Intelligent Medicine

As natural thyroid ban looms, thyroid sufferers gird for battle with regulators; Rapid weight loss, muscle wasting—what to do? Could overuse of CT scans cause 100,000 extra cancers in the U.S.? Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket residents afflicted with tick-borne meat allergy; Beyond Meat headed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; Searching for the causes of low iron.

Report shows rapid declines in health of children and adolescents since 2007; N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for Parkinson’s; Statins increase likelihood of hearing loss, tinnitus; Lithium orotate for Alzheimer’s; Is tinnitus reversible? Novel implantable electrical vagus nerve stimulator approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin focuses on the impact of various exercise interventions on insomnia, based on a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The study compares exercise interventions like yoga, Tai Chi, and jogging to improve both subjective and objective sleep outcomes for insomnia patients. Additional discussion covers the benefits of exercise on neuroplasticity and sleep architecture, while also addressing alternative treatments such as hypnotics and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Leyla shares personal insights and practical advice for incorporating exercise into daily routines for better sleep.

For many, integrative medicine has become an unattainable luxury, and healthy diet and lifestyle the prerogative of the privileged. Today’s guest, Dr. Ramona Wallace, is attempting to change that. Trained conventionally as a DO, she undertook additional training and certification via the Institute for Functional Medicine to broaden her clinical skills. She practices primary care in an underserved community in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she incorporates diet and lifestyle recommendations to address her patients’ chronic conditions. Careful nutritional assessment has revealed that many of her patients, while overtly overweight, are decidedly malnourished. She has documented a wide range of deficiencies—of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and D, critical minerals like zinc and magnesium, even full-blown scurvy. These are precisely the patients who are most likely to benefit from nutritional support. Discovering obstacles to compliance is a key element to effect their health transformations. Dr. Wallace believes that individualized care is the key to reversing long-standing health conditions. She mentors medical students in the first-of-its-kind Functional Medicine program at a medical school. She has also co-authored a landmark paper arguing for wellness self-care by doctors, to stave off burnout and to help them be better role models for patients.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ramona Wallace.

Serena Jo, Ph.D in Exercise Psychology and ACE-certified Personal Trainer, explains how exercise benefits the brain, and how to undertake an exercise program. Is it ever too late to start? What forms of exercise are best? How to begin an exercise program economically, even if you’re at home; Home equipment basics; Pros and cons of online workout apps; What advantages do personal trainers offer? The downsides of overzealous workouts; Overcoming psychological barriers to fitness; What is the American Council on Exercise? Why your trainer should be professionally certified; How to turn your exercise passion into a career; More resources available HERE.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Serena Jo, Ph.D in Exercise Psychology and ACE-certified Personal Trainer.

BONUS ORIGINAL CONTENT: The introduction and limitations of the drug Addyi, known as the 'female Viagra,' including its side effects and mixed effectiveness; A listener's concerns about liver fibrosis, providing dietary and supplement recommendations for liver health; The impact of plastic exposure on cardiovascular health, emphasizing the widespread and harmful effects of phthalates found in plastics.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin reveals the alarming increase in obesity-associated cancers in the United States over the past two decades. Highlighting findings from a recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, Leyla underscores the significant rise in cancer deaths linked to obesity, particularly among women, older adults, Native Americans, and Black Americans. She also explores the complex causes of obesity, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and offers insights into effective weight management strategies. Additionally, Leyla examines the high rates of heart disease in various U.S. states, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and public health initiatives to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in the field of integrative and functional medicine, discusses his latest project, Big Bold Health, which focuses on immune system rejuvenation through natural products like HTB (Himalayan Tery Buckwheat) and high-quality fish oil. The conversation delves into the origins and benefits of functional medicine, the importance of diet and lifestyle in health, and the concept of making America healthy. Dr. Bland also shares insights into his journey and the influence of traditional medicine practices. Listeners are encouraged to explore more about functional medicine and Big Bold Health’s unique offerings.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a pioneer in the field of integrative and functional medicine.

Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America and author of “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community,” details the origins and mission of the nonprofit organization aimed at transforming the food supply and improving health by reducing chemicals in food, water, and air. Highlighting the impact of grassroots activism, Honeycutt illustrates how the organization's initiatives have driven significant awareness and policy changes, including advances in organic food consumption and labeling. She also touches on the challenges posed by government and corporate influences, advocating for policies that put children’s health and safety first. Honeycutt emphasizes the importance of individual actions and community involvement in creating a healthier future.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America and author of “Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community.”

Sweet poison? New doubts cast over safety of erythritol; Is Greek yogurt a good way to enhance protein intake? Comparing whey, soy, and pea protein isolates; When taking supplements, is it advisable to take periodic breaks to enhance their effectiveness? Tommy John surgery pioneer and longtime Mets medical director dies at 68; Ivermectin, once branded useless “horse paste,” may prove a new weapon against malaria; New findings challenge notion that humans and apes share 99% of their DNA.

In first-ever study, keto diet scores vs. Parkinson’s; Walk away from dementia; Loneliness can kill, but negative social ties can hasten biological aging; Researchers isolate potent memory compound from sage, rosemary; Sketchy knockoff weight loss drugs are flooding the marketplace; The popular vitamin you shouldn’t take for sarcoidosis; When osteoporosis is so severe that even minor trauma causes rib fractures.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the recently released 2025 report on the best overall diets. She critiques the methodology behind nutritional research, emphasizing issues such as recall bias and the reliability of food frequency questionnaires. Leyla then provides an in-depth review of the top ten diets listed in the report: Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, Mayo Clinic, TLC, Menopause, Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-inflammatory, Volumetrics, and Cleveland Clinic diets. She argues that many of these diets are misrepresented, particularly regarding their fat content and sustainability claims. Leyla also offers her insights on what constitutes a truly effective and sustainable diet.