Genetics

The Genetics of COVID-19, Part 1
April 30, 2020
There are many factors that determine who’s more prone to hospitalization or death from coronavirus infection. But among them—and now subject to intense research—are individual genetic predispositions. Certain genes can make you more susceptible to an inflammatory cascade—cytokine storm—that presages a bad outcome in COVID-19. Integrative physician Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, MD, is co-founder of IntellxxDNA, a service that helps health professionals interpret their patients’ genetic profiles. She sheds light on how variations in gene expression can influence pathways integral to viral infection. These analyses, based on saliva samples, can yield critical insights about deployment of various nutraceutical treatments—including elderberry, andrographis, astragalus, vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, fish oil and specific pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), quercetin, melatonin, EGCG, and curcumin. Click HERE for part 2.

The Genetics of COVID-19, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, MD, co-founder of IntellxxDNA, a service that helps health professionals interpret their patients’ genetic profiles. She sheds light on how variations in gene expression can influence pathways integral to viral infection. Click HERE for part 1.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Trials using ultrasound to treat Alzheimer’s disease?
December 11, 2019
I want to try citrus bergamot for my cholesterol. Are there any long-term harmful side effects?; Could you discuss Exosome therapy as a replacement and/or adjunct for stem cell therapy?; Are there any doctors in the MN area that treat leaky gut and histamine?; Do I have high or low stored copper? How can I assess if I have a deficiency or overload?; What do you think of the trials using ultrasound to treat Alzheimer's disease?; My friend had Shingles last July and while the rash has cleared, the pain is excruciating. Any recommendations? Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for September 7, Part 1
September 9, 2019
Low-fat, Low-carb—when it comes to heart disease prevention, it doesn’t matter (REALLY??) What genetics tell us about same-sex attraction—“Born this way”? Teenage boy goes blind after subsisting on Pringle’s, white bread and French fries; Are two drugs the answer for this caller’s osteoporosis? Lifestyle, not genetics, explains most heart risk; Warning issued over vaping hazards in wake of 5 death, hundreds of reports of serious lung disease; Are nitrites and nitrates in foods hazardous—or beneficial? If bacon is bad for you, what about nitrate-rich vegetables? How mouthwash can blunt exercise circulatory benefits. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

DNA testing: Is it ready for Prime-Time? Part 1
August 15, 2019
Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, Chief Medical Director of IntellxxDNA, shares her perspective on the genetic testing revolution. What’s the difference between a mutation and a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism)? How does the IntellxxDNA test differ from, say, 23andMe? Isn’t it potentially scary to find out you have a “bad” gene, like the ApoE4 gene that’s associated with Alzheimer’s Disease risk? Can genetic risk factors be overcome with diet, exercise, and targeted supplements? IntellxxDNA pinpoints obesity genes, genes that predispose to diabetes and heart disease, macular degeneration, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems and osteoporosis. Certain SNPs predict the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases when exposed to environmental toxins like mercury and glyphosate. Others may dictate higher requirements for antioxidants, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, and choline. Why is the IntellxxDNA test only available through health practitioners? Some critics say genetic testing is only in its infancy and not yet ready for primetime—is this mistaken? What can genomic testing tell us about remedial strategies for autism? Click HERE for part 2.

DNA testing: Is it ready for Prime-Time? Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, Chief Medical Director of IntellxxDNA, who shares her perspective on the genetic testing revolution. Click HERE for part 1.

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.

ENCORE: Inherited Family Trauma, Part 1
October 23, 2018
"It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle." Mark Wolynn is an expert on inherited family trauma. New discoveries are showing us how trauma can be transmitted across generations. Dr. Wolynn explains the biological basis for how stress literally can alter gene expression. The implications are profound for therapy. New techniques can help unlock the origins of anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. How do meditation and positive visualization help to rearrange faulty neural circuitry to end the cycle of inherited trauma? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Inherited Family Trauma, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with mark Wolynn about how trauma can be transmitted across generations. Click HERE for part 1.