The Protein Craze: Healthy or Harmful?

The Protein Craze: Healthy or Harmful?

Protein is essential for muscle growth, metabolism, hormones, immune health, and longevity… but more is not always better. In this episode, I break down the modern protein obsession — from protein Pop-Tarts and candy to bars, shakes, powders, and the “1 gram per pound” rule dominating social media. I dive into how excess protein and highly processed “high-protein” foods may negatively impact the gut microbiome, increase inflammation, and contribute to issues like constipation and digestive dysfunction — especially when paired with a low-fiber diet. I also unpack how much protein most people actually need, why quality matters more than marketing, and what to look for when choosing protein powders, bars, and drinks. It's time to look beyond the marketing of protein and look at why quality matters just as much as quantity. Resources: Consumer Reports investigation on heavy metals in protein powders: https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/ [https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/] American College of Sports Medicine protein recommendations: https://southeast.acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rodriguez_seacsm-2024-slidedeck_pdf.pdf [https://southeast.acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rodriguez_seacsm-2024-slidedeck_pdf.pdf] My protein handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kBnodMHl3tZ4MZu4LqzO1fK1NE7CeNx6/view?usp=sharing [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kBnodMHl3tZ4MZu4LqzO1fK1NE7CeNx6/view?usp=sharing]  Learn more about my work at https://www.normaflood.com/ [https://www.normaflood.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@normafloodhttps://www.youtube.com/@normaflood [https://www.youtube.com/@normaflood] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@normafloodrdnhttps://www.tiktok.com/@normafloodrdn [https://www.tiktok.com/@normafloodrdn] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normaflood23/https://www.instagram.com/normaflood23/ [https://www.instagram.com/normaflood23/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norma.flood.nutritionisthttps://www.facebook.com/norma.flood.nutritionist [https://www.facebook.com/norma.flood.nutritionist] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515/https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515/] Produced by Marley Huggins: https://www.marrrmedia.com/

17. Rebirth of the Gut with Thaena

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrea McBeth, Co-Founder and CEO of Thaena®, to explore one of the most fascinating frontiers in gut health: postbiotics derived from healthy microbiomes. We break down the science behind fecal transplants and how Thaena has transformed that concept into a sterilized, accessible postbiotic—capturing the powerful communication molecules our gut bacteria produce without the risks of live bacteria. From short-chain fatty acids like butyrate to neurotransmitter precursors and immune-modulating compounds, we dive into how these molecules influence everything from digestion and inflammation to brain health and metabolism. We also talk about real-world applications—why traditional gut protocols sometimes fail, how postbiotics can help “jumpstart” the microbiome, and their potential role in conditions like IBS, SIBO, constipation, and even neuroinflammatory disorders. This conversation challenges the way we think about probiotics, nutrition, and the future of medicine—highlighting just how much we still have to learn about the ecosystem inside us. To learn more about Dr. McBeth's work: Web: https://thaena.com/ [https://thaena.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaena.inc [https://www.instagram.com/thaena.inc] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaena.inc [https://www.facebook.com/thaena.inc] Learn more about my work at ⁠https://www.normaflood.com/⁠  YouTube: ⁠  / @normaflood ⁠  TikTok: ⁠ / normafloodrdn ⁠  Facebook: ⁠ / norma.flood.nutritionist ⁠  Instagram: ⁠ / normaflood23 ⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠ / norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515 ⁠   Produced by Marley Huggins: ⁠https://www.marrrmedia.com/⁠

16. How reducing processed foods supports Autism w/ Erin Geddes

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Geddes, a participant in the PEARL study, to explore the real-life impact of dietary choices on Autism. Erin shares why she and her family chose to join the study and what they hoped to learn about the role of organic foods in supporting neurological health. She walks us through the changes she’s observed—both subtle and significant—offering an honest look at what this journey has meant for her and her family. Beyond the study itself, Erin opens up about her lived experience as a woman navigating both ADHD and Autism, shedding light on the challenges, insights, and strengths that come with it. Released in recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, this conversation centers on understanding, nuance, and the importance of Autistic experiences. Whether you’re curious about emerging research, personal experiences, or simply want to broaden your perspective, this episode offers a thoughtful and grounded discussion. Resources:  Erin’s book: https://redemption-press.com/product/and-thats-okay-im-wired-differently/ [https://redemption-press.com/product/and-thats-okay-im-wired-differently/]  Erin’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DvPXz43E1/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DvPXz43E1/]  Learn more about the PEARL Study:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdzCRdxT4sw&t=1965s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1965s&v=tdzCRdxT4sw] Learn more about my work at ⁠https://www.normaflood.com/⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.normaflood.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHVTRFl4akdSazVzME1LQ0toNG9mZ2Y1OUxTd3xBQ3Jtc0tuRHNvVjAydTR6bWFkNFBHVTBzWmRDS0tydHZ0ajRtN1AwczZSb19saTFxZ1NRY1BvaEV1RzlhR2JjNVpVTTUxRVZTMzZ1ckd1enNoeTYzR1ZoTElRMl9uX2Z4LS12WVNLaTd6QTBGQ2p4VjVHeEdSMA&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  YouTube: ⁠ / @normaflood ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1v396KQfXP5MqMx9_Mp1SQ]  TikTok: ⁠ / normafloodrdn ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40normafloodrdn&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE5EQzJoQkdTeTdnWlBfQkwwdWZPUm9uLVJjUXxBQ3Jtc0trMWxjTk5VZjdnelFNT3RvUG9vRksxTEdjRFRGOFd4NTNqSGk4amhaaFNXZHlnWVpFX0NUUXNGb1k5NVB6R3dGT0Vaa19YTGpkT0tRUDVEaWkySGIwbkRURzktdnpZSXRGOGM4SUtlMS1FTm5PTlMyQQ&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  Facebook: ⁠ / norma.flood.nutritionist ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorma.flood.nutritionist&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk5NLW94R3k4U2w3N3FiWE1wYU5YVGhrS0JSQXxBQ3Jtc0ttRUxPS0cyeXRUTjNrNXo5blZYdWRGOVpYemVRZUtwWF9reUdFWmpsNUtHMDNDRlpfUlRuWjhpRWZ3UkNkZ0ozYW9sRGs4dlVzaUsyd2lKY0hOclhyc0dkTkVoZ1RNTVBUUHduSkdmVmR1bVNBZERvVQ&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  Instagram: ⁠ / normaflood23 ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fnormaflood23&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1FYm1FdHVjRVNYb0Nud3hiSEpnQXIxZkkwZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsOU1GT24ySnBYdEQ2cnk0c1BTZ0JEc2Q1M2JHODBzS2F3a1dWdmFscWlKUjBFMWJIRUtHREx6R0l5cldEdTQzSzB4eVZZZWpuY1hOYnFLa0pBaHBKRDlubHhXa0hrTE1FWmEzTzhQQUJDMzZzdmdFMA&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  LinkedIn: ⁠ / norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515 ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fnorma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJFZjNpYjYySDkxT1Z5Sk9wZU5ZZVhUTGJ4d3xBQ3Jtc0tudHdUZVlmTENJUV9KV3JDYzA5MGUwT29fMG96dzJQVDB4S3ItWl9YM0lyTjRzdlFjc292aUkzNG1tbDN0dHZiQk9ZazR5T3k4V19kUXBvRzh0Q0ZyT0xfOWdzOERIRVpmc2hIUG9wMExiT3libEVtaw&v=3DIT5qHND0g]   Produced by Marley Huggins: ⁠https://www.marrrmedia.com/⁠ [http://marrrmedia.com]

15. Pursuing JOMO over FOMO

What if the key to feeling better in your body wasn’t another wellness trend, but simply putting your phone down? In this episode of Go With Your Gut, I explore the surprising connection between phone use, FOMO, and gut health. I dive into how constant scrolling, comparison, and digital overwhelm can disrupt our stress levels—and in turn, our digestion, mood, and overall well-being. Discover the shift from FOMO to JOMO, and how creating intentional space away from our screens can help us reconnect with our bodies, our communities, and ourselves. I also share simple, realistic ways to spend less time on your phone and more time doing things that actually sustain you. Because when we step away from the noise and into presence, feeling good becomes a whole lot more natural. Resources:  Learn more about my work at ⁠https://www.normaflood.com/⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.normaflood.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHVTRFl4akdSazVzME1LQ0toNG9mZ2Y1OUxTd3xBQ3Jtc0tuRHNvVjAydTR6bWFkNFBHVTBzWmRDS0tydHZ0ajRtN1AwczZSb19saTFxZ1NRY1BvaEV1RzlhR2JjNVpVTTUxRVZTMzZ1ckd1enNoeTYzR1ZoTElRMl9uX2Z4LS12WVNLaTd6QTBGQ2p4VjVHeEdSMA&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  YouTube: ⁠ / @normaflood ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1v396KQfXP5MqMx9_Mp1SQ]  TikTok: ⁠ / normafloodrdn ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40normafloodrdn&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE5EQzJoQkdTeTdnWlBfQkwwdWZPUm9uLVJjUXxBQ3Jtc0trMWxjTk5VZjdnelFNT3RvUG9vRksxTEdjRFRGOFd4NTNqSGk4amhaaFNXZHlnWVpFX0NUUXNGb1k5NVB6R3dGT0Vaa19YTGpkT0tRUDVEaWkySGIwbkRURzktdnpZSXRGOGM4SUtlMS1FTm5PTlMyQQ&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  Facebook: ⁠ / norma.flood.nutritionist ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorma.flood.nutritionist&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk5NLW94R3k4U2w3N3FiWE1wYU5YVGhrS0JSQXxBQ3Jtc0ttRUxPS0cyeXRUTjNrNXo5blZYdWRGOVpYemVRZUtwWF9reUdFWmpsNUtHMDNDRlpfUlRuWjhpRWZ3UkNkZ0ozYW9sRGs4dlVzaUsyd2lKY0hOclhyc0dkTkVoZ1RNTVBUUHduSkdmVmR1bVNBZERvVQ&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  Instagram: ⁠ / normaflood23 ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fnormaflood23&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1FYm1FdHVjRVNYb0Nud3hiSEpnQXIxZkkwZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsOU1GT24ySnBYdEQ2cnk0c1BTZ0JEc2Q1M2JHODBzS2F3a1dWdmFscWlKUjBFMWJIRUtHREx6R0l5cldEdTQzSzB4eVZZZWpuY1hOYnFLa0pBaHBKRDlubHhXa0hrTE1FWmEzTzhQQUJDMzZzdmdFMA&v=3DIT5qHND0g]  LinkedIn: ⁠ / norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515 ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fnorma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJFZjNpYjYySDkxT1Z5Sk9wZU5ZZVhUTGJ4d3xBQ3Jtc0tudHdUZVlmTENJUV9KV3JDYzA5MGUwT29fMG96dzJQVDB4S3ItWl9YM0lyTjRzdlFjc292aUkzNG1tbDN0dHZiQk9ZazR5T3k4V19kUXBvRzh0Q0ZyT0xfOWdzOERIRVpmc2hIUG9wMExiT3libEVtaw&v=3DIT5qHND0g] Produced by Marley Huggins: ⁠https://www.marrrmedia.com/⁠ [http://marrrmedia.com]

14. Making Simple, Flavorful Meals with Chef Debbie Kornberg

What if the secret to healthier meals wasn’t more complicated recipes, but simply learning how to use spices well?  In this episode of Go With Your Gut, we explore how flavor can transform the way we cook and eat. I sit down with Chef Debbie Kornberg, founder of Spice and Leaf and Spice It Up with Deb, to talk about how spices can bring creativity and simplicity back into everyday meals.  We discuss practical ways to move beyond the same weekly meal rotation and how a well-stocked spice cabinet can make dinner faster, more nourishing, and far more enjoyable. Because when cooking feels joyful and approachable, healthy eating becomes something we can sustain. Resources: * Spice and Leaf Website [http://www.spiceandleaf.com] * Spice It Up With Deb Website [http://www.spiceitupwithdeb.com] * Debbie’s YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@spiceitupwithdebalivecooki947/videos] * Spice and Leaf Instagram: @spiceandleaf [https://www.instagram.com/spiceandleaf/] * Spice It Up With Deb Instagram: @spiceitupwithdeb [https://www.instagram.com/spiceitupwithdeb/] * Learn more about my work at NormaFlood.com [https://www.normaflood.com/] * YouTube: @NormaFlood [https://www.youtube.com/@NormaFlood] * TikTok: @normafloodrdn [https://www.tiktok.com/@normafloodrdn] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norma.flood.nutritionist [https://www.facebook.com/norma.flood.nutritionist] * Instagram: @normaflood23 [http://instagram.com/normaflood23] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-flood-ms-rd-4bbb1515/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com]