Intelligent Medicine

Do you know your “remnant cholesterol”? It could be better than LDL for predicting your risk of having a heart attack or stroke; Vagal nerve stimulation for seizures—could adding a keto diet help? Exoskeletons that help runners, hikers, and cyclists have hit the consumer marketplace for recreational athletes; RFK Jr’s HHS launches program to improve infant formulas; Insurers bilk taxpayers for billions by double-charging Medicaid.

Big Pharma pays billions for direct-to-consumer TV drug ads—is it time to ban them? Focused ultrasound obliterates liver tumors with minimal side effects; Nurse tricks woman into believing she’s dying of cancer to cash in on her $1.5 million life insurance policy; Arizona bans insurance denial by AI automated systems; Study overturns view that very low-carb diets are bad for kidney disease patients; Strategies for reviving a lagging thyroid.

Biohacking for Longevity: Extending Your Health Span. In this episode of "Leyla Weighs In," registered dietician and nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the concept of biohacking and its potential to extend lifespan and health span. Leyla explores various biohacking strategies such as diet optimization, regular physical activity, stress management, enhancing sleep quality, and maintaining strong social connections. She emphasizes the importance of epigenetics, targeted lifestyle changes, and advanced medical interventions like stem cell therapy. You will learn practical biohacking tips, including the benefits of intermittent fasting, the significance of exercise, and how to use wearable technology for health tracking. Leyla also highlights the role of supplements and personalized nutrition in promoting longevity, alongside maintaining good dental health and a sense of purpose. Through these combined efforts, Leyla aims to inspire listeners to not only live longer lives but to enjoy better health and vitality.

The 23 & Me bankruptcyThe promise of genetic testing in the futureWhat are your thoughts on methylene blue? Any benefits? 

How can I treat polycythemia caused by erythropoietin receptor mutation?I have chronic anemia—not iron deficiency. What can I do for my foggy head?What do you recommend for vestibular migraine?Any natural treatments for deep, restful sleep?SLIT - Sublingual Immunotherapy treatment

Dr. Julie Siemers, a nurse educator and author of “Surviving Your Hospital Stay: A Nurse Educator's Guide to Staying Safe and Living to Tell About It,” details the importance of patient safety in hospitals, the dangers of medical errors, and how patients and their families can advocate for better care. Dr. Siemers talks about the critical role of nurses, the hierarchy within the nursing profession, and the importance of effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. She also offers practical advice on dealing with high-risk medications, leveraging AI in healthcare, and ensuring better health outcomes by being informed and proactive.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Julie Siemers, a nurse educator and author of “Surviving Your Hospital Stay: A Nurse Educator's Guide to Staying Safe and Living to Tell About It.” 

The Long Shadow of Rickets: Vitamin D, Historical Insights, and Modern Implications. Dr. Chris Warren, a history professor at Brooklyn College delves into the origins and prevalence of rickets, a condition now largely unknown but once widespread. Dr. Warren explains the factors contributing to rickets, particularly Vitamin D deficiency, and shares insights from his book, "Starved for Light: The Long Shadow of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency." The discussion covers socioeconomic, industrial, and environmental aspects, along with the relevance of cod liver oil, sunlight exposure, and the evolution of Vitamin D synthesis. There are also reflections on modern implications of Vitamin D deficiency and racial differences in processing Vitamin D. The episode concludes with a look at how historical medical practices around rickets influenced today's medical norms and practices.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Chris Warren, author of "Starved for Light: The Long Shadow of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency."

The party may be over for telehealth purveyors of cheap copycat weight loss drugs; GLP-1 medications said to offer anti-aging benefits, but a concerning trend points to hair loss in women; Returning astronauts suffer effects of zero gravity, sterile environment; Why supplements can be a logical choice for bladder cancer; Amid new measles concerns, do adults need a booster? 

U.S. drops to lowest-ever standings in “World Happiness Report”; Bergamot notches double-digit cholesterol improvements in new study; Benefits of collagen peptides; Addressing post-chemotherapy fatigue; Solutions for knee pain; Tattoos linked to skin cancer, lymphoma risk; High-dose vitamin D slows progression of MS; Advances in AI lead to smart prosthetics, brain control of robot arms for paralytics. 

It’s National Nutrition Month! So nutritionist Leyla Muedin details how to spring clean your kitchen. She emphasizes the importance of organizing and cleaning your kitchen, from replacing old utensils and sharpening knives to checking expiration dates on spices and canned goods. She offers practical advice for grocery shopping, food storage, and meal prep to help listeners make healthier choices. The episode encourages listeners to streamline their kitchen environment to make nutritious cooking easier and more efficient.

An example of another bad 'scientific' studyWhat do you think of the new at-home prostate test?My calcium score has increased over the years. Am I taking enough Vitamin K? Too much?

A case study in high cholesterolHow can I lower my Apolipoprotein B? My husband's A1c went up after taking a statin for 5 months. Help!Can you recommend a good foot cream?Using a heating pad for pain — a listener's success storyHow long of a break should I take from my supplement regimen?

Understanding and Preserving Cognitive Health with Dr. Barbara Haskin: In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, host Dr. Ronald Hoffman discusses cognitive health with neuropsychologist Dr. Barbara Haskin, author of “How My Brain Works: A Guide to Understanding It Better and To Keeping It Healthy.” They explore the impact of aging and other factors on cognitive function, citing personal anecdotes and recent research. The conversation centers on the importance of mental well-being, diet, exercise, and sleep in maintaining brain health. Dr. Haskin highlights her professional experiences, including the evaluation and treatment of various cognitive issues through detailed testing and personalized care strategies. The episode concludes with a discussion on practical lifestyle measures to prevent and address cognitive decline.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Barbara Haskin, author of “How My Brain Works: A Guide to Understanding It Better and To Keeping It Healthy.” 

Decoding Detox: The Science and Application of Detoxification with Neil Levin, Senior Nutrition Education Manager at NOW Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. They delve into the importance of detox in addressing environmental toxins through reducing exposure and enhancing resilience. Key detoxification pathways, including liver phases, antioxidants, glutathione, and methylation, are thoroughly examined. Neil Levin also touches upon issues in the supplement industry, stressing the importance of using reliable sources. Additionally, he shares insights into his advocacy work and emerging trends in supplement research. This episode provides crucial information on how certain supplements can support the body's natural detox processes.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, Senior Nutrition Education Manager at NOW Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. 

Exploring the stress-cancer link—real, or unduly stigmatizing for people with cancer? Is coffee the most chemically-treated food? Is there a link between fluoride and pineal gland dysfunction? TV ads for oral supplement for dry eyes tout a dubious formula (and what could work better); Could meat make America healthy again?

States rush to ban food dyes ahead of federal action; NIH cuts funds for studies of vaccine hesitancy; RFK Jr. ridiculed for urging vitamin A for measles; Brain tumors in firefighters show signature of chemical exposure; Unpacking the causes of numbness, tingling and pain in lower extremities; Class-action lawsuit targets Depo-Provera as contributor to meningioma brain tumors; Uncovering the mystery of Trump’s 20+ pound weight loss; Microplastics implicated in spiraling antibiotic resistance.