Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: America’s Food Fight

• America’s food fight and dietary guidelines
• My son-in-law suffers from bloating and abdominal pain. Any suggestions?
• I have positive but low anti-gliadin antibodies. Should I embark on a gluten-free diet?

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: CoQ10 v. PQQ

• I’m a 70-year-old woman with hip arthritis. Any recommendations?
• A treatment on the horizon for high Lipoprotein (a)?
• After chemotherapy to help shrink a tumor near my husband’s spine, he now has numbness and neuropathy in his legs
• Another study implicates meat, and now poultry and fish, in causing cardiovascular disease
• What do you think of Consumer Lab’s recommendations on supplements?
• I take CoQ10, but I just heard about PQQ. What are your thoughts?

There’s apprehension about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR)—are we about to enter the dystopian future world of The Matrix? But today’s guest discusses the innovative application of AI and VR to a common problem: menopausal hot flashes in women for whom estrogen is contraindicated because of the risk of cancer. Using a VR headset, menopausal women were presented guided imagery featuring cooling and relaxing suggestions. A pilot study showed it reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being. Dr. Joseph Feuerstein discusses a comprehensive strategy for menopause, comprising acupuncture, natural products (Estrovera and Relizen), exercise and diet. Are soy isoflavones OK for relieving menopausal symptoms, even in breast cancer patients? Dr. Feuerstein is also co-author of “The Cannabinoid Cookbook,” which is not merely a guidebook to marijuana edibles; instead, it focuses on the numerous foods that support the body’s endocannabinoid system—Including cocoa, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and truffles. These foods deliver compounds which confer a multiplicity of mood and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Maggie Frank, National Educator for CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil delves into the versatility and health benefits of CBD, the differences between products with and without THC, and why CV Sciences is a reputable player in a rapidly expanding market. Maggie Frank highlights the importance of supply chain diversity, discusses the potential health benefits of CBD, and introduces new product lines, including Extra Support Wellness Blends Sleep and Calm gummies, as well as the CBD-free line for those subject to drug testing. They also touch on the relief soft gels containing CBD-A and PEA for pain relief, and Reshape capsules with berberine and OEA for metabolic health. This episode provides comprehensive insights into how CV Sciences continues to innovate and cater to diverse health needs.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 12, Part 1: Overactive Bladder

Medicare and Medicaid to deny coverage for weight loss drugs, as Weight Watchers files for bankruptcy; Overactive bladder may be a consequence of poor nutritional status; The paradox of how exercise helps mental fatigue; Breakthrough cases of measles may not just be about vaccine refusal; The power of urolithin A (Mitopure™️) to boost energy and slow aging.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 12, Part 2: Spring Allergies

“Watchdog” NGO attacks ivermectin as quack cancer fix—while studies support its potential benefits; China tariffs will impact supplements for humans—but also key nutritional ingredients for food, agriculture; Supreme Court rules on flavored vape products aimed at kids—as 17 year old cheerleader sidelined with “popcorn lung”; Tips for dealing with spring allergies.

References & Resources

Exercise as an anti-aging intervention to avoid detrimental impact of mental fatigue
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2025; 1 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2024-0227

Association between geriatric nutritional risk index and overactive bladder in three elderly population: a cross-sectional study
Front. Nutr., 10 February 2025, Sec. Clinical Nutrition Volume 12 – 2025 

Medicare will not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
By Alice Park, time.com, April 7, 2025

Weight Watchers prepares for bankruptcy
By Alexander Glads, WSJ  April 9, 2025

High school cheerleader left with ‘Deadly diagnosis’ after secretly vaping for 3 years
By Cara Lynn, AOL.com, April 9, 2025

3 essential vitamins tell the story of US dependence on China
By Willy C Shih and Veronica Chua, hbr.org, Nov 26, 2024

Hormonal birth control is associated with altered gut microbiota B-diversity in physically active females across the menstrual cycle: a pilot trial
J Appl Physiol (1985). 2025 Mar 1;138(3):739-745. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00008.2025. Epub 2025 Feb 14. PMID: 39951399.

US Supreme Court largely backs FDA’s denial of flavored vape product applications
By John Kruzel, Reuters, April 2, 2025

Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10823940

Pubmed Ivermectin, a potential anti-cancer drug derived from an antiparasitic drug
Pharmacological Research Volume 163, January 2021, 195207

False belief that cancer is a parasite leads some to believe that Ivermectin can treat it
kff.org  Volume 18, March 13, 2025

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Tariff Impacts on Nutraceuticals

• The impact of tariffs on the prices of nutraceuticals
• Switching from seed oils to tallow in restaurants is great, but is the tallow from grass-fed beef?
• My LDL is high after stopping my statin and starting intermittent fasting

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Regional Pain Syndrome

• Is higher cholesterol better for the brain?
• Would taking strontium for spine osteoporosis be of benefit?
• I have chronic regional pain syndrome. Any suggestions for treatment?
• A grateful pet owner’s comment on Dr. Hoffman’s recent podcast with a holistic veterinarian

Former pharma reporter for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, investigative reporter Gardiner Harris, discusses his new book “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.” It details the unethical practices and numerous scandals that have plagued Johnson & Johnson over the decades, including the asbestos contamination in baby powder, the misuse of the antipsychotic drug Risperdal, the dangerous outcomes of vaginal mesh implants, and the controversial development and deployment of their COVID-19 vaccine. Harris provides a comprehensive overview of the corporate malfeasance within the pharmaceutical giant, shedding light on the regulatory failures and systemic corruption that have allowed these issues to persist.

Unlocking the Power of Mitochondria: Dr. Garth Nicolson, a leading expert in molecular pathology, explores the critical role of mitochondria in energy production and overall health. His groundbreaking research reveals how repairing and restoring cell membranes improves health by increasing energy, decreasing fatigue, and slowing the aging process. The discussion delves into Dr. Nicolson’s findings, including his influential fluid mosaic model of cell membrane structure. The focus then shifts to the importance of maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity to combat aging and various age-related clinical conditions. Dr. Nicolson explains the benefits of membrane lipid replacement therapy using NT Factor Lipids to restore mitochondrial function, address fatigue, support recovery from chemotherapy, aid in chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and long COVID, and assist in conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and EMF sensitivity. The episode highlights the broad therapeutic potential of NT Factor Lipids, emphasizing their role in enhancing energy levels, promoting healing, and improving overall cellular health.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 5, Part 1: Full Fat Milk

Does a new low-cost home screening evaluation for cognitive impairment pass the smell test? It’s never too late to build social networks that prevent dementia; Study yields surprise findings on marriage’s impact on cognitive decline; Senate hearing calls for reinstatement of full-fat milk in school lunches—as science overturns assumption dairy’s saturated fat promotes cardiovascular disease; Top cardiologist explains how novel supplement (Vitality) incorporates 7 key cardioprotective nutraceuticals.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 5, Part 2: Weekend Warriors

Hospital-acquired c. diff infections—how to treat? Comparing ordinary dieting to intermittent fasting—which yields more weight loss? Metals from joint replacements may leak into brain; Why do seniors experience declines in their red blood cell counts? Weekend warriors rejoice—the equivalent amount of exercise crammed into two days equals mortality benefits of daily workouts; How to replenish low iron levels; Young anabolic steroid abusers risk premature heart problems.

References & Resources

Metals from joint implants appear to be leaking into CSF
By John Gever, Medpagetoday.com  March 28, 2025

Saturated fat in dairy and cardiovascular disease
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Available online 13 March 2025

Social activities and cognitive functioning across mid-and late life: Evidence from China
The Gerontologist, Volume 65, Issue 4, April 2025, gnaf014

Surprising findings from new research about dementia and marriage
By Judy George, MedPage Today, March 25, 2025

The AROMHA brain health test is a remote olfactory assessment to screen for cognitive impairment
Sci Rep 15, 9290 (2025).

Association of accelerometer-derived physical activity pattern with the risks of all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer death
Journal of the American Heart Association  New online https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.03922

Hr effect of 4:3 intermittent fasting on weight loss at 12 months: A randomized clinical trial
Ann Intern Med. [Epub 1 April 2025]. doi:10.7326/ANNALS-24-01631

Circulation Steroid Users
Circulation Volume 151, Number 12

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Sleep Apnea

• Will direct-to-consumer drug ads on TV continue?
• What do you think of Fatty-15?
• Are at-home sleep apnea tests reliable?  

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Natural Solutions for Allergies

• What are your thoughts on the measles vaccine debate?
• I find it troubling that so many vaccines, including COVID-19 and rotavirus, are administered in infancy
• I suffer greatly with runny nose and phlegm from allergies. Any natural solutions?

Dr. Sharon Bergquist is an award-winning physician, innovative healthcare leader, and visionary researcher, renowned for spearheading a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine. She is the author of “The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier.” She discusses the misunderstood role of stress, emphasizing its potential benefits when managed and utilized correctly. Dr. Bergquist explains how stress can enhance cellular function, boost resilience, and improve overall health. She delves into topics such as the physiology of stress, the science of hormesis, and the benefits of controlled stressors including plant toxins, thermal exposure, fasting, exercise, and psychological challenges. The discussion underscores the importance of balancing stress and recovery to promote cellular repair and long-term well-being.