Chronic Pain

Topical CBD (cannabidiol) for pain, skin conditions and more, Part 1
July 11, 2018
Joel Greengrass, CEO of Theramu, shares how he personally got involved with CBD. Suffering from MS, he was on 7 medications for pain, spasticity, anxiety, and insomnia. Using both oral and topical CBD, his symptoms were relieved to the point that he was able to wean himself from all but one prescription—then he started a company. What does the research say about how skin application of CBD exerts its effects on pain and inflammation? Can it relieve arthritis, minor injuries, and muscle soreness? Inflammatory skin conditions? Does it have cosmetic effects? Why does Theramu leverage the synergy of emu oil together with CBD? A recent JAMA article found less than 1/3 of on-line CBD products delivered their promised potency, and some contained undisclosed amounts of THC—how does Theramu assure potency and safeguard against undesirable adulterants? Joel details the experiences his customers have been having using CBD for conditions like anxiety, PTSD, headaches/migraines, insomnia, neurological disorders and GI complaints. Is CBD “street-legal” for professional athletes? Is it safe for children and pets? Can it get you “stoned”? Click HERE for part 2.

Topical CBD (cannabidiol) for pain, skin conditions and more, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Joel Greengrass, CEO of Theramu, about how skin application of CBD exerts its effects on pain and inflammation. Click HERE for part 1.

The Nutraceuticals of the Decade? Part 1
May 1, 2018
There’s more to hemp than just CBD (cannabidiol). So says Carl Germano, expert on cannabinoids and Vice President of Verdant Oasis, a quality manufacturer and supplier of hemp-sourced products. Germano explains the “Entourage Effect” whereby numerous compounds in hemp act synergistically on a multitude of physiological pathways. Natural plant-derived cannabinoids have the potential to be the nutraceuticals of the decade. They have been used in folk medicine for nervous disorders and painful conditions for millennia. What’s their utility for headaches? For back pain? As an alternative to opiates and NSAIDs? For insomnia? To prevent and reverse osteoporosis? For ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease? For skin problems? To support athletic performance and recovery? For neurodegenerative disorders? Even for cancer? Why has hemp been unfairly stigmatized? What’s its legal status? How do the various delivery systems compare: oral capsules, tinctures, vaping, vs. topical application? Germano details what consumers should look for in terms of quality considerations. As a postscript, in light of his authorship of The Osteoporosis Solution, Germano weighs in on the bone benefits of ipriflavone.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1
April 25, 2018
Education and health literacy as a determinant of health outcomes. Would you discuss kratom for pain control; what do you think of it? I take between 5,000 and 10,000 IU of vitamin D each day and get daily sun but my level is only 38 ng/mL, why? A headline reads "A single high fat meal increases risk for heart disease." Is this a valid study? Click HERE for part 2.

Repairing Damaged Cells, A Powerful Healthy Aging Strategy, Part 1
April 24, 2018
Prof. Garth Nicolson is recognized as a pioneer in research on the mitochondria, the energy factories within cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in a myriad of diseases, as well as in the aging process. Fatigue is its cardinal symptom. The mitochondria are implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s Disease, chronic infections like Lyme Disease, Gulf War Syndrome, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and obesity, autism, and even some cancers. Prof. Nicolson has demonstrated that membrane lipid replacement therapy (LRT) with glycerolphospholipids (NT Factor) can facilitate recovery from many of these disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated that LRT can increase energy levels by 40% or more. What companion nutrients also support mitochondrial performance? How much NT Factor do you need to take? How fast does it take effect? Prof. Nicolson shares exciting results of clinical trials he’s currently undertaking with LRT. Learn about NT Factor clinical trials by clicking HERE. Click HERE for part 2.

CBD (Cannabidiol)—could it be the nutraceutical of the year? Part 1
March 27, 2018
Retired military physician and West Point graduate Philip Blair, MD is an internationally-recognized expert on CBD: What is it? Is it legal? Why are hemp sources of CBD preferred over marijuana-derived CBD? Will it make you high? Uncoordinated? Are there other untoward effects? Addiction or dependency potential? What does research tell us about the endocannabinoid system? Does CBD have the potential to alleviate pain and help curb the opioid epidemic? What can CBD do for anxiety, depression or PTSD? For head injuries? For neurodegenerative disorders? Seizures? As a sleep aid? GI ailments? What’s the basis of its anti-inflammatory effects? Can it address skin disorders and promote healing? Does it enhance athletic performance and speed recovery time? What’s the difference between tinctures, oral capsules, liposomal forms, topical lotions, and vaping solutions? Why is the “entourage effect” important? Can pets benefit from CBD? How do you evaluate the quality of CBD products? Click HERE for part 2. And click HERE for the article, "The Scientific Evidence Proving CBD’s Benefits," for more information.

CBD (Cannabidiol)—could it be the nutraceutical of the year? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with retired military physician and West Point graduate Philip Blair, MD, an internationally-recognized expert on CBD. Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for March 17, Part 2
March 19, 2018
A caller worried about kidney function seeks natural alternatives to NSAIDs for joint pain; L-Arginine vs. pre-eclampsia and major depression; Rx for fungal toenail leaves patient stuck with $1500 pharmacy bill; Oral vs. topical bio-identical hormone replacement; Screening rectal exams found ineffective; New gout drug raises safety issues. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1
February 7, 2018
Vitamin D slashes cardiovascular risk. Will cheaper, innovative, efficient healthcare tank the stock market? I took Cipro for many years for UTIs and have tendon ruptures, is there any way of resolving this side effect? My 56-year-old girlfriend has arthritis in her hands, what are the best supplements to take? What is the best diet to follow if you have coronary artery plaque -- are cheese and coconut oil really ok? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: “The Herbal Pharmacist,” Part 2
August 3, 2017
"The Herbal Pharmacist," David Foreman, tackles chronic pain, a problem that affects 100 million Americans and exacts a huge financial toll. What are the downsides of current prescription and over-the-counter pain medications? Are there natural anti-inflammatories? Could Celadrin play a role in pain relief? How might magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acids ameliorate pain? Click HERE for part 1.