Yumlish: Diabetes and Multicultural Nutrition

Shireen Abdullah
  • 4.9 (9)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Yumlish podcast, where our mission is to amplify the voices of health professionals to help you better manage chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, through nutrition and wellness. We discuss everything from preventative care to multicultural nutrition to the stigmatization of chronic illness. Join us every Thursday for your weekly dose of nutrition, physical activity, and all things health.

  1. MAY 8

    Keeping Culture on the Plate: Healthier Traditional Recipes

    Guest:  Elisa Irvolino Show Notes: This episode explores how you can improve your health without giving up the cultural foods you love. Our guest, Elisa Irvolino, shares practical strategies, like smarter oil swaps, portioning rice and flatbreads, and using fresh herbs, citrus, and simple cooking methods, to lower sodium, sugar, and saturated fat while keeping traditional flavors intact. Listeners also get an easy, culturally focused grocery haul and label-reading tips to get started right away. Guest Bio: Elisa Irvolino is a Dominican mom, author, and creator of The Mujer Within, dedicated to helping Latina women reconnect with their creativity through food, culture, and home. She teaches cooking and craft classes that celebrate heritage and empower mujeres to honor themselves. Quote: “If we can make some adaptations where I can still eat the foods that I love and the flavors that bring me back to my home and to my country and honor my ancestors, I think that you’re more likely to stick to it.” Question of the Day: What's one traditional dish from your culture that you would love to make a little healthier? On This Episode You Will Learn: How to keep traditional dishes on your plate while still improving health through small, realistic swaps. Simple ways to lower sodium without losing flavor. How to rethink rice and grains with portion size and healthy options. Which cooking fats and oils to prioritize and which highly processed oils to limit. How to read food labels quickly and shop smarter at the store by focusing on fewer, recognizable ingredients. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Elisa Irvolino ! Website URL: elisairvolino.com Instagram URL:  https://www.instagram.com/elisa.irvolino?igsh=MXYxcDNzeDh5eTBpMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MoAyV27Ld/?mibextid=wwXIfr Facebook Group URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BqdsN4gzJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-irvolino-12a91721a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

    19 min

  2. APR 23

    Food Policy and Chronic Disease: What Needs to Change

    Guest: Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN Show Notes: Food policy isn’t abstract, it shapes what food costs, what’s marketed, and what ends up on our plates. In this episode, we break down the biggest policies influencing America’s diet (from subsidies to school meals), how policy can either fuel or prevent chronic disease, and why sustainability belongs in the conversation. Stay to the end for a practical playbook on how you can influence change locally, starting now. Guest Bio: Christina Badaracco works as a healthcare consultant, author, and thought leader, seeking to advance the role of nutrition in healthcare. She also regularly writes, teaches, and develops programs about nutrition, culinary medicine, and sustainable agriculture at both the local and national levels. Quote: “The way that we spend our dollars does have an influence on what food companies are making and what types of food businesses are actually able to operate.” Question of the Day: How do you see food policy affecting your own health or community? On This Episode You Will Learn: What food policy is and how it shapes food access, pricing, and marketing How federal, state, and local policies influence what we grow, sell, and eat Why U.S. food subsidies impact the rise of ultra-processed foods How policies can either increase or help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease Practical ways individuals can influence food policy in their own communities Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with !Website URL: www.christinabadaracco.com  Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/cbadarac/?hl=en  LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-badaracco/  Other promos (books, publications, speeches, etc.) : https://islandpress.org/books/farm-bill#desc,   https://www.christinabadaracco.com/booksandcourses

    37 min

  3. APR 2

    Healthy South Asian Eating Without Losing the Flavor

    Guest:  Fareeha Jay, BSC, MSC, RD - Diabetes Specialist Show Notes: South Asian food is rich, comforting, and deeply cultural—and it can absolutely support better health. In this episode, award-winning dietitian and diabetes specialist Fareeha Jay shares how to make simple, realistic upgrades to traditional meals without losing taste or tradition. From rebalancing carb-heavy plates to boosting vegetarian protein and navigating fasting and festival seasons, you’ll walk away with practical tools to keep blood sugar steady and feel your best—starting today. Guest Bio: Fareeha Jay is an award-winning dietitian and former NHS Diabetes Specialist with six years of experience delivering education to people newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She specialises in South Asian diets and provides expert, evidence-based nutrition advice to South Asians worldwide. She has developed the South Asian Eatwell Guide, which is now widely used in many NHS trusts and various charity organizations. Quote: “A very small icebreaker, which I always use, is that I always tend to learn how they say hello in their own language. For example, if I'm speaking to someone from Nepal, I would learn how they say hello. And as soon as I start my consultation with them, I say that one word. And just using that one word, you know, it breaks all the barriers. They feel so much more comfortable speaking to me.” Question of the Day: What traditional South Asian dish means the most to your family, and how have you adapted it, if at all, to support your health? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why South Asian communities face higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease (and what’s actually preventable) How to rebalance classic meals (curry, naan, channa, dal) without giving up cultural integrity Simple ways to cut back on oil, ghee, and salt while keeping the flavor you love Go-to strategies for vegetarian protein, iron, and B12 (plus what to do with lactose intolerance) How to handle fasting + feasting seasons (Ramadan, Navratri, Eid, celebrations) while keeping glucose and energy more stable Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Fareeha Jay!Website URL:  www.fareehajay.com  Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_fareehajay/  Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/aapkidietitian/  Facebook Group URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1575269765877135  Twitter(X) URL: https://twitter.com/FareehaJay  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_fareehajay/ LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fareeha-jay-457a34209/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app&fbclid=IwAR0NCUqyRnLWN3oEGpFIc4HvLni86Pg6E-hOyDh5uAYvNG4maiZfZ0iNAPE  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSXc-Vg8wc2SdY8Jh7TK45A/videos  Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@dietitianfareehajay?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    25 min

  4. MAR 19

    Closing the Gap: Diabetes, Heart Disease & Health Equity

    Guest:  Dr. Sherita Golden Show Notes: Diabetes and heart disease don’t impact every community the same and the reasons go far beyond personal choices. In this episode, we break down the structural barriers, environmental realities, and healthcare blind spots that drive unequal outcomes, especially in underserved and rural communities. You’ll also learn why mental health must be treated as part of chronic disease care and how patients, families, and communities can advocate for better screening, treatment, and support. Guest Bio: Dr. Golden’s research interests focus on mental health complications of diabetes, understanding and eliminating diabetes health disparities and implementing and evaluating systems interventions to improve patient safety and quality of care in hospitalized patients with diabetes.  Quote: “And so in order to advocate for yourself, it's really important to ask those questions like you have a right to do so.” Question of the Day: What changes would you like to see in your community to make it easier for people to prevent or manage diabetes and heart disease? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why diabetes and heart disease outcomes are worse in many underserved communities—and what’s actually driving the gap How environment and policy shape health (food access, safe spaces to move, quality healthcare availability) The biggest screening and care gaps that delay diagnosis and worsen complications Why depression and chronic stress directly affect diabetes and heart health—and how clinicians can normalize mental health screening Practical ways to advocate for better care, including community-based screenings and learning to ask for your numbers (A1C, BP, cholesterol) Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Sherita Golden!LinkedIn URL: Sherita Golden | LinkedIn John Hopkins Profile Page: https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/sherita-hill-golden/2704881

    24 min

  5. MAR 5

    Diabetes Care Beyond the Clinic: Food, Community, and Real Access

    Diabetes care doesn’t happen only in the clinic—it happens where people live, shop, and eat. This episode explores why food access, community support, and real-world resources matter just as much as medical care.We unpack how food insecurity and the digital divide affect diabetes management, where food-as-medicine programs can make a real difference, and how GLP-1 medications fit without replacing nutrition and behavior change. We also highlight one policy shift that could dramatically expand access to diabetes nutrition support. Guest Bio: Dr. Melanie Hingle is a nationally recognized nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Professor at the University of Arizona whose work on diet-sensitive disease integrates community-engaged research, digital health, and Food As Medicine interventions across the Southwest.  Quote: “Fresh produce, high in fiber, high in nutrients, these are things that help people manage, not just the blood glucose a little bit better, but can displace some of the less healthy options” Question of the Day: How might you help advocate for better nutrition support or diabetes resources in your community? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why community-based nutrition is essential for effective diabetes care How food insecurity and access gaps directly shape diabetes outcomes What programs like produce prescriptions and medically tailored meals get right How to integrate GLP-1s with nutrition counseling without losing the food-first focus Which policy and reimbursement changes could most effectively reduce diabetes disparities Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Dr. Melanie Hingle! University of Arizona Website Profile: https://profiles.arizona.edu/person/hinglem Email: hinglem@arizona.edu

    27 min

  6. FEB 19

    A Healthier Heart Starts With Your Mouth

    Guest:  Dr. Thomas E. Van Dyke, DDS, PhD Show Notes: Your mouth does far more than help you chew; it may be quietly shaping your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. In this episode, we explore the powerful (and often overlooked) connection between gum health and whole-body health. You’ll learn how everyday habits like brushing, flossing, smoking, and diet choices can influence inflammation throughout the body. We break down what science really says about gum disease, cardiovascular risk, blood sugar control, and the oral microbiome, plus which small changes can make an outsized impact over time. If you care about heart health, diabetes prevention, or lowering inflammation naturally, this episode will change how you think about oral care. Guest Bio: Dr. Van Dyke is Sr. Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research, and Senior Member of Staff, ADA Forsyth Institute in Somerville, MA; he received his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve University; his Master's, Periodontics Certificate, and Ph.D., State University of NY at Buffalo; he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He is internationally recognized for his work on inflammation in periodontal disease and other systemic conditions. He has  500+ original publications.  Quote: “The keyword of the day is maintaining homeostasis. You want to maintain the balance that we have in the oral cavity that is compatible with health in the individual.” Question of the Day: Have you ever considered how your oral health could affect your heart? After today, what’s one step you could change or add to your oral hygiene routine? On This Episode You Will Learn: How gum disease and oral inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Why inflammation, not just bacteria, is the key link between oral health and whole-body health. Which daily habits matter most for protecting your gums, including brushing, flossing, smoking cessation, and diet. How nutrition choices, such as omega-3s, ultra-processed foods, and sugary drinks, affect your oral microbiome and inflammation levels. One small change you can start today that can make a meaningful difference for both your oral health and your heart. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Thomas E. Van Dyke! Website URL: www.forsyth.org

    29 min

  7. FEB 5

    Flavor Without Fear: Cooking Well With Kidney Disease

    Kidney-friendly eating doesn’t have to mean bland, boring, or restrictive. This episode breaks down how thoughtful cooking techniques and simple ingredient shifts can protect kidney health without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. You’ll learn how to reframe dietary limits into creative opportunities, build satisfying plant-forward meals, and plan in ways that actually make life easier—especially after a new CKD diagnosis. This conversation offers practical hope for anyone who wants food to feel empowering again, not overwhelming. Guest Bio: Chef Duane, a current instructor at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy, successfully put his own CKD into remission through diet. He now travels the United States, sharing his culinary expertise and journey with medical professionals and fellow patients. Quote: “I love my kidney disease. It has made me a better cook.” Question of the Day: What is one kidney-friendly ingredient or cooking technique you’d like to try adding to your meals this week? On This Episode You Will Learn: How to turn kidney diet “restrictions” into flavorful opportunities Why plant-forward meals can reduce kidney stress Core principles behind building kidney-friendly recipes that still taste great Simple meal-planning strategies for busy or low-energy days How flavor, texture, and satisfaction keep healthy eating sustainable Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Duane Sunwold! Website URL: chefduane.com  LinkedIn URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-sunwold-23b767b/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ckdchefduane9517

    29 min

  8. JAN 22

    Small Food Changes, Big Heart Relief: How What You Eat Can Help Your Heart

    Managing heart failure isn’t just about medications. It’s about the everyday food choices that can either ease the strain on your heart or quietly make symptoms worse. In this episode, we break down why sodium has such a powerful impact on heart failure, how it drives fluid retention and shortness of breath, and why even small changes can lead to noticeable relief within days. You’ll learn how to spot hidden sodium in common foods, what to eat instead, and how to build meals that support your heart without feeling restrictive or bland. We also explore simple, realistic nutrition strategies for real life, from eating well when energy is low or appetite is poor, to using flavor-forward ingredients that make low-sodium meals satisfying and sustainable. Whether you’re living with heart failure, supporting a loved one, or trying to protect your heart long-term, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based guidance you can start using right away. Guest Bio: Julia Zumpano has been a registered dietitian with Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic for 20 years. Her time in patient care is spent counseling on a cardio-protective diet, with focus on lipid, hypertension, diabetes, and weight management. She also serves as the Nutrition Media Liaison, where she manages the media requests to the outpatient Nutrition Therapy department, played an integral role in the development of the Cleveland Clinic diet app, and is the co-host of the Nutrition Essentials Podcast. “Simplify what you're consuming. Keep it very simple. Do what's with whatever is in your means, but if you are able to commit, let's say, three or four days to a low-sodium diet, you may find that you'll be able to get rid of some of that fluid you're retaining.”  Question of the Day: What are some tips you use in your kitchen to make meals more flavorful without adding that extra sodium? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why sodium plays such a critical role in heart failure management, including what happens in the body when intake is too high and how it contributes to fluid buildup and worsening symptoms. How sodium affects blood pressure and heart function, why this added strain is especially dangerous for people with heart failure, and how even small reductions can lead to noticeable symptom relief. Common high-sodium foods that often go unnoticed, from packaged staples to restaurant meals, and practical tips for identifying hidden sodium on labels. What to eat for a stronger heart, highlighting staple ingredients and eating patterns that support fluid balance, reduce symptoms, and help meet nutrient needs even when appetite or energy is low. Making low-sodium eating realistic and enjoyable, with strategies to preserve flavor, honor food traditions, and build sustainable habits that support long-term heart health. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Julia Zumpano! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zumpano-julia-4757482a Nutrition Essentials Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMG0zKOgNqNmoVhXKP1zvIuFS5BcVXJyG

    26 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Yumlish podcast, where our mission is to amplify the voices of health professionals to help you better manage chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, through nutrition and wellness. We discuss everything from preventative care to multicultural nutrition to the stigmatization of chronic illness. Join us every Thursday for your weekly dose of nutrition, physical activity, and all things health.

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