Vitamin D

ENCORE: Debunking Misinformation About Vitamin D, Part 1
July 9, 2024
Recently, headlines have proclaimed that vitamin D is ineffective, that we shouldn’t bother testing for it, and that most people shouldn’t bother taking it. Pushing back on those assertions is Dr. William Grant, one of the world’s foremost vitamin D researchers with over 60 published studies. His latest paper explains why research on vitamin D is plagued by methodological errors and colored by bias against nutritional supplements that might supplant pharmaceutical drugs. Dr. Grant explains how vitamin D, far from being just a “bone vitamin”, can impact a wide range of conditions ranging from dementia and Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mood disorders, and cancer; studies have shown it improves pregnancy outcomes and extends life; the latest research suggests a benefit for respiratory infections and Covid. We also discuss the important role sunlight exposure plays in vitamin D synthesis, and how wrong-headed health authorities have stigmatized sun exposure to great detriment. What levels are best? How much to take? Is there an upper limit? Dr. Grant is currently the director of the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Resource Center. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Debunking Misinformation About Vitamin D, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. William Grant, one of the world’s foremost vitamin D researchers. 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.

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Bronchiectasis

I have spike antibody values at 1,880. Does this result warrant a booster shot?; How much more vitamin D can I take to increase my levels?; Do you think Relief Factor is worth the 3-week trial?; Could you discuss bronchiectasis and any natural treatments? I would like to avoid antibiotics. Click HERE for part 1.

Reforming SNAP, Part 1
August 22, 2023
Reforming SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—formerly known as food stamps—is designed to address nutritional gaps for economically-disadvantaged Americans. But critics argue that SNAP’s lack of selectivity when it comes to ultra-processed foods stokes the current epidemic epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders. Nutritionist Carolina Schneider MS, RD joins us to discuss an opportunity to reform SNAP this September when Congress takes up renewal of the Farm Bill. She makes the case for emphasizing fresh, minimally-processed food as eligible for purchase under SNAP. Also, she urges inclusion of vitamin D under SNAP benefits because of the pervasiveness of vitamin D deficiency, especially among SNAP recipients. Check out a hub for citizen activism at www.All4VitaminD.org. In part 2 we shift to consideration of plant-based diets: What are their advantages, and what are potential pitfalls? Click HERE for part 2.

Reforming SNAP, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nutritionist Carolina Schneider MS, RD. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for August 12, Part 2: Improving Stroke Recovery
August 14, 2023
Is exercise more effective than drugs or talk therapy for depression and anxiety? Improving stroke recovery; Makers of sugary cereals threaten to sue Feds over loss of “healthy” food labeling. Prescription meds don’t cut it for long-term management of sleep problems; Why cars make drivers drowsy; “Catch-up sleep” on weekends is not the solution for workday sleep deficits; Vitamin D vs. dementia; Sketchy ties with Big Pharma prompt resignation of FDA official; Asthma rescue med shortage highlights U.S. drug supply chain problems. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

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 May 6, Part 1: Will your next doctor be a robot?
May 8, 2023
The reason vitamin D trials sometimes come up short; Pros and cons of “blood flow restriction training”; Can supplements help reduce dependency on asthma meds? UK health officials urge statins for all adults after heart attacks and strokes surge during Covid; New JAMA study highlights myocarditis risk for young male vaccine recipients; Health administrators salaries soar as physician earnings stagnate; AI-assisted computers ace medical licensing exam—will your next doctor be a robot? Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.