Expert Interview

The Potential Benefits of Medical Marijuana, Part 1
December 1, 2016
Dr. Rachna Patel is a pioneer in research and application of medical marijuana. She is careful to distinguish her practice from “card mills” that indiscriminately hand out prescriptions for marijuana to mostly recreational users. Rather, she tailors various formulas comprising differing ratios and dosages of THC and cannabidiol according to patients' medical conditions. She finds many of her patients with pain conditions respond well to medical marijuana: fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathy. Many are able to taper their prescription meds due to the pain relief they obtain. She describes topical application of marijuana for psoriasis and sore joints. Patients with MS experience decreased spasticity and patients with Parkinson’s Disease see improvements in tremors. Patients with anxiety enjoy freedom from panic attacks. Medical marijuana is well-suited for insomnia. It ameliorates GI pain in IBS and colitis. What patients are NOT candidates for medical marijuana? Can it be used in kids and adolescents? How might it paradoxically help ADHD? Do patients feel stoned? Does it create addiction or dependency? What about "amotivational syndrome" that is reported in chronic pot smokers? Does it provide support to cancer patients? Might it possess anti-inflammatory effects? Why does Dr. Patel eschew use of inhaled marijuana products? Should users trust the internet or should they access prescription marijuana via official licensed dispensaries? Click HERE for part 2.

The Potential Benefits of Medical Marijuana, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Rachna Patel, a pioneer in research and application of medical marijuana. Click HERE for part 1.

Aged Garlic Extract for Immune Support, Part 1
November 29, 2016
The role of Aged Garlic Extract in supporting immunity with Jim Lavalle, R.Ph., CCN, the author of "Your Blood Never Lies" and "Cracking the Metabolic Code." With the stressful holiday season now in full gear, what measures can we take to support our immune systems? What role could supplementation with Kyolic play in fending off infections? How does the immune system function (a brief primer)? When it comes to immunity, can we get too much of a good thing, resulting in autoimmunity or allergic responses? How is it thought that Aged Garlic Extract primes immunity? Are there ancillary benefits to Kyolic—for blood pressure and to protect arteries? For osteoporosis? What are the latest studies demonstrating about Aged Garlic Extract? What other ways can we optimize our immunity? What roles do exercise, diet, and sleep play? What other supplements should be part of our immune support portfolios? Why is allicin not thought to be essential for garlic’s immune-supportive activity? Why is Aged Garlic Extract thought to be superior to other non-standardized garlic products? Click HERE for Part 2.

Aged Garlic Extract for Immune Support, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Jim Lavalle, R.Ph., CCN about what measures can we take to support our immune systems. Click HERE for Part 1.

ENCORE: Dr. Leo Galland’s “The Allergy Solution,” Part 1
November 25, 2016
Dr. Leo Galland’s, "The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth About Why You Are Sick and How to Get Well.” The book seeks to empower patients to discover the hidden causes of their allergic symptoms via a detailed self-questionnaire, and to remediate them. Dr. Galland goes beyond sneezing, wheezing, and itching to characterize a wide variety of maladies and afflictions as allergic in origin. Why are allergies so much more pervasive in modern times? Allergies can be divided into indoor, outdoor and internal; Outdoor allergies comprise pollens, molds, animal dander and industrial pollutants; indoor allergies are on the rise due to our toxic home and work environments; and internal allergies arise when we turn our disrupted GI tracts into portable allergy factories. Poor diet, over-dependency on medications, and toxic chemicals create a perfect storm for allergies. Dr. Galland explains the rationale for a 3-day “Power Wash” which he administers to new patients to unmask dietary allergic triggers and revive their detoxification pathways. What role do “leaky gut” and “dysbiosis” play in promoting allergies? Why are probiotics alone not enough to restore GI balance for allergy sufferers? Dr. Galland discusses the 5 major food culprits: wheat, corn, soy, dairy and yeast; What role do dietary bioflavonoids from fruits, vegetables and spices play as potent allergy quenchers? How do allergies lead to a vicious cycle of weight gain and inflammation? Can brain allergies be responsible for depression, ADHD, brain-fog, even psychosis? Fascinating case studies from Dr. Galland’s practice illustrate the power of proper allergy sleuthing. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Dr. Leo Galland’s “The Allergy Solution,” Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Leo Galland about the hidden causes of allergic symptoms. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: The Grain Brain Cookbook, Part 1
November 24, 2016
Integrative neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter discusses his new book, The Grain Brain Cookbook. Why is a low-carb, ketogenic diet beneficial for the brain? How does gluten wreak havoc on the nervous system? What results are Dr. Perlmutter seeing in treatment of patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, MS, and ALS? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: The Grain Brain Cookbook, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. David Perlmutter about his new book, The Grain Brain Cookbook. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Nicotinamide Riboside (Niacel), Part 1
November 10, 2016
Nicotinamide riboside (Niacel) is a highly promising nutrient that promises to address a wide variety of health issues. Guy Daniels, Senior Product Specialist and Science Lead for Thorne Research, explains how nicotinamide riboside boosts NAD+, a key energy compound within the body. Its effects, like that of CoEnzyme Q10—ubiquinone—are also ubiquitous within the body, offering a wide spectrum of applications. Nicotinamide riboside is being researched at top research institutions worldwide for conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s , stroke, traumatic brain injury, optic neuritis, MS, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, hearing loss, and as a general anti-aging compound with resveratrol-like effects. When taken regularly, it has the potential to boost energy and physical performance, making it a favorite of endurance athletes. Individuals suffering from energy deficits due to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are likely to benefit. How much should you take? Are there any downsides or side effects? Daniels also shares his personal experience of keeping Crohn’s disease at bay using natural, drug-free approaches which he describes in his book: "Reduce Your Health Care Costs Through Natural Medicine." Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Nicotinamide Riboside (Niacel), Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Guy Daniels, Senior Product Specialist and Science Lead for Thorne Research, about nicotinamide riboside (Niacel), a highly promising nutrient that promises to address a wide variety of health issues. Click HERE for part 1.