Kent State Interns

  This is a topic that I recently researched and was shocked to learn about. Nowadays, advocating proper hydration is part of the mainstream. Just think about how many people carry a reusable water bottle with them everywhere they go! It didn’t use to be like that. Good job, new generation!  However, overhydration is a concept that we rarely talk about, but it’s a genuine concern in athletics.  In 1969 guidelines began to advise athletes to drink “beyond thirst” and “as much as tolerable” in an effort to stave off heat strokes. Around this time, the first energy drink was developed with the intent of preventing “heat illness”. However, many deaths have been attributed to these recommendations to drink, drink, drink during exercise. Why? Because they can cause hyponatremia , or low blood sodium. The interaction between sodium and potassium is responsible for keeping fluids balanced inside and outside our cells. Sodium exists primarily outside the cells and potass...

The Human Body: What’s zinc got to do with it?   Many know zinc for its capabilities in the immune system, but few know the diverse metabolic affect that zinc has on the human body. Zinc is a trace mineral and is required for over 100+ enzymatic functions like gene expression and wound healing. Zinc is also important for the immune system because of its interaction with neutrophils and lymphocytes which combat viruses and bacteria that try to harm the body.  Sufficient Zinc consumption is necessary for neurotransmitter and hormone function as well. Zinc is required in the conversion of dietary B6 to it’s more bioactive form of PLP, this conversion occurs in: Tryptophan   -  Serotonin Serotonin      -   Melatonin  Melatonin is the regulator of dopamine therefore zinc is indirectly needed for dopamine production  Zinc Dietary Sources Dietary Sources of Zinc are more bioavailable, meaning they will be absorbed and utilized ...

MUSHROOM MEATBALLS  If you LOVE pasta,  need a break from meat,  or you just want to try something new, then this meatball recipe is for you!  INGREDIENTS  ★ 1 Tbsp olive oil  ★ 1 lb. fresh white mushrooms, finely chopped  ★ 1 pinch salt  ★ 1 Tbsp butter  ★ 1/2 cup finely chopped onion  ★ 4 cloves garlic, minced  ★ 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats ★ 1 oz finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese  ★ 1/2 cup bread crumbs  ★ 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, packed ★ 2 large eggs, divided  ★ 1 Tsp salt  ★ freshly ground black pepper to taste  ★ 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste  ★ 1 pinch dried oregano  ••• ★ 3 cups pasta sauce  ★ 1 Tbsp very finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste  ★  1 Tbsp chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley, or to taste  INSTRUCTIONS  ★ Gather all ingredients  ★ Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushroom...

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, oh my! We all likely are involved in social media to some extent. While social media is a fun way to connect with friends and family and get the scoop on what's up with celebrities or other prominent societal figures, it's also a dangerous place with unregulated nutrition information that is often not evidence-based (4).  As nutrition professionals, we probably find it easy to navigate and filter out information we know to be false - but our future clients aren’t as fortunate. Let’s go over 3 common issues related to social media and nutrition information, and how you can support those you know on how to identify fact from fiction.                 The ever-mentioned algorithm Something I’ve noticed on my own social media is that the algorithm is very effective at pulling information that you are interested in as it learns from your interactions with content. Take TikTok as an example, I was fed a whole p...

I don’t know about you, but who really enjoys the cold weather when there is no snow? I feel like the only correct way to enjoy the cold weather is baking a delicious snack, wearing comfy snuggly warm clothes, and watching an amazing Christmas movie: such as Elf or Home Alone. I love baking when it is cold out as it makes me feel warm and helps me forget how chaotic Ohio’s weather is. Not only is this recipe super delicious but it has ingredients that provide benefits to our bodies. The ginger in the muffins can help fight against germs, sooth sore muscles, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants which may help inflammation and improve sensitivity to insulin along with possibly lowering blood sugar levels. Christmas is coming and will be here before we know it so try this perfect quick and easy snack for a party or to just have on Christmas morning!     Yields : 12 servings Prep Time : 20 minutes Total Time : 1 hour 40 minutes ...

Here is the clearer version in case the image is pixelated.  Struggling to use all the leftover vegetables and turkey from the holidays? Well you’re in luck! Below is my recipe for everything but the kitchen sink - turkey pot pie. In this recipe you’ll need any and all vegetables you see fit to throw into a pot pie, with your choice of meat or no meat! Cover it with pie crust and pop it in the oven for 40-50 minutes at 375 degrees and VOILÀ! A delicious dinner using all the leftovers! Ingredients 3 Cups chopped vegetables- onion, carrots, celery, mushroom etc. 1 cup chopped turkey meat (optional) 2 tbsp butter  1 tbsp olive oil 1-2 cups milk or milk alternative 1/2 cup flour or flour alternative 1/2 cup turkey or vegetable broth 1 Pie crust Instructions Preheat oven to 375 and set out pie crust to thaw if frozen Prep and cut vegetables and leftover turkey, if not already chopped; I use carrots, celery, onion and mushroom  for a more traditional version but use whatever yo...