Mayo Clinic on Nutrition

Humans are living longer than ever — but longer life doesn’t always mean better health. More than half of U.S. adults are living with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity. So what can we actually control to help prevent these diseases as we age? And what should we be eating to stay healthier, longer? On this episode of On Nutrition, cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky breaks down 11 foods linked to longevity and shares practical strategies for healthy aging from his book, Live Younger Longer. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Why are habits so hard to build — and even harder to break? And do they really have to be perfect to improve your health? On this episode of On Nutrition, Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt sits down with health coach Jenn Trepeck to explore the science of habits and how small, realistic changes can lead to lasting results. From decision fatigue to mindset shifts, they break down why so many health goals stall — and what actually helps them stick. They also discuss the role of health coaching, how habits evolve over time, and why flexibility — not perfection — may be the key to long-term success. Whether you’re trying to eat better, move more or reset your routine, this episode offers practical strategies to help you build habits that work in real life. ⁠Sign up⁠ to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at ⁠Mayo Clinic Press⁠ for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

About 4.5 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with some form of liver disease, and some will go on to need a liver transplant. What interventions are available to help avoid that procedure? And if someone does receive a transplant, how can their diet support their new liver and help keep it as healthy as possible? On this episode of On Nutrition, transplant clinical dietitian Heather Bamlet explains how she supports transplant patients and shares strategies to help prevent — and in some cases, even reverse — certain liver diseases. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Food is more than the sum of its parts. Nutrients in supplements act differently than the same nutrients in whole foods. The way those nutrients are packaged, bonded and processed all factor into what’s known as a food matrix. On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with Sally Cummins, a registered dietitian and senior vice president of nutrition affairs at the National Dairy Council. She shares the science behind the dairy food matrix and explains how you can see the food matrix at work in everyday foods. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Almost half of US adults have been diagnosed with hypertension, with the main culprit being a high-sodium diet. So how can we avoid being part of that statistic? And what food choices should we be making to keep a low blood pressure? On this episode of On Nutrition, registered dietitian Laurie Molina describes the DASH eating plan, methods to maintain a low-sodium diet, and the surprising benefits of potassium. Mayo Clinic's low-sodium recipes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/low-sodium-recipes/rcs-20077197 Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Stress, uncertainty and unmet emotional needs can influence eating patterns in ways that go beyond hunger. Research suggests that many adults turn to food for comfort when feeling tired, anxious, inadequate or lonely — a pattern often described as emotional eating. So how can we recognize these triggers and develop healthier ways to cope? On this episode of On Nutrition, holistic nutritionist and health coach Ali Shapiro joins host Tara Schmidt, R.D.N., to discuss the root causes of emotional eating, how physiology and psychology interact, and practical strategies to pause, identify needs and build self-trust over time. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Are your New Year’s resolutions supporting your long-term health, or sending you back into another cycle of short-term diet trends? Before you commit to the latest plan, learn which nutrition strategies are supported by evidence and can contribute to lasting well-being in 2026 and beyond. In this episode of Salad With a Side of Fries, host Jenn Trepeck is joined by Tara Schmidt, a registered dietitian and instructor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic. Together, they discuss evidence-based nutrition, the role of GLP-1 medications, why weight management is not just about the scale, and how to build sustainable lifestyle habits that extend past January. A Salad With a Side of Fries A Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected].

Almost half of U.S. adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease, and the effects can extend far beyond the mouth. Research has linked gum disease to more than 50 systemic conditions, including diabetes, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. So how can we help prevent oral inflammation and harmful bacteria from affecting overall health? On this episode of On Nutrition, dentist Alex Silvia, D.D.S., explains why gum health matters, which nutrients may help slow disease progression, and whether that tongue scraper is worth adding to your routine. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is it possible to run out of things to say about nutrition? Not at all! Coming up on On Nutrition: the oral-systemic connection, emotional eating, hypertension, and the food matrix. New episodes every other Tuesday. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fatphobia affects more than social interactions; it can interfere with access to proper health care. But where do stigmas against larger bodies originate, and what can be learned from the space between diet culture and body positivity? On this episode of On Nutrition, “Weight For It” host Ronald Young Jr. examines his experiences in medical settings, the popularity of the “What I Eat in a Day” trend, and how society defines the word “healthy.” Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Experiencing a menstrual cycle — or the lack of one — can bring up a lot of questions. Why do I have more bowel movements during my period? How concerned should I be about gaining weight during menopause? And do I need to stop using plastic cutting boards so I don’t get PCOS? In this episode of On Nutrition, dietitian Danielle Cahalan discusses what the evidence shows about “cycle syncing,” offers tools for navigating menopause, and reviews dietary approaches that may support people with endometriosis or PCOS. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dementia is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease, is increasing worldwide. Although some risk factors are beyond a person’s control, research suggests that certain eating patterns may support brain health. On this episode of On Nutrition, neurologist Bryan Neth, M.D., explains dietary approaches linked to brain health and offers practical guidance for caregivers on supporting nutrition and mealtimes for individuals living with dementia. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s more common than ever to hear about gluten sensitivities and celiac disease. But is a gluten-free diet for everyone? How do you know if you need to eliminate gluten? And is the gluten overseas healthier than what we have in the U.S.? On this episode of On Nutrition, dietitian and nutrition influencer Gabrielle Palmeri talks through the different types of grains, common misconceptions and how to meet your fiber goals — with or without gluten. For more resources and information, visit dietitiangabrielle.com. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Morning sickness, cravings and a long list of foods you can’t eat — no one said pregnancy was easy. So, how should you adjust your diet to grow a healthy baby and make the next nine months as smooth as possible? On this episode of On Nutrition, dietitian Kate Zeratsky shares which nutrients to prioritize, which types of cheese you’ll need to skip and what else to expect when you’re expecting. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You know you need to make a health change. You want to make a health change. But you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, having a social support system could mean the difference between success and failure. On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with Dr. Matthew Clark about the psychology behind making changes, how health changes can affect relationships, and how to navigate holidays, unsolicited advice — even saboteurs. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You might have noticed that “seed oils” are all over social media lately — and not in a good way. So are they really as bad for you as influencers say? In this episode of On Nutrition, clinical scientist Dr. Jessie Burns explains the pros and cons of seed oils, the importance of balancing omega-6s with omega-3s, and why roasting your Brussels sprouts in canola oil isn’t the problem. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cancer changes everything: your body, your relationships, and of course, what you eat. Nutrition can’t cure cancer (spoiler alert), but it can be a powerful tool to manage symptoms and side effects. On this episode of On Nutrition, we talk with oncology dietitian Peter Adintori about how to pinpoint nutrition solutions for specific symptoms, and we break down myths about the intersection of food and cancer — and whether it’s okay to eat bacon. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tara Schmidt, M.Ed., RDN, LD is the lead dietitian for the Mayo Clinic Diet, host of the Mayo Clinic On Nutrition podcast, and Medical Editor of the Nutrition & Fitness channel. Today she joins me for a holistic, evidence-based conversation about GLP-1s, where we cut through the misinformation around these drugs and offer information you can really trust. If you’re already taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you want to start so you can lose weight, or maybe your doctor’s recommending it — this episode is for you. We discuss: What GLP-1s are and how they work The place of medication and are these long term drugs? Micro-dosing and low-dosing GLP-1s Which doctors should be prescribing metabolic drugs Regenerative healing from GLP-1s The causes of food noise Hunger vs appetite The triggers for emotional eating Why eating for comfort makes sense Reclaiming your agency so you want to change (rather than feeling like you “should”) Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy