September is Cholesterol Education Month. In this episode of Intelligent Medicine, Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and certified clinical nutritionist, details cholesterol’s importance and its implications for cardiovascular health. He delves into the nuances of cholesterol types, the historical shifts in perceptions of cholesterol, and how dietary and lifestyle factors influence cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. Jim provides expert insights into the roles of LDL and HDL cholesterol, the significance of cholesterol particle size, the impact of carbohydrates on cholesterol, and the benefits of aged garlic extract and other supplements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of comprehensive lipid testing, understanding individual risk factors, and integrating both lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medications into cardiovascular preventive strategies. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of health policies and the future of integrative health approaches.

Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of “The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It,” details how unaddressed trauma is often the hidden cause of many preventable illnesses and is linked to eight of the ten leading causes of death. The conversation delves into the physiological responses to trauma, the mechanisms by which trauma can manifest in chronic physical ailments, and the importance of incorporating a holistic approach that includes addressing mental, somatic, and biological impacts of trauma. Dr. Apigian also shares insights from her personal journey and professional evolution, emphasizing the need for a combination of medical treatment and trauma work for optimal health.

Part 1: A New Era in Skincare

FDA announces crackdown on misleading TV drug ads, influencers, online drug dispensaries; What’s a “twisted colon”? Doctors often jump the gun in prescribing ADHD meds to young kids before behavioral fixes; A new era in skincare powered by urolithin A.

Part 2: Reversing Stroke Damage

Vitamin B3 vs. fatty liver; What dose of lithium orotate for cognitive preservation? Your risk of dying from a chronic disease is reduced by modern medical advances—unless you live in the U.S.; Treating osteoporosis with diet and supplements; Does drinking liquids with meals interfere with digestion? FDA issues warning about sketchy pain supplement; Cannabis use may quadruple diabetes risk; Sore muscles, healthy brain? Acupuncture for chemo neuropathy; Scientists reverse stroke damage with stem cells—in mice.

References & Resources

Tortuous colon: Foods to eat and avoid, and treatment options
By Barbara Bolen, PhD, verywellhealth  August 15, 2025

US doctors often prescribe ADHD meds to preschoolers without delay, maj Study shows
By StudyFinds Analysis, StudyFinds  September 1, 2025

The FDA’s overdue crackdown on misleading pharmaceutical advertisements
JAMA. Published online September 12, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.18197

The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735419886662. doi: 10.1177/1534735419886662

Lactate and BDNF: Key mediators of exercise-induced neuroplasticity
J Clin Med. 2020 Apr 15;9(4):1136. doi: 10.3390/jcm9041136. PMID: 32326586; PMCID: PMC7230639

PAIN FLEX may be harmful due to hidden drug ingredients
U.S. Food & Drug, September 22, 2025

Your risk of dying from chronic disease has dropped—if you live in these countries
By Mohana Basu, Nature September 10, 2025

Dietary niacin intake and mortality among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(2):e2354277. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54277

Scientists reverse stroke damage with stem cells
Nature Communications, 2025; 16 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63725-3

Fatty liver breakthrough: A safe, cheap vitamin shows promise
Metabolism, 2025; 169: 156266 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2025.156266

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• We’re living longer thanks to medical advances
• Study: Does cannabis use increase the risk of diabetes?
• What dose of selenium and iodine should I take?
• What do you suggest for people who have carpal tunnel syndrome? I would like to avoid surgery
• What do you think of the claims made for EDTA? Are there benefits?
• I have the beginnings of macular degeneration. Is taking the AREDs supplement helpful?

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Smart Watches and EMF Exposure

• What dose and mode of ingestion of B12 do you recommend for an active 78-year-old husband and wife?
• If ubiquinol is more bioavailable than CoQ10, what about other supplements with respect to bioavailability?
• Does proline help ligaments?
• What are your thoughts on smart watches and EMF exposure?

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman explores the concept of interoception with UK-based science journalist and author Caroline Williams. They discuss her latest book, “Inner Sense: How the New Science of Interoception Can Transform Your Health.” The conversation details the intricate relationship between the mind and body, the importance of bodily self-awareness, and how it impacts mental and physical health. Williams shares insights from her extensive research and practical strategies for enhancing interoception, such as controlled breathing exercises and body scans. They also touch on future advancements and therapeutic applications in the realm of interoception, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of this emerging science and its potential to revolutionize healthcare.

Martha Carlin, CEO and founder of the Bio Collective, details the significant influence of the microbiome on overall health. Martha discusses her unconventional path from accounting to microbiome research, sparked by her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. Together, they explore the complex connections between gut health and diseases like Parkinson’s, autism, and even Alzheimer’s. Martha sheds light on groundbreaking research funded by NIH grants, the potential of machine learning and AI in understanding microbiome patterns, and the future prospects of personalized probiotics. Practical advice on maintaining a healthy microbiome, the impact of diet and exercise, and the intriguing intersections between gut health, neurochemistry, and systemic diseases are highlighted. The discussion also covers challenges in integrating microbiome research into clinical practice and potential future therapies.

Part 1: Alliance for Natural Health Sues FDA

Alliance for Natural Health sues FDA to allow truthful, science-based health claims for 118 vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals in 1st Amendment test; What to do for H. pylori—or should it even be treated? Whole body MRI for cancer screening—is it worth undertaking? A remarkable new functional food supplement and beverage, harnessing the unique benefits of the muscadine grape. 

Part 2: Treating Chronic Nasal Infections—With Snot Transplants!

Alternatives to surgery for venous insufficiency; AI “hallucinates” a never-before-seen brain region in crucial test; Vegetarian complains she is prone to falling; Could tinnitus be triggered by electromagnetic fields from lighting, devices? Cannabis derivatives improve sleep where drugs fail; A novel way of treating chronic nasal infections—with snot transplants! Mitochondrial dysfunction found to be the key to heart, brain problems.

References & Resources

What would the screen and treat strategy for Helicobacter pylori mean in terms of antibiotic consumption
Dig Dis Sci. 2020 Jun;65(6):1632-1642. doi: 10.1007/s10620-019-05893-z.

Whole-body MRI for opportunistic cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Eur Radiol. 2025 Aug 30. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11976-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40884613.

ANH files landmark legal petition to unlock 118 censored health claims
anh-USA.org,  September 4, 2025

ANH petitions FDA to roll back suppression of 118 nutrient-disease health claims
By Stephen Daniells, NuraIngredients USA  September 4, 2025

Why are more older people dying after falls?
By Paula Span, NY Times, September 7, 2025

Nasal microbiota transplantation: a gateway to novel treatments
Trends in Microbiology, Volume 33, Issue 3, 264 – 267

Study finds cannabis improves sleep where other drugs fail
PLOS Mental Health, 2025; 2 (8): e0000390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000390

Minimally invasive procedures for chronic venous insufficiency
NYU Langone Health

Mitochondrial dysfunction: A roadmap for understanding and tackling cardiovascular aging
Aging Dis. 2024 May 8;16(5):2575-2614. doi: 10.14336/AD.2024.0058.

Why Alzheimer’s attacks the brain’s memory hub first
ScienceDaily, September 2, 2025

Part 1: ANH Fighting for Free Speech on the True Benefits of Supplements

• ANH fighting for free speech on the true benefits of supplements
• What can I do about Morton’s Neuroma aside from surgery?
• Which form of magnesium do you recommend for mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation?

Part 2: Are drip coffee makers made from plastic bad for your health?

• What are your thoughts on the perfect amino?  I want to support my strength training, aerobics, yoga and pilates
• When I take protein powders and creatine, urination comes to a halt for several hours. Is this normal?
• Are drip coffee makers made from plastic bad for your health?
• I have a 50% chance of thyroid cancer based on molecular testing.  Must I have it removed?
• I’m taking 10 mg. DHEA, based on my practitioner’s recommendation 10 years ago. Is it safe to continue?
• Do you recommend ivermectin or fenbendazole?

Dr. Martin Picard, Chair in Energy and Health, and Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University, as well as head of the Mitochondrial PsychoBiology Lab, delves into the complex functions of mitochondria beyond their well-known role as cellular powerhouses. Dr. Picard shares his journey from biology to psychobiology, exploring the intersection between mitochondrial function, mental health, and overall well-being. He discusses how mitochondria not only produce energy but also influence behaviors, stress responses, and healing processes. The conversation highlights recent findings on mitochondrial roles in psychiatric disorders, the impact of diet and lifestyle on mitochondrial health, and the potential of ketogenic diets in treating psychiatric conditions. Dr. Picard also previews his upcoming book on understanding life and health from an energetic perspective. The episode emphasizes a holistic approach to health, integrating mind-body practices and lifestyle changes to support mitochondrial function.

Maggie Frank, national educator for CV Sciences, discusses the launch of PlusCBD Oil’s new product, Ignite Male Performance soft gels. This product aims to address underlying dysfunctions leading to low testosterone levels in men. The discussion emphasizes the careful ingredient selection and health benefits of Ignite, including libido enhancement, muscle recovery, energy, and focus. Furthermore, Dr. Hoffman and Maggie Frank explore broader health issues, the impacts of diet and lifestyle on hormone levels and fertility, and other related products from CV Sciences, including their non-CBD offerings and pet products.