The Nutrition Science Podcast
If you are overwhelmed with all of the conflicting information in nutrition, this is the podcast for you. On this podcast, Dr. Adrian Chavez, who has a doctorate in nutrition and years of experience working with over 1,000 clients, helps to break down the science and practical application around popular topics in nutrition to help you make more informed decisions about nutrition and your health. Weekly episodes include research breakdowns of specific nutrition topics along with practical takeaways, Q and A episodes, myth-busting, and interviews with subject matter experts.
Magnesium: Why It's Important and How to Get Enough Of It
Magnesium is involved in over 600 different processes in the body and can influence everything from sleep to blood sugar control, energy production, mental health, and bone health, to name a few.Â
Despite its importance, nearly half of Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diet each day, and many people may be experiencing symptoms of low magnesium levels without knowing it.
So in this episode, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about magnesium:
âś… What magnesium does in our bodyÂ
✅ Why it’s important
âś… How to determine if y...
Coaching Strategies for Overcoming Self-Sabotage
Most people don’t fail to reach their health and fitness goals because they lack knowledge.Â
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas joins me to discuss what self-sabotage is, why it happens, how it shows up in everyday life, and strategies for identifying and overcoming self-sabotage.
We also cover actionable coaching strategies to help you or your clients stop getting in your own way, build momentum, and finally stick to the habits and goals that matter most.
Sign up for the Coaching Code training programÂ
Listen to Kase...
How to Reverse Prediabetes
Did you know that 100 million people in the US have prediabetes? Prediabetes is one of the biggest health challenges that our country faces. It increases the risk of diabetes, but also increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more.Â
The good news is that most of these cases are reversible with nutrition and lifestyle changes. On today's podcast, we are going to discuss what those nutrition and lifestyle changes are. In this episode, we cover:
What prediabetes isHealth risks associated with prediabetesHow to test for prediabetesHow prediabetes developsNutrition and lifestyle strategies for reversing itÂT...
Four Simple Steps to Transform Your Body In 2026
On today's episode of the podcast we are going to break down a simple 4 steps process to transform your body in 2026. In this episode we discuss:Â
The science behind weight loss and weight gainHow to determine your energy needs for losing or gaining weightHow to set up habits to consistently meet your energy needs The role of exercise is movement in body composition changeAnd more...
If you are someone who has struggled to lose weight and keep it off, you don't want to miss this episode.Â
Episode resources:Â
Gu...
8 Nutrition and Health Trends that ARE Worth the Hype
There’s no shortage of nutrition and health trends online, but most don’t live up to the hype. In this episode, I break down the handful of trends that actually ARE worth paying attention to. The ones consistently supported by research and shown to make a real difference for long-term health, body composition, and performance.
If you want clarity on where to put your energy and which “trends” are actually are worth investing into, tune into this episode.Â
Fiber EpisodesÂ
Protein Episode
Calculating Protein and Macro Needs GuideÂ
Weight Trai...
Top 7 Nutrition and Health Fads to Avoid in 2026
Fads come and go each year in the nutrition and health space, and today, we are going to talk about some of the most popular health fads that I would recommend avoiding in 2026.Â
In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, from peptides to NAD to vibration plates, and we separate the science from the hype to help you avoid wasting time and money on unproven and potentially dangerous trends. Make sure to tune into the podcast to learn more.
Research on Topics Discussed in the EpisodeÂ
BPC 157
TB500Â
<...Holiday Season Tips for Staying on Tracking With Your Health Goals
The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times of the year to maintain consistency with healthy habits. Between travel, parties, stress, family dynamics, and endless food temptations, it’s easy to feel like your routine goes out the window. But it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Dr. Adrian Chavez breaks down simple, science-backed strategies to help you enjoy the holidays without feeling sluggish, guilty, or overwhelmed.
In This Episode, We Cover:
How to get out of the all or nothing mindset How to build a foundation that...Nutrition for Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Today I’m sharing a conversation I recorded for the Endocrine Matters podcast with my friend, Dr. Arti Thangudu. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of nutrition and blood sugar control what actually moves the needle, what doesn’t, and how to cut through the confusion that surrounds this topic online.
We also talk through some of the most common misconceptions around blood sugar control, whether low carb or ketogenic diets are best, and more.Â
Whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, are navigating prediabetes, or are concerned about reducing your risk in th...
Why The US Healthcare System Is Failing Patients and What You Can Do About It with Dr. Arti Thangudu
In this episode of The Nutrition Science Podcast, Dr. Adrian Chavez sits down with endocrinologist and direct care physician Dr. Arti Thangudu to to a deep dive into what’s really wrong with the U.S. healthcare system and what patients can do about it.Â
Dr. Thangudu shares her journey from working in the traditional healthcare system in a high-volume insurance-based clinic to founding her own direct care endocrinology practice that provides patient centered care where she is able to spend time with her patients, build trust and provide better outcomes at a low...
How This Overlooked Food May Improve Your Immune System and Protect Against Cancer
Welcome back to another episode of the show. Today we are going to be discussing a food that I think is highly underrated - Mushrooms. Most people walk past this food in the grocery store without realizing the powerful impact that it can have on our health.
So today we are going to cover:
The nutritional composition of mushroomsUnique nutrients there are found in mushrooms Research showing the health benefits of eating more mushrooms How to include them into your dietÂAnd more...
Tune in to learn more about this incredible food.Â
How This Overlooked Food May Improve Your Immune System and Protect Against Cancer
Welcome back to another episode of the show. Today we are going to be discussing a food that I think is highly underrated - Mushrooms. Most people walk past this food in the grocery store without realizing the powerful impact that it can have on our health.
So today we are going to cover:
The nutritional composition of mushroomsUnique nutrients there are found in mushrooms Research showing the health benefits of eating more mushrooms How to include them into your dietÂAnd more...
Tune in to learn more about this incredible food.Â
Pros and Cons of a Ketogenic Diet
Is the ketogenic diet really a useful diet to follow or just another fad?Â
 The ketogenic diet has become one of the most talked-about approaches to weight loss and metabolic health. But what does the research actually say about the diet?
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the science of the ketogenic diet, explaining its potential benefits and risks.Â
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What a ketogenic diet actually is and how it is used medically The difference between a true ketogenic diet and what is often...Is Walking a Good Form of Exercise?
In today's episode of the podcast, we will discuss whether walking is a good form of exercise. We cover the health benefits of walking and why it is a great form of exercise for most people. Then we discuss why it shouldn't be the ONLY form of exercise and why higher intensity exercises have health benefits that are hard to get from walking.
Tune into the podcast to hear more.Â
Enjoying the show or have a questions about a particular topic? Send us a message here.
Support the show
Q and A: Natural Sugars, Grass-Fed Butter and Beef, and Weighted Vests
Welcome back to the show. Today we have another Q&A episode and we will cover the following topics:
Are natural sugars like honey and maple syrup are actually “better” than refined sugar, or are they harmful to our health?Does grass-fed butter and beef truly make a meaningful difference for healthWhat the science says about the health benefits of using a weighted vest.As always, we discuss both the science and practical perspective to help you separate facts from fads. Tune into the episode to learn more.Â
Join our Nutrition Mastery Blueprint CourseÂ
Enjo...
Why So Many Americans Have Become Obese
Since the early 1980s, obesity rates have doubled, and the average American adult has gained about 20 pounds. This rise in obesity has put these groups at increased risk for diabetes, Alzheimer's, several types of cancers, and many more health issues.
All of this is burdening the American healthcare system in a way that isn't sustainable. So in this episode of the podcast, I am going to talk about what has caused this rise in obesity from both a societal level and an individual level, and discuss what we can do to help improve things.Â
Resources f...
Top 17 Best-Selling Supplements Reviewed
Do you ever feel confused when walking down the supplement aisle (or shopping online? You are not alone; there are thousands of supplements on the market in different forms, doses, and formulations you almost need a PhD to make sense of it all.Â
Lucky for you, I got a PhD and did that research, and I am going to break it down for you here. In this episode, we cover the top 17 best-selling supplements, what they do, who they can be beneficial for, who shouldn't take them, and more.Â
Tune into the episode to learn mo...
Managing Bloating: Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies That Work
Welcome back to the show. In part 2 of our bloating series, we’re moving from understanding the problem to taking action. In this episode, we discuss practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies that can help reduce bloating and bring more comfort to your daily life.Â
From simple dietary adjustments to mindful eating practices and stress management techniques, we’ll explore evidence-based approaches you can start using right away.
We’ll also discuss how to identify which foods may be contributing to your bloating, the role of movement in supporting healthy digestion, and how factors like meal timing...
Bloating Explained: What It Is and Why It Happens
In this episode of The Nutrition Science Podcast, we break down one of the most common and frustrating digestive complaints: bloating.Â
We start by defining what bloating is, discuss why it happens, and how to recognize the difference between bloating that’s considered normal versus bloating that might signal an underlying health issue worth paying closer attention to. We’ll also explore some of the most common contributors to bloating, from digestive factors to lifestyle influences such as diet, stress, and gut health.Â
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a much clearer understa...
Q and A: Tips to Eat More Fiber, Protein Powders and GI Issues, and MCT Oil
On this episode of the show, we have a Q&A episode and we will be covering the following topics:Â
Easy tips for including more fiber in your dietWhy protein powders can cause GI issues and ways to avoid them Whether there are any benefits to including MCT in your diet.ÂTune into the episode to learn more.Â
Fiber episode
Protein episode
Saturated Fat Episode
Enjoying the show or have a questions about a particular topic? Send us a message here.
Support the show
The Science of Sodium: How Much Do You Really Need?
 In this episode of The Nutrition Science Podcast, we're diving deep into the essential and often misunderstood mineral: sodium. While sodium consumption is commonly associated with high blood pressure and poor health, the truth is far more nuanced.
In this episode, we will discuss:Â
What sodium does in the bodyHow much sodium we needWhy and how sodium needs vary from person to personCons of eating too little and too much sodiumPractical tips to personalize your sodium intake for optimal healthTune into the episode to learn more.
Here are some studies for further re...
Q and A: Taking Probiotic with Antibiotic, Do You Have a Slow Metabolism?, Canned Foods
Welcome back to the show. Today we have another Q&A episode, and we discuss whether you should take a probiotic while taking an antibiotic, the concept of a slow metabolism, and whether canned foods are a healthy option to include in your diet.Â
Tune in to the show to hear more, and check out the references below if you want to learn more about the topics discussed on the show.Â
References
Probiotics for Gut Microbiome DiversityÂ
Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Meta-Analysis
G...
Should You Track Your Eating Intake?
Welcome back to another episode of the show. Today, we are going to talk about a topic that has been a topic of debate recently: tracking your food intake.Â
There has been pushback on social media recently against tracking, and I think there are good reasons for this. However, I believe that tracking CAN BE one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your nutrition if you do it with the right mindset and are intentional with your efforts.Â
So today on the show, we are going to discuss tracking your food in...
How I Incorporate Science Based Habits Into My Lifestyle
Welcome back to another episode of the show. Today, we discuss how I incorporate the science-based habits we discuss on this show into my life and routine as an almost 40-year-old dad. I break down my routines for fitness and nutrition, and how I think through some of the choices that I make.Â
Tune in to the show to the episode to learn more.Â
Links to Resources From The Show:
Nutrition Blueprint Episode
How to Build a Simple, Effective Exercise Plan
Guide for Calculating Your Energy Needs
Si...
Why Magnesium Is One Of The Most Important Nutrients You Might Not Be Getting Enough Of
Magnesium is involved in over 600 different processes in the body and can influence everything from sleep to blood sugar control, energy production, mental health, and bone health, to name a few.Â
Despite its importance, nearly half of Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diet each day, and many people may be experiencing symptoms of low magnesium levels without knowing it.
So in this episode, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about magnesium:
âś… What magnesium does in our bodyÂ
✅ Why it’s important
âś… How to determine if y...
Q and A: Does Soy Disrupt Hormones? Eating 1 Gram of Protein Per Pound? Coffee on an Empty Stomach?
Today we have a Q and A episode, and we are covering the following questions:Â
Does soy disrupt hormones? Do we need 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight?Is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach?Tune in to the episode to learn more.Â
Previous Episodes Discussed in the Show
Surprising Truth About SoyÂ
Everything You Need to Know About ProteinÂ
Health Benefits of CoffeeÂ
Enjoying the show or have a questions about a particular topic? Send us a m...
The Most Important Lab Tests for Health and Longevity
Welcome back! On today's episode of the podcast, we will be covering lab tests for health and longevity. There are several new companies on the market, and many people are not receiving proper guidance from their healthcare provider about what to focus on and why.Â
So, in this episode, we will cover some of the most important factors to focus on for lab tests. We will cover:
Why lab testing is important Why most labs/supplements promoted for "longevity" are not science-basedThe categories of health that matter most for chronic disease risk The specific lab values to...Lessons From 100 Episodes of the Podcast
Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we are publishing the 100th episode of the show, and I want to celebrate by going back through some of the lessons from the previous episode.Â
If you would like to learn more about any fo the topics that we discussed today, use this searchable podcast episode archive.
Want to join the Nutrition Mastery Blueprint course? Sign up here.Â
(Use code "Podcast" for special discount)
Enjoying the show or have a questions about a particular topic? Send us a message here.
Support the sh...
Q and A: Peptides, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Ground vs. Whole Chia Seeds
Welcome back to another episode of the show. Today we have a Q&A episode covering the following 3 topics:
Is there truth to the hype around peptides?Are there benefits to taking apple cider vinegar?Do you need to grind chia seeds?Tune in to learn more about the science surrounding these popular topics.Â
Previous Podcasts to Listen to:
Protein Episode
Fiber Episode
Omega-3 EpisodeÂ
Scientific References:Â
Review of the Health Effects of Apple Cider Vin...
Are Food Intolerances Harming Your Health?
Do you ever feel like you are reacting negatively to some of the foods that you eat?Â
You may be.Â
In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the different types of adverse reactions to food that people can experience. We cover:
The difference between a food allergy and an intoleranceThe different types of food intolerances Immune vs. non-immune mediated intolerancesWhy food sensitivity testing is inaccurateListen to my previous podcast on food allergies with Dr. David Stukus here.Â
Interested in working with me? Schedule a Discovery Call here.Â
Enjoy...
Is Your Diet Making You Inflammed?
You’ve probably seen the headlines blaming everything from seed oils to tomatoes for chronic inflammation—but what does the science really say?Whether you're trying to support your immune system, improve gut health, or just make sense of the “inflammatory foods” panic online—this episode is for you.
🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What inflammation actually is—and why it’s not the bad guy it is made out to beThe difference between acute and chronic inflammationHow dietary patterns shape inflammatory responses in the short term and over timeWhy calling a food “inflammatory” isn't an accurate way to desc...How Nutrition Science Works
Welcome back to the show, today we are going to discuss how nutrition science works. I realize that most people don't understand the various forms of nutrition research and how each of these types of research helps us to develop conclusions about a topic.Â
So today we are going to cover:Â
The 4 main types of nutrition researchThe pros and cons of each of these types of researchHow each type of research helps us understand the relationship between nutrition and our healthHow to tie it all together to figure out how food impacts our health.ÂTune int...
What is The Healthiest Diet According to Science?
What is the healthiest diet according to science?Â
Is it vegan, vegetarian, Mediterranean, Keto, or something else?
This is a question that I get often and I think that answer deserves a more thorough answer so I am covering it here on this episode.Â
Today we discuss:Â
What I would consider the only appropriate response to the question: "what is the healthiest diet?"What that looks like in practiceHow to get started with building a healthy diet that makes sense for youAnd more...
Tune into the podcast to hea...
Q and A: Heavy Metals in Protein, Coffee, Ideal Body Fat %
Welcome back to the show!
Today we have a Q and A episode covering some topics that I have been getting asked about a lot recently. In this episode, we cover the following:
Are there heavy metals in protein powder and do we need to be worried?Does coffee have health benefits even though it is decaf?What is an ideal body fat %Tune into the show to hear more about these topics.Â
Links
Paypal Donation
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/drchavez
Join our Nutrition Mastery Blueprint Course f...
Live Event in Austin on March 1st!
Are you a health coach, practitioner, or someone who just enjoys in-depth learning about women's health? Are you interested in learning more about the topics of self-sabotage, gut health, body imagine, pregnancy nutrition, exercise through the life cycle, skin health, and balancing hormones as it related to women's health?
If so, you are not going to want to miss this event. My good friend Kasey and I discuss the one-day THRIVE: Women’s Health and Wellbeing Summit live event we are hosting in Austin Texas on March 1st and this episode is dedicated to explaining what the ev...
How to Lose Weight: Science and Practical Application
Welcome back to the show, today we are talking all things weight loss. There are A LOT of people who are on a journey to drop some excess body fat and most of them fail due to a variety of reasons.Â
While losing weight is hard, it shouldn't be a mystery. There is no special secret or magic formula that you are missing. In most cases what people really need is:Â
Simple. But not ea...
9 Ways to Actually Improve Your Nutrition in 2025
Happy New Year and welcome back to the podcast! A lot of people have health goals in the new year, which is great! However, most people fail to reach those goals and one of the reasons is they are not tied to clear consistent actions.
So in this episode of the podcast we revisit one of our most popular podcast episodes of 2024 and discuss 9 simple, low-effort nutrition habits that you can make in 2025 that, if practiced consistently, can drastically improve the overall quality of your nutrition and health!
These 9 simple nutrition habits are ACTIONS that...
Things to Leave in 2024 to Reach Your Health and Fitness Goals
The year is coming to a close and we are going to recap some of our most popular episode topics and leave you with some lessons to take with you into 2024.Â
We cover some of the top nutrition fads of the year, some trends to look out, and how to focus on what matters most to improve your health in 2025 and beyond.Â
Below are some links to things that we discussed on the podcast.Â
Metabolic Health Blueprint 12-Week Coaching Program
https://www.dradrianchavez.com/MetabolicHealth
Insulin Resistance: What It Is and Why It's So Important for Long Term Health
The term insulin resistance has become a popular buzzword recently and most of the information that I have seen about this topic online has been misleading.
So today on the podcast, I want to break down the topic of insulin resistance in more depth and we are going to discuss:
And more…
Tune in to learn how simple nutrition and lifes...
Toxins in Your Kitchen: Are BPA, PFAS, And Aluminum Harming Your Health?
Are you being exposed to toxic chemicals from your cooking and food storage practices? Do you find it confusing when you hear claims that certain chemicals in common kitchen items like pots, pans, cooking dishes, and tupperware may be harming your health?Â
If so, this is the episode for you! In this week’s episode of the podcast, we discuss:
chem...
8 Practical Tips to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
Welcome back to another episode of The Nutrition Science podcast, today we are going to be discussing 8 tips for staying healthy through the holiday season.Â
The average person gains weight during the time between Thanksgiving and New Years. We tend to be off of our schedule, traveling more, celebrating more, spending time with family and all of these can lead to poor sleep, eating, and exercise habits.Â
While I am not here to encourage you to skip all of this, I do want you to make it through the holiday season feeling good heading into the...