Nutrition can be a topsy-turvy place-- a place where misinformation parades around in six-pack suits with “fitspo” masks, where cult leaders preach food restriction dogma from social media pulpits, where marketing supplants science, and where people trap themselves in echo-chamber labyrinths of their own design.

Episode 30 of the Strength Ratio Podcast features Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD in Human Nutrition and nutrition coach for Renaissance Periodization, who joins us to discuss digestive health and the gut microbiome.

Gabrielle first discusses digestive physiology to explain nutrient absorption and bacterial diversity. Next, she makes clear the influence that diet has on our gut and what considerations this may have for both a healthy diet and for athletic performance.

First and foremost, a supplement is, by its very definition, meant to be something added to an already balanced diet. If your diet sucks, no amount of supplementation will help you. Begin by getting your diet right; then, and only then, should you consider taking supplements.

Secondly, it is important to note that supplements are not drugs. If they were drugs, they would only be available by prescription, yet GNC and bodybuilding.com do not require a physician's referral.