Podcasts about conventional medicine

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede, author of "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health." 

Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede is the author of "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health." She links diet to the mental health crisis and dementia risk. Ede explains that conventional psychiatric training ignored nutrition, and she later incorporated dietary strategies alongside medication and psychotherapy after personal health experiences. She emphasizes focusing on metabolic and nutritional quality—especially stabilizing blood sugar and insulin—rather than simplistic plant-vs-animal messaging. She argues some animal foods are needed for brain nutrients like B12 and EPA/DHA. She discusses ketogenic diets as a way to lower insulin, produce ketones, improve brain energy, and reduce inflammation, citing case reports and a study of hospitalized patients where many improved and 44% reached remission. She critiques nutrition epidemiology as unreliable and outlines three “quiet” dietary tiers: whole-food low-glycemic, ketogenic, and carnivore, plus practical issues like electrolytes and gradual transition.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Bret Scher, medical director of the Coalition for Metabolic Health.

Dr. Bret Scher, medical director of the Coalition for Metabolic Health, discusses making metabolic health the foundation of medicine amid rising obesity and type 2 diabetes and reports that 93% of Americans have suboptimal metabolic health. Scher defines metabolic health using markers including glucose, insulin, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, and waist size, and cites evidence linking insulin resistance to heart disease, stroke, cancer, psychiatric illness, and other complications. They discuss simple self- and lab-assessments (waist-to-height ratio, fasting insulin with glucose/HOMA-IR, triglyceride-to-HDL ratio, CGMs). Scher critiques the Eat Lancet report for assuming one optimal diet, reliance on low-quality nutrition epidemiology, potential nutrient shortfalls, and environmental oversimplification, while supporting newer dietary guidelines that allow lower-carb approaches. Part two covers contradictory nutrition studies, distinctions between low-carb and ketogenic diets, emerging “metabolic psychiatry” and ketogenic therapy for mental illness and cognitive decline, limits and rebound risks of GLP-1 drugs, and Coalition efforts to improve school food and influence policy.

Robotic pets make life easier for patients with dementia; Risks, benefits of “natural” ED formulas; Sorting out those pricey new injectable osteoporosis drugs; Daily multivitamin delays biological aging; Study challenges notion that aging means inevitable decline; Breastfeeding confers weight loss benefits—to moms; Can you avoid a colonoscopy with a new colon cancer blood test? Color blindness may hide warning signs of cancer.

The Havana Syndrome coverup—for years, bizarre symptoms were labeled “mass hysteria”, until a covert CIA op secured a portable device capable of delivering brain-scrambling sound pulses; A report card on this year's flu shot; Omega-3s combat “neuroticism”, dementia—they also tame depression and improve cognitive function and memory in adolescents; A caller with duodenitis wants to know if she should follow advice to take Prilosec for the rest of her life; Is the shingles vaccine worth taking? 

Leyla Muedin, a registered dietician nutritionist, shifts the discussion beyond cholesterol and statins to “hidden” cardiovascular risks from insufficient vitamin K and folate intake. Citing Cleveland Clinic and other research, she notes a high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in the U.S. and widespread inadequate folate intake globally, including low folate levels among women of reproductive age. She explains that vitamin K2 may help inhibit arterial and soft-tissue calcification via activation of matrix GLA protein, with studies linking higher K2 (MK-7) intake to lower coronary heart disease risk and slowed coronary artery calcification. Folate supports vascular function through homocysteine metabolism, with evidence associating higher folate intake with lower cardiovascular mortality, emphasizing active 5-MTHF over folic acid due to conversion limitations in many people. She also notes statins can downregulate vitamin K metabolism and encourages discussing risks, benefits, and supplements with a doctor.

More on vitamin E studies.How do I know which ingredients to avoid in my shampoo and soaps?I have lower back pain that came out of the blue!What's the best vitamin C to take for a 78-year-old?Which brand of PEA is the most bioavailable?

Want to reverse the declines of ageing? Check your attitude.What are good supplements to take before and after a CT angiogram or any CT with contrast?Can vitamin E increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke?Is turmeric more bioavailable than curcumin? How much should I use?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Hal Cranmer, co-owner of A Paradise for Parents assisted living homes in Arizona.

Hal Cranmer, co-owner of A Paradise for Parents assisted living homes in Arizona, details improving senior care beyond “warehousing.” Cranmer describes his path from Air Force pilot to assisted living operator and explains changes he implemented over 12 years, emphasizing meaningful exercise (walks, strength training, yoga, multitasking drills) and an “exercise with oxygen therapy” bike. He highlights excessive polypharmacy in seniors and advocates deprescribing, supplement and hormone support when medically ordered, and avoiding sedating drugs used as chemical restraints. Cranmer details a low-glycemic, low-carbohydrate, ketosis-oriented nutrition approach inspired by Dr. Dale Bredesen, reporting significant weight loss and diabetes medication reduction in residents. He discusses COVID practices that preserved family contact and outdoor time, reporting no COVID deaths in his homes, and describes cognitive training via one-on-one Zoom-based brain exercises and personalized memory games.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, integrative medicine physician, researcher, and best-selling author, has cutting edge strategies for improving sleep. He emphasizes circadian rhythms, time changes, and jet lag. He details reducing stress and “FOMO” from news and social media, prioritizing sleep by cutting nonessential activities, and the health risks of short sleep, including increased heart attack risk, obesity risk, and impaired immunity, plus the role of deep sleep and the glymphatic system. Teitelbaum recommends a dark, cool room, limiting blue light (eye masks, warm/yellow lighting), bedtime routines, sustained-release melatonin, chamomile tea, herbal blends, lavender, magnesium, and addressing issues like sleep apnea (including positional strategies), restless legs (ferritin testing, iron, magnesium), nocturnal hypoglycemia (protein snacks, phosphatidylserine), reflux (bicarbonate, bed elevation), and selective low-dose medications when needed. They also cover daylight saving time adjustment and travel strategies such as shifting schedules, melatonin timing, hydration, and morning light exposure. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, integrative medicine physician, researcher, and best-selling author.

Will RFK Jr.'s efforts to promote nutrition education in medical schools stall? Doctors-in-training embrace “culinary medicine”; As Administration relaxes their regulation, PFAS compounds shown to accelerate biological aging; Is there a cure for ringing in the ears? Biopsies reveal microplastics in 90% of prostate cancers; Can you trust the results of your on-line gut microbiome test? Can sunlight tame autoimmune disease? Birdwatchers have enhanced brain regions for attention and perception. Can one have dental x-rays and a brain MRI on the same day?

Dismal prediction that, by 2050, 60% of women will suffer from cardiovascular disease; Yes, it's true that childhood and adolescent obesity, once rare, is now soaring; Treatments for osteopenia; Dentists continue to write prescriptions for potentially deadly antibiotic; A man, in love with his Chatbot, commits suicide to join her in the virtual world; Olive oil is calorie dense—but its consumption results in weight loss; Can “bio-regulator peptides” stave off kidney failure?

Resveratrol + Copper Research, Plus Grain-Free Strategies for Stalled Weight Loss: Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, answers listener emails. She reviews a small India study (BJC Reports, published September 30, 2025) in which 10 glioblastoma patients awaiting surgery received resveratrol (5.6 mg) and copper (560 ng) four times daily for about 11.6 days, compared with 10 controls; the combination generated reactive oxygen species that deactivated cell-free chromatin particles in the tumor microenvironment and reduced cancer hallmarks. Asked whether this could be prophylactic against cancer, she says it is unknown and requires replication in larger studies, advising supplement use be discussed with a practitioner. She then addresses grain elimination for stalled weight loss: replace grains with more meat and non-starchy vegetables, think beyond typical breakfast foods by using leftovers, and use small portions of starchy vegetables (e.g., squash or potato) if starch helps sleep. She recommends investigating root causes of anxiety and poor sleep and suggests moderation for foods like oatmeal.

I have increased pressure in my eyes, leading to glaucoma. Is there any way to avoid this?Can the long-term effects of chemo cause insomnia and nausea?What do you think of flow drops?  I avoid red meat. Would I still get the same benefits from seafood and turkey?What's the best way to take Endefen powder?

A correction from a previous podcast episodeCongratulations on 40 years!Quinoa is not a grain—it's a pseudograinWhen did poisoning our food fall under 'defense'? How does MAHA reconcile this?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Chloe Carmichael, author of “Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly.”

Free Speech, Cancel Culture, and the Mental Health Benefits of Speaking Up: Clinical psychologist Dr. Chloe Carmichael, author of “Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly,” frames free expression as a mental health and problem-solving issue amid rising polarization, self-censorship, and cancel culture. Carmichael says authentic speech deepens cognition, aids emotional regulation, and strengthens social support, while chronic suppression can lead to repression, denial, anxiety, depression, and resentment. She describes fear and professional risk after publicly opposing child masking during COVID and argues that labeling speech as “violence” distorts reality, though true threats and incitement differ from words. She distinguishes self-censorship from healthy restraint, offers the WAIT test (Want, Appropriate, Inoculate, Trust), and discusses groupthink, innovation, misinformation debates, time-place-manner limits, and examples from corporate and university settings.

Nutritional Support for Brain Health: Lifestyle, Curcumin, Magnesium, and Key Nootropics: Nutrition educator/formulator Neil Levin from Protocol for Life Balance details nutritional support for brain health amid skepticism about “brain-boosting” supplements, citing a preprint randomized controlled trial using a multifaceted lifestyle plan (diet, exercise, sleep) plus targeted supplementation that reportedly improved and even reversed symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment. They contrast lifestyle strategies with costly, side-effect-prone injectable “plaque-buster” Alzheimer's drugs and notes debate about whether amyloid is a root cause or byproduct. The conversation highlights inflammation and oxidation as major aging-related brain threats and reviews supplements including a brain-targeted curcumin (discussing bioavailability, delivery methods, blood–brain barrier crossing, and claims of lowering beta-amyloid protein), magnesium L-threonate for CNS delivery, phosphatidylserine and acetylcholine support (including huperzine), ginkgo and gotu kola, glutamine/GABA pathways, creatine, omega-3s (DHA/EPA and algae sources), B vitamins, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and cocoa flavanols, plus concerns about supplement industry enforcement.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, the Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. 

Sugar restriction during the first 1000 days of life may slash heart risk decades later; Are some people more genetically-adapted to the cold? While GLP-1 drugs may shrink muscle, new study confirms natural weight loss diets don't. Should strength assessments be added to routine physicals to forecast risk of dying? For gut health, take your microbiome for a run! Strontium safety and effectiveness; What are dietitians missing about GLP-1 drugs.

The MAHA backlash over RFK Jr.'s about-face on glyphosate; Amid the partisan divide, Making America Healthy Again cuts across party lines; New study confirms effectiveness of personalized lifestyle interventions for reversing dementia; After an allergic reaction to the Covid shot, is it safe to take other vaccines? Some GLP-1 users are developing scurvy; Six lifestyle hacks that augment weight loss drugs' cardio benefits.

Hidden Hunger: The Importance of Micronutrients: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin focuses on the critical role of micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—in overall health. Leyla highlights the global issue of 'hidden hunger,' a deficiency in essential micronutrients that silently affects billions worldwide. She explains the impact of this deficit on immune function, growth, energy metabolism, and chronic disease prevention. The discussion includes key micronutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, B complex, iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium, and their sources. Leyla underscores the need for dietary diversity, fortification, targeted supplementation, and nutritional awareness to combat this pervasive issue. She also advises on recognizing symptoms of deficiencies and the importance of individualized nutrition plans guided by healthcare professionals.

Is what I've been doing for years helpful for achieving autophagy?When you say low carb, do you mean low complex carb or low simple and processed carb?What daily multivitamin would you recommend for a male age 50 plus?Which supplement should I take for elevated triglycerides?

Integrative Healthcare Symposium highlightsWhat supplements can help combat the side effects of cancer therapy?Will my son's use of Zepbound affect his fertility?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Theresa Lyons, PhD, a Yale-trained scientist and medical strategist who became an autism expert after her daughter's diagnosis and now runs AWEtism.net.

Autism, Functional Medicine, and Personalized Interventions: A Conversation with Theresa Lyons, PhD, a Yale-trained scientist and medical strategist who became an autism expert after her daughter's diagnosis and now runs AWEtism.net. Lyons describes dissatisfaction with conventional guidance that offers limited drugs for irritability and primarily ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), which is insurance-covered, often recommended at 40 hours/week, uses extrinsic rewards, and may help some skill-learning but has controversies and limitations for social development; she contrasts newer approaches such as RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) and PRT (Pivotal Response), which aim to build intrinsic motivation but are typically not covered by insurance. The discussion covers autism heterogeneity, changes in diagnostic categories (e.g., Asperger's folded into autism), and research including a Boston Children's Hospital study reporting 37% of children in a cohort lost their autism diagnosis over time (diagnosis based on observation). Lyons addresses debates about rising autism prevalence, noting multiple potential contributors and rejecting single-cause explanations, while citing risk-factor examples such as family autoimmune history and air pollution exposure. She outlines a functional medicine “why” approach using constipation as an example (root causes vs. symptomatic treatment), and emphasizes basic, low-risk steps such as evaluating diet, inflammation, hydration/electrolytes, and blood work for nutrients. Specific topics include gluten-free approaches (mechanisms involving gut permeability, immune burden, and CNS effects), dairy/inflammation, vitamin D deficiency and monitoring, melatonin as a well-studied short-term aid in autism (considered safe for a couple of years in studies) while still seeking underlying causes, and omega-3 fatty acids for focus and inflammation. Lyons explains leucovorin (folinic acid, prescription vitamin B9) as a targeted approach for children with folate receptor antibodies (reported in ~70% of autistic children), discusses the value and cost (~$300) of specialized testing from one U.S. lab, and notes reports of major speech and behavior improvements in responders, with dosing nuances. The episode also reviews evidence and cautions around the microbiome, including fecal microbiota transplant (FDA-approved for C. difficile; discussed as having an ~80% response rate in autism-related studies when gut issues are a key driver, but with major donor/compatibility considerations) and probiotics (some small trials and high costs). Other themes include “clean eating,” organic foods and toxin-load considerations tied to genetic detoxification vulnerabilities, discussion of acetaminophen/Tylenol in pregnancy in the context of glutathione pathways and personalized risk, and using genetics to guide interventions. Lyons warns that analysis of top autism TikTok videos found ~70% were inaccurate or overdramatized, recommending social media only for ideas, not decision-making. She also highlights parent stress, citing emerging research on increased PTSD risk among autism parents, and emphasizes support and community. Lyons advises parents to understand their child's specific health drivers and match them to appropriately specialized clinicians, noting her curated doctor listings in The Lyons Report.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nathan Jones, CEO and founder of Xlear, Inc.

Xylitol, FTC Censorship, and the Oral–Heart Health Connection: Nathan Jones, CEO and founder of Xlear, Inc., makers of xylitol-based nasal and dental hygiene products, and a health freedom advocate, discusses Jones' ongoing legal battle with the FTC. He addresses the difficulty of making health claims for hygiene products (including toothpaste and nasal sprays), the role of “weasel words” in supplement marketing, and concerns about regulatory double standards versus pharmaceuticals. He also reviews xylitol's benefits for dental caries and respiratory/ear infections, including references to studies and public-health examples (e.g., Finland and a Belize program reducing dental caries costs), and Jones' efforts to encourage Utah to implement xylitol gum programs in schools. He contrasts fluoride's enamel-strengthening approach with xylitol's effect on the underlying bacterial cause of tooth decay, discusses Utah's fluoride policy change and claims about fluoride's limited benefit, and highlights a correlation between poor oral health and cardiovascular risk via inflammation and bacterial translocation into the bloodstream, including pathogens found in atherosclerotic plaque, and links also discussed for dementia and Parkinson's.  They close with commentary on health advocacy in the “MAHA era,” the challenges of entrenched federal bureaucracy, and Jones' preference for advocacy groups that teach industry to push back rather than comply.

Reflections on the Peter Attia/Epstein scandal; How to lower lp(a)—does diet help? What are bio-active peptides? Could they stave off kidney disease? Scientists just tested the fittest 81-year-old in the world—here's what they found; Media erroneously report that intermittent fasting is not effective for weight loss; Sugary drinks may stoke anxiety in teens; Omega-3s support kids' reading fluency and spelling scores; Surprising study shows saturated fats not harmful to kidneys.

Vitamin D testing is vital for tailoring doses to optimize health—but regulators are conducting a campaign to deny coverage; Can magnesium be taken simultaneously with blood pressure meds? Lifelong learning delays Alzheimer's onset by 5 years; Your MRI says you have a bum shoulder—but 99% of people show abnormalities even when they have no discomfort; Saunas can help stave off dementia. 

Understanding and Managing Heart Health: In this Heart Health Month episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, nutritionist Leyla Muedin addresses a listener's question about elevated cholesterol levels and calcium scores. Drawing on an article written by Dr. Hoffman, she emphasizes the importance of discussing statin use with a doctor, considering individual risk factors, and getting additional tests like VAPs, NMR, homocysteine, and lipoprotein levels. The episode explores the importance of vitamins K2 and folate in cardiovascular health, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and the impact of dietary choices on heart health.

How big is your butt?I take Famotidine to keep me away from Nexium.  Is this a good strategy?What is your protocol for post-surgical healing?Did I have prostate cancer?What are your thoughts on heart and lung scans as well as full body scans to detect abnormalities?What about scans for diagnosing shoulder pain?Can my husband take bromelain post surgery even if he's taking baby aspirin?

Highlights from the ANH conference in PhoenixWhat do you think of the supplements I'm taking for borderline osteoporosis?After years of vegetarianism, wouldn't eating meat cause adverse reactions like headaches or nausea?