Intelligent Medicine

RFK Jr. issues sharpest ultimatum yet to medical schools: “Start teaching nutrition now or face penalties!” Fast-food outlets continue to abound in teaching hospitals; Once serious causes of flank pain are ruled out, patients are often left to fend for themselves; Potatoes don't increase risk of diabetes—unless you eat French fries; Deep-frying in seed oils can yield harmful byproducts—but so, too, when you substitute with lard; As doctors get more aggressive treating blood pressure, how to minimize medication side effects; New study shows beetroot juice can lower BP by 7 points.

For weight loss, complete avoidance of ultra-processed foods outperforms mere “healthy diet” comprising minimally-processed items; Research fraud undermines anti-dementia drug pipeline; Comprehensive lifestyle modification program scores against cognitive decline; Women's brains especially vulnerable to Omega-3 deficiencies; Bible says “Lame shall walk again” and 21st century science may soon bring about this miracle; Breakthroughs in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the critical role of mitochondrial health throughout the lifespan, citing Dr. Jeffrey Bland's insights on mitochondria as a cornerstone of 21st-century health. The episode explores the benefits of ketosis and the ketogenic diet, particularly in supporting neurological health and conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. Leyla highlights how ketogenic diets stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and improve mitochondrial function while addressing potential contraindications for specific populations. The importance of a functional medicine approach and personalized interventions is emphasized for optimal health outcomes.

How reliable is nutrition science?I have gingivitis, and my dentist recommended Listerine. Won't that disrupt the microbiome in my mouth?I take a diuretic for high blood pressure. Is it okay to stop drinking water by 8pm, or will I dehydrate?Is there a way to get rid of seborrheic keratoses?

How much leucine should I take to regain muscle?Should I increase my creatine dose to 10 grams daily for the cognitive benefits?You talked about the cancer risk of CT scans. What about CT angiograms?  I've had a ganglion cyst drained twice. How can I keep it from coming back?Who can I contact for treatment of mast cell activation syndrome?I heard you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste if there's no fluoride in your drinking water 

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman discusses the health benefits of Muscadine grapes with Dr. Stephen Talcott, a PhD chemist and professor of Food Chemistry at Texas A&M. The conversation delves into the unique biochemical properties of Muscadine grapes, their polyphenol content, and their potential health benefits compared to other fruits like Acai and common grapes. They also explore the bioavailability of nutrients, the role of phytoalexins, and the benefits of Muscadine grape-derived products. Dr. Talcott shares his insights on ongoing research at Wake Forest University, the advantages of Muscadine grape products for chemotherapy patients, and the benefits of using these products as natural health supplements. The episode highlights various Muscadine grape products available from Mighty Muscadine and Vinetastic, including juices, supplements, and topical applications, and offers a special discount code for listeners.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Stephen T. Talcott, Ph.D., Professor of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Technology at Texas A&M University, about the powerful health benefits of the muscadine grape.

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman discusses enhancing brain performance naturally with Dr. Leigh Richardson, a PhD leader in brain health and performance, and author of “Turn Your Brain On, Get Your Game On.” They delve into various brain-related issues, highlighting natural alternatives to traditional medications for conditions like ADHD and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Richardson shares her personal journey into brain health spurred by her son's traumatic brain injury and her own. They explore the benefits of neurofeedback, diet, lifestyle changes, and the impact of music on productivity. Dr. Richardson underscores the importance of cognitive, emotional, and social resilience, and elaborates on integrating traditional and digital ways to improve brain health and performance.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Leigh Richardson, a PhD leader in brain health and performance, and author of “Turn Your Brain On, Get Your Game On: The How, What, Why to Peak Performance.”

Those injection-free sublingual GLP-1 drops for individualized microdosing—do they actually work? Options for treating stubborn neuropathy; Her new doctor said, “Vitamins are hogwash”—so she fired him; There is hope for tinnitus—via diet and lifestyle; I'm taking German classes, and a new study suggests it'll help me ward off cognitive decline. 

The “China Study” is cited as evidence vegetarian diet is best—but big new study shows vegetarians age less well than omnivores; Can a popular men's health supplement ward off prostate cancer? MAHA officials hit pause on looming natural thyroid ban; Can diet alleviate symptoms of lipedema? Precision-engineering your gait can alleviate knee pain better than NSAIDs; After a lifetime of profound depression, novel brain implant enables man to experience joy for the first time.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explores the fascinating link between dietary habits and sleep quality, particularly nightmares. Discussing a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology, Leyla explains how consuming certain foods, especially late at night, can influence dream patterns. Foods like sweets, dairy, and allergens such as gluten and lactose were found to have significant effects on sleep disturbances. She emphasizes healthy eating habits, particularly avoiding food allergens and late-night eating, and suggests practical tips for improving sleep quality. Leyla also touches on how cultural beliefs and anecdotal evidence support the scientific findings, providing a comprehensive overview of how diet can directly affect dream content and sleep health.

An update on natural thyroid availability and the FDAA correction on disseminated sarcoidosis and stressI'm a former smoker. Should I be concerned about beta carotene in the Alpha Base multivitamin?A comment from a user of lithium orotate for the last eleven yearsDoes long-term use of Horse Chestnut cause a thiamin deficiency?

Does cider honey eradicate cadmium in the body?  Is there any truth to this?Can Mitopure be consumed with dairy?  Does dairy in any way interfere with its absorption?I've read and heard that supplements are worthless—can even shorten lifespans.  Is this true?Should I be concerned about the xylitol in my toothpaste since I read it can increase blood clots and stroke risk?How much omega-3 do you recommend for multiple sclerosis?Is there any new protocol or treatment for Lyme disease?

Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, a nutrition scientist and the founding director of the Center for Excellence for Sleep and Circadian Research at Columbia University, details the intriguing relationship between diet and sleep quality, exploring how various foods and nutrients affect sleep patterns. Dr. St-Onge shares insights from her research on the Mediterranean diet, functional foods, and the impact of macronutrients like fiber, carbohydrates, and polyphenols on sleep. They also touch on the effects of caffeine and alcohol, as well as the role of psychological interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia. Practical advice and delicious recipes from her new book, “Eat Better, Sleep Better,” are highlighted to help listeners enhance their sleep through dietary changes.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, a nutrition scientist, the founding director of the Center for Excellence for Sleep and Circadian Research at Columbia University, and author of “Eat Better, Sleep Better.”

Dr. Robert Silverman, author of "Immune Reboot: Maximizing Immunity, Restoring Gut Health, and Optimizing Vitality," provides a comprehensive primer on the immune system. He explains how lifestyle factors—diet, sleep, exercise, and stress—impact immune resilience. He offers specific protocols for optimizing resistance to Covid, what to do if you come down with it, and how to treat Long Covid, as well as how to prepare for vaccines. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Robert Silverman, author of "Immune Reboot: Maximizing Immunity, Restoring Gut Health, and Optimizing Vitality."

As natural thyroid ban looms, thyroid sufferers gird for battle with regulators; Rapid weight loss, muscle wasting—what to do? Could overuse of CT scans cause 100,000 extra cancers in the U.S.? Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket residents afflicted with tick-borne meat allergy; Beyond Meat headed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; Searching for the causes of low iron.

Report shows rapid declines in health of children and adolescents since 2007; N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for Parkinson's; Statins increase likelihood of hearing loss, tinnitus; Lithium orotate for Alzheimer's; Is tinnitus reversible? Novel implantable electrical vagus nerve stimulator approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin focuses on the impact of various exercise interventions on insomnia, based on a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The study compares exercise interventions like yoga, Tai Chi, and jogging to improve both subjective and objective sleep outcomes for insomnia patients. Additional discussion covers the benefits of exercise on neuroplasticity and sleep architecture, while also addressing alternative treatments such as hypnotics and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Leyla shares personal insights and practical advice for incorporating exercise into daily routines for better sleep.

Is the FDA phasing out natural thyroid?Study:  Lithium for Alzheimer's diseaseMore on water filtration issuesMy mother-in-law has hallucinations when she has a UTI.  Why is that?Are dental mouth guards toxic?  Is there a better alternative for clenching and bruxism?

Is gentle rebounding and indoor recumbent biking safe for someone with chronic venous insufficiency?Were you talking about 'disseminated sarcoidosis'?What are your thoughts on AI-enhanced EKGs?What can I do to find relief for my irritable bowel syndrome?Are there benefits to chelation therapy, or has it fallen out of favor?Some brands of stevia don't contain erythritol.  Can I use those?

For many, integrative medicine has become an unattainable luxury, and healthy diet and lifestyle the prerogative of the privileged. Today's guest, Dr. Ramona Wallace, is attempting to change that. Trained conventionally as a DO, she undertook additional training and certification via the Institute for Functional Medicine to broaden her clinical skills. She practices primary care in an underserved community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she incorporates diet and lifestyle recommendations to address her patients' chronic conditions. Careful nutritional assessment has revealed that many of her patients, while overtly overweight, are decidedly malnourished. She has documented a wide range of deficiencies—of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and D, critical minerals like zinc and magnesium, even full-blown scurvy. These are precisely the patients who are most likely to benefit from nutritional support. Discovering obstacles to compliance is a key element to effect their health transformations. Dr. Wallace believes that individualized care is the key to reversing long-standing health conditions. She mentors medical students in the first-of-its-kind Functional Medicine program at a medical school. She has also co-authored a landmark paper arguing for wellness self-care by doctors, to stave off burnout and to help them be better role models for patients.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ramona Wallace.

Serena Jo, Ph.D in Exercise Psychology and ACE-certified Personal Trainer, explains how exercise benefits the brain, and how to undertake an exercise program. Is it ever too late to start? What forms of exercise are best? How to begin an exercise program economically, even if you're at home; Home equipment basics; Pros and cons of online workout apps; What advantages do personal trainers offer? The downsides of overzealous workouts; Overcoming psychological barriers to fitness; What is the American Council on Exercise? Why your trainer should be professionally certified; How to turn your exercise passion into a career; More resources available HERE.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Serena Jo, Ph.D in Exercise Psychology and ACE-certified Personal Trainer.

BONUS ORIGINAL CONTENT: The introduction and limitations of the drug Addyi, known as the 'female Viagra,' including its side effects and mixed effectiveness; A listener's concerns about liver fibrosis, providing dietary and supplement recommendations for liver health; The impact of plastic exposure on cardiovascular health, emphasizing the widespread and harmful effects of phthalates found in plastics.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin reveals the alarming increase in obesity-associated cancers in the United States over the past two decades. Highlighting findings from a recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, Leyla underscores the significant rise in cancer deaths linked to obesity, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans. She also explores the complex causes of obesity, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and offers insights into effective weight management strategies. Additionally, Leyla examines the high rates of heart disease in various U.S. states, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and public health initiatives to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Reducing food waste Please share your thoughts concerning controversies about the significance of telomere length

Why is my B6 so high when I only take a small amount of it?Can nocturia be associated with dehydration?Please weigh in on allulose. Is it too good to be true?My husband's hemoglobin is lower than his previous lab test. Is this a cause for concern? 

Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in the field of integrative and functional medicine, discusses his latest project, Big Bold Health, which focuses on immune system rejuvenation through natural products like HTB (Himalayan Tery Buckwheat) and high-quality fish oil. The conversation delves into the origins and benefits of functional medicine, the importance of diet and lifestyle in health, and the concept of making America healthy. Dr. Bland also shares insights into his journey and the influence of traditional medicine practices. Listeners are encouraged to explore more about functional medicine and Big Bold Health's unique offerings.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in the field of integrative and functional medicine.

Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America and author of “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community,” details the origins and mission of the nonprofit organization aimed at transforming the food supply and improving health by reducing chemicals in food, water, and air. Highlighting the impact of grassroots activism, Honeycutt illustrates how the organization's initiatives have driven significant awareness and policy changes, including advances in organic food consumption and labeling. She also touches on the challenges posed by government and corporate influences, advocating for policies that put children's health and safety first. Honeycutt emphasizes the importance of individual actions and community involvement in creating a healthier future.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America and author of “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community.”