Did you ever wonder if the food you eat is a direct effect on your health, well-being,

and longevity?

Well, I'm here to end that mystery you ARE the food you eat.

Welcome to the Nutrition Facts Podcast.

I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

It's time for the Nutrition Facts Grab Bag where we look at the latest science on a

whole variety of topics.

In our first story, we look at how a condition called syncopy, also known as fainting,

is triggered and prevented.

Syncopy is the sudden brief loss of consciousness caused by diminished blood flow to our brain.

That occurs at least once in about one in five people and about one in ten may happen

over and over, responsible for millions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Though sometimes fainting can be caused by heart problems, most often is triggered

just by standing because blood pools in our legs or strong emotions and are caused

are called viso-vigal reactions.

Under certain circumstances such as blood donation, syncopy has important medical and societal

significance.

Whether in 150,000 people experience fainting spells or near fainting spells each year

when they're giving blood, so it could define a way to avoid it.

But if you think that has medical and societal significance, what about fainting when you're

driving?

It goes without saying that losing consciousness while driving can pose a serious threat

...