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 treating other inflammatory conditions, mood disorders, and the science behind non-invasive lifestyle techniques and commercially available devices. The episode provides valuable insights into the future of bioelectronic medicine and its potential to revolutionize medical treatments.

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 in managing prostate health.

Part 1

“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.

Part 2

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.

References & Resources

Vitamin C flips your skin’s “youth genes,” reversing age-related thinning
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.03.040

Stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islets for Type 1 diabetes
NEJM Published June 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2506549

Association of pepper intake with all-cause and specific cause mortality-A systematic review and meta-analysis
Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021 Dec 8;9:100301. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100301.

Health insurers, nudged by Trump administration, pledge reform to prior authorization
By Rebecca Pifer,  healthcaredive.com  June 3, 2025

Prior authorization: What is it, when might you need it, and how do you get it?
By Hallie Levine, Harvard Health Publishing  Aug 5, 2024

Evaluating the reporting quality of 21,041 randomized controlled trial articles
medRxiv 2025.03.06.25323528; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.06.25323528

As attention spans get shorter, so does the SAT—and soon the ACT
By Joanne Jacobs, joannejacobs.com  June 20, 2025

Central nervous system manifestations following vaccination against COVID-19
Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health  Volume 38, July 2024, 100788

Does exercise decrease distant recurrence of breast cancer?
Journal of Clinical Oncology Volume 42, Number 25

Exercise is great but it’s not a cancer…..
By John Mandrola, Sensible Medicine  June 2, 2025

New study shows how exercise protects the brain from Alzheimer’s disease
Nat Neurosci. 2025 Jun 12. doi: 10.1038/s41593-025-01971-w. Online ahead of print.

FDA under fire: Data discrepancies uncovered in AstraZeneca approval trials
BMJ, 2025; 389: r1201 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.r1201

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Thanksgiving and Overindulgence

• Thanksgiving and overindulgence
• A food poisoning incident
• Observations on health at Thanksgiving
• What do you think of online sites offering prescriptions for hair loss via a questionnaire?

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Menstrual Cramps

• 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?

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 of regular water testing. This insightful discussion also touches on broader water quality issues, including potential health impacts and future water supply challenges.

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 his protocols for concussion recovery, including the use of omega-3 fish oil, creatine, and CBD. The episode concludes with a discussion on how cocoa impacts mood and a special discount offer for Flava Naturals products. Just go to FlavaNaturals.com and use coupon code HOFFMAN20 for 20% off site-wide, plus get free shipping on all orders over $30.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Soup in Cold Weather

• Soup in cold weather
• Study: 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 toxicity
• More on the assault on young people’s brains

Q&A With Leyla, Part 2: Water Filters

• 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?

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 integrative approaches to health and wellness, and updates on the latest trends in anti-aging medicine, including peptides and GLP-1 agonists.

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 systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and Parkinson’s, and emphasize the importance of nasal hygiene alongside dental care.

Part 1: Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols

“Study” that’s not even a study spreads panic about dubious melatonin-heart failure link; Should you ignore Dr’s advice to take powerful acid-blocking drugs? Novel implantable electrical pacemakers may bring relief to sufferers of severe constipation; Benefits of cocoa flavanols for heart, brain, athletic performance. 

Part 2: Coffee and Atrial Fibrillation

The FDA belatedly liberates women’s hormone replacement; Beta-blockers now deemed passé for routine heart attack aftercare; After most breast cancer surgery, adjuvant radiation brings no survival benefits; Can you drink caffeinated coffee if you have atrial fibrillation? Ignore frequent falls without attention to balance and stability training at your peril; Is it reasonable to contemplate a knee replacement surgery at 88? 

References & Resources

Melatonin as a novel drug to improve cardiac function and quality of kid in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Cardiology. 2025 Mar;48(3):e70107. doi: 10.1002/clc.70107.

A study questions melatonin use and heart health, but lose sleep over it
By Lauren Neergaard, Associated Press  November 7,2025

Burst-patterned stimulation restores colonic motility in preclinical models
Sci Transl Med. 2025 Nov 5;17(823):eadu4615. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adu4615. Epub 2025 Nov 5. PMID: 41191773.

Speaking multiple languages may slow down biological aging
Nat Aging 5, 2340–2354 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-01000-2

Cup of coffee a day may not be harmful for some adults with AFib and could lower episodes
American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 Late-Breaking Science Abstract 4377429

RADIATION may be unnecessary for many breast cancer patients
N Engl J Med 2025;393:1771-1783

Beta blockers have no effect on heart attack patients
N Engl J Med 2025 Aug 30 Ibanez B et al. N Engl J Med 2025 Aug 30

Marty Makary: The FDA liberates women’s hormone replacement therapy
By Marty Makary. WSJ  November 10, 2025