Intelligent Medicine

Hoffman Nutritionist Leyla Muedin answers this listener question: Do you and Dr. Hoffman have any concerns about our GI tract's ability to extract all the nutrients from a blended smoothie versus a pure juice with the fiber removed, and how does it impact the rate of absorption?

"The China Study" by Professor T. Colin Campbell is cited by many vegans as the rationale for their avoidance of animal protein. Ken Aung, an expert in medical data analytics, uncovers deep flaws in Campbell’s scientific reasoning. Why is an impressive graph linking colon cancer incidence to meat consumption misleading? What are the limitations of epidemiological (observational) studies? Ken highlights the pitfalls of misappropriated statistics: Why does correlation not necessarily mean causation? How does the “post-hoc fallacy” lead us to erroneous conclusions? Is Campbell’s demonization of dairy products based on sound science? Is he guilty of cherry-picking to buttress his pre-conceived beliefs? What’s the take-home message for confused consumers? How can we make more informed food choices amid wildly conflicting headlines?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ken Aung, an expert in medical data analytics who uncovers deep flaws in "The China Study."

NSAIDs boost cardiovascular risk by 50%--chondroitin sulfate offers a safe alternative. If you were to reformulate a brain support supplement, what would you include? My son has an LVAD and is on Coumadin, can he take CoQ10? Dr. Joel Fuhrman claims studies worldwide show that meat eaters have more heart disease and cancer than vegetarians.

What medical conditions are shown to hamper memory? Can MVP cause blood pressure lability and exacerbate “white coat” syndrome? I’m on coumadin, do I have to be concerned about the amount of vitamin K in my multivitamin? What do you think of BioTE hormone replacement therapy pellets?

Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, an investigative journalist, is author of “Crooked: Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery.” Herself a back pain sufferer, she chronicles her odyssey, touching on virtually every option, conventional and alternative, for back pain. She claims that “back pain care is a microcosm of everything that’s wrong with our health care system.” How have perverse incentives created a self-perpetuating back pain industry, and sustained unproven and dangerous modalities? What are the downsides of surgery? Why is “PT” (physical therapy) not always the answer to avoiding unnecessary surgery? What are the pitfalls of “minimally-invasive” or laser spinal surgery? What about spinal injections for pain? How has back pain spawned an epidemic of opiate addiction and disability? Are there rogue surgeons who game the insurance system and prey on vulnerable patients? Why might it be a mistake to get an MRI? What role does exercise play in forestalling back problems? How does prolonged sitting set the stage for back problems? It’s not all bad news: Ramin presents a wide array of possible natural, non-invasive solutions to permanently address back pain that she has personally field-tested.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, an investigative journalist and author of “Crooked: Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery.”

Olive oil may prevent brain cancer; An Arizona man got a bug bite and now feels achy--could it be Lyme? European Union calls out pesticide hazards--urges more organic produce; Arthroscopic knee surgery no better than sham procedures; High-fiber diet combats knee osteoarthritis; A 31-year-old man got a tattoo--and 3 weeks later he was dead. My doctor says take aspirin, but ditch the fish oil--what to do?

Replacing saturated fat with vegetable oil lowers cholesterol--but has no impact on death risk; Huge UK study comparing vegetarians to meat eaters shows no difference in survival; If I got cancer, does that mean my 17-year-old daughter is more susceptible? Hyaluronic acid supplements--do they help knee pain? Health benefits of aerobic vs. resistance training; Supplement of the Week: Bergamot; Resveratrol helps seniors build muscle.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin answers this listener question: "With regard to your earlier podcast on vitamin D, what are your thoughts on the Marshall Protocol which claims vitamin D is harmful to health?"

TJ Robinson, "The Olive Oil Hunter" and founder of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, dishes on the benefits of fresh extra-virgin olive oil. Useful polyphenols in olive oil support brain, heart, optimize blood sugar and blood pressure and even defend against cancer. Studies show liberal dietary amounts of olive oil promote satiety, which helps with weight maintenance. What are the characteristics of truly fresh olive oil? Why are Americans not accustomed to the flavors of authentic olive oil? Is it true that fraud, adulteration, and spoilage are rampant in the olive oil industry? What to look for as a consumer? How to properly store olive oil? Can it be used for cooking without destroying it's beneficial compounds or generating harmful free radicals? How to pair different types of olive oil with different foods? Intelligent Medicine listeners can take advantage of a special introductory offer for just $1 by visiting www.myfavoriteoil.com. TJ's olive oils have been favorites for years!

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with TJ Robinson, "The Olive Oil Hunter" and founder of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, who dishes on the benefits of fresh extra-virgin olive oil. And don't miss a special offer as a listener to Intelligent Medicine.

Osteoarthritis as a metabolic disorder. My 65-year-old husband is a former smoker and has fatty liver, can he take vitamin A safely? The untimely death of elite marathoner Tom Fleming.

I have only one kidney and notice bubbles in my urine, should I be concerned? Any supplements to protect my brain from anesthesia, how about from x-rays? What supplements can I take to prevent scar tissue after surgery? How do you reconcile the contradictory dietary recommendations based on people who live in the Blue Zones? I’m on Pradaxa and was told I shouldn’t take other anti-inflammatory nutrients like curcumin, is this true? Could strontium help with the bone loss I have in my jaw? What do you recommend for preventing cold sores?

Dr. Gerard Mullin, America’s foremost integrative gastroenterologist, discusses his book, The Gut Balance Revolution; How can you take charge of your metabolism by altering your microbiome? Dr. Mullin details the damaging effects of antibiotics, acid-blockers, and poor quality diet on our intestinal integrity; What can be done to restore balance? Is there a “magic bullet” probiotic that can melt the pounds off? What is The Calorie Myth, and how does it thwart dieters? Is there a corresponding Exercise Myth? Dr. Mullin explains how disruption of GI flora can thwart the simple laws of thermodynamics. Will gastroenterologists embrace this new paradigm?