Food, Nutrition & the Effects of Substances on Health
Launched in 1999, Mini Medical School was developed to connect Minnesotans with University of Minnesota experts who answer questions and share the latest advancements in health and research. Mini Medical School has empowered countless individuals with invaluable knowledge about health and wellness, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and engagement.
Laying the Groundwork: Nutrition, Aging, Environmental Health and More
In this session we developed a shared language in which to discuss nutrition, understand USDA recommendations, and form larger connections to the world around us. You’ll learn about current nutritional guidelines in the U.S., health and aging, the relationship between what we consume and the environment, and food insecurity.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Questions
- How can I maintain a healthy and balanced diet when faced with food allergies?
- What is a food access area?
- How can I get the benefits of a Mediterranean diet without eating fish sourced from an at-risk population that is thousands of miles away?
- Have apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and InstaCart had a positive or negative impact on food access?
- Are insects a more sustainable protein?
- Is pasta part of the Mediterranean diet?
- What is considered farmed shrimp and fish?
- What is the benefit of adopting a truly plant-based diet?
Your Questions Answered: Cannabis, Psychedelics, Opioids, & Alcohol
With the legalization of cannabis in more places across the U.S. and the growing interest in psilocybin and other psychedelics on mental health, what are their effects on the body? During this session, we answered common questions about different substances, including medical and recreational usage, long-term impacts, and substance use disorder.
Moderator:
Speakers:
David M. Ferguson, PhD
College of Pharmacy
Laura Palombi, PharmD, MPH, MAT
College of Pharmacy, Duluth
Traci Toomey, PhD, MPH
School of Public Health
Questions
- How do I get rid of my negative view of marijuana now that it's legal?
- What are the barriers to cannabis research?
- Are opioids still being used clinically as intended, or are prescribers shying away from their use?
- How have opioid prescriptions changed over time?
- Does drinking alcohol increase my risk for cancer?
- Can psilocybin be used to treat depression?
- What can be done to manage the opioid crisis?
- What's the recommendation for alcoholic drinks per day?
- Can I use mushroom therapy to end alcohol addiction?
- Why are we seeing higher and more dangerous trends in substance use disorder?
- How did the pandemic affect the opioid crisis?
What We Consume: Understanding Different Diets, Processed Foods, Nutrition and Disease
It can be a challenge to assess the quality of available food and beverages. During this session, we examined what as a consumer you can look for. We’ll explore different diets ranging from plant-based to gluten-free and more, processed foods, what to eat for bone health, high blood sugar and other health conditions, food safety, and how to evaluate the efficacy of vitamins and supplements.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Questions
- How can I make lifestyle changes in the face of convenient and processed cheap foods vs. wholesome, slower to prepare foods?
- What's a first step in improving how I eat?
- Is processed food linked to disease?
- How does added sugar affect the body?
- How do I know produce is safe to eat?
- Are foods from farmers markets better for you?
- Is air frying food safe?
