Infections

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for June 4, Part 2
June 6, 2022
Depression rates among kids soaring—the unsuspected role of the microbiome; Is the J&J vaccine still an option? What to do after a Covid infection; Is Metformin an anti-aging drug? Evidence emerges of hasty organ harvesting by Chinese surgeons; Height may be a predictor for certain health maladies. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: How Diet Impacts Psychiatric Conditions, Part 1
June 1, 2022
Nutritional psychiatry with Dr. Georgia Ede. Dr. Ede is a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist who emphasizes diet in her treatment of mental conditions. She is a frequent contributor to Psychology Today, and we discuss her recent article there highlighting the role of nutrition in curbing the risk of severe Covid. She describes how healthy diet impacts psychiatric conditions through three main mechanisms: inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood sugar dysregulation. Ups and downs of glucose affect mood, and insulin resistance deprives brain cells of fuel. She advocates a low-carb diet, even keto, to address certain psychiatric conditions. At the very least, intermittent fasting helps the brain achieve a needed “reset”. She’s not a fan of exclusively vegan diets, and critiques the EAT-Lancet report which calls for minimizing animal protein. She discusses recent research linking food additives and diet to attention deficit disorder. Dr. Ede offers a keto course for clinicians at her informative website diagnosisdiet.com. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: How Diet Impacts Psychiatric Conditions, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Georgia Ede, a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist who emphasizes diet in her treatment of mental conditions. Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for May 28, Part 1
May 30, 2022
Covid cases soar, but hospitalizations and deaths down, as world grows tired of Covid restrictions; Vaccination does not prevent Long Covid; “Asymptomatic spread” fears were overblown; Knee arthritis more common in diabetes; Why high cholesterol doesn’t always necessitate statins; Aspirin of little value in all but patients with the most serious arterial blockage; Does a wrist fracture signal the need for osteoporosis meds? EBT coronary calcium scan to delineate heart risk. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Leg Cramps
May 26, 2022
I drink tea in the morning but by the third cup, I am vomiting it back up. What gives?; I have dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. Can I take NTFactor?; I have a coronary calcium score that increased in the last five years. Do I need to increase Lipitor?; My husband gets terrible leg cramps. What can he do for this?; Do doctors routinely order Hemoglobin A1c or do I have to ask my doctor for the test?; I've been taking SAM-e for years and my doctor told me to stop with no explanation. Your thoughts?; I'm having long-haul covid symptoms. Can I be helped by Functional Medicine? Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Natural Approaches for Vision and Eye Problems, Part 1
May 25, 2022
Dr. Rudrani Banik, integrative ophthalmologist, dishes on a variety of subjects related to eye health. Are eye shields necessary for personal protection against the coronavirus? What’s the effect of all that extra screen time we’re experiencing due to lockdown? In addition to “blue-blocker” eyewear, can nutritional supplementation confer resistance against eye stress caused by device overuse? Will limiting kids’ outdoor time spawn a generation of glasses wearers? Dr. Banik shares how her own experience with migraines led her to begin to investigate natural approaches for eye problems. She is currently conducting research on the use of mastic gum extract in the treatment of optic nerve strokes, and gene replacement therapy for a rare form of hereditary blindness. In the wake of civil disturbances, Dr. Banik reports on advocacy by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to minimize the use of dangerous crowd control measures like rubber bullets. Stem cells are showing promise for restoring vision, but Dr. Banik suggests caution on their indiscriminate use. She previews her upcoming book, "The Macular Degeneration Prevention Protocol." Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Natural Approaches for Vision and Eye Problems, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Rudrani Banik, integrative ophthalmologist. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for May 21, Part 1
May 23, 2022
Omicron: You can’t fight today’s wars with yesterday’s weapons; Multiple studies reveal Omicron is far less severe than Delta—even for unvaccinated; Israeli immunologist tees off on aggressive government strategies to contain Covid; A 78-year-old caller seeks advice after testing positive; Hemp-derived cannabinoids block spike protein; After hip replacement, is it safe to resume running? Study reveals face masks have become the new beauty standard; After getting Covid, people are starting to live it up again. Vaccine makers are developing new Omicron-specific shots—but will it pay off? Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for May 21, Part 2

An unvaccinated 70-year-old got Covid, claims it was no big deal, wonders why the government hasn’t emphasized supplements for immunity; Beyond Meat, Inc. stocks tumble after glitzy IPO; Worldwide surge in autoimmune disease blamed on spread of Western fast foods; Natural support for peripheral artery disease; Regular consumption of olive oil curtails major disease risk and lowers risk of dying; Gluten-free diet alleviates chronic low back pain; Green tea catechins reduce incidence of respiratory infections. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

The “Swedish Experiment” During Covid, Part 1
May 17, 2022
Investigative journalist Johan Anderberg has written an account of Sweden’s response to Covid, "The Herd, How Sweden Chose Its Own Path Through the Worst Pandemic in 100 Years." The insights he gained have profound implications for our own public health strategies going forward. Sweden was heavily criticized for taking a relatively lax approach to school and business closures, compulsory masking and social distancing. Their health officials weighed the evidence, and decided on less stringent measures. After initial alarm at their high death rates, cases leveled off, and now Sweden boasts one of the lowest excess mortality statistics in Europe. Is allowing herd immunity to take effect the key to their success? Is there something about the Swedish lifestyle—adherence to a Nordic diet and lots of physical activity—that renders their population less vulnerable? Additionally, the Swedish economy took less of a hit, and their mental health—especially of young people—has been less impaired. According to Anderberg, Swedes wonder, after all the Sweden-bashing that took place in the U.S. and U.K. media early in the pandemic, why health journalists in those countries haven’t taken the time to re-examine their staunch advocacy for strict lockdown, distancing, and masking strategies. Click HERE for part 2.