What Question Are You Asking? We encourage our interns to look at nutrition topics and pose questions through a whole systems lens.For example: Are GMOs harmful? The answer likely depends on what question you are asking. Are they safe for human consumption? Are they harmful to the environment? Are they helpful for sustainable food practices? Are they beneficial for increasing food access and addressing health inequities?  

The MDI blog is a dedicated space for our interns to take a deep dive into nutrition topics and consider how they relate to the whole food system. Interns present their evidence-based position here after critically analyzing the topic to provide you with a perspective to consider.

Salmon and produce

Cancer Prevention Through Nutrition

By Jessica Venhuizen 

My name is Jessica Venhuizen and I am currently a Montana State Dietetic Intern. Disease prevention through nutrition is one of my passions in the nutrition field, especially the topic of cancer prevention. A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity can be key for prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases, including cancer. Read More.

Windpower

Putting Health Back into Healthcare

By Erica Yeh 

All over the world, we visit the hospital or clinics seeking health protection, advice, and treatment. We expect that the health care sector be accessible to us. But what is the impact of the health care sector on the environment around us? Read More.

Bee Graphic

Monoculture’s Effect on Bees

By Abby Bassier 

Bees are dying at an alarming rate. According to the Bee Informed Partnership 40% of honeybeecolonies died in the 2019 winter. This survey reflected responses from 4,700 beekeepers of about 320,000 colonies. Colony Collapse Disorder is the broad term used to explain these deaths.Colony Collapse Disorder has three main causes: illness, pesticides, and monoculture. Thesecauses are interconnected and monoculture is at the center.  Read More. 

farm

The Environmental Impact of Genetically Modified Crops

By Morgan Chamberlin

A rapidly increasing worldpopulation, climate change, and crop pests such as insects and weeds present a significantchallenge to the global food system.The field of dietetics practiceatthe intersection ofnutrition, health and sustainability.As such, it is critical to understand the current state of theglobal food system and the practices and technologies that influence it.  Read More. 

Bag of Canned FOod

Dietitians Dismantling Disability 

By Emily Cowles

Most people with intellectual and physicaldisabilities need an interdisciplinary team to provide the best care possible. They are at high riskfor obesity, malnutrition and other comorbidities.Dietitians are essential members of theinterdisciplinary team and need to be leading the way in providing innovative nutrition solutions.  Read More.

 
tempeh skewers

 Soy Intake and Hormonal Health Complications

By Lynne Hebert

Inklings of evidence, research, and even rumors have circulated the media around the affects of soy on human health and hormone levels. Due to soy being a vegetarian source of Omega 3 andOmega 6 fatty acids, which serve as potent anti-inflammatories, eating soy has even beenrecognized as a preventative measure for returning breast cancer among survivors.  Read more.