Intelligent Medicine

Current ways of visualizing the coronary arteries with calcium scoring are limited: the presence of calcium doesn’t always determine risk; its absence doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of soft plaque, which is actually more dangerous than stable calcium deposits. Dr. James Min is an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions. The test can be used to establish risk, and then medication and/or lifestyle modification with diet, stress reduction, exercise and supplements can be undertaken. Subsequent tests can yield a report card for how successful the preventive interventions have been. Dr. Min emphasizes that even in settings of high cholesterol the test can show minimal risk, reducing the need for cholesterol medication; conversely, people with low cholesterol may have substantial dangerous plaque. The Cleerly test promises to revolutionize our approach to cardiovascular prevention.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. James Min, an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is truly sad; Twin experiment reveals health and mood tolls of ultra-processed food; Can Jets’ Aaron Rodgers make a comeback after Achilles heel rupture? Bergamot for cholesterol? The debate over “moderate drinking”; Oral anticoagulants can increase osteoporosis risk; Why calcium carbonate is a poor choice for bone health

Why you shouldn’t rely on Chat GPT for cancer treatment options; How stress undermines your immune system defense against cancer; Keto diet + supplements for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Can Plavix make you dizzy? Berberine for blood sugar; Why a B complex supplement might give you stomach problems; Widely used emulsifiers in processed foods may hike heart risk; N-acetylcysteine staves off obesity complications.

"Leyla Weighs In: on the differences between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, highlighting the immune responses involved and common triggers. She also explores the rise in food reactivity, the impact on conditions like IBS and inflammatory bowel disease, and the role of environmental factors in gut health.

Selfies are driving up plastic surgery; Are either glucosamine hydrochloride or potassium sulfate bad for you--especially after long-term use?; What do you think of ZipSlim for weight loss?; Despite being on a strict diet, my cholesterol is 300 and increasing. I would like to avoid statins--what do you recommend?

Use of magnesium in Crohn's disease; Study: Association of habitual alcohol intake with risk of cardiovascular disease; If one is taking vitamin C, is a collagen supplement for the skin superfluous?; Is there a good treatment for varicose veins?

The Annatto plant is valued as a rich source of tocotrienols and a novel, newly-discovered nutraceutical: geranylgeraniol (GG). Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport and author of numerous books and scientific papers, join us to discuss the roles of tocotrienols and GG in human health. Traditional forms of vitamin E supplements—the tocopherols—are being superseded by tocotrienols as more therapeutic forms of vitamin E. Tocotrienols have shown promise in oncology, for supporting liver health, and for protecting cell membranes as potent fat-soluble antioxidants. GG is ubiquitous as a precursor of diverse compounds including CoQ10, active vitamin K, sex steroids, and proteins. It is useful as a general preventive supplement as well as for specific applications like offsetting CoQ10 depletion in statin users, in metabolic syndrome, and for staving off sarcopenia. Drs. Brady and Tan share their experience in dosing Annatto products, which come in a variety of iterations, alone or teamed with other supplements.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a diagnosis that offers a new way of understanding patients with a wide array of elusive symptoms, resistant to conventional therapy. Dr. Tania Dempsey, an expert in dealing with complex diseases, has performed extensive research in collaboration with Dr. Lawrence Afrin, author of "Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity." Dr. Dempsey explains the many manifestations of MCAS, which go beyond mere classical allergies, including headaches, psychiatric symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, and even gynecological and urological complaints. Certain medications can help treat it, along with diet and natural supplements like quercetin, DAO, and luteolin. Triggers may include mold, environmental toxins, stress, and tick-borne infections. There’s even speculation that MCAS may be responsible for some of the symptoms of Long Covid.