Intelligent Medicine

40 Episodes
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By: Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Pioneering complementary medicine practitioner Dr. Ronald Hoffman takes a cutting-edge approach to health, wellness, and aging. He covers both conventional and alternative modalities, as well as nutrition, exercise, and supplements.

The Power of CBD and Its Cannabinoid Cousins, Part 1
Yesterday at 7:02 AM

Exploring the Benefits and Science of CBD and Canna Mimetics with Expert Maggie Frank, the national educator for CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. She has a deep-dive into the latest updates on CBD (cannabidiol) products, their benefits, and distinctions from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Frank explains the endocannabinoid system and how phytocannabinoids like CBD can help achieve homeostasis in the body, aiding in stress management, inflammation, and gut health. They discuss the nuances of different cannabis plants, the current landscape of CBD research, and the misconceptions around THC use. Additionally, Maggie introduces some innovative CV Sciences products, including those that...


The Power of CBD and Its Cannabinoid Cousins, Part 2
Yesterday at 7:00 AM

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Maggie Frank, the national educator for CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil.


ENCORE: A Deep Dive into Healthcare's Failings and Future, Part 1
Last Tuesday at 7:02 AM

Examining the U.S. Healthcare System with Dr. Henry Buchwald: Challenges, Changes, and Solutions. Dr. Henry Buchwald, author of "Healthcare Upside Down: A Critical Examination of Policy and Practice," is an emeritus professor and pioneer in bariatric surgery. He discusses the significant changes and current flaws within the U.S. healthcare system, including the commodification of medicine, administrative bloat, and the decline of the doctor-patient relationship. He explores the high costs coupled with poor outcomes compared to other countries, and Dr. Buchwald's personal experience with the healthcare system. The discussion also touches on the role of new weight loss...


ENCORE: A Deep Dive into Healthcare's Failings and Future, Part 2
Last Tuesday at 7:00 AM

Dr Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Henry Buchwald, author of "Healthcare Upside Down: A Critical Examination of Policy and Practice."


Intelligent Medicine Radio for December 13, Part 1: Are eggs good or bad for the brain?
Last Monday at 7:02 AM

Are eggs good or bad for the brain? Low levels of a key nutrient can foster anxiety; Dealing with muscle cramps that develop hours after exercise; Garlic mouthwash outperforms chemical antibacterials; 76% of the world’s population aren’t getting enough omega-3s; Surgery may hasten progression to Alzheimer’s, but a vitamin may help; After marijuana legalization, some states want a do-over.


Intelligent Medicine Radio for December 13, Part 2: Hobbies may forestall all-cause mortality—by 29%!
Last Monday at 7:00 AM

The pros and cons of natural vs synthetic vitamins; Telehealth site for ADD meds lands founder in prison; Why eradicating H. pylori may set the stage for Alzheimer’s; Why integrative physicians often don’t accept insurance; Far-infrared phototherapy may offer “electroceutical” treatment for dementia; Hobbies may forestall all-cause mortality—by 29%! 


Leyla Weighs In: Rethinking Healthy Drinks--The Sugary Reality
Last Friday at 7:00 AM

Unmasking Hidden Sugars in 'Healthy' Drinks: Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, examines the surprising amounts of sugar found in commonly perceived 'healthy' drinks. She discusses how beverages like energy drinks, fruit smoothies, and chai lattes can exceed the daily recommended sugar intake, based on a study by Ben's Natural Health. Leyla warns that even health-focused products and homemade drinks can contain high sugar levels, which can impact weight, blood sugar levels, and overall health. She emphasizes the importance of being an 'ingredient sleuth' and making informed choices. 


Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Is Canned Fish Safe?
12/11/2025

Antioxidants and resistance training for treatment of sarcopeniaAnabolic resistance with advancing ageAre there any holistic medicine approaches to treating Lewy Body Syndrome?Is canned fish like sardines safe to eat?


Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Diabetes Meds and Erectile Disfunction
12/11/2025

What are your thoughts on the benefits of magnesium threonate?Is creatine helpful in building bone strength in osteoporosis?What are your thoughts on the REMS ultrasound to diagnose bone mineral density status?What should I do about my PSA, which appears to be trending upward?  Are my diabetes meds causing erectile dysfunction?Does maltodextrin spike blood glucose tremendously?


Hippocrates: All Chronic Disease Begins in the Gut, Part 1
12/10/2025

Exploring the Microbiome and Longevity with Dr. Ross Pelton, Director of Science & Education for Essential Formulas Inc., which specializes in premium probiotic products. He's known as the Natural Pharmacist. He details the pivotal role of the gut in chronic disease, referencing the ancient insights of Hippocrates, and explores the concept of postbiotics. The conversation touches on the influence of gut health on various organ systems, the importance of diversity in the gut microbiome, and how lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and sleep contribute to healthy aging. They also tackle cutting-edge topics such as the implications of GLP-1 medications, anabolic...


Hippocrates: All Chronic Disease Begins in the Gut, Part 2
12/10/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ross Pelton, Director of Science & Education for Essential Formulas Inc., which specializes in premium probiotic products. He's known as the Natural Pharmacist. 


Exploring Global Remedies with Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham, Part 1
12/09/2025

Exploring the World of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine with Chris Killam, the Medicine Hunter, a renowned expert in herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, and sustainable botanical sourcing. Killam details his fascinating journey into the field, his extensive travel and research spanning over 45 countries, and his dedication to sustainable trade practices. The conversation delves into specific herbs and their health benefits, such as kava, maca, and adaptogens, as well as the impact of global climate change on botanical sourcing. They also explore the therapeutic potential of psychoactive plants, the safety concerns around herbal products, and the ongoing efforts to promote high-quality, standardized...


Exploring Global Remedies with Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham, Part 2
12/09/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Chris Killam, the Medicine Hunter, a renowned expert in herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, and sustainable botanical sourcing. 


Intelligent Medicine Radio for December 6, Part 1: War Against Ultra-Processed Foods
12/08/2025

First shots fired in war against ultra-processed foods; What the big reveal of Trump’s MRI really shows; Is cruelty to horses really necessary to make estrogen? Early smartphone use linked to mental harms in kids; Nutritionist sues American Diabetes Association for forcing her to promote unhealthy artificial sweeteners; Halle Berry dings California Governor Newsom for vetoing menopause awareness bill.


Intelligent Medicine Radio for December 6, Part 2: What causes bleeding gums?
12/08/2025

Revolutionary study highlights anti-aging benefits of collagen supplementation; Creatine gummies flunk potency tests; Do small irregularities on an endoscopy dictate a lifetime prescription for acid-blockers? How exercise slows cancer and forestalls dementia; Pregnant women require frequent thyroid checks to avert autism; Fructose may stoke body-wide inflammation; What causes bleeding gums? 


Leyla Weighs In: Enhancing Strength--Vitamin C & E's Role in Muscle Health for Seniors
12/05/2025

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details a study on the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation in older women with sarcopenia. The study, published in the journal Medicine, found that combining 1000 mg of vitamin C and 335 mg of vitamin E with a 12-week resistance training program significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and certain blood parameters compared to a placebo group. The benefits were attributed to the alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Leyla underscores the importance of adequate animal protein intake to optimize resistance training outcomes.


Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Coffee v. Tea
12/04/2025

The best water filter?Even more on gadoliniumVagus nerve therapy benefitsWith so many benefits of drinking coffee, should I drink more of it instead of tea?Any update on Barrett's Esophagus?


Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Mitigating Immunotherapy Side Effects
12/04/2025

Nutritional strategies for treating Barrett's EsophagusHow can my uncle mitigate the side effects of his Merkel cell carcinoma therapy?How long can I take strontium?Is beet root powder beneficial for nitric oxide production?


Bioelectronics: Unleashing the Power of Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Part 1
12/03/2025

The Revolutionary Role of the Vagus Nerve in Bioelectronic Medicine: Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes,” details the historical context and recent advancements in harnessing the power of the vagus nerve to control inflammation without causing immunosuppression. The conversation explores the journey from early experimental stages to the recent FDA approval for treating rheumatoid arthritis through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. He also delves into the potential applications of VNS in tr...


Bioelectronics: Unleashing the Power of Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Part 2
12/03/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes.”


Navigating Prostate Cancer: The Intersection of Natural and Conventional Urology, Part 1
12/02/2025

Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc, CNS, a well-known naturopathic doctor specializing in urological health at NYU Langone Hospital, licensed acupuncturist, and certified Functional Medicine practitioner, discusses prostate health, including the latest advances in prostate cancer treatment and the importance of a balanced approach between natural and conventional medicine. Dr. Espinosa also highlights the upcoming Prostate Cancer Summit 2.0, scheduled for December 13th-17th, a free online event designed to provide comprehensive information on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. The conversation covers PSA testing, new diagnostic tools, advanced treatment options like androgen deprivation therapy, and the benefits of exercise and diet...


Navigating Prostate Cancer: The Intersection of Natural and Conventional Urology, Part 2
12/02/2025

Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc, CNS, a well-known naturopathic doctor specializing in urological health at NYU Langone Hospital, and host of the upcoming Prostate Cancer Summit 2.0, scheduled for December 13th-17th, a free online event designed to provide comprehensive information on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. 


ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for November 29, Part 1: Chili Peppers
12/01/2025

“Delay, Deny . . .”— Feds take aim at prior authorizations that block patients’ access to care, surgeries, drugs they need; Electrodiagnostic testing with computers—does it add up for diagnosis? Are there non-surgical options for goiters? Chili peppers confer heart, cancer, longevity benefits; Will stem cells deliver a cure for insulin-dependent diabetics? Vitamin C reprograms skin cells to reverse age-related thinning.


ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for November 29, Part 2: Preventing Osteoporosis
12/01/2025

SAT’s getting shorter to match diminished attention spans of college applicants; Comprehensive review finds most of the studies on which we base our most accepted drugs and medical therapies are flawed; A heart drug approved in 2011 and used by millions comes under renewed scrutiny due to research irregularities; Best supplements for preventing osteoporosis; Tremors after Covid shot; Researchers discover how exercise lowers Alzheimer’s risk; Two new studies show exercise curbs cancer recurrence.


ENCORE: Leyla Weighs In on The Alzheimer's Connection: Nutrients and Sleep Habits for Prevention
11/28/2025

Nutrient Deficiencies and Their Link to Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes Risk in Night Owls: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses research findings linking nutrient deficiencies to Alzheimer's disease and how diet and supplementation can play a crucial role in prevention. She highlights the importance of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene for brain health and their potential to reduce Alzheimer's risk. Leyla also delves into the connection between evening chronotypes ('night owls') and an increased risk of diabetes, emphasizing the role of lifestyle factors and offering suggestions for healthier sleep habits. She encourages listeners to maintain a diet rich in ca...


ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Thanksgiving and Overindulgence
11/27/2025

Thanksgiving and overindulgenceA food poisoning incidentObservations on health at ThanksgivingWhat do you think of online sites offering prescriptions for hair loss via a questionnaire?


ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Menstrual Cramps
11/27/2025

My granddaughter suffers from menstrual cramps.  Do you have any suggestions?Do you recommend nicotinamide daily to prevent recurrence of basal cell cancers?What works best to lower fibrinogen?I've been on Ozempic for a year and have diarrhea every morning!Is bypass surgery still being done?Would you recommend Bergamot for fatty liver?


From Tap to Table: Ensuring Water Safety with Expert Cydian Kauffman, Part 1
11/26/2025

Water Quality and Filtration: Cydian Kauffman, CEO of Pure Water Northwest, delves into the intricacies of water quality and filtration. Kauffman, an expert in making water quality understandable and accessible, discusses the various methods to test and improve water quality, the efficacy of different water filtration systems, and common misconceptions about water contaminants. They explore the advantages and limitations of carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, address concerns about municipal water safety, and consider the presence of microplastics and forever chemicals in tap water. Practical advice is provided for consumers on selecting appropriate filtration systems and understanding the importance...


From Tap to Table: Ensuring Water Safety with Expert Cydian Kauffman, Part 2
11/26/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Cydian Kauffman, CEO of Pure Water Northwest. 


Decadence with a Purpose: The Science Behind Healthy Chocolate, Part 1
11/25/2025

Alan Frost, founder of Flava Naturals, and Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, clinical professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and author of "The Science of Cocoa," detail recent scientific findings on the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of cocoa flavanols, the importance of sourcing and processing cocoa, and how cocoa can enhance athletic performance and brain health. The episode also covers the benefits of cocoa for skin health, fighting inflammation, and even mitigating some of the effects of sitting. Dr. Maroon elaborates on...


Decadence with a Purpose: The Science Behind Healthy Chocolate, Part 1
11/25/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Alan Frost, founder of Flava Naturals, and Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, clinical professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and author of "The Science of Cocoa."


Intelligent Medicine Radio for November 22, Part 1: Alpha-Gal Syndrome
11/24/2025

New weight loss drugs may portend end of “Fat Acceptance” movement; Celebs and Southerners embrace GLP-1s; Trump clears path for more access to diet drugs; Mid- and late-life exercise slash dementia risk; “Ethicists” urge more tick-borne meat allergy to save planet—as alpha-gal syndrome claims first fatality; What’s wrong with the melatonin study that claims it leads to heart failure? How to detox 9-11 first-responders? Can weekend warriors obtain same benefits as regular exercisers? 


Intelligent Medicine Radio for November 22, Part 1: Can surgical anesthesia accelerate memory loss?
11/24/2025

Can natural herbs aid recovery from anorexia? What an analysis of Hitler’s DNA tells us about how genes shaped his personality; Can surgical anesthesia accelerate memory loss?  Bananas could be interfering with your smoothie’s health benefits; Not just sun, but pesticides and herbicides increase risk for melanoma; Chemical residues on produce impair male fertility; Proliferation of fast-paced social media videos are dumbing us down; Doctors aren’t less resilient, the demands of medicine are just fostering unprecedented levels of physician burnout.


Leyla Weighs In: Rethinking Alzheimer's
11/21/2025

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin focuses on a new perspective in Alzheimer's research, particularly the role of microglial cells. She reveals insights from integrative neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter's presentation at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, emphasizing the significance of microglial cells in Alzheimer's disease. The discussion highlights the traditional focus on beta amyloid plaques and introduces the importance of shifting from the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglial cells. Dr. Perlmutter advocates for addressing systemic metabolic and inflammatory issues, pointing out factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, and high blood sugar, which are crucial in preventing Alzheimer's...


Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Soup in Cold Weather
11/20/2025

Soup in cold weatherStudy: No benefit from beta-blockers post heart attack, but vitamin D cuts risk of 2nd heart attack in half!New study links oxalic acid to gadolinium side effects and toxicityMore on the assault on young people's brains


Q&A With Leyla, Part 2: Water Filters
11/20/2025

What can I do about a hip labrum tear?Are there any specific water filters that you recommend?What say you about lead levels in dark chocolate?



Aged Garlic Extract's Impact on Periodontal and Cardiovascular Health, Part 1
11/19/2025

Clinical Pharmacist, Author, Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and Health Expert Jim LaValle details the many health benefits of aged garlic extract, particularly its impact on periodontal disease. He reveals exciting new research findings that show Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract supplements can significantly reduce periodontal pocket depth -- a key indicator of gingivitis and periodontal disease progression. He also highlights the role of aged garlic extract in reducing inflammation and improving gum health, which in turn has significant implications for cardiovascular and cognitive health. The conversation also touches on various formulations of aged garlic extract available from Kyolic, the importance of...


Aged Garlic Extract's Impact on Periodontal and Cardiovascular Health, Part 2
11/19/2025

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with clinical pharmacist, author, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and health expert Jim LaValle on the many health benefits of aged garlic extract.


Nasal Hygiene and Tooth Decay: The Science of Xylitol, Part 1
11/18/2025

Nathan Jones, CEO of Xlear, Inc., details the benefits of xylitol in dental and respiratory health products such as nasal sprays and chewing gums under the Spry brand. Nathan advocates for the FDA to allow anti-cavity claims for xylitol and other compounds despite the current monopoly of fluoride in such claims. They question the efficacy and potential downsides of fluoride, and explore alternative dental health interventions. The episode also covers xylitol’s role in preventing tooth decay, respiratory health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing legal challenges with the FTC. Discussions highlight the potential implications of oral health on...


Nasal Hygiene and Tooth Decay: The Science of Xylitol, Part 2
11/18/2025

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