Intelligent Medicine

Investigative journalist Charles Piller reveals deep-seated corruption in Alzheimer's research as chronicled in his book, “Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Disease.” The discussion delves into the issues surrounding Big Pharma's influence, fraudulent scientific studies, and the implications of a controversial 2006 experiment at the University of Minnesota. They also address the costly and marginally effective Alzheimer's drugs like Aducanumab, the challenges faced by alternative research hypotheses, and the significance of improving scientific integrity and checks and balances in medical research.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with investigative journalist Charles Piller, author of “Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Disease.”

The exorbitant cost of new drugs touted for psoriasis in direct-to-consumer ads highlights everything wrong with our medical system; When gastric bypass surgery sends blood sugar out of control; A campaign to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals may help alleviate nutritional threats to kids—but healthy eating begins at home; With winter viruses making the rounds, a remarkable supplement offers potent immune system support. 

Explore the pros and cons of pacemakers, addressing common fears and misconceptions. Discover how bright light therapy and creatine can help combat depression. Delve into the debate over protein intake for chronic kidney disease, challenging established dietary guidelines. Learn about the implications of a positive ANA test and its connection to autoimmune diseases. Finally, uncover the alarming rise of sedative drug abuse among young people, highlighting concerns about the mental health crisis.

In this episode of Intelligent Medicine, Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the rising importance of integrating culinary medicine in modern healthcare. Leyla emphasizes the need for blending ancient dietary wisdom with contemporary scientific practices to improve overall health and prevent disease. She highlights how convenience foods laden with preservatives and additives are detrimental to our gut health and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to nutrition. Traditional practices from Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are revisited, stressing the importance of addressing root causes rather than relying purely on pharmacological solutions. Leyla calls for a healthcare approach that includes nutrition professionals to provide personalized dietary advice, ultimately leading to a proactive, holistic, and sustainable health management system.

Upcoming congressional hearings for RFK, Jr to head HHSI sleep four hours a night and feel fine, but is there a sleep supplement you recommend?Is agave a better sugar substitute than stevia? Any cautions about using agave?

Do you take all of your supplements when you go on vacation?I give blood at least once a year and now my ferritin level is 28. What should it be?Long-term use of statins can cause insulin resistance and associated elevations in fasting insulinCan anybody recover from primary progressive aphasia?

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman interviews Dr. Carol Johnston, a professor of nutrition and associate dean at Arizona State University, dubbed 'The Vinegar Lady' for her extensive research on vinegar's health benefits. Dr. Johnston discusses the scientific basis for using apple cider vinegar to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in pre-diabetics, and its potential impacts on other conditions like depression. She explains how vinegar (acetic acid) affects metabolism and digestion. Additionally, Dr. Johnston highlights her research on high protein, low-fat diets, ketogenic diets, and the importance of maintaining a balanced intake of vitamins, especially B6 and C, due to common deficiencies in the American diet. The conversation includes practical dietary tips and addresses concerns like how to incorporate vinegar safely into daily consumption.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Carol Johnston, PhD, RD, Professor of Nutrition, in the College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University.

Integrative dermatology with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis." We hear about how her personal journey toward embracing diet and supplements for her patients with skin problems was motivated by the discovery—after many missed diagnoses—that she was suffering from celiac disease. She finds that many skin conditions are ameliorated by elimination of culprit foods, and the overall adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Dr. Hurwitz discusses treatment for acne, in light of the fact that while dermatologists are 1% of medical specialists, they dispense 20% of the antibiotics prescribed overall. She updates us on the latest “biologic” medicines for eczema and psoriasis, but claims they work better when complemented with lifestyle changes. Dr. Hurwitz discusses the role of vitamin D, Omega 3s, and probiotics for many skin conditions, as well as niacinamide which reduces recurrence of skin cancer; she also addresses sunscreens and scar treatments.