Straight Talk on Health: Recent Episodes
Dr. Chet Zelasko
How do you live your healthiest life when health information seems to change every day? Each week on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko examines the health headlines, digs into the latest research studies, explores the claims of miracle nutrients and diets, and gives you his insight about what’s real and what’s not so you can make informed decisions about your health. Straight Talk on Health airs Tuesday afternoons during WGVU’s Midday West Michigan.The health information Dr. Chet talks about is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider; it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. This information is, however, designed to motivate you to work towards better health, which includes seeing your healthcare professional regularly.
Protecting your brain should be a priority for all of us. What role does magnesium have? Dr. Chet shares the latest research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
What does barbecuing beef brisket have to do with weight loss and fitness plateaus? More than you realize. Dr. Chet explains on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Influencers and purported health experts just can’t seem to let go of their obsession with seed oils. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out exactly what they’re saying to determine whether their concerns real or imagined
Today, Dr. Chet Zelasko examines a recent study on creatine. Does it really help you add more muscle? Then he looks at the fitness of a 92-year-old. It’s all on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet recently read a post on social media that said pharmaceutical companies are not interested in curing disease. While not a fan of the industry, Chet knows that many people are alive today because of pharmaceuticals. But are they cured? That’s what he examines on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
A recent study examined the potential for arsenic poisoning if you eat brown rice. Dr. Chet looks at the study and tells us whether the results are meaningful or not on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet recently listened to a report on a study on the topic of pulmonary effusion that stopped him in his tracks. Pulmonary effusion is the topic of today’s Straight Talk on Health episode
Dr. Chet Zelasko considers himself an expert procrastinator. Just not about exercise. If you’ve ever said “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it” - Chet offers a few ideas that may help on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Does red yeast rice work to lower cholesterol? Dr.Chet clears up that question and more questions about health, nutrition, and exercise on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet was recently asked about a stem cell procedure to treat lower back pain, a question that has eluded his attention for some time now. Today he gives a basic primer on stem cells on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
As we proceed into the spring, the changes we wanted to make may not be progressing as well as we would like. Maybe another approach is desirable. Dr. Chet Zelasko gives a personal update and then offers you some options as you try to change your lifestyle to get healthy and fit - on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Sleep is so beneficial for rest and to restore our bodies. But some people just don’t know how much sleep they need. Dr. Chet gives you the rundown on what scientists call short sleepers on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
You may have never heard of it, but it has probably impacted the products you hear about from gurus and influencers who promote them. Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a close look at scienceploitation on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Brushing your teeth, flossing, and getting regular dental check-ups. Do you forget to do those things? Maybe if you did them, you wouldn’t forget them. Find out the relationship between the microbiome in your mouth and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
It’s a new season of the Straight Talk on Health podcast. This season Dr. Chet will focus on topics like the best diet to help protect your brain, he’ll continue to look at current health research to see what’s relevant, and he’ll discuss optimal body weight for height. Today he looks at whether carbonated water can help you in your weight loss efforts
Questions about Vitamin B12 are usually about methylcobalomin versus cyanocobalamin. But Dr. Chet Zelasko recently got some questions about having elevated vitamin B12 in blood tests. Can it be hazardous to your health? He checks it out on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Fasting has drawn a lot of attention lately with one intermittent fasting routine after another being pitched. But fasting as a tool for improving how chemotherapy can work for cancer treatment has been investigated for a decade or more. Dr. Chet addresses fasting for our health on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Can you make enough Vitamin D in the Winter months? Is where you live stacking the deck against you? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into it and offers some solutions on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
Dr. Chet has gotten several questions on SIBO lately. What is it? What causes it? Is there anything we can do to resolve it? Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a close look at SIBO on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
“Everything old is new again.” Chet Zelasko looks into beef tallow for cooking and skin care on this week’s episode of Straight Talk on Health
The state of health research may be at risk as politics enters the scientific arena. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko covers two examples of how the delay in health research has impacted lives
It seems like everyone is pitching a different way to detox your body. Many methods give legitimated detoxification a bad name. You wouldn’t be alive if there was no detoxification taking place in your body. Dr. Chet covers detoxing on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Have you ever looked up your BMI and were not happy with the number? A mathematician has developed another way of looking at body composition. Dr. Chet looks at BRI on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
The holiday season is here and we all have to deal with the mass consumption of just about every type of treat you can think of. Can you prevent the inevitable weight gain? That’s our topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
With the holidays coming, this might be the right time to add flexibility to your food choices, preparation, and spice choices. Wouldn’t you like to use some fish sauce in your turkey gravy? Check out purple sweet potatoes known as ube? Dr. Chet Zelasko covers food flexibility and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Can you get any benefits in a couple days a week? A recent study asked that very question so let’s check it out on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet Zelasko has gotten a few questions about what people can put in their smoothies and protein shakes. Dr. Chet gives us the scoop on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
There is a lot of clammer on the web about the evils of maltodextrin. Dr. Chet Zelasko is not sure everything is being portrayed properly. Dr. Chet looks at the research on Maltodextrin on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet Zelasko ends every show the same way: “Health is a choice. Choose wisely today and every day.” When you hear something so often, it may not resonate the way as intended. Dr. Chet will try to give some perspective on this phrase on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Can you have a normal BMI and yet still be obese? Do you have to keep track of the food you eat if you’re trying to change your diet? Today on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko answers these and more listener questions
Eating red meat appears to increase the risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes. Dr. Chet Zelasko take a look at the evidence on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
The warnings from the state and every healthcare professional is clear: Don’t text and drive. Maybe science will help us to see why we shouldn’t. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into it on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Seed oils have been a big topic of study and conversation lately. Today Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out what the issue is and lets you know what it’s all about on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
What are Advanced Directives and why do you need them? On today’s episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko talks about making your medical care wishes known before your too ill or hurt to express them
Another study has cast doubt on whether fish oil is healthy for us. Could it contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at the latest study on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
What do you get if you have super computers, several hundred-thousand potential subjects, food frequency questionnaire data, and the ability to chunk data without restriction? You might just find exactly what you were looking for on Multivitamins. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at the research from recent studies on today’s Straight Talk on Health
Iron Absorption is one of the topics Dr. Chet Zelasko is asked about the most. On this episode of the Straight Talk on Health podcast, Dr. Chet looks into the latest research and information on increasing iron absorption
Exercise is relative. Today Dr. Chet explains what that means and offers an alternative to all the high intensity exercise he’s recently talked about on the podcast
Would you like to lose some body fat as you exercise? Specifically bell fat? And what about getting more fit in less time? Dr. Chet Zelasko talks about HIIT and SIT on today’s episode
If you listen to the experts and gurus, carbs are bad. Dr. Chet Zelasko doesn’t see it this way. Dr. Chet is going to talk about some of the myths about carbohydrates on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Ultra-processed food (UPF) always seems to be in the news. Based on a recent study, UPF may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lead to an early death. Is it that simple? Dr. Chet Zelasko reviews the latest research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
In this season three finale of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko shares with us a superstition he has. He also gives some insight into why he does what he does. That and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
What’s on a food product label? Could they be deceptive? Do the labels need some kind of interpretation? Dr. Chet Zelasko helps to separate fact from fiction on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
There are some strange goings on in the weight loss arena, even stranger than before. Dr. Chet Zelasko gives an update and the lowdown on the latest in weight loss on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Can zombies be real? Common sense says no way, but people still believe they can exist. Dr. Chet takes a look at fact and fiction about the possibility of zombies on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
After watching a cooking show, Dr. Chet decided to look into out food waste in the U.S. This show featured chefs using more of the meat, produce, and leftover foods to make gourmet dishes instead of throwing them in the garbage. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into food waste on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
The trend today is away from artificial sweeteners. Manufacturers are still trying to remove the bitter aftertaste of stevia by processing the bitterness out. Is that really natural? Today on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko gives the low down on artificial sweeteners
Have you considered a vegetarian diet? If so, which one? One that allows animal products or complete vegan? More importantly; why? We’ll review the potential benefits and what has yet to be proven on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recommended as a supplement for prenatal care. But a recent study has concluded that omega-3 supplementation might contribute to obesity in children when taken by the mother in the third trimester. Dr. Chet looks at the study on this episode of the Straight Talk on Health podcast
Do you ever start your day with a cup of black tea? How about closing the day with a beer? You just might be surprised at the flavonols they contain. On this episode, Dr. Chet Zelasko explains the latest research on flavonols and their relationship with mortality
What do you do when there is no research on what ails you? Dr. Chet Zelasko gets asked about supplementation for every condition you can imagine. How does he evaluate the things that could help someone? He lets us know on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
How would you like an easy way to reduce your risk of dying of cardiovascular disease? Two new studies show that stretching decreases the risk. Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look at the research on this episode
Is a cautionary tale about vitamin D more hype than anything else? Maybe. Before you attribute a death to supplementation, it’s good to have all the facts. In this case, we don’t. I’ll let you know why we don’t on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Today Dr. Chet Zelasko talks guts. Not courage - but your digestive system. Is it operating as it should? What role might coffee play? That and more on gut health on today’s Straight Talk on Health
Dietary supplements always seem to be under attack. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet will give a couple of examples, including one where the consumer should know better
BMI, or Body Mass Index - Is it a good way to set a weight loss goal? Some people don’t think so. On this episode of the Straight Talk on Health podcast, Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out what’s being said and gives his take on the subject
A long-time listener to Straight Talk on Health heard a guest on another podcast talk about the dangers of oxalates. According to this person, avoiding eating foods with oxalates cures just about everything. What are oxalates? And is this true? Dr. Chet explores this topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
A recent scientific study suggested that the use of vitamin D to build bones in children is a myth. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko evaluates the study and gives his opinion on whether that is true or not
If you work out to gain muscle or just want to increase your protein intake, how much protein should you take? Nutritionists have always said up to 25 grams per shake because any more than that won’t help. A recent study suggests that that may no longer be the case. Dr. Chet Zelasko will talk about the study on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
You may know the expression, “Adapt, Innovate, Improvise, and Overcome” but Dr. Chet Zelasko recently decided to add “anticipate” to the phrase. He’ll explain - on this edition of the Straight Talk on Health podcast
Joint and replacement surgeries are commonplace these days. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko offers some ways to prepare for joint surgery, dealing with the pain, and getting the joint back to as close as normal as possible
It’s winter time and as such, there are some things that you should and shouldn’t do when the weather is cold and the snow is blowing. I’ll give you tips for winter in the north on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
There seems to be a general lack of belief in science, especially as it related to medical treatments. Why did this happen? Dr. Chet will give you his thoughts on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
On this first Straight Talk on Health podcast episode of 2024 Dr. Chet outlines three health goals he thinks are important for 2024.
Does the gender of your physician matter, especially if you’re a woman having a heart attack? Maybe. Dr. Chet Zelasko examines a question that a long-time listener asked on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
One of the statements you hear all the time from medical experts is that dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA and therefore are unregulated. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko will explain how that’s not exactly true and give an example.
This is the season of special foods. This could be said about nearly every season of the year, but we’re in the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas with those foods we tend to enjoy only this time of year. How much nutrition are we getting from these traditional Holiday foods? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at some research on the topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
A recently published book suggests that we are unhealthy because of ultra-processed foods (UPF). To prove his point, the author ate a high UPF diet for 4 weeks. What where the results? What happened to Dr. Chet Zelsasko when he did the same thing? Find out on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been in the health research news. Could that tuna fish sandwich help reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease? Could those sardines help your lungs? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at the research of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on today’s Straight Talk on Health
Keto diets are all the rage nowadays, but is there a dark side to going Keto? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks this topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Is the food we eat dangerous to our health? We know about ultra-processed foods but are there poisons in our food supply? That’s what the documentary Poisoned suggests. Dr. Chet Zelasko gives his take on the movie on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Dr. Chet Zelasko has made the decision to go back to jogging and running after a complete knee replacement. He turned to the research to help make his decision. He’ll let you know what he found out on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Did you know that we lose calories every day in our stool? Today on Straight Talk on Health Dr. Chet Zelasko reviews the latest research that gives us the scoop on poop
Ultra-processed foods are in health news because of a couple of recent studies. Is ultra-processed food bad for us? If so, why or why not? Dr. Chet Zelasko dives into the research to answer those questions on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Heat waves and extreme weather are becoming common place these days, so is the risk of heat stress. Who is most at risk and why? What can we do about it? Dr. Chet addresses those questions and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Today on the Straight Talk on Health podcast, Dr. Chet Zelasko shares some take-home messages he gathered from a recent webinar on supplementation, exercise and intermittent fasting
As an exercise physiologist, Dr. Chet frequently gets asked: what's more important - exercise intensity or exercise volume? His answer is always yes! To make that point a little clearer, He’s going to check out a recent study that examined that very question on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
Most energy drinks are outright dismissed because of the sugar and caffeine content. However, recent research indicates they just may contain one ingredient that could be one of the keys to healthy aging. Dr. Chet looks at the latest research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Sucralose is in health news again. Or is it really something else? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at the most recent study on artificial sweeteners on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
What Foods do you think could help your memory the most? Researchers recently published a study that suggested your mom might have been right all along. What did they find out? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into it on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Today Dr. Chet Zelasko raises the question of whether treatment plans have to continue for the rest of your life. Whether it’s medication or medical devices, do you have to maintain them forever? How do you go about doing it? Dr. Chet gives his insight on this episode
What is the best heart healthy diet? A panel of experts attempted to answer that question. What did they find? Dr. Chet Zelasko lets us know on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
On this edition of Straight Talk on Health Dr. Chet Zelasko examines a recent study on prenatal vitamins. Based on the diet of women today, what nutrient deficiencies are happening? More important, can the current crop of prenatal supplements fill in those gaps?
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a stroke? The acronym “FAST” is commonly used but a group of brain surgeons wants to make it just a little be more specific by adding a couple of letters. Dr. Chet Zelasko talk about “BE FAST” on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
The Environmental Working Group has put out their annual list of The Dirty Dozen. But is food the biggest source of our problem when it comes to exposure to hazardous chemicals? We’ll take a look at the science on this edition of Straight Talk on Health with Dr. Chet Zelasko.
Today on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look at the latest on coffee and your heart. Is it good for you or not? Chet looks at the research to help you make an informed decision.
There is a big marketing effort by supplement companies to have people get their fruits and vegetables in supplements. But should you get them this way? Is there any science to support it? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into it on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
What's the first thing you're concerned about when it comes to getting older? For many it's dementia and Alzheimer's. For others it may be heart disease. But what will your quality of life be if you survive into your 80s and 90s? Dr. Chet Zelasko will offer some ideas on aging well on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
Today Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out two opinion pieces that caught the attention of some listeners and examines the science behind them. Who got it right? Who just wanted the spotlight? Dr. Chet looks into it on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Repetitive Use Injuries Did carpal tunnel syndrome occur when people used manual typewriters? Is it a recently developed condition? If so, why? If you have a repetitive use injury, is there anything that can help? These are the topics on this edition of Straight Talk on Health with Dr. Chet Zelasko.
On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look at three recently published papers on short bursts of high intensity exercise, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, and how exercise may increase the desire to exercise by changes in the microbiome.
Recent research has demonstrated that a diabetes medication called semaglutide can help people lose weight. Does it work? Can they keep the weight off? Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into the research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
The American Association of Pediatrics has new guidelines for treating childhood obesity. Today Dr. Chet Zelasko looks at what the guidelines really say on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Gas stoves are under attack, we still can't decide on the best diet, and fluoride is still in our drinking water. These are just some of the controversies in health Dr. Chet Zelasko will address on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
With just about half of the adult population in the USA having hypertension, “how do I lower my blood pressure” is a common question. Dr. Chet’s initial response would be to ask what have you been doing for yourself. Chet takes a look at hypertension on today’s episode of Straight Talk on Health.
In this episode, Dr. Chet is going to address some of the questions you’ve asked and a couple you haven’t asked yet. The goal is to help you improve your health by getting into some better habits
The microbiome contains all the microbes we’ve been exposed to but do we take care of it and nurture it? Is it responsible for our declining health and immune system? We’ll take a look at what some are calling our newly discovered organ on today’s episode.
On this first Straight Talk on Health episode of the new year Dr. Chet looks at a question that he got from a long time listener. The answer to the question can lead to a whole different look at lifestyle over a lifetime
Why would you perform a study that you knew would fail? That’s what a large group of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic recently did. Why would they do that? Dr. Chet will give you some things to ponder in this episode of the podcast
15 years ago, the USPTF changed their recommendations for when men should get PSA tests. The prior recommendations resulted in additional tests to reach a diagnosis but the PSA screening did not appear to influence mortality. A recent study may show that recommendation may have been premature
If orthopedic surgery is in your future, you might want to listen to this episode. Dr. Chet Zelasko interviews a surgeon who has developed a prehabilitation program that has achieved some great results. Dr. Chet with Dr. Scott Russo on this edition of the Straight Talk on Health podcast
The holiday season is upon us. This is the time when food is plentiful for most people and foods found only at this time of the year. Do you have a plan for limiting your weight gain this year? Dr. Chet talks about strategies that may help, but it all depends on you
Can refined fiber cause liver cancer? That’s what a recent health headline seemed to suggest. Dr. Chet Zelasko will get into the details of this study to find out if it’s true for everyone on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
If you were offered a colonoscopy free of charge, would you do it? Would you believe most people said no? More importantly, should you have regular colonoscopies? Find out what the latest research recommends on today’s edition of Straight Talk on Health with Dr. Chet Zelasko
Do you wake up with stiff joints and sore muscles for what seems like no particular reason at all? It could be Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness. Find out what it is and what you can do about it on this edition of the Stright Talk on Health podcast with Dr. Chet Zelasko
There is an uptick in upper respiratory viral infections. Not the flu and not COVID. Find out all about Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, and why you need to protect your infant children and yourself from this virus on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
How would you like to get stronger yet spend less time training? In this podcast, Dr. Chet Zelasko reviews recent developments in weight training programs that may not win body building championships but will help you get stronger, maybe in less time
Recent health headlines have suggested that taking naps every day can cause CVD. Is that true? Dr. Chet Zelasko check out the research on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Last week Dr. Chet discussed the difference between primary and secondary prevention of degenerative disease like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Can something like a polypill reduce second heart attacks and strokes? What is a polypill? Dr. Chet explains on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Have you heard the old adage an answer of prevention is worth a pound of cure? What if I could convince you that an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure? Do you think that maybe that could move you to action? Dr. Chet Zelasko discusses Primary versus Secondary Prevention on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
Can the media influence your health? In more ways than you can imagine. It all depends where you get your health information. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into it on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
Would you believe you can lose weight under the most extreme conditions, even if you’re completely sedentary? It is possible if you can do just do one thing. Here’s Dr. Chet with this week’s Straight Talk on Health
The Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association have released videos that are teaching physicians about dietary supplements. But do they? What you should expect at your next doctor’s visit
Could reducing caloric intake by 12% reduce your risk of age-associated disease like heart disease and cancer? A recently published study suggests it just might. Dr. Chet Zelasko explains on this edition of Straight Talk on Health