Intelligent Medicine

In "Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats," investigative journalist Maryn McKenna details how high-tech agriculture transformed the old-fashioned backyard chicken into a high-yielding commodity. The price was an epidemic of antibiotic-resistant infections that now pose a global health threat. Flavor was sacrificed on the altar of profits. Additionally, productivity took precedence over humane considerations. Is there hope that producers will change their ways? How can consumers make prudent choices? What are ways the public can make their voices heard at the checkout counter?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with investigative journalist Maryn McKenna, author of "Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats."

Association between mental illness and inflammation. How our smartphones make us dumb. Thank you for your timely response about tapering prednisone! Won't you revisit your stance on gallstone flushes--we've found them helpful.

What is your opinion of the Shingles vaccine? Would you please discuss sero-negative autoimmunity? Red yeast rice doesn't work for me, what else can I take for my cholesterol? I have delayed orgasm due to peripheral neuropathy from chemo, is there any help for me?

Toxic mold exposure in the wake of the recent hurricanes: Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, author of "Surviving Mold," is an expert on illnesses acquired after exposure to the interiors of water-damaged buildings. He details how mold and bacteria can create a witches' brew of systemic medical problems distinct from their ability to trigger allergies. Chief among them is inflammation which leave sufferers with memory deficits, depression, muscular weakness and bodily aches and pains. These symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed as depression or PTSD in the wake of the loss and displacement that hurricane victims experience. Biotoxicity from mold and bacterial agents causes real, but poorly understood, physical changes. When combined with exposure to chemicals released in the environment, this can result in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Why are some more prone to biotoxicity than others? What should be done to remediate the problem in the immediate aftermath of flooding? How do you test for biotoxicity? Why are anti-fungal medications not the answer? What long-term therapies offer relief to sufferers?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, author of "Surviving Mold," an expert on illnesses acquired after exposure to the interiors of water-damaged buildings.

Fossil evidence of early man indicates maybe Salmon and Salad Diet should be changed to Mammoth and Salad Diet; Lutein counteracts brain aging; Endefen for GERD; Yoga for depression; EGCG mitigates effect of Western Diet on insulin resistance, brain health; How often should you swap out your old sponges? Alzheimer's Association launches 20 million dollar study on lifestyle impact on brain disorders.

Study finds no survival benefit of aggressive prostate surgery; Should all patients be tested for vitamin/mineral levels prior to supplementation? Join the crowd--are you overfat? Apple spending millions to develop killer app to measure blood sugar continuously via wrist watch; Soda consumption in US declines--but beverage companies not hurting; What causes bladder cancer? Sleeping less than 7 hours a night can make you fatter; Black seed is the hot new nutraceutical for asthma; Natural tinnitus cures.

In this continuation of last week's "Leyla Weighs In" episode, nutritionist Leyla Muedin continues her talk on what's causing the surge in celiac disease. A look at the microbiome and future targeted therapies.

Dr. Mark Davis is a naturopathic physician recognized as one of the foremost experts on fecal microbiota therapy (FMT). Known as an effective treatment for C. difficile infection, FMT is now proving helpful for ulcerative colitis. A recent study suggested its efficacy in autism. Who are candidates for FMT? Why is it important to screen stool donors? Since it's not an officially approved treatment (except for C. diff.), how are patients obtaining it? Why are parasite carriers less susceptible to autoimmune and allergic disorders? How is "worm" therapy with helminths utilized clinically? What other natural strategies offer hope to sufferers of colitis and other digestive conditions? What role for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? For resistant starches? Will FMT and helminth therapy ever go mainstream with targeted, commercialized prescription or over-the-counter products?

A Conversation with the “Poop/Worm Doctor,” Part 2

Take a break from your diet....to lose weight! Soybean oil is obesogenic whereas coconut oil is not. What's a good, non-whey based protein shake I can take to support my weight training? Can coffee enemas negatively affect the gut microbiome? Are tanning beds beneficial at all for getting vitamin D during the winter months?

I've been hearing a lot about fulvic acid lately, do you agree that it's beneficial? Can cancer cells metabolize vitamin C instead of glucose? Dr. Sinatra had an article stating that HDL cholesterol over 90 could be a problem, should I be concerned? What's the safest method for making popcorn at home, is it safe in the microwave?

"Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child From an Oversanitized World" is an essential guide for parents and grandparents. Co-author Marie-Claire Arrieta Ph.D. shares the latest research on the impact of the microbiome on children's immune systems and metabolism. What is the "Hygiene Hypothesis"? Can too many antibiotics render your child more prone to obesity? Do C-sections have a lasting impact on development? Why sugary beverages and refined foods set the stage for trouble; Are artificial sweeteners any better? The importance of breastfeeding; Why farm kids are less allergy-prone than city-dwellers; Do antiseptic soaps and sanitizers undermine immunity? What role for fecal transfer in autism? Probiotics as drugs? Should we all be testing our microbiomes?

Let Them Eat Dirt, Part 2