Expert Interview

Protecting Your Access to Natural Therapies, Part 2
February 19, 2015
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Tim Reihm of the Alliance for Natural Health, who brings us up to date on efforts to preserve natural medicine compounding pharmacies. Click HERE for part 1.

Reversing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Part 1
February 17, 2015
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of Fatigued to Fantastic, discusses the S.H.I.N.E. protocol for reversing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. He addresses the new initiative to change the name of CFS to “systemic exertion intolerance syndrome (SEID); Does exercise still have a role in addressing symptoms? What supplements benefit sufferers? What free or inexpensive resources can help patients find answers? Dr. Teitelbaum unveils a new project: a study of natural interventions to slow or reverse Alzheimer’s Disease progression. He argues that the best cures for challenging diseases won't be forthcoming from conventional medicine, but rather, require an amalgam of innovative orthodox and natural approaches. Among his favorites: D-ribose for fibromyalgia, curcumin for pain and dementia, and NAET for allergies and autism. Click HERE for part 2.

Reversing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum about a protocol for reversing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Click HERE for part 1.

Herbal Medicine for Colds and Flus, Part 1
February 12, 2015
In the wake of this year’s flu vaccine fiasco, master herbalists Jhoane and Carl Robinson, co-founders of Cedar Bear Naturales natural products company, share wisdom about natural alternatives for respiratory conditions. Why echinacea should not be used for certain conditions, and not simply for prevention; the potent anti-infective properties of garlic; the immune-supportive benefits of elderberry; when to take lomatium, yarrow, and Oregon grape root; tailored remedies for different types of coughs. Carl dishes on why NY Attorney General Schneiderman’s “bust” of herbal products is based on totally specious methodology. Click HERE for part 2.

Herbal Medicine for Colds and Flus, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with master herbalists Jhoane and Carl Robinson, co-founders of Cedar Bear Naturales natural products company, as they share wisdom about natural alternatives for respiratory conditions. Click HERE for part 1.

Cease and Desist, Part 1
February 10, 2015
Steve Mister of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) dishes on the recent “cease and desist” order leveled against major retailers of herbal supplements by New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman: “These actions . . . smack of a self-serving publicity stunt under the guise of protecting public health.” He claims the DNA barcoding methodology used by the AG is inappropriate; proper testing would support the potency and safety of the herbal products in question. The AG has not taken calls from responsible representatives of the supplement community, and he refuse to divulge the raw data on which the recall action is based. Steve Mister discusses the elaborate safeguards already in place by supplement manufacturers, and argues that more regulations are not the answer. He offers tips on how consumers can assure themselves of the quality and purity of supplements they use. He urges NY residents to express their concerns directly to the Attorney General, and is spearheading a Twitter campaign: “Hashtag: ReleasetheReport! Click HERE for part 2.

Cease and Desist, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Steve Mister of the Council for Responsible Nutrition on the recent “cease and desist” order leveled against major retailers of herbal supplements by New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Click HERE for part 1.

Supplements Under Attack, Part 1
February 9, 2015
NY State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman orders Target, Walmart, Walgreens and GNC to pull ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, ginseng and echinacea house brands. Allegation is that “pills contained nothing more than fillers such as asparagus, rice and houseplants.” Should consumers be concerned? Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (www.Herbalgram.com) weighs in with a balanced critique of the testing methods used by the AG’s office. Are supplements “unregulated” as many press reports argue? Do we need more government oversight of the supplement industry? How can supplement buyers make sure they get what they pay for? Should ingredients from China be avoided? Click HERE for part 2.

Supplements Under Attack, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (www.Herbalgram.com). Click HERE for part 1.

Defending Beef, Part 1
February 5, 2015
Beef has been maligned as unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable. Nicolette Hahn Niman, environmental lawyer turned cattle rancher, pushes back against the detractors in her new book “Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production.” Can animals be raised humanely? Isn’t “eating high on the food chain” bad for the planet? Is lack of affordability an obstacle to mass production of organic, pasture-fed meats? Isn’t fat and cholesterol bad for you? What about TMAO? Are grass-fed meats doomed to occupy only a small niche market for ultra-discerning consumers, or can they broaden their appeal to reach a wide market? What should consumers look for when sourcing natural meat products? Click HERE for part 2.