Intelligent Medicine

Save Our Supplements!; Taking statins in the setting of low-carb diets; Are there any downsides to taking L-arginine for erectile dysfunction?; I've developed aphasia and it's progressive. Am I doomed to this neurological deterioration?

Is it possible to be allergic to sugar? I get an extremely sore throat from it.; Can you comment on the pros and cons of pink salt?; I'm in my first trimester of pregnancy. Is there something you can recommend for morning sickness?; My 93-year-old mother has trouble swallowing and needs to take a laxative. Any recommendations?; Why do some organic whole grain cereals contain added sugar?; I believe in taking good care of myself with diet, supplements, and exercise instead of covid jabs. What are your thoughts? I had pre-skin cancer on my forehead and received treatment. Two months later it came back. Was I misdiagnosed?

Integrative rheumatologist Jill Weintraub MD explains how hi-tech medicines can be supported by lifestyle measures—including diet, stress reduction, and specific supplements. She’s the co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You," where she offers comprehensive recovery plans with patient vignettes. She first details conventional options now available for autoimmunity, including the new biologic drugs. Dr. Weintraub discusses how diet can be deployed to reduce dependency on medications; the Mediterranean, Paleo, and vegan diets have been found helpful, as has intermittent fasting. Supplements like curcumin, omega 3s, and Boswellin may help tamp down inflammation; Adaptogens may counter the effects of stress; and probiotics and “gut-sealers” may address altered intestinal permeability. Androgens—especially DHEA—have proven helpful in lupus. A particular focus for Dr. Weintraub is patients who have signs of autoimmune susceptibility prior to formal diagnosis, who are ideal candidates for early intervention with natural modalities to forestall the development of full-blown disease.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jill Weintraub, author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You."

When a health concern arises, the worry is two-fold: first, about the condition itself, and second, how to effectively access proper treatment and care. Even when you know a great deal about how the system works, navigating the US healthcare system is fraught with difficulty and heartache. The ride through a complicated, fractured, confusing, and dehumanizing healthcare system can be maddening. Medical consumer advocate Joyce Griggs is the developer of www.unitedstatesofhealthcare.com, a resource for patients and their families. We discuss how best to prepare for a doctor’s visit, how to make sure all members of your medical team are on the same page, and how to advocate for yourself. For example, it’s important to take advantage of new transparency laws to price out your healthcare. What to do when hit with insurance denials and sticker shock at the pharmacist? What about the pluses and minuses of telemedicine? Why it can be important to bring someone with you to critical doctors’ visits and to advocate for you during a medical crisis. Joyce shares her own experience dealing with the healthcare system on behalf of a sick relative which prompted her to share lessons she learned with the public.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with medical consumer advocate Joyce Griggs, the developer of www.unitedstatesofhealthcare.com.

Low carb diets are great—but are benefits negated when they raise LDL? Cannabis use—can it accelerate dementia? How can you tell if you’re in danger of getting type 2 diabetes? Handheld device may revolutionize diagnosis of skin cancers; Midlife protein consumption may be a key to healthy aging; 92 year-old indoor rowing champion proves exercise can overcome physical decline; Cold water swims plus cinnamon reverse diabetes; Soaring cancer rates in young and declining health spans spotlight miss-steps of modern medicine.

Multivitamins linked to improved memory, slower age-related cognitive decline; Supplements for atrial fibrillation, COPD, and anxiety; How exercise accelerates tissue regeneration; Are occasional age-related memory lapses something to worry about? How to fend them off; Alternatives to Lyrica for fibromyalgia; Is NTFactor compatible with medications? Licorice can raise blood pressure—but might prove a boon to those with lightheadedness.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “Weighs In” on the significant link between poor diet and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. She highlights recent studies that reveal how unhealthy eating habits can lead to detrimental changes in brain chemistry and structure. Leyla emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes in integrative and functional medicine, suggesting that food quality is crucial for mental well-being. She shares practical advice on managing cravings and urges through techniques like 'urge surfing' and mindfulness. This episode underscores the message that adopting a healthy diet can mitigate stress and improve overall mental health.

Study: More people are overweight and overtly obese; What impact does olive leaf extract have on bone health? Can long-term use cause antibiotic resistance?; Is organic expeller pressed canola oil bad for me?; My 47-year-old husband has liver spots. Should we be concerned for his liver function?