Dishing Up Nutrition

Are you getting enough potassium in your diet? Registered dietitian Alyssa Krejci explains why this essential electrolyte matters for heart health, blood pressure, muscle function, and fluid balance. Discover potassium-rich foods beyond bananas, simple ways to get more potassium through everyday meals, and what low or high blood potassium levels may mean for your health. Plus, learn why getting potassium from food is generally preferable to taking supplements without medical guidance.

Could unexplained itching, headaches, digestive issues, or reactions to certain foods be related to histamine? Registered dietitians Melanie Beasley and Britni Vincent explain the differences between histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), including common symptoms, potential triggers, and the role of nutrition. Learn which foods may be high in histamine, why freshness and food preparation matter, and how an individualized low-histamine diet can help identify triggers without unnecessarily restricting your food choices.

Is processed meat bad for your health, and are nitrate-free or uncured products actually better? Registered dietitian Amy Crum breaks down the connection between processed meat and colorectal cancer risk, explains why nitrates and nitrites are used, and clears up common misconceptions about food labels. Learn what to look for when buying bacon, sausage, and deli meat, how to choose less-processed protein options, and why your overall eating habits matter more than any single ingredient.

This week's episode is a nice change of pace! Less nutrition troubleshooting, more practical kitchen confidence, with Chef Marianne Jurayj sharing how to make healthy, home-cooked meals easier without sacrificing flavor.  Crockpots and Instant Pots solve different cooking problems: one lets you prepare dinner hours ahead and forget about it; the other can rescue dinner when you've forgotten to thaw the meat. And there are plenty of chefs' tricks along the way.

Can what you eat and drink affect POTS symptoms? Registered dietitian Teresa Wagner explains how nutrition can play a role in managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), including the importance of hydration, electrolytes, balanced blood sugar, and meal timing. Learn why smaller, more frequent meals may help, which foods and drinks can aggravate symptoms, and how to identify potential nutrient deficiencies while building an individualized nutrition plan.