Expert Interview

Relief for Autoimmune Disorders, Part 1
April 6, 2017
Dr. Terry Wahls discusses her new book, "The Wahls Protocol: Cooking for Life--The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions." Dr. Wahls was a conventional physician who developed multiple sclerosis which was unresponsive even to powerful MS drugs. Though initially skeptical of natural medicine, she felt she had little recourse when she became wheelchair-bound, and turned to a Paleo diet. Within weeks her symptoms improved, and after several years she has achieved lasting remission. Her research led her to formulate the Wahls Protocol which has brought relief to thousands of sufferers of autoimmune disorders. How pervasive is autoimmunity? Why might diet aid recovery? Dr. Wahls dispels some misconceptions about the Paleo diet: Is it all meat? Very low carb? Are nightshades and beans permitted? Why the emphasis on bone broths? Organ meats? Seaweed? Coconut? Must all food be organic, grass-fed or wild-caught? How does the Wahls diet square with the ultra low-fat Swank diet for MS? Which supplements are beneficial? Dr. Wahls details an ongoing clinical trial meant to validate her protocol. How can one join the large community of Wahls Protocol adherents? Click HERE for part 2.

Relief for Autoimmune Disorders, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Terry Wahls, author of "The Wahls Protocol: Cooking for Life--The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions." Click HERE for part 1.

Why is Scurvy Making a Comeback? Part 1
April 4, 2017
Dr. Jonathan Lamb, author of "Scurvy: The Disease of Discovery," does a deep-dive on the history of scurvy. Contrary to what we learned in school, it wasn’t “cured” by Sir James Lind in the 1700s after he began advising the British Navy to stock citrus fruit for long voyages (hence the origin of the term “Limeys”). It took years before nutritional science characterized ascorbic acid in the 1930s. It’s estimated that the death toll of scurvy exceeds that of US Civil War. What does vitamin C do in the body? Why are humans among the few species who can’t synthesize it and must obtain it from outside sources? What are the symptoms of scurvy? How is scurvy reflected in literature, from “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge to “1984” by George Orwell? Why is scurvy making a comeback in the 21st Century? Why might the body require more vitamin C when under stress? Could there be a rationale for high-dose oral or even intravenous vitamin C? Click HERE for part 2.

Why is Scurvy Making a Comeback? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jonathan Lamb, author of "Scurvy: The Disease of Discovery." Click HERE for part 1.

Fighting Alzheimer’s, Part 1
March 30, 2017
Amy Berger, author of "The Alzheimer's Antidote," challenges the current paradigm whereby we search for blockbuster drugs to inhibit amyloid plaque in the brain. To date, promising "magic bullet" cures have been ineffective at reversing dementia. Instead she proposes a comprehensive metabolic and lifestyle approach, which has been validated in early clinical trials. What does insulin have to with the decline of brain function? How can low-carb and ketogenic diets help? Why might a low cholesterol diet be harmful for the brain? What role for medium chain triglycerides? What supplements can slow progression? Why is exercise beneficial for staving off cognitive decline? What role does chronic stress play? Why might certain drugs (statins, acid blockers, etc.) accelerate mental decline? What tests predict risk for dementia? Is there a gluten connection? Does high homocysteine forecast memory problems? Click HERE for part 2.

Fighting Alzheimer’s, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Amy Berger, author of "The Alzheimer's Antidote." Click HERE for part 1.

Natural Cholesterol Lowering with Dr. Thomas Guilliams, Part 1
March 28, 2017
Is cholesterol that important? What are some of the adverse side effects of statins? Are they overprescribed? Is red yeast rice an acceptable alternative? What about other popular cholesterol-lowerers like niacin, policosanol, garlic, pantetheine, and guggulipids? Dr. Guilliams describes two “new kids on the block” for cholesterol management: berberine and bergamot. Do they provide additional benefits besides lowering cholesterol? Are there any side effects? Can they be safely taken with statins? What other supplements complement these agents for comprehensive cardiovascular prevention? Is lowering homocysteine still important? Click HERE for part 2.

Natural Cholesterol Lowering with Dr. Thomas Guilliams, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Thomas Guilliams about natural cholesterol management. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss, Part 1
March 27, 2017
"The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss." Dr. Jason Fung helps us explore why diets invariably fail. What’s wrong with calorie-counting? How can it be that simply eating too much is NOT the cause of obesity? What is insulin resistance and how does it stymie efforts at weight loss? How did we go astray with low-fat dieting? Why do high-protein, low-carb diets fail to deliver maximum weight loss benefits for some dieters? Why fat consumption doesn’t make you fat; Why saturated fat has been unfairly stigmatized; Why using drugs to treat high blood sugar may be exactly the wrong strategy; Why the old advice to have plenty of snacks to stave off hunger may be a poor strategy for dieters; Why having a big breakfast may NOT be such a good idea; Why exercise, while healthy, may not contribute much to weight loss; the FIVE key principles of Dr. Fung's Intensive Dietary Management Program; the benefits of intermittent fasting (IF). Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jason Fung, author of "The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss." Click HERE for part 1.