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Editor's E-Note
Frontiers in Digestive Health
There’s much about the body’s function we can take for granted. We take a bite of our meal and may barely stop to consider the fact that we’re relying on the smooth processing of thousands of complex interactions in the body’s digestive system to get us through the day. From hormonal changes that are required to release the proper digestive aids to the delicate balance of microbes that help facilitate nutrient breakdown, absorption, and host defense, a lot goes on behind the scenes in the gut. In this month’s E-News Exclusive, we turn our attention to a fascinating area of gut health: the gut-associated lymphoid tissues, or GALT, and what we know about their role in immune health, including chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
After reading the article, visit TD’s website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the digital edition of our June/July issue, featuring the culinary-focused cover story with delicious recipes showcasing omega-3-rich fatty fish. You’ll also see digestive health front and center there, with feature stories on intuitive eating in bariatric care and the latest science on food sensitivity assessment and management. Food additives are also a hot topic right now, and this issue will highlight the science every dietitian should know.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN, editor |
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Exploring GALT
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
Going on cell count alone, some say we may be more microbe than human. The total number of human cells in the body is around 36 trillion, whereas the human gut contains approximately 40 trillion microbes in its diverse microbiota.1,2 The gastrointestinal tract also contains the greatest number and diversity of immune cells and compartments in the body. An impressive 70% to 80% of the body’s total immune cells reside in the gut.2 Intestinal immune compartments can be generally classified in the following ways:
- The intestine-draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN);
- the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT); and
- the intestinal lamina propria and epithelium.2
There’s a lot going on in the gut, and it’s constantly exposed to contradictory signals. As it encounters a variety of antigens, it must be able to quickly and effectively differentiate between nonpathogenic resident bacteria and invasive pathogens. It must do this while also juggling important tasks of digestion and nutrient absorption, electrolyte exchange, and hormone metabolism.3
GALT plays a significant role in intestinal homeostasis, infection, and inflammatory disease, but it is hard to study in humans. This is due to difficulty in obtaining human intestinal tissue and a lack of protocols allowing the isolation and analysis of human GALT.2 This is why many studies on the subject have used mouse models. What do we know about how GALT works in humans? How might it influence conditions dietitians work with regularly, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and even cancer? How can nutrition influence the function of GALT?
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Understanding Cultural Differences in Salt Usage May Help Lower Consumption
Almost all adults in the US consume more sodium (salt) than recommended, yet the sources and use of sodium vary among people of different races and ethnicities, indicating the need for culturally customized advice about sodium intake, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure and CVD. The average US adult consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium each day, often in prepared foods, such as pizzas, tacos, burritos, cold cuts, canned soup, and breads. According to the USDA, one six-inch Italian sub sandwich (bread, ham, cheese, salami, pepperoni) has approximately 3,110 mg of sodium.
The American Heart Association recommends that an individual eat no more than 2,300 mg of sodium each day, which is about 1 tsp of salt. Ideally, if you have high blood pressure, you should aim for 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
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Rising Food Prices in US Disrupting Healthful Eating
A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 69% of Americans find it harder to eat healthfully due to rising food prices, reports CNN. Between 2020 and 2024, food costs increased by 25%, with new tariffs potentially adding another 3%. The growing price gap between fresh and processed foods disproportionately affects lower-income groups, contributing to unhealthful eating habits and higher obesity rates. Experts suggest meal planning to mitigate health impacts amid ongoing food price increases.
Dads Help Shape Eating Habits of Their Children
A new study finds that dads who ate healthfully as teens are more likely to promote good eating habits in their children, reports U.S. News. These fathers model healthful behaviors and monitor kids' diets, boosting their fruit and vegetable intake. The research suggests adolescent nutrition has lasting, intergenerational effects and may help address childhood obesity and poor dietary habits. |
CPE Monthly
Learn the effects of elevated blood homocysteine levels, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, on health and disease risk in this month’s issue of Today’s Dietitian. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
Share Your Expertise at the 2026 Spring Symposium
Want a chance to be a part of the Spring Symposium presenter line up? The 2026 Call for Abstracts is open—learn more and submit your proposal here!
The deadline to apply is THIS Monday, July 28th!
2026 Spring Symposium
Registration for our 13th annual Spring Symposium is now open! Take advantage of $249 Early-Bird Registration and plan to join us in Orlando, Florida, from May 17–20, 2026. This premier event offers a full array of learning opportunities and features fitness activities, networking, and exploration of new products. Additional details are forthcoming.
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A Little Help
Little Lunches is a nutrition-focused app designed to help parents plan healthy, age-appropriate meals for children from toddlers to preteens. Ideal for pediatric dietitians, the app considers food allergies, picky eating habits, and portion sizes. It features customizable meal plans, grocery lists, and family-friendly recipes. RDs can use it to support parents in creating balanced, nutritious meals that align with developmental needs and foster lifelong healthful eating habits. Learn more »
Hello Health
Tracking patient progress and facilitating informed discussions on heart health management can be made a little more straightforward with Hello Heart. Hello Heart is a digital health app designed to assist individuals in managing their cardiovascular health. It enables users to monitor key metrics such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and physical activity. The app offers personalized insights and daily tips to encourage heart-healthy habits. Additionally, it features a connected pill box to support medication adherence. Learn more » |
In the August/September Issue
• Dining Out in Nashville
• Today’s Dietitian 12th Annual Spring Symposium
• Dietitians and Human Trafficking
• Diabetes Management in Shift Work |
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COVER STORY
SMASH the Omega-3 Gap
Omega-3s are vital at every age, yet most Americans don’t get enough. Although some of the richest food sources of omega-3s are fatty fish, many people may struggle to know how to prepare appealing dishes incorporating those options. Enjoy new and exciting recipes curated and shared by a dietitian.
FEATURE
Intuitive Eating in Bariatric Care
As dietitians explore intuitive eating with patients, questions arise about its role in bariatric settings. Discover how to adapt this approach for those who’ve undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery.
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