Brain Health

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for August 5, Part 2: Concussions and Pain
August 7, 2023
Device reps in operating rooms incentivize excessive stent placements; Natural therapies for claudication; Aged Garlic Extract for blood pressure? Tracing heart disease risk to oral bacteria; Nattokinase vs. spike protein; Laxative dependence associated with higher risk of dementia; The role of uric acid in hypertension and insulin resistance—and nutraceuticals that can lower it; Cannabinoids and PEA for concussions and pain. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Childhood Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders, Part 1
May 23, 2023
Dr. Kenneth Bock joins Intelligent Medicine to discuss his latest book, "Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the hidden causes of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders in adolescents and teens." There’s an unprecedented pandemic of childhood psychiatric and behavioral disorders: attention-deficit/hyperactivity, autism, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disease, and Tourette’s. For decades, Dr. Bock has been delving into root causes of these conditions, for which medications are merely a bandaid. He discusses the roles of allergies, the microbiome, nutrient deficiencies, infections like Lyme and strep, and toxins. Chronic brain inflammation may be at the root of many behavioral changes. Dr. Bock has developed innovative protocols for quenching inflammation using a combination of natural and pharmaceutical interventions. He acknowledges that the teen years are turbulent and kids are subject to many stresses these days, but natural interventions can smooth the transition to adulthood. Dr. Bock is especially fond of what he terms the “Holy Trinity”: vitamin D, fish oil, and probiotics. But he often has recourse to methylated B vitamins, glutathione precursors, curcumin, and CBD. Much detective work is required to unravel complex cases, but remarkable recoveries can be achieved. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Childhood Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kenneth Bock about his book, "Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mood Disorders in Adolescents and Teens." Click HERE for part 1.

Leyla Weighs In: The Relationship Between Your Brain, Gut and Skin
April 14, 2023
Understanding the relationship between your brain, gut, and skin. Plus, treatments for some common skin conditions

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Lithium for brain health?
March 29, 2023
What do you think of fulvic acid? Is it effective for treating a leaky gut?; What are your thoughts on taking lithium for brain health?; My daughter has bunions and is experiencing "broken" bones in her feet; I take a vegetable smoothie every day. Is the fiber as beneficial as eating and chewing the vegetables?; What do you think of micronutrient testing?; What supplements should I take for worsening osteoporosis? Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for March 18, Part 2: Brain Aging
March 20, 2023
The dark side of the “Fat Acceptance” movement; Natural support for polymyalgia rheumatica; Catechins vs. brain aging; Vitamin C shown to protect telomeres; How green smoothies can land you in serious trouble; Drug companies using paid social media “influencers” offering testimonials to skirt drug ad regulations. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

The Heart and Brain Supportive Effects of Cocoa, Part 1
March 16, 2023
Chocolate joins the pantheon of functional foods like tea, berries, and coffee. Alan Frost, founder of Flava Naturals performance dark chocolate, details cocoa flavanols' cognitive, cardiovascular, and exercise performance benefits. He discusses the new FDA-qualified claim on cocoa flavanols and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and recent food guidelines from the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 500mg of flavanols daily for improved cardiovascular outcomes. He also addresses ConsumerLab.com data on cadmium and lead in common chocolate brands and how Flava Naturals' manufacturing mitigates those risks. It’s all about bean selection and proper processing. Flava Naturals delivers 5-9 times the flavanols of an average dark chocolate bar, with minimal sugar content. Learn about the science behind this remarkable functional food. Click HERE for part 2.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for February 11, Part 1: The Debate Over Contact Sports
February 13, 2023
Long Covid risk falls only slightly after vax—but new study shows healthy lifestyle confers protection against persistent symptoms; A listener question about newly-diagnosed scleroderma; The debate over contact sports and the risk of brain damage repetitive head injury—a genetic test could reveal which athletes are most vulnerable; A champion triathlete who overcame a challenging medical condition shares her nutrition secrets. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Nutritional Psychiatry, Part 1
February 7, 2023
Dr. Drew Ramsey is a pioneer in the emerging field of Nutritional Psychiatry and author of "Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety: Nourish Your Way to Better Mental Health in Six Weeks." Dr. Ramsey reviews the remarkable research that has demonstrated the efficacy of diet for improving mental health outcomes. The foods we eat impact our brain function for better or for worse, delivering essential nutrients, fostering a healthy microbiome, combatting inflammation, encouraging neuroplasticity, and supporting neurotransmitters. He is co-developer of the Antidepressant Food Scale which rates foods based on their potential to support well-being. He is also director of the Brain Food Clinic which offers integrative psychiatric care incorporating “dietary assessment and food prescription along with coaching, meal planning, and hands-on skill building in your kitchen.” He believes that no single diet offers a panacea for mental health optimization, but that replacement of ultra-processed food with nutrient-dense alternatives offers the most benefits with ease of compliance. Click HERE for part 2.

Leyla Weighs In: Olive Oil and Brain Function
January 27, 2023
Can extra virgin olive oil improve impaired brain function?; Omega-3 fatty acids may promote stronger brain structure and thinking.