Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Sugar is not so sweet in the health and wellness world, now more than ever. Its bad reputation stems from research on added sugars, fructose in particular, in foods and beverages, linking it with chronic illness and disease, such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. But even so, … Read More
While the debate rages on about whether or not sodas should be banned in schools and major cities, one thing is for certain: Each individual can make a personal choice to limit or quit drinking sodas altogether. What about you? Are you ready to kick the colas and discover how to … Read More
A gout attack can cause sudden and very severe joint pain. It frequently starts in the joint of a big toe and may wake you up at night. Even having a sheet resting on your toe can be painful. A gout attack can make you miserable. It may last from … Read More
Gout in foot, instep, and ankle areas is common, affecting up to 8 million Americans today. The condition has been recorded throughout history, affecting many famous people—the most notorious of whom was Henry VIII, renowned for his lavish diet of rich food and copious amounts of alcohol. What is gout? … Read More
Leptin is a hormone product by body fat and it controls whether or not you feel full after eating. If you find yourself asking "Why am I always hungry?", even after eating a meal, you could be experiencing leptin resistance. Effects of Leptin Resistance Someone with normal leptin function will … Read More
The Glycemic Index (GI) chart shows how much and how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises your blood-sugar levels. The lower a food is on the GI, the lower the effect on your blood sugar. The standardized Glycemic Index ranges from 0 to 100. Zero-glycemic foods—those without carbohydrates—include items like meats, … Read More
Diarrhea is not a topic of choice at the dinner table. Nonetheless, it is a common condition that affects many people. An estimated 179 million acute cases occur each year, and 5 percent of the U.S. population suffers from chronic diarrhea. Diet may help control this condition, as we'll discuss … Read More
We are often told to watch what we eat, but do you watch what you drink, too? Soda, in particular, is one of the worst drinks for your body. Why is soda bad for you, you might ask? The list is long and ever-expanding. It starts here: Soda consumption is … Read More
Although clean, filtered water is the best choice for hydration, carbonated beverages can offer a nice change from the ordinary. To spice up your fluid intake, there are many seltzer water options on the market. But is seltzer water good for you? Seltzer water in the traditional sense is simply plain water … Read More
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans sanctioned a healthy U.S.-style diet, but more common is an unhealthy eating pattern characterized by oversized portions and too much sugar, “bad” fat, and salt. This overindulgence contributes to obesity in more than a third of the adult population; it also factors into a … Read More
