Intelligent Medicine

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with investigative journalist Charles Piller, author of “Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Disease.”

The exorbitant cost of new drugs touted for psoriasis in direct-to-consumer ads highlights everything wrong with our medical system; When gastric bypass surgery sends blood sugar out of control; A campaign to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals may help alleviate nutritional threats to kids—but healthy eating begins at home; With winter viruses making the rounds, a remarkable supplement offers potent immune system support. 

What are the downsides of pacemakers? Rethinking low-protein diets for chronic kidney disease; Bright light therapy and creatine alleviate depression; Withdrawal from World Health Organization assailed—but the U.S. can’t afford to abdicate to its flawed dietary recommendations; Does a positive ANA blood test necessarily mean you’re destined to develop an autoimmune disease? Unprecedented levels of sedative drug abuse among young people calls attention to “Anxious Generation."

In this episode of Intelligent Medicine, Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the rising importance of integrating culinary medicine in modern healthcare. Leyla emphasizes the need for blending ancient dietary wisdom with contemporary scientific practices to improve overall health and prevent disease. She highlights how convenience foods laden with preservatives and additives are detrimental to our gut health and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to nutrition. Traditional practices from Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are revisited, stressing the importance of addressing root causes rather than relying purely on pharmacological solutions. Leyla calls for a healthcare approach that includes nutrition professionals to provide personalized dietary advice, ultimately leading to a proactive, holistic, and sustainable health management system.

Upcoming congressional hearings for RFK, Jr to head HHSI sleep four hours a night and feel fine, but is there a sleep supplement you recommend?Is agave a better sugar substitute than stevia? Any cautions about using agave?

Do you take all of your supplements when you go on vacation?I give blood at least once a year and now my ferritin level is 28. What should it be?Long-term use of statins can cause insulin resistance and associated elevations in fasting insulinCan anybody recover from primary progressive aphasia?

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman interviews Dr. Carol Johnston, a professor of nutrition and associate dean at Arizona State University, dubbed 'The Vinegar Lady' for her extensive research on vinegar's health benefits. Dr. Johnston discusses the scientific basis for using apple cider vinegar to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in pre-diabetics, and its potential impacts on other conditions like depression. She explains how vinegar (acetic acid) affects metabolism and digestion. Additionally, Dr. Johnston highlights her research on high protein, low-fat diets, ketogenic diets, and the importance of maintaining a balanced intake of vitamins, especially B6 and C, due to common deficiencies in the American diet. The conversation includes practical dietary tips and addresses concerns like how to incorporate vinegar safely into daily consumption.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Carol Johnston, PhD, RD, Professor of Nutrition, in the College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University.

Integrative dermatology with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis." We hear about how her personal journey toward embracing diet and supplements for her patients with skin problems was motivated by the discovery—after many missed diagnoses—that she was suffering from celiac disease. She finds that many skin conditions are ameliorated by elimination of culprit foods, and the overall adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Dr. Hurwitz discusses treatment for acne, in light of the fact that while dermatologists are 1% of medical specialists, they dispense 20% of the antibiotics prescribed overall. She updates us on the latest “biologic” medicines for eczema and psoriasis, but claims they work better when complemented with lifestyle changes. Dr. Hurwitz discusses the role of vitamin D, Omega 3s, and probiotics for many skin conditions, as well as niacinamide which reduces recurrence of skin cancer; she also addresses sunscreens and scar treatments. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You."

US dementia cases set to double by 2060; Study claims red meat a culprit in cognitive decline—but a close read reveals it’s a lot of baloney; Aerobic exercise is best hedge against Alzheimer’s; Prevagen ordered to drop memory claims; When a blood pressure cuff is too tight, can it throw off readings? An 80-year-old who takes DHEA wants to add pregnenolone; Oregon hospital patient awarded $900,000 after face catches fire during surgery; LA residents may suffer health consequences of pollutants long after wildfires quenched. 

Intermittent fasting with early (9:00-5:00) eating window works best for weight loss, blood sugar control; Beleaguered California Governor Newsom at least gets it right with initiative to curb ultra-processed food, dyes, sugar; Can supplements still be used after their expiration dates? Long-term use of acid-blockers hikes heart risks in women; Quality of patient care threatened by private equity takeovers of hospitals; A tiny camera that you swallow reveals problems lurking deep within the small intestine; High fructose corn syrup fuels tumor growth; RFK Jr. faces congressional grilling next week. 

Foods and Lifestyle Changes to Manage High Blood Pressure: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses effective ways to manage high blood pressure through simple lifestyle changes and dietary choices. She highlights the importance of achieving a healthy weight and outlines how foods like beets, celery, pistachios, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and salmon can support healthy blood pressure levels. Leyla also emphasizes the need to avoid processed foods, excess sodium, and alcohol, presenting a comprehensive approach to improving cardiovascular health.

Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's west coast bike tripStudy: Light flickering promotes sleep and may protect the brain from dementiaCould a person be low in omega-6 fats?Do you recommend my husband and I get the latest shingles vaccine?

What is your take on DMSO?I'm taking Zetia and Crestor and have familial hypercholesterolemia. Can I eat saturated fat?I think I have demodex mite infestation. My doctor says almost everyone has it and they don't cause issues. What say you?Why do I have to stop taking my supplements before hip replacement surgery? 

Exploring Vaccine Injuries and Their Implications: Caroline Pover is an award-winning author and public speaker based in the UK. She discusses the highly relevant and timely topic of vaccine injuries, focusing on Caroline's personal experiences and the story of Breanne Dressen, a clinical trial participant who has suffered significant adverse reactions after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Caroline shares insights from her new book, "Worth a Shot?," which chronicles Dressen's journey and the hidden challenges faced by those experiencing vaccine side effects. They delve into the complexities of vaccine injury reporting, the implications of vaccine mandates, and how social media censorship affects the vaccine-injured community. The discussion also touches on potential lifestyle and medical approaches for managing vaccine injuries, emphasizing a compassionate and comprehensive perspective on the issue.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Caroline Pover, author of "Worth a Shot?: Secrets of the Clinical Trial Participant Who Inspired a Global Movement―Brianne Dressen's Story."

Self-professed “psychonaut” Matt Zemon discusses his book “Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness." Removing the stigma around psychedelics—emerging science is demonstrating their utility for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, ibogaine, peyote and others are regaining currency among innovative health professionals. Zemon describes how these might work—by opening new avenues of consciousness and rejiggering neurotransmitters. We discuss safety and optimal guidelines for use. Unfortunately, prescribing is limited by draconian and antiquated drug laws. Zemon maintains what’s needed are legal avenues for obtaining properly regulated medications delivered in ideal settings. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Matt Zemon, author of “Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness." 

Rethinking fluoridation; Riboflavin improves cognitive performance in older adults; Podiatrists highlight foot problems associated with Crocs; Mom’s pregnancy diet impacts brain size, intelligence of offspring; This year’s flu shot underperforms (why I’m a flu shot agnostic); Are there alternatives to Eloquis?