RDs vs. BS

In this episode, we discuss how many grifters and misinformation spreaders use logically fallacies to make their cases. We discuss the different types of fallacies we see used in nutrition marketing, so you can better equip yourself to spot them the next time someone is trying to sell you junk!Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

In this episode, we discuss a newly published study that shows that consuming ultra-processed food caused more weight gain when compared to unprocessed food. However, we discuss the conditions of this study (spoiler - it's not that simple), and what we can take away from this study to apply to our own lives.Our BS PS discusses another recent study that showed a link between poultry intake and GI cancer. Should we cut chicken out of our diet based on these findings?Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

What do you get when you cross an insurance salesman turned media "biohacker" with a (we think) college dropout turned "functional expert"? A 1.5 hour mess of ridiculous claims and "health" advice that would run you a cool 100K at the least. The episode of Gary Brecka's "Ultimate Human" podcast featuring Kasey Barnes we recap was so all over the place and out of touch that we had trouble following it. Our biggest takeaway? Stop buying Ferrari's so you can buy a zillion dollars of supplements and retrofit your house with red light therapy and saunas instead!Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Not to be confused with the mental health resource "Better Help", Betr Health is a 30-day "definitely not a diet" nutrition program that can be covered by some insurances. Is this quasi-elimination diet one that we would recommend just because someone's insurance covers the program cost?Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

We've talked about a lot of snake oil salespeople on this podcast. We take today to rank the top 10 nutrition grifter personalities we have talked about on this show already. Do you think we missed someone? Do you agree with our list?Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Dr. Casey Means has really made the podcast rounds lately, discussing how every additional Doritos you put in your mouth makes you 18% closer to death, and how ALL diseases can be cured by a good nights sleep. While yes, that last sentence is a bit of an exaggeration (barely), listen to see what we think about this RFK Jr lovin' pseudoscientific doctor's championing of beef tallow in fast food French fries and how expensive cold pressed locally sourced olive oil is the key to making all of us healthy.Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

In today's episode we discuss why we think there are so many influencers running around eating sticks of butter, claiming it is a health food, and demonizing unsaturated fats like oils. They claim there are no randomized control trials that show unsaturated fats can improve blood markers. We are here to show, unequivocally, why that is false, but also discuss why so many health influencers spread these kinds of lies. Our BSPS today is on supplementing CoQ10, specifically in post-menopausal women.Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Because of some research linking Alzheimer's disease to both sugar intake and Type 2 Diabetes, some people have been calling this neurodegenerative brain condition "Type 3 Diabetes". Based on the evidence we have, should dementia and/or Alzheimer's be considered a type of diabetes?Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

After touching on the FDA's ban on Red Dye 3, we discuss a chiropractor from Colorado already making our 2025 diet predictions come true: diets  focused on the thyroid. According to Dr. Heather Stone, fruit and tap water is the most toxic thing you could EVER ingest, 100% of the population is poisoned by gluten, but those same people are simultaneous poisoned by gluten free foods! Join us as we try to wade through a sea of contradictions and utter nonsense being promoted by a self described thyroid expert with no formal credentialing related to the endocrine system.Support the showIf you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Happy New Year, and welcome to the dreaded time of year where the scams are extra scammy and the diet are extra low calorie. We start off this year with our predictions of what diet and supplement trends we are going to see this year, as well as a discussion on some new evidence that has emerged related to alcohol and its ties to cancer. If you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Happy holidays! This will be our last public episode until the new year! If you want more RDs vs BS content and episodes, check us out at patreon.com/RDSvsBSpodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Dr Oz, who once said he "uses a different standard of evidence than the medical consensus" to make medical decisions (aka he loves to cherry pick evidence that supports what he wants to do) is now appointed to be in charge of CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Listen to today's episode on Oz's history of peddling whatever BS supplement is willing to give him a kickback and other reasons why we think he is a terrible pick. A reminder that we now post to this public feed once every two weeks. For weekly episodes, you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Thanks to decades of fear mongering... RFK Jr, renegade anti-vaxxer and anti seed oil-er, will likely be in charge of all health departments in the US! His first order of business - remove fluoride from drinking water! Does the evidenced support doing this, or is this just another rabbit hole of disinformation that will be come public policy anyways? Can you feel our frustration radiate from this description!? Our BS PS is taking a look at the evidence around foods to avoid during pregnancy. What does the literature say about foods like soft cheeses, cold cut meats, caffeine, and alcohol?Support the show

Due to recording scheduling issues, we are re-releasing one of our earliest episodes that is now exclusive to our Patreon audience. We talk about the popular trend of fasting: is it really the secret to a long life, or are those claims BS?Support the show

On today's episode, we deep dive all of the active ingredients in popular energy drinks. What are the additives, what do they do, and do they pose any health concerns?A reminder that we now post to this public feed once every two weeks. For weekly episodes, you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

If you're online, you've probably been bombarded with ads for Hims and Hers products. This company touts anything from weight loss to hair growth to sexual wellness. We take a look at the product offerings, and our overall thoughts on things relative to the supplements and weight loss. We also touch on a recent scandal with a nutrition program we designated a BS stamp to over a year ago. Learn what some former members have to say about what was going on behind the scenes. Support the show

If you want to lose weight, did you know all you need is $5000 for a brain scan, hundreds of dollars for supplements... and that's it? In this episode, we discuss psychiatrist to the stars Dr. Amen and dietary and weight loss advice. He's been described in the mental health industry as a "snake oil salesman", but is his nutrition advice BS?A reminder that we now post to this public feed once every two weeks. For weekly episodes, you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

We are BACK! After our summer break, we are back, today to discuss digestive enzymes and digestive enzyme supplements: what are they, who can they help, and should we all be taking them? Our BS PS covers the controversy with Spring Awesome's Awesome Sauce energy gel for marathon and ultra runners, and the consequences of nutrition facts panels being over 50% off actual values!A reminder that we now post to this public feed once every two weeks. For weekly episodes, you can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the Show.

Oprah is an undisputed icon, and celebrated philanthropist.. and unfortunately, also, one of the biggest pushers of diet culture. Today we discuss her recent "turn around" on this topic... but did she really turn this discussion around? Our BS PS is on Purium, a "Mother Nature centered" MLM company that shill far-from-anything-natural supplements and powders. This is our last episode for the summer, but be sure to hang out with us over on Patreon!Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the Show.

Jokingly a few weeks ago, we said "next thing you know, there will be a diet based on your zodiac sign". Lo and behold, not only is there one zodiac diet, there are MANY zodiac diets... and they all contradict each other. Our BS PS is a Patreon preview, where we each give 2 pieces of advice that have worked for us to make healthy eating easier.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the Show.

There are five communities in the world that are deemed "Blue Zones". These communities have the longest living, healthiest humans. What, if anything, can we take away from the diet and lifestyle of these zones?Support the Show.

Another day, another episode on Dr. Gundry. Are grapes the same "toxic" food as a Hershey's candy bar (hey, he said it, not us, we're not calling Hershey's toxic). Should all lectin containing foods (aka most plant food) be avoided? Can his diet keep you from ever needing another surgery? Get ready for another heavily eye-roll inducing episode.Support the Show.

Do you need to buy a $40 bottle of gelled sea moss for health? What about a $20 8oz bottle of camels milk? Today we discuss the health food chain Erewhon and some of the crazier products sold there. Support the Show.

Nitrates: used for heart medication, a popular endurance supplement, and a demonized additive for lunch meat. What is the deal with this compound, and are there any dangers in adding it to our food? We also take a look at some recent long term studies on Ozempic and similar medications. What are the side effects and considerations for this drug?Support the show

Due to some unforeseen recording issues, we are re-releasing one of our earliest episodes to our newer listeners! There's a lot of hype about the benefits of apple cider vinegar and ACV gummies, but what does the evidence have to say?Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Mindy Pelz is a chiropractor with a LOT of nutrition ideas... and we have a lot to say about them. In this episode we discuss her popular book "Fast Like a Girl" and some nutrition ideas she has spread through various social media outlets. Support the show

Today we discuss all things Vitamin D: what we need it for, how we get it, and what to do if you think you are deficient. We also delve into some of the claims around Vitamin D supplements. Are they as all-powerful and all-curing as some people claim? Our BS PS discusses whether you should opt for caffeine or calories for energy slumps.Support the show

In another two-parter episode, we first discuss the French based app Yuka, which determines whether a food is "excellent", "good", "poor" or "bad". These classifications are based on the same criteria as the European Nutriscore classification system. We discuss what we think of this government backed program, and whether we recommend this classification app. Second, we discuss the MLM Thrive by Le-vel, which sells (this isn't a joke) health stickers. Take a listen to what we have to think about the product line of this company. Support the show

In this two-fer episode, we turn the clock back to the mid 2000's when diets like "eat cereal all day" was somehow just completely accepted. The 2000's saw some pretty wild diet trends, and we enjoyed taking a look at these two programs.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

To egg or not to egg.. that has been one of nutrition's biggest questions over the last 30 years. Today, we discuss the current state of literature regarding blood cholesterol. Does eating cholesterol from foods like eggs increase your blood cholesterol? Is it actually sugar that is the culprit? What even is cholesterol?Our BS PS is on the somehow even MORE restrictive version of the carnivore diet: the Lion Diet. Can this diet really cure your mental health?Support the show

We take a look into one of the original low carb diets. This diet from the 60's is still pivoting with market trends and is offering products today. What do we think about the current plans and products? Our BS PS is on NAD+ supplements, which claim to slow aging and improve energy. What does the research say?Support the show

Today we discuss if online calorie calculators are accurate, and if so, how to know which ones to use. In our BS PS, we discuss Gary Brecka's latest claim that you should absolutely never put a banana in a blender... because of diabetes? Stick around until the end of the episode to see what we have to say.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

In 2022, we released our first episode on artificial sweeteners. In 2023, the World Health Organization released new guidelines on artificial sweetener intake and classified a particular sweetener, aspartame, as a Group 2B carcinogen. We take a deep dive into the huge paper that was cited for the new recommendation and discuss whether or not our view on artificial sweeteners have changed based on this literature. Our BSPS is on electrolyte supplements: who needs them, when, and what brands are best.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Zoe claims it can send you some extensive home tests, and tell you exactly what to eat based on the results of that test. It's expensive, invasive.. so is it worth it or is it BS? Our (extended) BS PS is on oxalates. These compounds have been demonized in the media as "anti-nutrients" found in plants, with some people going so far as to say its a reason to fully eliminate most plants from you diet! What does the research have to say about these compounds?Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

In what is probably the most hypocritical nutrition  influencer we have ever covered, we cover Courtney Swan, aka Realfoodology, as she slams the profession of dietetics for being "paid off" while simultaneously accepting countless brand sponsorships to shill diet and wellness products, AND convince you to stop taking medications! What fun! In our BS PS, we discuss potential legislation that will allow food manufactures to use potassium based salts in processed foods as a substitute for sodium. We discuss what are the pros and what are the potential dangers if this legislation passes.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

We start our episode with the self-proclaimed "father of biohacking", Dave Asprey, who is best known for founding Bulletproof Coffee. Dave has a lot of ideas about a lot of things, and we are going to wade through his ideas on nutrition. Our BS PS is on the extreme Fruitarian diet.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.comSupport the show

Oh man, we have a LOT to unpack with this review of Neflix's newest food documentary "You Are What You Eat". We promise you will NOT believe what we have to say about this docuseries. Big time expletive warning for this one!Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Today we have a great conversation with two dietitians leading the charge in advancing gender affirming nutrition care and research for the transgender population. Bari Glassman, RD, shares his personal story and path to his current career. Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD RD, shares how she became the leading researcher in this space, and how small changes can have massive impacts on both personal health and public policy for transgender care. Connect with Bari:Instagram: @buildingbariTransgender Health Collaborative at St Louis University:https://www.slu.edu/doisy/clinics-and-community/transgender-health-collaborative.phpInstagram: @transhealthcollab.sluJoin us over at Patreon for recipes, meal prep ideas, and other ways to easily incorporate healthful eating into your life!patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastVisit our website: rdsvsbs.com

The zone diet was originally created to reduce inflammation in athletes. Today, it has morphed into... well, not that. Can the zone diet really stop "decreasing wellness" and "improve aging" and other vague and undefinable claims like that, or is it just a bunch of BS? Our BS PS, presented by dietetic intern Ellen Tingey Doyle, is on 75 hard. Is this a challenge you should try, or should we look to other tactics to change health behaviors?Join our Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastCheck out our Instagram: @rds_vs_bs_podDrop us a note on our website: rdsvsbs.com

Happy New Year and welcome back! Today we discuss a self-proclaimed "human biologist" who has taken over the media scene in the world of bio-hacking. He calls himself a "human biologist", we call him the "human Dunning-Krueger effect", because he seems to think he knows a whole lot about topics he clearly knows very little. We hope you enjoy!Link to Patreon: patreon.com/rdsvsbspodcastInstagram: @rds_vs_bs_podWebsite: rdsvsbs.com

Happy Holidays and Happy (almost) New Years from Emily and Marie! We just wanted to send out a reminder to our loyal listers that we are BACK starting Monday, January 1. Our first episode back is a topic you are not going to want to miss!A reminder that our Patreon is launching January 1st as well. You can find us at patreon.com/RDsvsBSPodcast or search "RDs vs BS" in the Patreon app. Check us out at rdsvsbs.com or on Instagram @rds_vs_bs_pod

Can you believe it, we've made it to 100 episodes! Today we make a special announcement of our upcoming podcast Patreon that will go live on January 1st. We take a look back on all the of the diets and topics we have discussed, crowning a worst diet, and more! This episode is a thank you to all of our amazing listeners who have supported us along the way. 

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet was created in the mid 2010's as a way to relieve symptoms for any autoimmune disease. This diet is VERY restrictive and hard to execute, so is it worth it?  Today we discuss the research behind the AIP diet, and some other dietary interventions for symptom management of some autoimmune diseases. Our BS PS is on tart cherry juice, and whether or not this sour drink actually can reduce soreness and help with sleep.

Have we found the WORST DIET of all time? Gwen Shamblin's "Weight Down" weight loss workshop, turned actual church (or, in our opinion, cult), claims to put the Christian God in the center of weight loss. Listen to how this popular Jesus-first approach took advantage of people's faith, and hear some tragic stories of some survivors of this program.

We are so excited to have on chiropractor Dr. Nicole Short and fellow RD Jay Short this week to discuss chiropractic care! Nicole and Jay own and operate Rise Nutrition and Chiropractic in Dublin, OH. Nicole gives her take on why some chiropractics seem to step out of their lane when it comes to bad nutrition plans or advice, and what green and red flags are when seeking a chiropractor. To check out Nicole and Jay, visit them online or on social media:https://risechiropracticandnutrition.comhttps://risenutritioncoach.com@dr.nicole.short@jayshortrd

Have you ever seen a promise from a supplement or diet plan that it will "balance your hormones"? Today we look at the research on the link between nutrition and hormones, and discuss the whole idea of needing to "balance" hormones.

Have you heard that switching from conventional to grass fed beef can significantly improve your health. Maybe you have even heard that conventional meet is killing you! In today's episode, we explore whether or not choosing grass fed over conventional really makes any meaningful difference in our health.

It's been a while since we have looked at a diet plan.. and boy this one did not disappoint! This cult, oops we mean diet program, had all the red flags we love to hate: toxic positivity Facebook groups, no information upfront, zero individualization, and more! 

Have you ever heard of a food described as a "brain food"? Today we discuss what diets, nutrients, and other compounds can support and protect the brain.

It can be hard to look at any packaged food in the grocery store and know if it is healthy or not. Is the candy that is made with real fruit better than candy that does not put that on the label? What is the difference between cage free and free range eggs? What does a good source of fiber really mean? We answer all those questions and more on today's episode. 

On part one of this two parter series on food labeling, we break down the nutrition facts label. We discuss what you're looking at, where the numbers come from, and what you should and should not focus on when making food choices. We also compare the nutrition facts label to supplement facts labels.