Expert Interview

Cease and Desist, Part 2
February 10, 2015
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Steve Mister of the Council for Responsible Nutrition on the recent “cease and desist” order leveled against major retailers of herbal supplements by New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Click HERE for part 1.

Supplements Under Attack, Part 1
February 9, 2015
NY State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman orders Target, Walmart, Walgreens and GNC to pull ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, ginseng and echinacea house brands. Allegation is that “pills contained nothing more than fillers such as asparagus, rice and houseplants.” Should consumers be concerned? Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (www.Herbalgram.com) weighs in with a balanced critique of the testing methods used by the AG’s office. Are supplements “unregulated” as many press reports argue? Do we need more government oversight of the supplement industry? How can supplement buyers make sure they get what they pay for? Should ingredients from China be avoided? Click HERE for part 2.

Supplements Under Attack, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (www.Herbalgram.com). Click HERE for part 1.

Defending Beef, Part 1
February 5, 2015
Beef has been maligned as unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable. Nicolette Hahn Niman, environmental lawyer turned cattle rancher, pushes back against the detractors in her new book “Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production.” Can animals be raised humanely? Isn’t “eating high on the food chain” bad for the planet? Is lack of affordability an obstacle to mass production of organic, pasture-fed meats? Isn’t fat and cholesterol bad for you? What about TMAO? Are grass-fed meats doomed to occupy only a small niche market for ultra-discerning consumers, or can they broaden their appeal to reach a wide market? What should consumers look for when sourcing natural meat products? Click HERE for part 2.

Defending Beef, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nicolette Hahn Niman, who makes the case for sustainable meat production. Click HERE for part 1.

New Health Rules, Part 1
February 3, 2015
Dr. Frank Lipman discusses his new book, “The New Health Rules”: Why fat is actually is good for you; why too much fruit may be bad; why over-reliance on whole grains may be a trap; why our breakfasts may be all wrong, why “energy bars” can sap your strength; why excessive juicing may be unwholesome; why "solo-tasking" should take priority over multi-tasking; why you need to get a little bit dirty . . . and more. Dr. Lipman offers suggestions for healthy breakfast smoothies, yoga, meditation, and Mindfulness, and reflects on the direction medicine should take for the future. Click HERE for part 2.

New Health Rules, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Frank Lipman about his new book, "The New Health Rules." Click HERE for part 1.

Fermented and Cultured Foods, Part 1
January 30, 2015
They’re all the rage! Everything you ever wanted to know about fermented and cultured foods: Cynthia Lair, nutrition professor at Bastyr University, dishes about the health benefits of living bacteria from food sources. Why are natural fermented foods superior to over-the-counter single species probiotics? What is Kombucha? Simple directions for making yogurt, kefir, fermented cabbage, kimchi, and miso at home. Are there dangers to homemade products? Why is homemade sour dough bread superior to commercial baked products? Click HERE for part 2.

Fermented and Cultured Foods, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Cynthia Lair, nutrition professor at Bastyr University, about the health benefits of living bacteria from food sources. Click HERE for part 1.

Genetic Profiling, Part 1
January 29, 2015
Genetic profiling—is it the future of medicine? Dr. Michael Nova, Chief Science Officer for Pathway Genomics, shares his latest findings: Does genetic profiling provide the key to understanding our biochemical individuality? Is there an “obesity gene” that dooms certain people to fatness? Is DNA destiny? How does epigenetics shape the expression of our genes? Can we overcome our genetic programming through nutrition, exercise, and targeted supplementation? How far along are we in understanding the role genes play in predicting our health? What is the Pathway Genomics test? Does it reveal MTHFR variations that require people to take more methylfolate, B12 and B6? How does it inform our choices about diet, exercise, and nutraceuticals? Are there concerns about confidentiality in divulging genetic findings to employers, insurance companies, and government databases? Why are Pathway Genomics genetic profiles only available via health providers and not direct-to-consumers? Click HERE for part 2.