Intelligent Medicine

Integrative Healthcare Symposium highlightsWhat supplements can help combat the side effects of cancer therapy?Will my son's use of Zepbound affect his fertility?

Is what I've been doing for years helpful for achieving autophagy?When you say low carb, do you mean low complex carb or low simple and processed carb?What daily multivitamin would you recommend for a male age 50 plus?Which supplement should I take for elevated triglycerides?

Autism, Functional Medicine, and Personalized Interventions: A Conversation with Theresa Lyons, PhD, a Yale-trained scientist and medical strategist who became an autism expert after her daughter’s diagnosis and now runs AWEtism.net. Lyons describes dissatisfaction with conventional guidance that offers limited drugs for irritability and primarily ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), which is insurance-covered, often recommended at 40 hours/week, uses extrinsic rewards, and may help some skill-learning but has controversies and limitations for social development; she contrasts newer approaches such as RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) and PRT (Pivotal Response), which aim to build intrinsic motivation but are typically not covered by insurance. The discussion covers autism heterogeneity, changes in diagnostic categories (e.g., Asperger’s folded into autism), and research including a Boston Children’s Hospital study reporting 37% of children in a cohort lost their autism diagnosis over time (diagnosis based on observation). Lyons addresses debates about rising autism prevalence, noting multiple potential contributors and rejecting single-cause explanations, while citing risk-factor examples such as family autoimmune history and air pollution exposure. She outlines a functional medicine “why” approach using constipation as an example (root causes vs. symptomatic treatment), and emphasizes basic, low-risk steps such as evaluating diet, inflammation, hydration/electrolytes, and blood work for nutrients. Specific topics include gluten-free approaches (mechanisms involving gut permeability, immune burden, and CNS effects), dairy/inflammation, vitamin D deficiency and monitoring, melatonin as a well-studied short-term aid in autism (considered safe for a couple of years in studies) while still seeking underlying causes, and omega-3 fatty acids for focus and inflammation. Lyons explains leucovorin (folinic acid, prescription vitamin B9) as a targeted approach for children with folate receptor antibodies (reported in ~70% of autistic children), discusses the value and cost (~$300) of specialized testing from one U.S. lab, and notes reports of major speech and behavior improvements in responders, with dosing nuances. The episode also reviews evidence and cautions around the microbiome, including fecal microbiota transplant (FDA-approved for C. difficile; discussed as having an ~80% response rate in autism-related studies when gut issues are a key driver, but with major donor/compatibility considerations) and probiotics (some small trials and high costs). Other themes include “clean eating,” organic foods and toxin-load considerations tied to genetic detoxification vulnerabilities, discussion of acetaminophen/Tylenol in pregnancy in the context of glutathione pathways and personalized risk, and using genetics to guide interventions. Lyons warns that analysis of top autism TikTok videos found ~70% were inaccurate or overdramatized, recommending social media only for ideas, not decision-making. She also highlights parent stress, citing emerging research on increased PTSD risk among autism parents, and emphasizes support and community. Lyons advises parents to understand their child’s specific health drivers and match them to appropriately specialized clinicians, noting her curated doctor listings in The Lyons Report.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Theresa Lyons, PhD, a Yale-trained scientist and medical strategist who became an autism expert after her daughter’s diagnosis and now runs AWEtism.net.

Xylitol, FTC Censorship, and the Oral–Heart Health Connection: Nathan Jones, CEO and founder of Xlear, Inc., makers of xylitol-based nasal and dental hygiene products, and a health freedom advocate, discusses Jones’ ongoing legal battle with the FTC. He addresses the difficulty of making health claims for hygiene products (including toothpaste and nasal sprays), the role of “weasel words” in supplement marketing, and concerns about regulatory double standards versus pharmaceuticals. He also reviews xylitol’s benefits for dental caries and respiratory/ear infections, including references to studies and public-health examples (e.g., Finland and a Belize program reducing dental caries costs), and Jones’ efforts to encourage Utah to implement xylitol gum programs in schools. He contrasts fluoride’s enamel-strengthening approach with xylitol’s effect on the underlying bacterial cause of tooth decay, discusses Utah’s fluoride policy change and claims about fluoride’s limited benefit, and highlights a correlation between poor oral health and cardiovascular risk via inflammation and bacterial translocation into the bloodstream, including pathogens found in atherosclerotic plaque, and links also discussed for dementia and Parkinson’s.  They close with commentary on health advocacy in the “MAHA era,” the challenges of entrenched federal bureaucracy, and Jones’ preference for advocacy groups that teach industry to push back rather than comply.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nathan Jones, CEO and founder of Xlear, Inc.

Vitamin D testing is vital for tailoring doses to optimize health—but regulators are conducting a campaign to deny coverage; Can magnesium be taken simultaneously with blood pressure meds? Lifelong learning delays Alzheimer’s onset by 5 years; Your MRI says you have a bum shoulder—but 99% of people show abnormalities even when they have no discomfort; Saunas can help stave off dementia. 

Reflections on the Peter Attia/Epstein scandal; How to lower lp(a)—does diet help? What are bio-active peptides? Could they stave off kidney disease? Scientists just tested the fittest 81-year-old in the world—here’s what they found; Media erroneously report that intermittent fasting is not effective for weight loss; Sugary drinks may stoke anxiety in teens; Omega-3s support kids’ reading fluency and spelling scores; Surprising study shows saturated fats not harmful to kidneys.

Understanding and Managing Heart Health: In this Heart Health Month episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, nutritionist Leyla Muedin addresses a listener's question about elevated cholesterol levels and calcium scores. Drawing on an article written by Dr. Hoffman, she emphasizes the importance of discussing statin use with a doctor, considering individual risk factors, and getting additional tests like VAPs, NMR, homocysteine, and lipoprotein levels. The episode explores the importance of vitamins K2 and folate in cardiovascular health, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and the impact of dietary choices on heart health.

Highlights from the ANH conference in PhoenixWhat do you think of the supplements I'm taking for borderline osteoporosis?After years of vegetarianism, wouldn't eating meat cause adverse reactions like headaches or nausea?

How big is your butt?I take Famotidine to keep me away from Nexium.  Is this a good strategy?What is your protocol for post-surgical healing?Did I have prostate cancer?What are your thoughts on heart and lung scans as well as full body scans to detect abnormalities?What about scans for diagnosing shoulder pain?Can my husband take bromelain post surgery even if he's taking baby aspirin?

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Oxalate Overload with Sally Norton, a Master in Public Health, Ivy League Nutritionist, and author of “Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better.” The discussion delves into the often misunderstood and overlooked issues related to dietary oxalates, commonly found in plant-based diets. Norton shares her personal health journey, which led to her research on dietary oxalate and its impact on various health conditions beyond kidney stones, including arthritis, fatigue, and neurodegenerative diseases. She explores how common foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, and dark chocolate can contribute to oxalate toxicity, and discusses the potential systemic effects and symptoms such as neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal issues. The conversation also covers the challenges in diagnosing oxalate overload, the inaccuracies in existing oxalate food tables, and practical steps for mitigating its harmful effects through diet and supplementation. Listen in to understand how to balance the benefits of plant-based nutrients with the risks of oxalate overload.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Sally Norton, a Master in Public Health, Ivy League Nutritionist, and author of “Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better.” 

Regenerative Agriculture and Natural Dairy with Sam Ingersoll, the marketing director of Kalona SuperNatural, an organic dairy brand sourcing milk from regenerative small family farms. The discussion covers the benefits of regenerative agriculture, the downsides of conventional dairy farming, and the importance of soil health for producing nutrient-dense food. Sam explains the differences between various pasteurization methods, the impact of homogenization, and the significance of A2 versus A1 milk proteins. They also talk about the environmental benefits of rotational grazing and the challenges and opportunities in promoting natural dairy in a market dominated by conventional and plant-based alternatives.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Sam Ingersoll, the marketing director of Kalona SuperNatural, an organic dairy brand sourcing milk from regenerative small family farms.

TSW—Topical Steroid Withdrawal—when you’re hooked on steroid creams for a skin condition and can’t get off; Can diet, supplements, or Traditional Chinese Medicine help eczema? Strange bedfellows—when your hospital assigns you a homicidal roommate; Every step you take may reduce your risk of dying; Vitamin D and Omega-3 supplements reduce risk of autoimmune conditions; How long to curtail fish oil before a medical procedure or surgery? Supplements for neuropathy.

Daylight Savings Time changeover health myths busted; A doctor breaks her ankle and is billed $64,000 in uncovered expenses; Vitamin D shields life-prolonging telomeres, may help depression; The vaunted DASH Diet for hypertension faces off against low-carb alternative; The critical first 1000 days after conception—early life sugar avoidance yields major later life health dividends; Do you really need hot water to disinfect your hands?

Exploring a Novel Nutraceutical Approach to Brain Cancer Treatment: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses a recent study from the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer in Mumbai, India. The study explores the impact of a simple, cost-effective nutraceutical tablet containing resveratrol and copper on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The results indicate a favorable shift in cancer markers and a reduction in tumor aggression without the side effects associated with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This alternative approach suggests a potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment, focusing on healing rather than destroying cancer cells. The episode highlights the significance of thinking outside traditional cancer treatment methods and the promise of nutraceuticals in oncology.

American Heart Association's reaction to the Dietary Guidelines for AmericansMy husband's white blood cell count is low. What can he do to raise it?How much NTFactor lipids powder can I take and for how long?

What doctor or hospital TV shows do you enjoy? Which do you think are most real?Can ChatGPT be trusted for credible information from reliable and verifiable sources?Can GLP-1 drugs help with fatty liver disease?