Intelligent Medicine | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities — Podcast

Microbiome Basics: How Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics Support Health, Part 1 15.09.2026 24min

Dr. Ross Pelton, Director of Science & Education for Essential Formulas Incorporated, maker of Dr. Ohhira’s premium probiotic products, reveals how the gut microbiome affects metabolism, appetite, weight regulation, and overall health. He emphasizes the importance of microbiome diversity, supported by eating a wide variety of plant foods rich in fiber and polyphenols, and discusses how fermented foods and postbiotic metabolites help maintain a healthy gut environment. Pelton explains Dr. Ohhira’s multi-year fermentation process and the idea that postbiotics may be key health regulators. He reviews studies suggesting benefits from Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics for athletic performance markers, reduced fatigue, and improved bowel regularity, and notes research showing antibiotic-related losses in gut diversity can persist for years. He also mentions a higher-dose “Reset Challenge,” a postbiotic paste concentrate, and an ME-3 product aimed at increasing glutathione.

Microbiome Basics: How Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics Support Health, Part 2 15.09.2026 30min

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ross Pelton, Director of Science & Education for Essential Formulas Incorporated, maker of Dr. Ohhira’s premium probiotic products.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for September 12, Part 1: Are vegans hotter than meat eaters? 14.09.2026 35min

Paying attention to injuries may speed healing—could pain meds blunt the healing response? Fact check: “Everyone over 70 should take a statin”? Billy Joel’s “brain surgery”; How to live past 100—get condemned to “death row”; Are vegans hotter than meat eaters? Promising lp(a) drug fails crucial test; Pain under the left rib cage—what are the possibilities?

Intelligent Medicine Radio for September 12, Part 2: Wobbly Arms and Shaky Legs—could it be FND? 14.09.2026 35min

Wobbly arms and shaky legs—could it be FND? Women who start hormones in the 50s have 23% lower dementia risk; How to prep for cataract surgery; Plant-based meat alternatives may deliver harmful mycotoxins; Keto diets outperform low-fat and Mediterranean diets for liver health, blood sugar; NY Times highlights magnesium for sleep; Even a single bout of antibiotics produces long-term harm to microbiome.

Leyla Weighs In: Oolong Tea, Supplement Absorption, and How Gut Signals Shape Memory 11.09.2026 21min

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin answers a listener question about taking many supplements with oolong tea, explaining that tea tannins can interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption; because oolong is partially oxidized, its tannin level falls between green and black tea, so she recommends taking supplements with water and separating them from tea or coffee by at least an hour (ideally 1.5–2 hours). She then reviews research in Nature Communications from USC on how gut signals via the vagus nerve may influence which food experiences become memories: in rats, nutrient-rich foods increased acetylcholine signaling to the hippocampus, supporting memory for food location, while sweetness without calories did not. Over time, high-fat/high-sugar diets weakened this gut–hippocampus communication and memory performance, with implications for obesity, diabetes/prediabetes, and cognitive decline, and possible future vagus-nerve-based approaches.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Ultra Processed Food's Impact on Postpartum Depression/Psychosis 10.09.2026 31min

Ultra-processed foods' impact on postpartum depression/psychosisWhich should my sister take, Jardiance or Dapagliflozen? I had aortic valve repair. Can I safely take N101?I suffer with trigeminal neuralgia after recent extensive dental work. What do you advise?What would be the optimal total testosterone level for an 84 year old male?

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Advice for Lipedema 10.09.2026 33min

How can I find an integrative pediatrician in the NYC or Weehawken/Hoboken area?Can the xylitol in my nasal spray have an adverse impact on heart health?I chronically use Vaseline on my lips. Is this a concern?My 25-year-old daughter was diagnosed with lipedema stage one. Any advice?I had an Apo B test and am confused at the results. Could you elucidate?

ENCORE: From Baby Powder to Big Pharma: The Dark Legacy of Johnson & Johnson, Part 1 09.09.2026 34min

Former pharma reporter for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, investigative reporter Gardiner Harris, discusses his new book “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.” It details the unethical practices and numerous scandals that have plagued Johnson & Johnson over the decades, including the asbestos contamination in baby powder, the misuse of the antipsychotic drug Risperdal, the dangerous outcomes of vaginal mesh implants, and the controversial development and deployment of their COVID-19 vaccine. Harris provides a comprehensive overview of the corporate malfeasance within the pharmaceutical giant, shedding light on the regulatory failures and systemic corruption that have allowed these issues to persist.

ENCORE: From Baby Powder to Big Pharma: The Dark Legacy of Johnson & Johnson, Part 2 09.09.2026 43min

Dr. Hoffmabn continues his conversation with investigative reporter Gardiner Harris, author of “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.”

Treating Muscle, Inflammatory, Nerve, and Brain Pain with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Part 1 08.09.2026 32min

Renowned integrative medicine physician, board-certified internist, and researcher Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum discusses his new book, "Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps," and the growing chronic pain epidemic (one in four U.S. adults; about 7% debilitating). Teitelbaum argues most pain is treatable by addressing root causes and describes four biochemical pain types—muscle pain from low energy, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and brain pain (microglial activation)—alongside structural, biophysical, and mind-body contributors. They discuss risks of NSAIDs and Tylenol, diet’s role (processed foods, sugar, seed oils), and strategies such as an Energy Revitalization Drink Mix, SHINE protocol, curcumin with turmeric oils plus boswellia (Curamin), omega-3 support, magnesium, B12 issues with metformin/GLP drugs, lipoic acid for neuropathy and burning mouth syndrome, and migraine support with high-dose riboflavin and magnesium. He also cover CRPS treatments (including ketamine and bisphosphonates), low-dose naltrexone and PEA, compounded topical options, and pelvic pain/prostatitis approaches including quercetin and antibiotics like fosfomycin when appropriate.

Treating Muscle, Inflammatory, Nerve, and Brain Pain with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Part 2 08.09.2026 37min

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with integrative medicine physician, board-certified internist, and researcher Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum about his new book, "Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps."

Intelligent Medicine Radio for September 5, Part 1: Pros/Cons of CT Scans vs. MRIs 07.09.2026 35min

New study attempts to resolve question over which has contributed more to our current obesity epidemic—diet or sedentary lifestyle? Pros/cons of CT scans vs. MRIs for investigating abdominal complaints; Fish oil rivals effectiveness of antibiotics for periodontal disease; The MIND diet vs. KetoFLEX Diet for fending off cognitive decline; Vitamin B3 helps relieve Raynaud’s symptoms; After American Heart Association green lights coffee, new study shows high consumption can accelerate bone loss; High-dose vitamin D protects memory in light sleepers.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for September 5, Part 2: Brain Stimulation with Magnets for Cognitive Impairment? 07.09.2026 35min

Scientists reveal how much exercise you really need to protect your heart—and no way are you doing enough! Is that prostate biopsy really necessary? It’s true that statins can reduce heart risk even in 70+ individuals—but they don’t prolong life or fend off disability; Magnesium found to prevent age-related sarcopenia, probably by curbing inflammaging; Deep-brain stimulation with external magnets found to enhance brain function in mild cognitive impairment; Are concerns over Avapro blood pressure medication warranted?

Leyla Weighs In: How Rest and Relaxation Revolutionize Health 04.09.2026 23min

Exercise, Recovery, Relaxation—and Muscle as the Key to Healthy Aging: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses science-backed wellness trends that pair exercise with effective recovery and deliberate relaxation to support performance, resilience, and healthy aging, noting benefits such as fewer overuse injuries, better sleep, steadier energy, and improved adherence. She highlights relaxation practices (breathwork, meditation, gentle yoga, outdoor time, massage, consistent sleep routines) and encourages making recovery part of daily life, including creating home or community “wellness spaces” like pools for gentle movement and stress reduction. She emphasizes sustainable habits supported by tools like wearables and heart-rate variability tracking. The episode then frames muscle as a “longevity secret weapon,” explaining its roles in metabolism, glucose storage, insulin sensitivity, inflammation control, and joint stability, citing the PURE study on grip strength and mortality, warning about sarcopenia, and recommending strength training, higher and well-distributed protein intake with age due to anabolic resistance, plus adequate sleep and recovery.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Burning Mouth Syndrome 03.09.2026 31min

Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's vacation.What can my friend take for burning mouth syndrome?I'm looking to build immunity. What are your thoughts on beta-glucans?I hike a lot and want to protect my knees. Would peptides like BPC-157 be of benefit?

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Red Meat v. Iron Supplements 03.09.2026 37min

How should I take N101 lozenges?Where can I find Propax with NT Factor? I prefer capsule or pill form.Why is the Salad and Salmon diet not mentioned? It's the best of both worlds in a whole-foods eating plan.My doctor wants me to take a statin, but I'm reluctant because of sensitivities and reactions to drugs.I've been told to avoid red meat and instead take an iron supplement, but it's causing constipationHow much magnesium should I take for my weight at 160 lbs?

ENCORE: Turning Stress into Strength, Part 1 02.09.2026 27min

Dr. Sharon Bergquist is an award-winning physician, innovative healthcare leader, and visionary researcher, renowned for spearheading a science-based approach to applying lifestyle as medicine. She is the author of "The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier." She discusses the misunderstood role of stress, emphasizing its potential benefits when managed and utilized correctly. Dr. Bergquist explains how stress can enhance cellular function, boost resilience, and improve overall health. She delves into topics such as the physiology of stress, the science of hormesis, and the benefits of controlled stressors including plant toxins, thermal exposure, fasting, exercise, and psychological challenges. The discussion underscores the importance of balancing stress and recovery to promote cellular repair and long-term well-being.

ENCORE: Turning Stress into Strength, Part 2 02.09.2026 44min

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of "The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier."

ENCORE: Vitamin D: How Rickets Shaped Nutritional Science, Part 1 01.09.2026 26min

The Long Shadow of Rickets: Vitamin D, Historical Insights, and Modern Implications. Dr. Chris Warren, a history professor at Brooklyn College delves into the origins and prevalence of rickets, a condition now largely unknown but once widespread. Dr. Warren explains the factors contributing to rickets, particularly Vitamin D deficiency, and shares insights from his book, "Starved for Light: The Long Shadow of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency." The discussion covers socioeconomic, industrial, and environmental aspects, along with the relevance of cod liver oil, sunlight exposure, and the evolution of Vitamin D synthesis. There are also reflections on modern implications of Vitamin D deficiency and racial differences in processing Vitamin D. The episode concludes with a look at how historical medical practices around rickets influenced today's medical norms and practices.

ENCORE: Vitamin D: How Rickets Shaped Nutritional Science, Part 2 01.09.2026 40min

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Chris Warren, author of "Starved for Light: The Long Shadow of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency."