Pediatric Health

ENCORE: DNA testing: Is it ready for Prime-Time? Part 1
September 27, 2023
Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, Chief Medical Director of IntellxxDNA, shares her perspective on the genetic testing revolution. What’s the difference between a mutation and a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)? How does the IntellxxDNA test differ from, say, 23andMe? Isn’t it potentially scary to find out you have a “bad” gene, like the ApoE4 gene that’s associated with Alzheimer’s Disease risk? Can genetic risk factors be overcome with diet, exercise, and targeted supplements? IntellxxDNA pinpoints obesity genes, genes that predispose to diabetes and heart disease, macular degeneration, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems and osteoporosis. Certain SNPs predict the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases when exposed to environmental toxins like mercury and glyphosate. Others may dictate higher requirements for antioxidants, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, and choline. Why is the IntellxxDNA test only available through health practitioners? Some critics say genetic testing is only in its infancy and not yet ready for primetime—is this mistaken? What can genomic testing tell us about remedial strategies for autism? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Childhood Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders, Part 1
May 23, 2023
Dr. Kenneth Bock joins Intelligent Medicine to discuss his latest book, "Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the hidden causes of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders in adolescents and teens." There’s an unprecedented pandemic of childhood psychiatric and behavioral disorders: attention-deficit/hyperactivity, autism, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disease, and Tourette’s. For decades, Dr. Bock has been delving into root causes of these conditions, for which medications are merely a bandaid. He discusses the roles of allergies, the microbiome, nutrient deficiencies, infections like Lyme and strep, and toxins. Chronic brain inflammation may be at the root of many behavioral changes. Dr. Bock has developed innovative protocols for quenching inflammation using a combination of natural and pharmaceutical interventions. He acknowledges that the teen years are turbulent and kids are subject to many stresses these days, but natural interventions can smooth the transition to adulthood. Dr. Bock is especially fond of what he terms the “Holy Trinity”: vitamin D, fish oil, and probiotics. But he often has recourse to methylated B vitamins, glutathione precursors, curcumin, and CBD. Much detective work is required to unravel complex cases, but remarkable recoveries can be achieved. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Childhood Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kenneth Bock about his book, "Brain Inflamed: Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mood Disorders in Adolescents and Teens." Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 29, Part 1: Fixes for Excessive Flatulence
May 1, 2023
A milestone as American Academy of Pediatrics advocates gastric bypass surgery, weight loss drugs for children; Teaching kids gardening in school combats obesity-related problems; Blood levels of Omega 3s predict likelihood of cognitive decline; Good hydration linked to healthy aging; New app gives you health feedback—from your toilet; Doctors give diverging opinions on whether to take a statin—what to do? Fixes for excessive flatulence; Do allergy shots work? Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for March 25, Part 2: Breakthrough Obesity Drugs
March 27, 2023
Can Covid cause hair loss? Breakthrough obesity drugs work—but are pricey and come with side effects; Caller experiences headaches from whey protein; Melatonin improves sleep in autistic children; Probiotics for sleep apnea? Learning piano in late life improves cognition and mood; The toll of Covid lockdowns on elderly brains; Should doctors warn patients about downsides of Medicare Advantage plans? High optimism propels women to longevity. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for March 11, Part 2: Coconut Oil
March 13, 2023
Anthocyanins for athletic performance and blood sugar control; The debate over the healthfulness of coconut oil; If 10,000 steps/day” not attainable, every 500 steps will suffice to reduce cardio risk; “MIND” diet averts Alzheimer’s brain changes; Survey reveals parents jump the gun on medicating kids’ fevers; Field of nightmares—artificial turf chemicals implicated in brain cancer in MLB players; No, long-distance running won’t wear out your knees. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for February 18, Part 2: Depression May Be a Mitochondrial Problem
February 20, 2023
Boswellia vs. knee osteoarthritis; Depression may be a mitochondrial problem; Reading to infants improves language skills; Pandemic lockdowns set back conditioning of musculoskeletal disease sufferers; Tinnitus from vax—CDC won’t investigate; New pricey running shoes may increase risk of repetitive stress injury; Biden’s physical—what’s missing; Teens mental distress soars—and may even be underestimated; More women with breast cancer can safely forego radiation therapy. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for November 26, Part 2: Joint Health
November 28, 2022
Facebook shadow-bans Intelligent Medicine content; Pomegranate extract improves joint health; “Chemical imbalance”—long a rationale for prescribing antidepressants—may be made-up narrative; Sexual side effects of SSRIs may persist after discontinuation; Natural support for Barrett’s esophagus; Heart health poor for most US children. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: The Pervasive Harmful Effects of Sugar, Part 1
August 30, 2022
Dr. Michael Goran, professor of pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine, has devoted his academic career to the study of childhood obesity and diabetes. In “Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar that are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do,” he and his co-author, nutritionist Dr. Emily Ventura, explore the pervasive harmful effects of sugar, and detail a practical program for effecting change. Excess dietary sugar contributes not just to obesity, but also increased risk for a lifetime of degenerative diseases, as well as behavioral problems. And now sugar is added to 70% of processed foods, often deceptively labeled as “natural”, or concealed under a variety of innocent-sounding rubrics. High fructose corn syrup has especially harmful properties. Non-caloric sugar substitutes also come into the cross-hairs as stoking the appetite and having indeterminate metabolic effects. Is regulation of the food industry the answer? Labeling laws? Restrictions on advertising to children? Sugar and soft drink taxes? Outright bans like now underway in Mexico? Tobacco-style litigation vs. the sugar industry? Dr. Goran argues for a more consumer-oriented approach, with self-regulation the goal for kids. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: The Pervasive Harmful Effects of Sugar, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Michael Goran, professor of pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Click HERE for part 1.