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.

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 episode highlights the significance of thinking outside traditional cancer treatment methods and the promise of nutraceuticals in oncology.

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 obesity and cardiometabolic conditions, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of alternative sweeteners.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the importance of maintaining muscle mass during weight loss, highlighting recent research on the benefits of krill oil. Leyla delves into various aspects of the study conducted by Glasgow University’s School of Human Nutrition, which demonstrated that daily supplementation with krill oil helps minimize muscle loss despite significant weight loss. The episode covers study details, the impact of krill oil on inflammation, muscle maintenance, and the potential advantages of krill oil over traditional fish oil. Leyla also emphasizes the critical role of a balanced diet and strength training in preserving muscle mass during weight loss journeys.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the important relationship between gut health and bone health. Leyla delves into the ways gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risks. She explains how chronic inflammation, malabsorption, and dysbiosis are common underlying causes of bone loss. Leyla also reviews scientific studies on the link between the gut microbiome and bone mass, highlighting the potential of fecal microbiome transplants as future treatments for osteoporosis.

Challenges of GLP-1 Drugs and New Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the recent findings on weight regain after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists like OZEMPIC and Wegovy, based on a recent British Medical Journal editorial. The episode also highlights the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030), which recommend focusing on real, nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing protein, and reducing highly processed foods. Leyla addresses the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits during and after using GLP-1 drugs to achieve long-term weight management and overall health.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the crucial importance of Omega-3 fats, particularly emphasizing their role in mental and heart health. She highlights a recent UK Biobank study demonstrating that higher Omega-3 levels are linked to a significantly lower risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Additionally, another study in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that elevated Omega-3 levels correlate with a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Leyla underscores the necessity of a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 sources like fatty fish and grass-fed meats, arguing that these nutrients are crucial for optimal mental and heart health.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the renaming of fatty liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (M-A-S-L-D) to reduce stigma and improve diagnosis. Dr. Mary Ella’s efforts at the University of Chicago Medicine highlight how this change aids in better patient identification and treatment. Leyla emphasizes lifestyle changes like a low-carb diet to manage and reverse the disease. The episode also covers the prevalence of fake extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the market, ways to identify authentic olive oil, and the importance of choosing quality over mass-produced options.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details key aspects of supplement use and addresses frequently asked questions. Topics include the importance of targeted supplementation, the rationale behind personalized dosages, best practices for starting new supplements, and managing common issues like nausea and bright yellow urine. Leyla also explains why some supplements may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and provides guidance on how to adjust dosages for optimal results. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of pharmaceutical-grade supplements available on Fullscript and the necessity of regular blood tests to fine-tune supplementation.

The Benefits of Matcha for Women in Menopause: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the potential benefits of matcha for women going through menopause. She explains how matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, offers higher concentrations of antioxidants, amino acids, and phytonutrients compared to regular green tea. These properties can help support cognitive function, mood stabilization, cardiovascular health, and weight management. The episode also touches on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, restful sleep, and meaningful social connections. Leyla highlights how simple daily rituals, such as enjoying a cup of matcha, can provide emotional grounding and routine for women navigating menopause.