Dishing Up Nutrition

What causes shingles to flare up later in life? In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, registered dietitian Amy Crum explains how the shingles virus can reactivate when the immune system is weakened. You’ll learn common shingles risk factors and simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support immune health, including the role of vitamin D, zinc, quality sleep, stress management, and balanced blood sugar.

In this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent discuss what causes kidney stones, warning signs to look out for, and how nutrition plays a crucial role in prevention. Find out why hydration is the most vital factor, how sugar, soda, sodium, and ultra-processed foods increase your risk, and why a balanced, real-food diet with enough magnesium and calcium can help protect your kidneys. If you’ve had a kidney stone before or want to lower your risk, this episode shares practical strategies to help prevent them from coming back.

In this Ask a Nutritionist episode, dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil and how to choose the right one for your needs. Learn how omega-3 fats support heart, brain, and inflammation health, why EPA and DHA matter, and when cod liver oil’s added vitamin A and vitamin D may or may not be helpful. Alyssa also shares simple tips for choosing a quality omega-3 supplement and getting more omega-3s from foods like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

The new Dietary Guidelines were recently released, and in this episode of Dishing Up Nutrition, dietitians Teresa Wagner and Brandy Buro talk through the highlights and what they could mean for your health. They discuss key themes like prioritizing whole foods, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and reducing added sugars and ultra-processed foods, while offering practical insight on how to apply these ideas in real life. 
 

In this Ask a Nutritionist mini episode, dietitian Teresa Wagner breaks down what your pancreas actually does (hello, blood sugar balance and digestion), how pancreatitis develops, and which everyday food and lifestyle choices either stress or support this hard-working organ. She explains what an anti-inflammatory, real-food way of eating looks like for pancreas health, how to balance protein, carbs, and healthy fats, why alcohol and ultra-processed foods are so hard on the pancreas, and how things like hydration, smaller meals, and digestive enzymes can make a big difference in comfort and healing.