greens powdersRole of micronutrients and dietary insurance takeawaysThere is limited scientific data proving greens powders are equivalent to eating greens.Most products lack peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support their claims.Greens powders can be useful when fresh produce is unavailable, but are not a one-to-one substitute.Cost and quality should be considered when choosing greens supplements.Lack of data does not mean these products are ineffective, but we should be cautious.Chapters00:00 Introduction to greens powders and their popularity01:59 Are greens powders as nutritious as eating actual greens?02:54 The role of scientific research and data gaps03:49 Marketing, branding, and scientific credibility of products like AG105:08 Cost considerations and practical use cases06:08 The importance of data and peer-reviewed research07:07 Greens powders as dietary insurance when fresh produce isn't available08:06 Cost-benefit analysis and practical advice for consumers08:49 Summary: what we know and what we don't about greens supplements09:53 Final thoughts and guidance for choosing greens products

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo discuss the rise of protein-enriched foods, the importance of quality proteins, and how to navigate the growing trend of proteinification in the food industry. keywordsprotein, nutrition, food industry, supplements, protein chips, collagen, sports nutrition, food transparency key topicsThe history and rise of protein in the food industryThe importance of high-quality protein sourcesHow to read and interpret nutrition labels for protein productsThe role of collagen and other supplements in muscle buildingThe impact of marketing on protein product choicesChapters00:00 Introduction to the Proteinification Trend01:11 The Origins of Protein in Sports Nutrition02:29 Mainstreaming of Protein in Food and Supplements03:45 The Pendulum Swing in Nutrition Trends04:42 The Pros and Cons of Protein Enrichment05:38 What to Look for in Protein Chips07:03 Reading Nutrition Labels for Quality Protein09:24 The Role of Collagen and Its Limitations11:14 How to Make Informed Choices About Protein Products12:17 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo discuss the impact of GLP1 drugs on weight management, health, and the importance of a holistic approach including diet and exercise. keywordsGLP1 drugs, weight loss, health, nutrition, exercise, medical tools, obesity, metabolic health key topicsGLP1 drugs and their effectsThe role of medication in weight lossImportance of diet and exercise alongside medicationRisks of rapid weight loss with GLP1sPsychological aspects of eating and addictionGuidance from healthcare professionals takeawaysGLP1 drugs are effective tools but not standalone solutions.Rapid weight loss with GLP1s can lead to muscle loss.Fundamentals like diet and resistance training remain crucial.Medications should be part of a comprehensive health plan.Consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the discussion on GLP1 drugs02:10 The rise of GLP1 drugs and initial concerns03:29 How GLP1s work and their role as a tool05:23 The importance of fundamentals: diet and exercise07:36 Psychological aspects of eating and addiction08:28 Risks of rapid weight loss and muscle loss10:20 Integrating medication with lifestyle changes11:39 Seeking professional guidance for health and weight loss12:33 Conclusion: Medications are tools, not solutions

In this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo explore the health benefits, cooking tips, and industry insights related to extra virgin olive oil, emphasizing its polyphenol content and proper usage. keywordsextra virgin olive oil, health benefits, polyphenols, oleocanthal, cooking tips, olive oil industry, nutrition, anti-inflammatory, food quality key topicsHealth benefits of polyphenols in olive oilOleocanthal as a potent anti-inflammatoryProper cooking techniques with olive oilIndustry issues with olive oil labeling and qualityVariety of oils for different culinary usesChapters00:00 Introduction to olive oil benefits and episode overview01:43 What makes extra virgin olive oil unique and its flavor profile02:12 Polyphenols in olive oil and their health benefits03:12 Oleocanthol and its anti-inflammatory properties06:11 Cooking with olive oil and smoke point considerations08:33 Using olive oil as a dressing and other oils for cooking10:33 Industry insights on olive oil authenticity and labeling12:19 How to verify the quality of olive oil and trusted sources13:20 Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo explore the debate between eating more vegetables versus more fruit, emphasizing the importance of variety, seasonal eating, and practical tips for incorporating more plant foods into your diet.Key Topics-The importance of variety in a healthy diet-Balancing fruit and vegetable intake based on season-Practical tips for eating more plant foods-The role of frozen and canned produce in nutrition-Addressing common misconceptions about fruit and vegetablesTakeaways-Variety is the key to good nutrition and brain satisfaction.-Eat at least five servings of vegetables and three of fruit daily.-Seasonal eating influences your fruit and vegetable choices.-Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh.-Meet people where they are in their dietary preferences.

Join Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo as they discuss the latest trends in sports and active nutrition, the impact of social media on dietary choices, and the future of personalized nutrition products. They reflect on recent conferences, industry shifts, and scientific insights into carbohydrate use and performance enhancement.

In this episode of the Your Food Matters podcast, Dr. Sue Kleiner and Erik Bustillo engage with Oliver Catlin (of the Banned Substances Control Group), a prominent figure in the anti-doping and supplement safety industry. They discuss the legacy of Dr. Don Catlin, the importance of third-party certification for supplements, and the challenges posed by unapproved peptides and natural compounds that can lead to positive drug tests. The conversation highlights the need for better regulation and enforcement in the supplement industry, especially concerning the rising popularity of peptides and their potential risks. The episode emphasizes the importance of consumer safety and the necessity for more research and transparency in the supplement market.