Intelligent Medicine

The case for soil health: You're not getting as much nutrition from your food as you think. Our farming practices have depleted the nutrients in our soil by as much as 40%.

Half of US adults are interested in GLP-1 agonists for weight loss; Is spelt matzoh better than traditional wheat matzoh for Passover?; Is a dry red wine preferable to sweet wine or grape juice?; Is Einkorn flour a better alternative to modern wheat?; Which liver support supplements are best for alcoholic issues?

I was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Which digestive enzymes are best to take?; I still have pain and tingling after a shingles outbreak. What can I take for it?; So many protein shakes contain carrageenan but isn't it a carcinogen?; My 5-year-old grandson has pancolitis. Do you have any recommendations?; What do you think of an organic acids test for chronic fatigue?; How can I find the cause of my atopic dermatitis?

Mood disorders abound these days, making them among the most common reasons people seek medical help. Drugs can help sometimes, but many are wary of their side effects. However, there are effective natural therapies to support optimal mood, as well as optimal sleep. Neil Levin, Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance, reveals that supplementation with amino acids is a safe and affordable way to support optimal sleep quality and emotional wellness. He focuses on recognized amino acids and amino acid combinations that support a healthy response to temporary environmental psychological stress and sleep quality.

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

Today’s episode is a deep-dive on the mitochondria with a focus on the importance of free radical modification of cellular membranes. Membranes are the key to cellular aging. As we get older, the membranes in our cells accumulate damage caused by oxidative stress and other outside forces that result in the loss of mitochondrial function that can produce disease states, subjective fatigue, and have a direct bearing on aging. One of the nine pillars of aging is the deterioration of the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells. John Casey, co-founder and CEO of Nutritional Therapeutics, details how NTFactor® repairs membrane damage by replacing damaged, oxidized phospholipids with healthy, unoxidized phospholipids and returns cellular membranes to healthy function, reducing fatigue, repairing cellular damage, and reversing the effects of aging.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with John Casey, co-founder and CEO of Nutritional Therapeutics, makers of NTFactor®.

As weight-loss meds surge in popularity, BigPharma builds pipeline of even more potent, pricey drugs—questions arise as to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness; 93 million Americans may be candidates for them, at an annual price tag of $600 billion; Tufts nutrition chief calls for 12-18 month limits on their use, conditioning their prescription on mandatory behavior modification for weight loss maintenance; German man opts for 217 Covid shots—researchers claim he’s still “fine”; Alpha lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy; Does Motrin affect the liver? Consumer alert over “free” urinary catheter scams.

NYU doctor dies of anaphylactic shock after deadly food allergens not disclosed at Disney eatery; Pharmaceutical company fined $264 million for lifesaving Epi-Pen price-gouging; Nasal spray alternative to injectable epinephrine canceled over efficacy concerns; How microbiome imbalances predict food allergy susceptibility; Alternatives to expensive creams for bothersome skin rashes; Is krill oil compatible with blood thinners like Eloquis? Continuous glucose monitors cleared for over-the-counter sale without prescription; Hawthorne for congestive heart failure; Can high-dose vitamin D forestall juvenile onset diabetes? Microplastics and heart disease; FDA issues “qualified health claim” for yogurt as hedge against Type 2 diabetes.

The importance of the soil beneath our feet. We're only as healthy as the soil our food is grown in. "We are what our food eats."

Sharon Forsyth is a patient advocate for recognition of Alpha-gal Syndrome. It’s a recently discovered condition (2009) which now has been confirmed to be the cause of symptoms in tens of thousands of individuals—who may represent the tip of the iceberg of a far more pervasive problem. Essentially, it’s a meat allergy, transmitted by tick bites, and sufferers experience rashes, GI complaints, even life-threatening anaphylactic reactions when they eat beef, pork, or lamb. But many non-meat products are tainted with alpha-gal, including dairy products, gel caps, and carageenan. Many processed foods contain traces of meat residue, which can trigger symptoms in sufferers; so, too, do personal care products, medications and supplements. Sharon describes her challenging quest to obtain a diagnosis—many health professionals are woefully ignorant of this condition.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Sharon Forsyth, a patient advocate for recognition of Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

A discussion of the book "Rethinking Diabetes" by Gary Taubes; Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR); The impact of hops on the microbiome; A listener's suggestion on avoiding microplastics.

What do you think of continuous blood pressure monitors?; Should certain supplements be taken at different times of day or apart from each other?; My pediatrician couldn't provide a list of calcium rich foods for my kids with dairy intolerance; What are your thoughts on the HPV vaccine?; Remembering a long ago debate with a Quackbuster.

As far back as the sixth century B.C., physicians have looked to treat diabetes through diet. But delving into the history of diabetes, research shows at times conflicting and contradictory medical advice. Gary Taubes, author of "RETHINKING DIABETES: What Science Reveals About Diet, Insulin, and Successful Treatments," explores the history of diabetes research to look towards more effective treatment in the future. Taubes re-examines this research alongside the most recent studies to provide new insight that shows the current standard treatment is not enough. He argues for doctors to look beyond prescribing drugs to incorporate dietary and lifestyle changes as an essential part of treatment. He challenges conventional medical thinking to reveal the limits of medical science for diabetes treatment. His proposed changes could revolutionize how people live with diabetes and help the millions of Americans struggling for years to come.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Gary Taubes, author of "RETHINKING DIABETES: What Science Reveals About Diet, Insulin, and Successful Treatments."

Obesity is malnutrition, too—for the first time in human history overweight has overtaken hunger, affecting 1 billion persons worldwide; Halting diabetic retinopathy; Regulate ultra-processed foods like cigarettes? Groin pain—is it simply a hernia—or something worse? Victory: FDA announces forever chemical ban for food wrappers; Is chiropractic the solution for thinning neck discs? Vitreomacular traction syndrome; Einstein mega-donor makes med school tuition-free.

Does “free” medical care disincentivize personal responsibility for healthy lifestyle choices? Are melamine plates safe? It’s a “good year” for flu shot efficacy—at 40%? Covid self-quarantine guidelines rescinded as CDC exaggerates booster protection; Vitamin B3 in the cross-hairs—should you worry? Marijuana use linked to cardiovascular risk; CBD shows promise for marijuana use disorder; What gets in the way of some dieters weight loss efforts?

What is mast cell activation syndrome? Could it be the cause of your allergies?

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes over 150 pounds of sugar annually. Pioneering research neuroscientist, Dr. Nicole Avena, PhD, is a professor and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet, and addiction. She's author of Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction. She has practical steps that will empower you to break free from sugar addiction and take control of your health.