By: Dr. Mary Pardee
The topic of nutrition often gets clouded by misinformation and passing trends, making it challenging to find credible advice.
In this episode of the Modern Wellness Podcast, I was joined by Emily Zorn, a dietitian and co-host of the RDs vs. BS podcast. Together, we tackled pervasive nutrition myths, popular trends, and the science of creating sustainable, healthy habits.
Nutrition Myths on Social Media
Social media is a powerful platform for spreading information, but it often sensationalizes nutrition claims. Emily shared her experience with misleading trends:
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A lot of these claims aren’t backed by robust, peer-reviewed research.”
One major issue is people conflating blog posts or single studies with comprehensive research. True science is about reproducibility, requiring multiple studies to reach a reliable conclusion.
Debunking Popular Diet Trends
Carnivore Diet This trend focuses on meat-based consumption, claiming benefits for inflammation and autoimmune conditions. However, Emily highlighted its risks:
Lack of dietary diversity can potentially lead to changes in the gut microbiome
Minimal fiber reduces the risk for several chronic diseases, including colorectal cancer.
Long-term sustainability: ultra-restrictive diets that eliminate whole food groups are rarely sustainable.
Elimination Diets While effective when guided by professionals, self-directed elimination diets often result in:
Excessive restrictions that can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Failure to reintroduce foods leaves people on unsustainable diets for years, which may also have negative long-term health consequences.
The Buzz Around Continuous Glucose Monitors
Emily and I discussed the increasing popularity of continuous glucose monitors among the general population:
“Blood sugar spikes are natural; they indicate food is being digested and converted to energy. Flattening blood sugar unnecessarily oversimplifies complex metabolic processes.”
For those without conditions like diabetes, Emily suggests focusing on broader health markers rather than micromanaging every meal.
Tips for Evaluating Nutrition Advice
Emily shared practical strategies to help you discern credible information:
Look for advice from qualified professionals like dietitians or doctors.
Examine the sources—peer-reviewed journals outweigh anecdotal evidence or blogs.
Be wary of single studies. Instead, look for meta-analyses or reviews that consolidate findings.
Want to dive deeper? Check out Emily’s RDs vs. BS podcast for more myth-busting conversations!
Emily's Website: https://www.rdsvsbs.com/
IG: @RDS_VS_BS_POD
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The information in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this blog is for general information purposes only. Modrn med and Dr. Mary Pardee make no representation and assume no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained in or made available through this blog, and such information is subject to change without notice. This blog does not provide medical services, diagnosis or counsel. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this email with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this information.
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