Intelligent Medicine

“Food is Medicine” campaign lobbies Congress in effort to stem tide of diet-related diseases; Yohimbe—is it safe for libido, weight loss? Hydrogen water—is that a thing? Research shows pervasiveness of sex drive declines with new GLP-1 drugs; Curcumin scores vs. fatty liver disease; Krill fails test against knee osteoarthritis pain; Anger’s harmful effects not just mental, takes physical toll, too.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the importance of good nutrition, particularly in underserved communities. She highlights a study published in the journal Prevention of Chronic Disease 2024, which assessed a distribution model designed to increase access to affordable fruits and vegetables in these areas, known as food deserts. The program, 'Good for All,' showed positive outcomes, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Leyla also advocates for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), emphasizing its benefits for both consumers and local farmers. She encourages listeners to support local agriculture by purchasing CSA shares, highlighting the advantages of eating fresh, seasonal produce and contributing to local economies.

Looking to AI for medical advice? Beware of hallucinations!; A preview of The War Against Keto—why socials are shadow-banning posts; What blood tests do you recommend for a senior male to “cover all bases”?; Could the tingling in my fingers be nerve-related?

Who is that integrative rheumatologist interviewed on a recent Intelligent Medicine podcast?; Do you think peptide therapy is safe? Is BCP-157 worth trying for psoriatic arthritis?; My husband's total cholesterol is 138. Isn't that too low? Should he cut back on his Lipitor?; I'm unable to listen to the podcasts. Are transcripts available?; Is there a danger in getting too high a dose of vitamins and minerals from a quality multi?

Rob Verkerk, the founder and executive director of the Alliance for Natural Health has a deep-dive into the importance of safeguarding natural and sustainable healthcare options, highlighting current campaigns by the Alliance for Natural Health advocating for free speech in health matters. Amidst a backdrop of increasing censorship and control over health-related information, particularly on social media platforms, they touch on the implications of WHO's pandemic policies and the narrowing of discourse around medical ethics and informed consent. The conversation critically examines how misinformation policies on platforms like YouTube threaten the pluralism of health information, emphasizing the significance of informed public discourse on natural health and environmental concerns. Hoffman and Verkerk underscore the pressing need for a balanced, honest representation of health information to empower personal healthcare decisions.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Rob Verkerk, Founder, Alliance for Natural Health, Executive & Scientific Director Alliance for Natural Health International & Alliance for Natural Health USA.

Nathan Jones, CEO and Founder of Xlear, Inc., details the role of Xylitol in addressing seasonal allergies and dental health. He emphasizes the importance of nasal hygiene, the use of Xylitol for allergy relief, and the need for greater integration of natural remedies in public health strategies despite regulatory obstacles. He discusses challenges faced by the natural products industry due to stringent regulations imposed by the FTC.

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

Q: What did Paleo humans eat? A: It depends! Reversing muscle weakness; Weight lifting is not just for muscle-heads; Diet trumps drugs for IBS; Solutions for fatty liver; Tryptophan vs. stress-induced emotional eating; Dr. Derrick Lonsdale, nutrition pioneer, dies at 100; Alternatives to drugs for weight loss.

Novel solutions promise relief from poison oak/ivy; New blood tests accurately predict cancer; Can you reverse coronary artery plaque? Elevated liver enzymes on routine blood test—what does it mean? DIY acupressure found to deliver relief from knee pain; “Detox socks” and foot baths—are they for real?

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the influence of digital platform food marketing on teenagers and raises concerns about pesticide residues in commonly consumed food items. Drawing on findings from the Public Health Nutrition Journal, Leyla explains how teens are targeted by food advertisers on social media through strategic campaigns that influence their food choices, often promoting unhealthy products like fast food and sugary drinks. Leyla criticizes the unethical nature of these marketing practices, emphasizing their potential to shape teen dietary habits negatively. The episode also covers a pilot study from the Journal of Exposure Scientific Environmental Epidemiology detailing the presence of Chlormequat, a plant growth regulator, in food and urine samples, highlighting its potential risks to human health, including reduced fertility and fetal development issues. Leyla advocates for increased media literacy, stricter regulatory measures to protect young consumers, and encourages organic food choices

Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's trip to Scotland -- Some insights on this trip through the lens of health; “When I'm doing my HIIT training, the instructor keeps reminding us to breathe. Is this really important?” “I'm having trouble swallowing my my vitamins. Should I be concerned?” “I fast regularly and feel great on one meal a day. What can I do about insomnia?”

“Is there a cure for tinnitus? What do you recommend?” “I'm in my mid sixties. Should I be concerned about my heart rate going too high while exercising?” “My friend has lupus and Castleman's disease. Any suggestions?” “Does milk in coffee keep a person from absorbing polyphenols?”

Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist and expert formulator for Protocol for Life Balance details nutritional support for brain health. He covers the rising burden of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise in supporting brain function. Levin shares insights on how changes in the brain, including the development of plaques and tangles, free radical damage, and inflammation, affect aging and cognitive health. He reveals nutritional approaches to address these issues, including the roles of magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific nutrients like curcumin and GABA in supporting brain health. The podcast episode also delves into the benefits of certain supplements like Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) and Cogumin SLCP (a form of curcumin), discussing their efficacy in crossing the blood-brain barrier and supporting cognitive function.

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.

Dr. Mark Horowitz, a Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry from the UK and co-author of “The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs,” delves into the complexities of deprescribing psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids. Dr. Horowitz outlines the origins and importance of the deprescribing movement, explaining how polypharmacy and overprescription have necessitated a careful approach to reducing medication loads safely. He discusses the physiological and withdrawal challenges faced by patients on long-term psychiatric medication, emphasizing the vital role of slow and individualized tapering processes. He covers the substantial influence of pharmaceutical companies on prescription guidelines in the US compared to the UK, shedding light on the differences in medication usage and prescribing cultures. Dr. Horowitz also debunks the chemical imbalance theory of depression, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Mark Horowitz, co-author of "The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs."

“Sitting is the new smoking”—how best to use short bouts of exercise to reduce hazards of prolonged inactivity; Should we be concerned about the chemicals used to make decaf coffee? Can tinnitus damage the brain? Berberine combats insulin resistance; A healthy diet can’t overcome the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on blood sugar control; How long should a person take Prolia for osteoporosis? Can adequate sleep fend off bone loss? Olive oil vs. dementia.

After weight loss, the type of diet you follow can forestall metabolic slow-down; Solutions for an inflamed GI tract; A new way exercise reduces heart risk—by decreasing stress in the brain; Is Zetia a good alternative to statins? What is the best natural sweetener? Supplementation with selenium and CoQ10 helps thyroid function in seniors; Alliance for Natural Health launches campaign to prevent social media censorship of truthful health information.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “weighs in” with the distinctions between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, as well as the importance of identifying and addressing them. She also delves into the potential healing of food reactivities through methods like enzyme supplementation and gut healing protocols. Emphasis is placed on reintroducing foods gradually, the impact of eating behaviors on digestion, and the significance of mindful eating for overall health and well-being.