Expert Interview

ENCORE: Methylation — A Nutrition Revolution, Part 1
February 21, 2019
Methylation—everything you ever wanted to know. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald discusses one of the least-understood and most controversial topics that promises to revolutionize the field of nutrition. Methylation is a ubiquitous process that turns on, or turns off DNA expression, regulates the synthesis of many essential substances within the body, and breaks down hormones, medications, and toxins. It strongly influences epigenetics—the process by which the environment shapes the expression of genes. What are the limits of genetic testing for shedding light on methylation status? Do all patients with “methylation defects” according to genetic tests (like MTHFR) require mega-dosing of B vitamins? Can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to methylation? What natural substances act as “methylation adaptogens,” keeping methylation within an optimal, safe range? How do you go about testing for methylation efficiency? What nutrients besides B vitamins promote methylation? Does a normal homocysteine always indicate optimal methylation? Can lifestyle factors—diet, stress, and exercise—influence methylation? What medications and toxins impair methylation? Which health conditions call for methylation status evaluation? Learn why Dr. Fitzgerald emphasizes a “Methylation Diet and Lifestyle” by downloading her E-book with that title at www.drKaraFitzgerald.com and use the code “Intelligent10” to obtain a special discount for Intelligent Medicine listeners. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Methylation — A Nutrition Revolution, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald about Methylation, a process that turns on, or turns off, DNA expression, regulates the synthesis of many essential substances within the body, and breaks down hormones, medications, and toxins. Click HERE for part 1.

“Young at Heart” Part 1
February 19, 2019
Optimal heart health with Jim LaValle, a nationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, and board-certified clinical nutritionist. He discusses the American Heart Association's “Life’s Simple 7” for optimal Heart Health and why aged garlic extract is among the most commonly used supplements in people with heart disease. Numerous studies suggest aged garlic extract may help improve risk factors for heart disease, including supporting healthy blood pressure levels, keeping bad cholesterol in check, increasing a hormone that helps protect against inflammation and atherosclerosis as well as helping improve insulin sensitivity and the management of blood sugar, thinning your blood, and staving off plaque in arteries. Click HERE for part 2.

“Young at Heart” Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Jim LaValle, a nationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, and board-certified clinical nutritionist, about the important benefits of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract. Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for February 16, Part 1
February 18, 2019
Vitamin C improves blood sugar control in older patients, diabetics; Acupuncture eases menopausal symptoms; Natural treatment for osteoarthritis; How much calcium for a man with coronary artery calcification? Bill Sardi reports on the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Fending Off Neurodegenerative Diseases, Part 1
February 14, 2019
Board-certified neurologist, Dr. Phillipe Douyon, creator of the BrainFit™️ app, joins us to talk about ways to support brain health and fend off neurodegenerative disease. We needn’t be resigned to progressive loss of brain function with aging, because new findings about neuroplasticity reveal that the brain can remodel and rejuvenate itself, actually regenerating brain cells and neural circuits. Dr. Douyon reveals why, with the limited success of drugs for conditions like Parkinson’s and ALS, we need to invoke a comprehensive lifestyle program to address brain health. This comprises sleep, stress reduction, exercise, social connection, avoidance of toxins, and diet. Even poor dental hygiene may influence brain health. Among the supplements that are helpful are fish oil, curcumin, B vitamins and antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid. Dr. Douyon, who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy reveals the role of ketogenic diets in patients who don’t respond to conventional treatment? Are refined carbs and gluten really potentially harmful to the brain? What role for the microbiome in brain health? Which drugs are memory robbers? Can statins have harmful effects on the brain? Try Dr. Douyon’s BrainFit™️ app by clicking HERE. Click HERE for part 2.

Fending Off Neurodegenerative Diseases, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with board-certified neurologist, Dr. Phillipe Douyon, creator of the BrainFit™️ app. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Could this diet fix your GI problems? Part 1
February 7, 2019
Danielle Capalino, MSPH, RD is the author of “Healthy Gut, Flat Stomach: The Fast and Easy Low-FODMAP Diet Plan.” What is the low FODMAP diet? What does FODMAP stand for? Who’s a candidate to try the low FODMAP diet? Why is low-FODMAP not really a diet, but rather a diagnostic tool to identify the specific triggers of your digestive problems? What causes gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps? How does avoidance of FODMAP foods alleviate symptoms? How does FODMAP intolerance differ from a true allergy? Is is possible that the relief some people get from a gluten-free diet is due to avoidance of FODMAPs in wheat? How is it different from a regular low-carb diet? How can the low-FODMAP diet help sufferers of SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)? How strictly do you have to adhere to the diet to obtain relief? Does it allow any sugar or carbohydrates? Is it a lifetime plan? What’s left to eat? What resources are available to support patients undertaking a low-FODMAP diet? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Could this diet fix your GI problems? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Danielle Capalino, MSPH, RD and the author of “Healthy Gut, Flat Stomach: The Fast and Easy Low-FODMAP Diet Plan.” Click HERE for part 1.

Nutritional Controversies, Part 1
February 5, 2019
We tackle nutritional controversies with Neil Levin, Nutrition Education Manager for Protocol for Life Balance and Now Vitamins. Are stearic acid and magnesium stearate in supplements harmful? Is soy to be avoided in the diet and in supplements? Is supplementation unnecessary if you consume a healthy diet? Are GMO foods adequately tested for safety and nutrient value? How problematic is fructose? What’s the difference between vitamin D2 and D3? Are “naturally-sourced” vitamins preferable to isolated synthetic vitamins? What’s the difference between triglycerides and ethyl ester fish oils? Are there lots of “fake” supplement products on the market? Click HERE for part 2.