Sound Bites A Nutrition Podcast Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE

Imagine having type 1 diabetes, taking insulin and not being able to monitor your blood glucose levels at home until that technology was developed and made available to you thirty years after your diagnosis.
Today’s episode is a candid conversation with my best friend’s mom, Jeanine, about living with type 1 diabetes for over 65 years. She’s seen a lot of changes in diabetes treatment and management during that time – but says that she never felt like she couldn’t do something because she had diabetes.
This interview was recorded almost exactly six years ago. It has not been released until now.
Jeanine recently celebrated her 80th birthday and is doing very well. She adjusted to a new closed loop monitor and pump last year and still enjoys a variety of activities at her senior center – swimming, pickleball, bocce ball, biking, walking, cards and book club.

Tune into this episode to learn about Jeanine’s story including:
·       diagnosis at 13 years old
·       how the diagnosis impacted her family
·       learning to take different types of insulin
·       playing basketball in high school
·       new language guidance from ADCES
·       hypoglycemia symptoms, treatment, unawareness
·       blood glucose monitoring, CGM
·       pump therapy
·       diet therapy – exchanges, carb counting, reading food labels, sugar free foods
·       how being a home economist taught her skills that helped her manage diabetes
·       swimming and other exercise
·       prenatal care, pregnancy and delivery
·       having a positive attitude and outlook
·       Joslin Medal and research study
·       Peanut M-n-Ms and sweet corn
Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/252              

EPA+DHA Research: Diabetes, Cognition, Depression and Anxiety
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important nutrients that play crucial roles in supporting healthy hearts, brains, eyes, joints, inflammation, as well as mental health. They also play an important role in fetal brain and eye development and reducing the risk of early preterm birth. However, 95 percent of Americans – and 80 percent of people worldwide – are not getting enough of these vital nutrients.
While it is possible to obtain EPA and DHA omega-3s through the diet from fatty fish, seafood and some fortified foods, dietary supplements may be helpful or necessary in some cases.
Before starting any supplement regimen, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, as individual needs can vary. Additionally, it’s worthwhile to choose high-quality supplements that undergo testing for purity and potency.
Tune into this episode to learn about:
·       different types of omega-3s, recommended amounts and average intakes
·       health benefits of and common myths about omega-3s
·       food sources of omega-3s and barriers/challenges in increasing consumption
·       an overview of the amount of research and the GOED clinical study database
·       latest research related to diabetes, brain health and mental health
·       limitations of research and future research opportunities
·       practical tips for increasing intake of omega-3 rich foods
·       what to look for in a supplement
·       where to order at-home omega-3 index tests
·       resources for the public and health professionals
Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/251             

Protein Quality, Nutrient Bioavailability & A Global Perspective on Animal Agriculture
While plant-source foods provide important nutrients in our diets, animal-source foods contain more bioavailable sources of multiple critically needed macro- and micronutrients that can contribute to proper physical and cognitive growth of children. In rural parts of developing countries, these animal-source foods are vital for preventing undernutrition and allowing proper growth and brain development in children.
Tune into this episode to learn about:
·       The latest research on animal-source foods in healthy and sustainable diets
·       Nutrient intake of children in developing countries
·       How developing countries approach sustainable agriculture differently than the U.S.
·       Protein quality of different foods and food groups
·       Bioavailability of micro and macronutrients
·       Global biofortification efforts
·       Challenges in increasing consumption of animal-source foods in developing countries
·       A global perspective on animal agriculture
·       The Dublin Declaration of Scientists and the societal role of meat
·       Climate-smart approaches to livestock production
·       Pros/cons of cultured meat
Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/250            

A considerable amount of misinformation exists about food allergies among the public and health professionals alike. This episode delves into the prevalence and pathophysiology of food allergies, emphasizing the difference between self-reported and diagnosed cases, with around 6% of both U.S. adults and children affected. The immune-mediated nature of food allergies and the various types of reactions they can trigger are discussed as well as the importance of clinical correlation with test results, because tests like blood, skin prick and patch tests can yield false positives. The food elimination diet and oral challenge process are employed to eliminate and reintroduce suspected food allergens, however potential nutrient deficiencies can become a concern when omitting multiple foods or food groups. Strategies to reduce the risk of food allergies, including early introduction of allergenic foods to infants are highlighted. The role of dietitians in managing complex cases involving multiple allergies, infants and comorbidities is emphasized.  
Tune into this episode with Sara Glanz to learn about:
·       What are the “Big 8” food allergens and what additional food has recently been added to that list
·       Prevalence of food allergies in the U.S.
·       The difference between food allergies and intolerances
·       The 5 different categories that food allergy reactions are classified into
·       Various types of food allergy tests
·       What you need to know about at-home tests
·       How the elimination diet works
·       What an oral challenge entails
·       The potential for micro- or macronutrient deficiencies
·       Current guidelines for infant feeding to help reduce the risk of food allergies
·       When and how dietitians should get involved
Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/249           

Seed oils are often attributed to negative health effects due to their prominence in ultraprocessed foods and misunderstood science. Seed oils are a primary source of essential polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs: omega-6s and omega-3s) and are encouraged in most dietary patterns. However, the typical American diet is higher in omega-6s than is recommended, and while adults are generally meeting the recommendation for omega-3 intake, new evidence indicates we may benefit from a higher amount. 
Different cooking oils have different nutrient profiles and culinary capabilities. While cooking oils have beneficial unsaturated fats, many are lacking in essential omega-3. Some oils are suited for a variety of cooking techniques - heat and no heat - whereas others are better for low heat or no heat techniques.


Tune into this episode with guest Dr. Wendy Bazilian to learn about:
·       What are seed oils and what claims have been made about them
·       Why we are hearing so much about seed oils in the media and on social media
·       Are seed oils are different from vegetable oils
·       What the research shows about the safety of seed oils
·       Recommended intakes compared with typical intakes
·       Factors to consider including nutrient profile, flavor, culinary uses
·       Fun and tasty ways to use different culinary oils
·       Resources and recipes
Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/248          

Join Melissa and her editor/producer and friend Jon A. Gay aka “JAG in Detroit” as they discuss some exciting milestones and the back story on the Sound Bites® Podcast.
Tune into this episode to learn about:
How and why Melissa started the podcast over 8 years ago Jon’s background in radio and how he transitioned into the podcast space How Jon and Melissa met and started working together Some fun bloopers and outtakes Trending topics and most popular episodes Challenges and other podcast insights What’s in store for the podcast moving forward Full shownotes, transcript and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/247