Clinical Focus

Clinical Focus: Fish Oil — Why aren’t you taking it? Part 1
November 23, 2016
Up to 91 percent of Americans are omega-3 deficient and a Harvard study ranked omega-3 deficiency as the eighth leading cause of preventable death. Omega-3s are considered “essential” because the body cannot make them and must ingest them from external sources. Omega-3s benefit the body in countless ways, from brain and heart health to boosting mood and skin health. Omega-3s are particularly notable for cardiovascular health. So why isn't everyone taking them? Dr. Hoffman is joined by Hoffman Center Nutritionist Leyla Muedin to detail and refute many of the reasons people don't take fish oil. Click HERE for part 2.

Clinical Focus: Fish Oil — Why aren’t you taking it? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman and Leyla continue their discussion on the benefits of fish oil, and they refute many of the reasons people give for not using it. Click HERE for part 1.

Clinical Focus: The Ugly Truth About Synthetic Thyroid, Part 1
October 25, 2016
Why do so many hypothyroid patients keep feeling lousy? They complain of brain fog, weight gain, and poor mood, but their doctors assure them that their tests are normal and that maybe they should see a shrink. Why do a high percentage of hypothyroid patients gain weight? Why do they need blood pressure medication, statins and anti-depressants? A new study from Rush Medical School shows that a high percentage of patients on thyroid meds are dissatisfied despite being dosed appropriately. Why the problem? The TSH test, designed to assess thyroid function is deeply flawed. Also, monotherapy with synthetic thyroid (Synthroid, levothryroxine) delivers only T4, not the active T3 that the body needs. So why are thyroid doctors stuck in an obsolete and inadequate paradigm? Click HERE for part 2.

Clinical Focus: The Ugly Truth About Synthetic Thyroid, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his discussion on why thyroid doctors are stuck in an obsolete and inadequate paradigm. Click HERE for part 1.

Part 1: A Flawed Study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Patients Fight Back
October 13, 2016
CFS patients fight back against flawed PACE study! It may seem like a paradox that exhausted, debilitated patients should be engaged in a militant effort to refute the conclusions of a study published in the Lancet in 2011 which posited that “fatigued patients who go out and exercise have the best hope of recovery.” The PACE study claimed that CFS patients were deconditioned and exercise-phobic, and that dramatic successes could be achieved with “graded exercise” and cognitive behavioral therapy. Critics of the study were denounced as “cranks.” But CFS activists (an oxymoron?!) were convinced the study was bogus and trivialized the deep-seated physical dysfunction of true sufferers. The CFS community waged a long, ultimately successful battle to uncover the methodological errors and outright conflicts of interest that rendered the PACE a case study of bad science. Click HERE for part 2.

Dr. Hoffman’s Triathlon Comeback, Part 1
August 23, 2016
On Sunday, August 14, Dr. Hoffman completed the Riverhead Rocks triathlon. Over a period of 25 years starting at the age of 38, he has completed over 15 Olympic distance competitions. What is a triathlon like? Why do it? What age-related factors winnow the field of senior triathletes? How did Dr. Hoffman stage a comeback after debilitating injuries sidelined him from competition for several years? How did chiropractic help? What role did the Whole 30 Diet play? What performance edge did nicotinamide riboside (Niacel) confer? What was it like to race in 90 degree high-humidity conditions? Click HERE for part 2.

Dr. Hoffman’s Triathlon Comeback, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his talk on how he staged a triathlon comeback after debilitating injuries sidelined him from competition for several years. Click HERE for part 1.

Clinical Focus: Can eating pasta really help you lose weight? Part 1
July 14, 2016
Recent headlines have doubled-down on the recommendation that we eat more grains and ditch saturated fats in favor of vegetable oils. Today we examine the evidence. Why is the press uncritically parroting the conclusions of a study sponsored by Barilla, the world’s leading manufacturer of pasta products? Is it journalistic malpractice? Can eating pasta really help you lose weight? Should we give up meat and butter? What’s wrong with the way the studies were performed? What’s the real take-home message behind the headlines? Click HERE for part 2.

Clinical Focus: Can eating pasta really help you lose weight? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his critical examination of the recommendation that we eat more grains and ditch saturated fats in favor of vegetable oils. Click HERE for part 1.

Clinical Focus: Sulforaphane, A Shield Against Many Cancers, Part 1
July 6, 2016
Sulforaphane is one of the most exciting nutrients in the integrated medicine repertoire. It is chemo-preventive—it provides a shield against many cancers. It also may be neuro-protective, counteracting stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. It has the advantage, unlike other known anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, to readily cross the blood-brain barrier. In a recent study, it was found to enhance behavioral and verbal performance in autistic subjects. Why is it a bad idea to overcook broccoli and other cabbage family vegetables? What if you suffer gas and bloating or can’t stand the bitter taste of raw cruciferous vegetables? What does the research say about the bio-availability of sulforaphane supplements? Can sulforaphane supplements or cruciferous vegetables damage the thyroid? Click HERE for part 2.