By: Marisol Mercado, BS, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022
What exactly are artificial sweeteners? What are they used for? What is known about their impact on health? We are going to address all of those questions here and let you decide where you stand on this hot topic.
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By: Ana Garcia, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022
Discussing bowel movements, commonly known as “poop”, may be an uncomfortable or embarrassing topic. However, the frequency of our bowel movements and the consistency of stools actually reveals a lot of useful information regarding our health and diet. After a meal, the coordinated contractions and relaxations of smooth muscles in the gut transport food throughout the intestines so water, electrolytes, and nutrients can be absorbed while waste is eliminated.1 Assuming normal gut function, a person can expect between 3 bowel movements per day to 3 bowel movements per week.2
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By: Joya Johnson, DTR, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022
What is the gut microbiome? The cecum is a specific section of our large intestines that serves as a home to bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and other microbes and together, this area is known as the gut microbiome. Bacteria and viruses are most commonly known for being associated with illnesses and diseases, but the microbiota that inhabit our gut have a prominent impact on our immune system and other metabolic functions.1
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By: Jake Batey, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
What exactly is cholesterol? We hear about it all the time, but what is it and how does it affect our health? Should you worry about how much of it you eat? Cholesterol seems to have a negative connotation around it everywhere we look. Let’s dig into the research to find out more.
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By Noelle Gozzarelli, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
I will be the first to admit – I may have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with my daily cup of coffee. As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, I have this excitement brewing inside (no pun intended) because I am looking forward to the aroma of ground coffee and the taste of my favorite frothy milk. My morning and afternoon cups of coffee give me just the right amount of energy I need to get going and to continue going for the workday ahead.
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By: Lauren Zech, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
You have probably heard the saying “mind over matter”. It basically means that if you are in the right mindset, you can overcome anything. But what happens when your mind is scrambled? What if you are swamped with assignments and have to study for exams while balancing work with your personal life. What is you have an upcoming interview that you are extremely nervous for? When you are stressed or anxious, your mind can lose its capability to think clearly and make decisions. If this occurs repeatedly, you can be left feeling down and lost. However, there may be a simple fix to this problem. The fix is so simple that you already include it in your daily routine. That’s right! Certain foods and exercise can help combat stress and anxiety. Let me explain how.
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By: Sahar Tamari, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
Nutrition Facts Labels on the packaging of food help us make informed decisions when we are searching for nutritious and healthy foods. Understanding how to properly read a nutrition facts label will make it easier for you to compare foods and find the foods you need to help you meet your nutritional goals. Food labels are required on all packaged foods made in the United States and those imported from other countries.1
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By: Erika Giroux, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the leading cause of death in the United States, many of us are looking for ways to keep our hearts in tip-top shape.1 CVD, also known as heart disease, occurs when the blood vessels in your body harden and constrict, limiting blood flow. This can lead to a heart attack or a stoke.2 One of the best ways to keep your heart heathy is with the regular consumption of fiber. Fiber is a nutrient that is found in varying amounts in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. The recommended intake of fiber is 25 grams per day for women and 30-35 grams per day for men. However, the average American only consumes about 10-20 grams per day – not enough to make a dent in CVD numbers!3 Read on to find out how to increase your fiber consumption and improve your heart health.
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By: Lihua Ma, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
Family cooking can be stressful! So many parents don’t like to cook while their lovely little ones are around. However, parents might often find themselves in a situation where they have to look after their kids and do housework at the same time. When I tell people that I enjoy teaching my 3-year-old and 5-year-old daughters how to cook as I prep meals, they look at me like I have a superpower. For many caretakers, meal prep is already a tedious and overwhelming task. Knowing how your children can help and the benefits of involving children in the kitchen may give you the confidence to cook with preschoolers.
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By: Laura Horwitz, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2020-2021
Why does our body need calcium? Along with sodium, chloride and bicarbonate, calcium is one of the major electrolyte minerals1. It is the most prevalent mineral found in the body and is necessary to keep our body functioning.2 Our skeleton stores roughly 99% of the calcium in our body, mostly in our teeth and bones, helping to build and maintain a strong foundation. The remaining 1% is needed for various functions including regulating blood pressure, signaling nerve communication between the brain and other parts of the body, as well as muscle contractions and releasing enzymes and hormones.1,3
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