Expert Interview

ENCORE: The Healing Attributes of Aloe for Skin and More, Part 1
January 24, 2023
The Benefits of Aloe. Dr. Michael Haley, nutritional chiropractor, believes gut health is central to wellness. He explains the science behind the healing attributes of aloe for skin conditions, GI problems, and even diabetes. Aloe is frequently used for treating burns and skin abrasions; it may also speed resolution of psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus. The controversy arises over the use of aloe internally. Dr. Haley explains why some components of the aloe plant may have an irritative, laxative effect. Proper processing yields aloe fractions with more of the healing, anti-inflammatory benefits for conditions like GERD, ulcers, and colitis. Which is better—gel or juice? What about thickeners like carrageenan? Should aloe products be preservative-free? Unpasteurized? What about flavorings? Learn more at www.aloe1.com. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: The Healing Attributes of Aloe for Skin and More, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with nutritional chiropractor Dr. Michael Haley. Click HERE for part 1.

Regenerative Agriculture: A Holistic Approach to Farming, Part 1
January 19, 2023
Regenerative agriculture—what is it? How does it differ from organic? Anand Swaroop Ph.D. is founder and president of Cepham, a science-based nutritional ingredient supplier, and an expert on regenerative agriculture. He describes how his family’s background in traditional farming in India prompted his interest in promoting regenerative agriculture in the face of increasing reliance on industrial farm technology, which relies on monoculture, and extensive use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and GMO crops. Can regenerative agriculture meet the challenge of feeding the world’s surging population? Can it help alleviate climate change? Is the food healthier and tastier? Dr. Swaroop also details how science is facilitating development of ever more promising nutraceuticals, and why the current supplement marketplace is experiencing supply chain problems. He details rigorous controls Cepham has instituted to insure ingredient quality and safety. Click HERE for part 2.

Regenerative Agriculture: A Holistic Approach to Farming, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Anand Swaroop Ph.D., founder and president of Cepham, a science-based nutritional ingredient supplier, and an expert on regenerative agriculture. Click HERE for part 1.

Health Inequity, Part 1
January 17, 2023
More and more, the country is devolving into health inequity—between the haves and have-nots. There’s also a widening gap in nutrition, with obesity and attendant medical conditions disproportionally afflicting marginalized communities. Today’s guest, Tambra Rae Stevenson, is addressing these disparities. She’s a healthy food advocate and policy influencer, and a self-professed nutrition warrior. Among her initiatives is WANDA—Women and Girls Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture, an organization building a movement of women and girls of African descent to become food “sheroes” in their communities through education, advocacy, and innovation. We discuss barriers to optimal nutrition, food “deserts”, and special needs of underserved populations. There’s a paucity of trained nutrition educators of color, and Stevenson is spear-heading initiatives to incentivize development of a cadre of community-based advocates for healthy diets. We discuss the importance of involving kids early, through programs like school and community gardens. Stevenson shares her personal journey exploring her African roots, discovering the benefits of centuries-old traditions of ancestral foods; she’s leveraging these insights to promote culturally-appropriate healthier food choices. Initiatives like WANDA can make a huge difference in reversing the tide of preventable disease. Click HERE for part 2.

Health Inequity, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Tambra Rae Stevenson, Founder and CEO of WANDA—Women and Girls Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture. Click HERE for part 1.

Integrative Dermatology, Part 1
January 12, 2023
Integrative dermatology with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis." We hear about how her personal journey toward embracing diet and supplements for her patients with skin problems was motivated by the discovery—after many missed diagnoses—that she was suffering from celiac disease. She finds that many skin conditions are ameliorated by elimination of culprit foods, and the overall adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Dr. Hurwitz discusses treatment for acne, in light of the fact that while dermatologists are 1% of medical specialists, they dispense 20% of the antibiotics prescribed overall. She updates us on the latest “biologic” medicines for eczema and psoriasis, but claims they work better when complemented with lifestyle changes. Dr. Hurwitz discusses the role of vitamin D, Omega 3s, and probiotics for many skin conditions, as well as niacinamide which reduces recurrence of skin cancer; she also addresses sunscreens and scar treatments. Click HERE for part 2.

Integrative Dermatology, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You." Click HERE for part 1.

Removing the Stigma Around Psychedelics, Part 1
January 10, 2023
Self-professed “psychonaut” Matt Zemon discusses his new book “Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness." Removing the stigma around psychedelics—emerging science is demonstrating their utility for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, ibogaine, peyote and others are regaining currency among innovative health professionals. Zemon describes how these might work—by opening new avenues of consciousness and rejiggering neurotransmitters. We discuss safety and optimal guidelines for use. Unfortunately, prescribing is limited by draconian and antiquated drug laws. Zemon maintains what’s needed are legal avenues for obtaining properly regulated medications delivered in ideal settings. Click HERE for part 2.

Removing the Stigma Around Psychedelics, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Matt Zemon, author of “Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness." Click HERE for part 1.