Intelligent Medicine

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...

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.”

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 supplement...

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. 

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.

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.

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 advi...

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

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?

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 co...

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.

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 prog...

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

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. 

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.

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.

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?

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?

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Oxalate Overload with Sally Norton, a Master in Public Health, Ivy League Nutritionist, and author of “Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better.” The discussion delves into the often misunderstood and overlooked issues related to dietary oxalates, commonly found in plant-based diets. Norton shares her personal health journey, which led to her research on dietary oxalate and its impact on various health conditions beyond kidney stones, including arthritis, fatigue, and neurodegenerative diseases. She explores how common foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, and dark chocolate can contribute to oxal...

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Sally Norton, a Master in Public Health, Ivy League Nutritionist, and author of “Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better.” 

Regenerative Agriculture and Natural Dairy with Sam Ingersoll, the marketing director of Kalona SuperNatural, an organic dairy brand sourcing milk from regenerative small family farms. The discussion covers the benefits of regenerative agriculture, the downsides of conventional dairy farming, and the importance of soil health for producing nutrient-dense food. Sam explains the differences between various pasteurization methods, the impact of homogenization, and the significance of A2 versus A1 milk proteins. They also talk about the environmental benefits of rotational grazing and the challenges and opportunities in promoting natural dairy in a market dominated by conventional and plant-based alternatives.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Sam Ingersoll, the marketing director of Kalona SuperNatural, an organic dairy brand sourcing milk from regenerative small family farms.

TSW—Topical Steroid Withdrawal—when you’re hooked on steroid creams for a skin condition and can’t get off; Can diet, supplements, or Traditional Chinese Medicine help eczema? Strange bedfellows—when your hospital assigns you a homicidal roommate; Every step you take may reduce your risk of dying; Vitamin D and Omega-3 supplements reduce risk of autoimmune conditions; How long to curtail fish oil before a medical procedure or surgery? Supplements for neuropathy.

Daylight Savings Time changeover health myths busted; A doctor breaks her ankle and is billed $64,000 in uncovered expenses; Vitamin D shields life-prolonging telomeres, may help depression; The vaunted DASH Diet for hypertension faces off against low-carb alternative; The critical first 1000 days after conception—early life sugar avoidance yields major later life health dividends; Do you really need hot water to disinfect your hands?

Exploring a Novel Nutraceutical Approach to Brain Cancer Treatment: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses a recent study from the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer in Mumbai, India. The study explores the impact of a simple, cost-effective nutraceutical tablet containing resveratrol and copper on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The results indicate a favorable shift in cancer markers and a reduction in tumor aggression without the side effects associated with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This alternative approach suggests a potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment, focusing on healing rather than destroying cancer cells. The...

American Heart Association's reaction to the Dietary Guidelines for AmericansMy husband's white blood cell count is low. What can he do to raise it?How much NTFactor lipids powder can I take and for how long?

What doctor or hospital TV shows do you enjoy? Which do you think are most real?Can ChatGPT be trusted for credible information from reliable and verifiable sources?Can GLP-1 drugs help with fatty liver disease?

Optimizing Brain Function at Midlife with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Therese Huston. She details practical ways to harness brain science for improved functioning, especially for women at midlife. They discuss strategies from Dr. Huston's book, “Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science,” addressing topics such as exercise, diet, sleep, humor, meditation, and innovative techniques like binaural beats and fixation-focused training. The conversation also emphasizes the unique challenges faced by women aged 40-60 and offers scientifically-backed methods to enhance cognitive performance and manage stress effectively.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Therese Huston, author of “Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science.” 

Understanding Total Load Theory for Children’s Mental Health with Patricia Lemer, author of “Total Load Theory.” The discussion centers around the alarming rise in children's neurodevelopmental and psychological disorders and explores Lemer's comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. Patricia Lemer details her career span from the 1960s focusing on genetic issues in kids to the present, highlighting her involvement with organizations like Children’s Health Defense. She explains the 'total load theory,' which posits that a combination of stressors from the environment, diet, and lifestyle contribute to these disorders. Topics include genetics, the impact of mold, vision therapy...

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Patricia Lemer, author of “Total Load Theory.”

We’re all suffering from “cold fatigue”—how cold affects us, and how to alleviate it; “It’s all about the bass”—how glute shape influences diabetes risk; “White noise” machines may be undermining your sleep; Weight loss drugs get a boost from menopause hormone therapy; What to do for an osteoporotic vertebral fracture; A summary of my medical bills yields a lesson on medical economics. 

After exercise, does it matter whether you take a protein supplement—or just eat a protein-rich meal? Can melatonin alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Solutions for Myelodysplastic Syndrome—do you have to stop all supplements? The pros and cons of afternoon naps; Water softening may hike cardio risk; Anthocyanins from foods or supplements can improve impaired glucose tolerance.

The Hidden Dangers of Alternative Sweeteners on Liver Health. Registered dietitian Leyla Muedin weighs in on the rising concerns about metabolic dysfunction associated steato liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Leyla discusses the findings of recent research from Washington University at St. Louis, revealing that sugar alcohols like sorbitol, often considered healthier alternatives to refined sugar, may actually be harmful to liver health. She explains how gut bacteria can convert sorbitol into fructose, leading to detrimental effects on the liver. Leyla underscores the prevalence of MASLD in the adult population and its association with...

The case for language learning for older folksCan I still take curcumin while taking a low-dose Crestor? Are there interactions between the two or any other supplements?Which K2 is best?  MK4 or MK7?

The benefits of taking vitamin D with vitamin KWould you recommend Moducare or plant sterols with your allergy protocol?Can taking creatine artificially raise PSA levels?  What are your thoughts on the multidetector CT scan?Are my side effects due to Calocurb or was this just a coincidence?What do you think of FGF-1?  

Unveiling the Yeast Connection: A Conversation on Candida, Allergies, and Advanced Treatments: Dr. Dean Mitchell, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, is the author of “Conquering Candida: The New 30-Day Protocol for Restoring Your Microbiome and Health.” The book updates the longstanding concepts introduced by Dr. Orian Truss and Dr. William Crook. The conversation delves into the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Candida overgrowth, including the role of the microbiome, the misuse of antibiotics, and dietary impacts. Dr. Mitchell also touches upon sublingual immunotherapy for treating food and inhaled allergies, and the emerging understanding of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The...

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Dean Mitchell, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, and the author of “Conquering Candida: The New 30-Day Protocol for Restoring Your Microbiome and Health.”

Uncovering the Power of Magnesium with Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, a renowned expert in the field. Dr. Dean, author of "The Magnesium Miracle," explains her advocacy for magnesium in both prevention and treatment of various health conditions. She highlights the prevalence of magnesium deficiency, the limitations of current magnesium testing methods, and the necessity of adequate magnesium for overall health. The conversation also explores different forms of magnesium supplementation, the role of other minerals, and innovative ways to ensure adequate magnesium intake. Additionally, Dr. Dean shares insights from her new book, "Exposing Sugar Toxicity: A Clinical Perspective." This...

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Carolyn Dean, author of "The Magnesium Miracle."