Vitamin D

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.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 29, Part 2: Artificial Sweeteners Hike Cardio Risk
May 1, 2023
A listener challenges Dr. Hoffman for giving airtime to vaccine skeptics (as the Covid narrative unravels); Prominent vaccine scientist calls for suspension of booster mandate for healthy young; Does “Arterosil” protect against atherosclerosis? New study proves protection of healthy diet vs. Covid; Newly-passed Omnibus bill to restrict off-label prescribing of meds; Chronic steroid use—even from inhalers—has negative brain impacts; Artificial sweeteners hike cardio risk; Keto diet reduces seizure frequency; Vitamin D use protects against melanoma; Stress accelerates brain aging—meditation may counteract it. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 1, Part 2: Keto Matzoh Balls?
April 3, 2023
Keto matzoh balls for Passover? The final verdict on the health impact of alcohol; Is a vitamin D of 81 too high? Can episodes of high blood pressure be linked to GERD? Vitamin D vs. diabetes; Magnesium vs. cognitive decline; Blueberry polyphenols for vascular health; Curcumin vs. atherosclerosis; Can you catch a UTI from contaminated meat? Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for February 11, Part 2: The Real Nursing Home Scandal
February 13, 2023
“De-prescribing”—is it time to take a stand against unnecessary polypharmacy? Lion’s mane mushrooms support memory by enhancing nerve growth; A caller with asthma complains of susceptibility to viruses—is her immune system at fault? The real nursing home scandal—many facilities fail to prioritize vitamin D supplementation; Ultra-processed foods hike risk for cancer; Bariatric surgery may fend off obesity-related diseases—but young patients found to have increased risk of suicide; Exposure to plastic ingredient phthalate heightens diabetes risk; A novel herbal combination shows promise against ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s; Screen time increases adolescents’ body mass index—even exercise does little to counteract weight gain. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for December 31, Part 1: Menopause Woes
January 2, 2023
They kept saying multivitamins were a waste of money—until this study revealed they slow cognitive decline by 60%! Congress bid to restrict supplement access appears stalled; CBD shows promise for reducing menopause woes; Periodontal disease care lessens severity of heart attacks; Natural support for gum disease; CoQ10 scores against fatigue; Omega 3 with antioxidant co-factors slows Alzheimer’s progression; Vitamin D—how much is too much? Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.