Intelligent Medicine | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities

Dr. Ross Pelton, a renowned expert on the microbiome and Director of Science and Education for Essential Formulas, Inc. discusses the 'oral probiotic dilemma,' highlighting the challenges and misconceptions about probiotics, the importance of dietary fibers and polyphenols, and the role of postbiotic metabolites in health. He details scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of optimizing the gut microbiome and explores Dr. Ohhira's probiotics and their unique fermentation process. The episode also touches on the broader health impacts of a healthy gut microbiome, including its potential in anti-aging, cancer treatment, and overall wellness.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ross Pelton, R.Ph., Ph.D., CCN, Science & Education Director for Essential Formulas, makers of Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics.

“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 to minimize pesticide exposure.

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 mental health issues and their treatment. He introduces Outro, a new clinic founded by Dr. Horowitz in California, aimed at supporting individuals through the deprescribing process.

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.

Study: Glycemic impact the same among grains -- whole and refined; Can you comment on Spermidine as an anti-aging supplement? Does it work the same as NAD?; More comments on Consumer Labs and their critiques.

Is there anything you can suggest to people with MGUS to proactively keep multiple myeloma at bay?; Would you please comment on the recent study that showed no benefits to time-restricted eating?; Our 12-year-old grandson has Sever's disease. Any supplements you would recommend for him?

Infertility is an increasing problem. Many couples are facing challenges, but few realize that men are an important part of the fertility equation. Sperm quality is recognized to be declining worldwide. Ayla Barmmer, a Registered Dietician and functional medicine practitioner is the founder and CEO of FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand. She discusses lifestyle factors that affect fertility: exercise, diet, weight optimization, stress, and sleep. Additionally, environmental toxicity can take a toll on sperm and egg viability. A few specific nutrients are essential for fertility optimization, which she enumerates. Not only can barriers to pregnancy be surmounted, but proper pre-conceptual planning can optimize the physical and mental health of offspring—even with lasting trans-generational effects for descendants.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ayla Barmmer, a Registered Dietician and functional medicine practitioner, and founder and CEO of FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand.

Current ways of visualizing the coronary arteries with calcium scoring are limited: the presence of calcium doesn’t always determine risk; its absence doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of soft plaque, which is actually more dangerous than stable calcium deposits. Dr. James Min is an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions. The test can be used to establish risk, and then medication and/or lifestyle modification with diet, stress reduction, exercise and supplements can be undertaken. Subsequent tests can yield a report card for how successful the preventive interventions have been. Dr. Min emphasizes that even in settings of high cholesterol the test can show minimal risk, reducing the need for cholesterol medication; conversely, people with low cholesterol may have substantial dangerous plaque. The Cleerly test promises to revolutionize our approach to cardiovascular prevention.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. James Min, an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is truly sad; Twin experiment reveals health and mood tolls of ultra-processed food; Can Jets’ Aaron Rodgers make a comeback after Achilles heel rupture? Bergamot for cholesterol? The debate over “moderate drinking”; Oral anticoagulants can increase osteoporosis risk; Why calcium carbonate is a poor choice for bone health

Why you shouldn’t rely on Chat GPT for cancer treatment options; How stress undermines your immune system defense against cancer; Keto diet + supplements for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Can Plavix make you dizzy? Berberine for blood sugar; Why a B complex supplement might give you stomach problems; Widely used emulsifiers in processed foods may hike heart risk; N-acetylcysteine staves off obesity complications.

"Leyla Weighs In: on the differences between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, highlighting the immune responses involved and common triggers. She also explores the rise in food reactivity, the impact on conditions like IBS and inflammatory bowel disease, and the role of environmental factors in gut health.

Selfies are driving up plastic surgery; Are either glucosamine hydrochloride or potassium sulfate bad for you--especially after long-term use?; What do you think of ZipSlim for weight loss?; Despite being on a strict diet, my cholesterol is 300 and increasing. I would like to avoid statins--what do you recommend?

Use of magnesium in Crohn's disease; Study: Association of habitual alcohol intake with risk of cardiovascular disease; If one is taking vitamin C, is a collagen supplement for the skin superfluous?; Is there a good treatment for varicose veins?

The Annatto plant is valued as a rich source of tocotrienols and a novel, newly-discovered nutraceutical: geranylgeraniol (GG). Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport and author of numerous books and scientific papers, join us to discuss the roles of tocotrienols and GG in human health. Traditional forms of vitamin E supplements—the tocopherols—are being superseded by tocotrienols as more therapeutic forms of vitamin E. Tocotrienols have shown promise in oncology, for supporting liver health, and for protecting cell membranes as potent fat-soluble antioxidants. GG is ubiquitous as a precursor of diverse compounds including CoQ10, active vitamin K, sex steroids, and proteins. It is useful as a general preventive supplement as well as for specific applications like offsetting CoQ10 depletion in statin users, in metabolic syndrome, and for staving off sarcopenia. Drs. Brady and Tan share their experience in dosing Annatto products, which come in a variety of iterations, alone or teamed with other supplements.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a diagnosis that offers a new way of understanding patients with a wide array of elusive symptoms, resistant to conventional therapy. Dr. Tania Dempsey, an expert in dealing with complex diseases, has performed extensive research in collaboration with Dr. Lawrence Afrin, author of "Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity." Dr. Dempsey explains the many manifestations of MCAS, which go beyond mere classical allergies, including headaches, psychiatric symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, and even gynecological and urological complaints. Certain medications can help treat it, along with diet and natural supplements like quercetin, DAO, and luteolin. Triggers may include mold, environmental toxins, stress, and tick-borne infections. There’s even speculation that MCAS may be responsible for some of the symptoms of Long Covid.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Tania Dempsey, an expert in dealing with complex diseases, about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

Kim Kardashian sells pricey medically-inappropriate body scans; Berberine for blood sugar? Aftercare for shoulder replacement? Wash your pillowcases to stave off health problems! Sugar—not fat—is the culprit in heart disease; New medical advance may stave off horseshoe crab extinction.

Which supplements should be taken by themselves without food, and which to take in the AM and PM? Pros/cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause; Natural treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; Covid after non-Hodgkin's disease—is there a concern? Vitamin D scores vs. hard-to-treat cancers; A shocking approach to smoking cessation; 10 reasons why seniors go to ground.

Have you ever experienced that sluggish feeling after a meal and wondered why? Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explores the surprising ways our diet impacts not just our physical health, but our emotions and energy levels too. A recent survey by Daily Harvest throws the spotlight on a staggering fact: a majority of us are unwittingly inviting fatigue and frustration at our dining tables. With 93% of participants linking their food intake to a drop in vitality and a food-induced stupor, it's clear that what's on our plate is doing more than just filling us up.

Risk factors for ALS; Household chemicals inked to brain health risk; Any recommended supplements for microvascular disease?; How does the 'good' bacteria in yogurt actually work? How much should I consume daily?

"Thanks to your recent podcast, I was able to stop taking proton pump inhibitors!"; Drinking coffee may be beneficial in preventing sarcopenia; "I would be in perfect condition at 87 years of age if I didn't smoke when I was younger."; My MCV and MCH on my blood tests are low. Am I anemic?

Lex Pelger, a biochemist and cannabinoid scientist from CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil, uncovers the burgeoning field of CBD and cannabinoids for pets and humans alike. He details the impressive range of health benefits cannabinoids offer, from enhancing mood and brain health to their use in managing neurodegenerative diseases and mental health concerns. Listen in as Lex shares his expertise on the science behind CBD, the burgeoning research, and the compelling evidence supporting its use in our furry companions, with a special nod to CV Sciences' new Pet Chew line designed to maintain their wellness.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Lex Pelger, Scientist at CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil.

Have you ever thought about the silent orchestrator of our body's symphony, magnesium? Together with Patrick Sullivan Jr., co-founder & CEO of Jigsaw Health, we uncover the important influence of magnesium on countless biochemical processes and overall health. From the critical balance of magnesium and calcium for strong bones to the vital role it plays in muscle and nerve function, we shed light on the importance of maintaining optimal mineral levels. We debunk common misconceptions and reveal why magnesium, often overshadowed by calcium, is just as indispensable for our well-being. Blood pressure and heart health enthusiasts, take note: our discussion dives into the lesser-known cardiovascular benefits of magnesium. We also dissect the mineral's role as a natural vasodilator and how certain medications can tip the scales against magnesium, affecting conditions from asthma to osteoporosis. Plus, we don't shy away from addressing lifestyle choices that can deplete magnesium levels, giving you the complete picture of how to maintain a heart-healthy balance. Moreover, we tackle the common hurdles in diagnosing magnesium deficiency and how a clinical approach may offer the most accurate assessment.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Patrick Sullivan Jr., co-founder & CEO of , the creators of MagSRT, America’s #1 time release magnesium.

Can spring allergies make you tired, achy and blue? Keto for migraines, depression and anxiety; YouTube’s war against keto showcases Big Tech’s efforts to stifle “misinformation”; Alliance for Natural Health launches campaign against censorship of truthful health reporting; Vitamin D for Hashimoto’s and COPD; Should antidepressants be made available over the counter?

Recovery from Long Covid loss of taste and smell; If you hit “snooze” you may NOT lose; When thyroid tests mislead; Gin-soaked raisins for diabetes? Weight loss drugs touted for smoking cessation, alcoholism treatment, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s—as “Ozempic face” emerges as risk; Side effects from her use of Zepbound worry a woman’s fiancée; How fluctuations in blood sugar can make you nauseous and jittery; ALS associated with common household chemicals stored in attached garages; Blood test ID’s environmental pollutants that hike ALS risk; Combo of 2 common, inexpensive drugs shown to slow ALS progression; Diets outperform drugs for IBS

Could trusting your next meal's nutrition label be a gamble? The world of nutritional research is rife with fraudulent studies, casting a shadow of doubt over what we thought we knew about the food we eat. On this episode, "Leyla Weighs In" dissecting the unsettling trend of retracted studies that's shaking the foundations of medical trust and patient safety. From the implications of such deceit on healthcare to spotting the tell-tale signs of phony research, we equip you with the knowledge to challenge the status quo of scientific publications.

Oh oh oh....Ozempic (It's Magic!); Things we don’t need: Up next, a nicotine vaccine; Which is preferable, whey protein or plant protein?; When is the the best time to take a protein supplement? Before exercise or after?