ENCORE: Rethinking SNAP: Enhancing Nutrition and Access, Part 1

Reforming SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—formerly known as food stamps—is designed to address nutritional gaps for economically disadvantaged Americans. But critics argue that SNAP’s lack of selectivity when it comes to ultra-processed foods stokes the current epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders. Nutritionist Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, joins us to discuss an opportunity to reform SNAP. She makes the case for emphasizing fresh, minimally processed food as eligible for purchase under SNAP. Also, she urges inclusion of vitamin D under SNAP benefits because of the pervasiveness of vitamin D deficiency, especially among SNAP recipients. Check out a hub for citizen activism at www.All4VitaminD.org. In Part 2, we shift to consideration of plant-based diets: What are their advantages, and what are potential pitfalls? 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Carolina Schneider, MS, RD.

Many challenging medical conditions defy treatment and challenge clinicians to come up with innovative solutions—Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and autoimmune conditions; add now the growing burden of patients with Long Covid and vaccine injury. Dr. Tania Dempsey specializes in treating these complicated chronic disorders. She has embraced and advanced a new paradigm based on addressing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). What is MCAS? How is it differentiated from ordinary allergies, and why are its symptoms so pervasive? What are its causes and triggers? What role for low-histamine diets? Antihistamines? Other novel medications? What nutritional supplements can facilitate its resolution? How does recognition of the contribution of MCAS facilitate treatment of patients suffering from Long Covid and vaccine injuries?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Tania Dempsey.

“Food is Medicine” initiative urged—but progress is slow; Thymic peptide for cancer; What is “orthomolecular psychiatry”? Magnesium threonate for tinnitus; How screen time and social media are dumbing down our kids; The craving for alcohol may be programmed from our primate origins. 

New options for knee pain—radiation and embolization; Popeye was right to power-up with spinach; Conquering inflammation; Methane-predominant SIBO; Unnecessary back surgery on seniors is rampant; Medicare Advantage patients often relegated to inferior cancer surgery. 

Hydration Myths & Facts: Why Drinking Ice Water May Not Be Ideal. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin delves into the often-overlooked aspects of hydration, particularly focusing on the potential drawbacks of drinking ice-cold water. She explains the effects of excessively cold water on digestion and overall health, citing insights from experts like Dr. Harry Emrich. Leyla highlights why traditional practices and scientific evidence suggest that cool rather than cold water is more beneficial, especially during warm weather. Additionally, the episode offers practical advice on maintaining hydration through alternative methods, such as consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables, and the potential hazards of certain beverages like hot caffeinated drinks and alcohol during heat waves.

Reasons for nausea  My PSA was 4.0 six months ago, and now it's up to 4.55. What should I do?I have lupus and need to take Methotrexate. How can I protect my liver and immune system?The important relationship between vitamin D3 and K2

How do I keep my LDL low enough without compromising my brain and my liver?I read that fish oil can raise LDL cholesterol. Is this true?A questionable case study on pycnogenol

Dr. Geo Espinosa, one of America’s foremost integrative urologists, dishes on men’s urinary problems, natural support for testosterone, and prostate cancer. Lifestyle factors—diet, exercise, sleep and stress reduction—play an important role in all phases of urological health. Dr. Geo explains how he interacts with conventional urologists on the faculty of NYU Langone Medical Center where he practices. Why are men’s urinary problems not just a matter of prostate size? How can natural strategies alleviate urinary difficulties without the need for surgery or drugs? Besides saw palmetto, what nutraceuticals can benefit men with urinary problems? Are there really natural herbal alternatives to testosterone? For men with prostate cancer who are under active surveillance, is there anything more that can be done to minimize their chance of eventually needing surgery or radiation? What nutraceuticals, vitamins and minerals have anti-prostate cancer potential?