About this Episode
Season 2 host Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, and special guest Weston Bussler, PhD, talk about the importance of wholistic health – emphasis on “wholistic” spelled with a “W”. Weston provides unique insight on the Standard American Diet – which is packed with foods processed for convenience and comfort in mind (02:50). Additionally, the Standard American Diet often lacks specific focus on important dietary components like micronutrients and phytonutrients, which both come from plants. Meghan and Weston also consider the broader term “Standard American Lifestyle,” which incorporates habits like sedentary living and reduced physical activity that exacerbates states of being unhealthy (10:48).
What do we mean when we use the term “wholistic” with a “W” (01:19)?
- All the ways you support your body and your health (01:35)
- All of the body’s systems have a synergistic relationship (02:00)
What is the Standard American Diet (SAD)?
- Contains highly processed, packaged foods designed for ease of preparation; convenience (12:40)
- Developed as a result of shifting agricultural practices and food manufacturing technologies (04:10)
- Often lacks beneficial microorganisms, micronutrients, phytonutrients (06:17)
References:
NHANES: What We Eat in America
Other resources:
Related: Nutrient and Phytonutrient Gaps in the Diet (article), Metabolic Syndrome and the SAD (article), CardioMetabolic Health 101 (infographic)
Processing often removes bitter flavors to meet expected palatability standards, but these bitter compounds play an important role in human carbohydrate metabolism (07:35).
Related: Bitter Perception Affects Vegetable Consumption (article), Phytochemicals, Bitter Receptors, and Carbohydrate Processing (podcast, S1), Managing Glucose with Bitter Nutrition (video from Animation Series)
People tend to consume disproportionately more omega-6 essential fatty acids than omega-3 essential fatty acids (09:40).
Related: Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids (infographic series)
Soil nutrient degradation has occurred over time (05:51; 13:56).
Related: Magnesium Deficiency and Soil Changes (article)
