Prescription Drugs

Unpacking the Myths and Realities of GLP-1 Drugs with Dr. Swathi, Part 1
October 15, 2024
Integrative Pharmacist Dr. Swathi Varanasi Diaz details the impact and considerations of GLP-1 drugs, which are being lauded for their effectiveness in weight loss and obesity treatments. These drugs have seen widespread use, with statistics showing their intake by millions of Americans. However, the discussion also highlights the challenges associated with their use, including high costs, significant side effects, and a potential for weight rebound upon discontinuation. Dr. Diaz, a pharmacist with expertise in integrative medicine, provides insights into how these drugs work, their possible gastrointestinal and mental health side effects, and how they might be complemented with a proper lifestyle to enhance results. The conversation introduces Fortetropin as a natural product to possibly counteract muscle loss associated with GLP-1 drugs, and the natural myostatin inhibitor MYOS MD to also counteract weight loss related sarcopenia Throughout, the episode underscores the importance of a personalized approach to weight loss involving diet, exercise, and possible pharmaceutical interventions, while highlighting the necessity of caution and thorough consideration in adopting these treatments. Click HERE for part 2.

Navigating the Intersection of Nutrition and New Weight Loss Medications, Part 1
October 8, 2024
Dieting to optimize weight and metabolism with Kim Shapira, M.S., R.D., and author of "This Is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self." Kim explores the intersection of mindfulness, eating behaviors, and the use of modern weight loss medications, such as semaglutides and dual-action drugs. Kim Shapira, who holds degrees in kinesiology and human metabolism, shares insights into building healthier relationships with food, emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscle mass while on weight loss drugs, and avoiding weight rebound. They delve into the complexities of dieting beyond willpower, highlighting the emotional triggers associated with eating, the importance of mindfulness, and the six rules Shapira suggests for effective eating habits. The discussion also covers the potential downsides and societal impacts of weight loss medications, as well as practical strategies for achieving sustainable health outcomes. Click HERE for part 2.

Navigating the Intersection of Nutrition and New Weight Loss Medications, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Kim Shapira, M.S., R.D., author of "This Is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self." Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: How Big Pharma Corrupts American Healthcare, Part 2
June 4, 2024
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. John Abramson, author of "Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care—And How We Can Repair It." Click HERE for part 1.

Turning the Tide on Overmedication: Dr. Mark Horowitz’s Approach to Deprescribing, Part 1
May 14, 2024
Dr. Mark Horowitz, a Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry from the UK and co-author of “The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs,” delves into the complexities of deprescribing psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids. Dr. Horowitz outlines the origins and importance of the deprescribing movement, explaining how polypharmacy and overprescription have necessitated a careful approach to reducing medication loads safely. He discusses the physiological and withdrawal challenges faced by patients on long-term psychiatric medication, emphasizing the vital role of slow and individualized tapering processes. He covers the substantial influence of pharmaceutical companies on prescription guidelines in the US compared to the UK, shedding light on the differences in medication usage and prescribing cultures. Dr. Horowitz also debunks the chemical imbalance theory of depression, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of mental health issues and their treatment. He introduces Outro, a new clinic founded by Dr. Horowitz in California, aimed at supporting individuals through the deprescribing process. Click HERE for part 2.

Turning the Tide on Overmedication: Dr. Mark Horowitz’s Approach to Deprescribing, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Mark Horowitz, co-author of "The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs." Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Statin Use
March 21, 2024
Study: Scans for coronary artery plaque should determine statin use; Is there a limit to how much turmeric I can take every day? Are there any other supplements to complement it?; If your cells are damaged and they can be repaired, does that equate to better health?; My wife has been taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D for the past 2 years but her levels are still low; Where is the integrity in Covid vaccine clinical trials?; Do you still recommend Jigsaw Magnesium with SRT?; My mother is nearly 80 years old and would benefit from supplements. Any recommendations?; I read a report that zinc picolinate may cause liver damage but how do I know it's true when they didn't cite any research? Click HERE for part 2.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Pathway to Optimizing Health, Part 1
January 18, 2024
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) – those devices that provide 24/7 blood glucose readings – are not just for diabetics anymore. Data from CGMs provide a pathway to disease prevention and reversal, such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes, fatty liver disease, GERD and more. Dr. Paul Kolodzik, Board Certified in both Emergency Medicine and Preventive Medicine, is author of “The Continuous Glucose Monitor Revolution For Nondiabetics.” He discusses CGMs, insulin resistance, low carb and keto, intermittent fasting, even the prudent use of the new FDA-approved weight loss medications like Ozempic. Click on the book title to receive a free copy. Click HERE for part 2.

Lifestyle-Based Healing v. Pharmaceuticals to Treat Chronic Health Conditions, Part 1
January 16, 2024
The medical industry has long relied on pharmaceuticals to treat chronic health conditions to the exclusion of lifestyle changes. Troy Duell, health educator and veteran pharmaceutical marketing exec, pulls back the curtain on pharmaceutical industry secrets, raising a red flag on the industry's marketing strategies where medications are increasingly peddled as lifestyle staples rather than temporary remedies. Duell advocates for a paradigm shift, emphasizing the profound satisfaction and health triumphs experienced by individuals who conquer ailments like hypertension or cholesterol through lifestyle overhaul instead of pill bottles, and he offers actionable tips for people looking to reclaim control over their health. Click HERE for part 2.

Lifestyle-Based Healing v. Pharmaceuticals to Treat Chronic Health Conditions, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Health Educator Troy Duell. Click HERE for part 1.