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Ask Doctor Dawn

Latest episodes

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Oct 18, 2024 • 33min

Nobel Prize-Winning Micro RNA to Python Hearts: Scientific Breakthroughs and Alternative Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-17-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a listener's question about optimal timing for the consumption of iron, green tea, and nori powder to maximize absorption, recommending timing and supplementation strategies. She responds to a listener's email on the issue of plastic in tea bags and provides resources for finding plastic-free options, while also clarifying misconceptions about microplastics in seaweed and fish. Dr. Dawn celebrates the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine awarded for the discovery of micro RNA, explaining its significance in gene regulation and potential therapeutic applications. She highlights a major neuroscience milestone: the mapping of a fruit fly's brain connectome, discussing its implications for understanding complex behaviors and neural circuits. Dr. Dawn provides comprehensive advice for managing ulcerative colitis, including vitamin D supplementation, CBD, omega-3 fatty acids, and stress reduction techniques. She discusses a study on pythons that could lead to new therapies for heart disease, explaining how the snake's unique cardiac adaptations might inform human treatments. Dr. Dawn introduces the Ronnie Gardner method, a music-based movement therapy showing promise in rehabilitation for stroke and Parkinson's disease patients.
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10 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 52min

Medicare's $2 Drug List, Prostate Cancer Screening Advancements, and Health Insights: From TB Tests to Vitamin A in Vegans

Discover Medicare's new offering of over 200 essential drugs for just $2, aimed at easing medication costs for seniors. Learn about the innovative ExoDx urine test for prostate cancer screening that minimizes unnecessary biopsies. Delve into the complexities of Klebsiella infections and the nuances of TB testing. Get practical tips for managing orthostatic hypotension in older adults. Finally, explore the challenges vegans face with vitamin A and the importance of proper testing.
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Oct 5, 2024 • 51min

Listener questions focus today's agenda: Green tea binds dietary minerals; synthetic fragrance in common products linked to Early Puberty

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-03-2024: In response to several listener emails, Dr. Dawn expands on the benefits of Nori powder and Rhamnan sulfate, including their effects on cholesterol and the glycocalyx. TheThe type of Nori seaweed species with the high amounts of Rhamnam sulfate is monostroma nitidum (Japanese name Hitoegusa,) and can be obtained online at Https://okume.us. She then took a little time to recap the antiviral, anti-glycemic, and cardiovascular benefits of Rhamnan sulfate found in certain seaweeds. The doctor then emphasized the importance of hot water extraction for seaweed and mushrooms as dried powders to increase bioavailability of beneficial compounds. In response to another email, Dr. Dawn addressed green tea's interaction with iron which binds and prevents absorption and its potential impact on EGCG's antioxidant properties. This lead to a brief reassuring discussion about internet memes around the safety of tea consumption and debunking concerns about lead contamination in most commercial teas. We then heard about the potential link between a common artificial fragrance Musk Ambrette, which is implicated in causing early puberty in girls as young as 9 years old. Dr. Dawn briefly comments on the need for a new economic model to address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and the need for new antibiotics. A discussion on so-called anti-nutrients in foods, including lectins, oxalates, and phytates, and their actual impact on health. The importance of cooking methods in reducinganti-nutrients and increasing mineral availability in foods. The potential benefits of phytoestrogens, particularly from soy, in reducing cancer risk for young women. The risks associated with processed and convenience foods, particularly regarding microplastics. In response to a telephone question, the doctor gave some strategies for managing herpes outbreaks and its potential long-term effects on brain health. She also emphasized the importance of sleep and exercise for longevity and overall health.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 52min

From Transparent Mice to Breast Milk Therapies: Exploring Cutting-Edge Medical Research and Aging Insights

Broadcast on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-26-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses a study on mice whose abdomens were made transparent using tartrazine aka yellow dye #3, explaining the physics behind this phenomenon and potential medical applications. The FDA's approval of an new and cheaper epinephrine nasal spray called Neffy is announced as a more convenient alternative to EpiPens. Hyperaldosteronism, a potentially underdiagnosed condition causing treatment - resistant hypertension in many patients, is explained along with its symptoms and testing methods. A study suggesting that COVID lockdowns may have prematurely aged teenagers' brains is discussed, with notable differences in brain scans of areas affected between boys and girls. Research on racial disparities in unscheduled emergency C-sections among black and white women is examined, considering various factors that might contribute to this difference. Dr. Dawn reviews a meta-analysis on the risks of screening colonoscopies, highlighting higher complication rates than previously thought. The show explores exciting new research on breast milk components and their potential therapeutic applications for various conditions in adult. Recent findings on human aging patterns are presented, revealing two significant aging points in life and discussing how different body systems age at varying rates.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 55min

From Microplastics to Ancient Egyptian Health: Dr. Dawn Tackles Diverse Medical Topics and Current Research

Dr. Dawn, a seasoned medical expert, dives into a variety of health topics. She provides key insights on Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare, revealing potential pitfalls. A detailed discussion on gallbladder surgery options highlights informed decision-making. The health effects of high oxalate foods are examined, alongside the management of leg cramps in older adults. Dr. Dawn also addresses diabetes management and presents intriguing findings on ancient Egyptian scribes, uncovering how their professions influenced their health.
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7 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 56min

From Gout to Glycocalyx: Exploring New Frontiers in Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Health Issues

Dr. Dawn, an expert in gout and metabolic health, dives deep into the causes of gout and explores both conventional and alternative treatments. She highlights the gut microbiome's impact on uric acid levels and offers diet tips rich in prebiotics and fermented foods. Discover the significance of the Glycocalyx in cardiovascular health, along with promising supplements like rhamnan sulfate. Plus, learn about an innovative sweat analysis method for diagnosing sleep apnea and the benefits of functional bracing for Achilles tendon injuries.
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Sep 6, 2024 • 56min

The immune system, the brain and mental health, plus autoimmune disease research and treatments are thoroughly explored

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 5-30-2024 and 9-05-2024: Cognitive errors in medicine dismissing unusual presentations as psychological A case of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis causing psychiatric symptoms Failures of genetic research to identify causes Need for integrating neurology and psychiatry; Importance of testing for antibodies and using MRI scans Detailed explanation of immune tolerance, peripheral tolerance, and the phenomenon of molecular mimicry in diseases like multiple sclerosis and celiac disease Importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms Historical context and current advancements in treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis using reprogrammed immune cells and iron oxide nanoparticles Explanation of how the liver filters blood and helps establish immune tolerance by processing cellular debris and antigens Advances in engineering regulatory T cells to target specific disease sites and calm inflammatory responses Exploration of new diagnostic tools and the potential of AI in understanding complex psychiatric conditions Detection of colds and other diseases by analysis of voice frequency patterns
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Aug 31, 2024 • 56min

From Metabolic Syndrome to Brain Health: Functional Medicine's Prescient Insights on Inflammation, Nutrition, and Holistic Healing

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-29-2024: Dr. Diana Schwarzbein explains the concept of damaged metabolism, focusing on building and using biochemicals in the body. Dr. Jeffrey Bland discusses metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and their widespread effects on various bodily systems. Dr. Mark Houston explores the relationship between insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. David Perlmutter explains the connections between diabetes, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The concept of food as information is introduced, highlighting how nutrients can influence gene expression and cellular function. The role of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in aging and disease is discussed. The importance of fat cells as an endocrine organ and their impact on inflammation is explored. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress are explained in relation to cellular health and disease. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations for reducing inflammation and improving overall health are provided by multiple speakers. The potential benefits of specific supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and green tea extract are discussed. The speakers advocate for a more holistic, interconnected approach to medicine that addresses root causes rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
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Aug 24, 2024 • 56min

Surgical Insights, Herbal Truths, and Anger's Cardiovascular Impact: Navigating Modern Medicine's Complexities

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-22-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses the overuse of cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for gallstones and abdominal pain, emphasizing the need for more careful patient selection. A caller seeks advice about her breastfeeding infant's digestive issues. The show explores a new ultrafast genetic sequencing technology for brain tumors that can provide crucial information during surgery. Dr. Dawn explains how early primary care follow-up after surgery can significantly reduce hospital readmissions, suggesting improvements in scheduling systems. The potential hepatotoxicity of certain herbs is discussed, with Dr. Dawn providing context and questioning the validity of some negative claims about turmeric and green tea. Information about Gymnema, an ayurvedic compound for glucose control, is shared, including dosage and potential effects. Dr. Dawn addresses a listener question about compounded semaglutide as an alternative to brand-name medications like Ozempic. The show concludes with recent research on how anger impairs blood vessel dilation, potentially explaining its link to heart attacks and strokes.
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Aug 17, 2024 • 51min

From Alzheimer's Detection to Natural Pain Relief: Exploring New Medical Frontiers and Time-Tested Remedies

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-15-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a caller's concerns about stomach pain and discusses a simple test for acid stomach and some short term conservative approaches before considering invasive procedures like endoscopy. A caller shares his experience using cannabis and warm water therapy to alleviate back pain and stiffness. Are your memory problems a sign of early Alzheimer's? Dr. Dawn discusses a new blood test for Alzheimer's disease that detects P-tau217 protein levels, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Dr. Dawn reviews the Lancet Dementia Commission's findings on modifiable risk factors for dementia, including lifestyle choices and health conditions that can impact cognitive decline. The benefits of Tai Chi for improving cognitive function in older adults are highlighted, based on a recent study. Research on wasabi's potential to enhance episodic and working memory in older adults is discussed. Dr. Dawn explains the concept of a battery-powered wound dressing and its potential applications for wound healing, particularly in diabetic patients. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for brain injuries and stroke recovery is mentioned. Dr. Dawn responds to an email about using blackstrap molasses as a source of calcium, discussing its potential drawbacks and suggesting alternatives.

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