Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Beyond, Part 2

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How do I find a preventive cardiologist in northern New Jersey?What is the best supplement for dissolving bone spurs?What is the half-life of vitamin D, either by supplement or sun exposure?What do you think about mushroom coffee? Does it have any health benefits?Please discuss how strontium affects DEXA scan results

Dr. David Chernoff, Chief Medical Officer of Setpoint Medical, discusses electrically driven vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a “neuroimmune modulation” approach to autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Chernoff explains the vagus nerve’s sensory role in monitoring organs and signaling the brainstem and spleen to regulate immune responses, and how precise stimulation can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines without immunosuppression. Setpoint’s miniaturized, wireless, MRI-compatible implant is placed in an outpatient 45-minute neck procedure and delivers one minute of daily stimulation titrated to an upper comfort level; long-term safety is supported by prior surgical experience and a 242-patient blinded RA study with two-year data, leading to FDA approval for rheumatoid arthritis. The discussion covers add-on use with medications, potential steroid tapering, reimbursement, and research in Crohn’s disease, relapsing MS (vision and remyelination), and other conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. David Chernoff, Chief Medical Officer of Setpoint Medical.

 Mushrooms for Sleep and Cognitive Support: Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist, author, and board-certified clinical nutritionist, details Wakunaga/Kyolic’s new Specialty Series mushroom products and related health strategies. He reveals a sleep formula with reishi, L-theanine, valerian, and Aged Garlic Extract aimed at calming stress and supporting better sleep. The formula for cognition includes lion’s mane for memory support and aronia berry antioxidants. He also emphasizes Aged Garlic Extract’s heart benefits. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist, author, and board-certified clinical nutritionist.

Carnitine, with acknowledged muscle and brain benefits, may find a new role in supporting cancer immunity; Calcium and vitamin D’s bone-building impact may be limited; Internal visceral fat may accelerate brain aging, MRI study finds; The remarkable benefits of a newly-discovered mitochondrial booster—urolithin A (Mitopure®️).

Is it safe to stop statins “cold turkey”? Can the supplement ingredient HMB counteract age-related muscle loss? Researchers may have discovered the key to development of a true fat-burning weight loss medication; Can a mammogram yield clues about cardiovascular risk? Their bottom line threatened by GLP-1 weight loss drugs, BIg Food tweaks portion sizes, adds spices and flavorings to pique blunted appetites; Vitamins A & D may improve lung health for asthma sufferers; When it comes to thyroid medication prescribing, treat the numbers or treat the patient? 

Registered dietitian Leyla Muedin discusses a Frontiers in Microbiology paper suggesting certain probiotics may help sequester heavy metals. The study, sponsored by the Italian company Probiotical and conducted with University of Ghent and University of Piedmont Orientale, researchers used in vitro testing and the SHIME gut simulator to assess Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus against cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury. L. plantarum and L. crispatus reduced metal bioavailability primarily in the simulated colonic phase, while L. acidophilus showed minimal detoxification; mercury was least reduced (~10%). An ex vivo mouse-intestine system found probiotic pre-incubation of metals preserved epithelial integrity and reduced inflammatory responses. Leyla notes limitations: corporate funding, only three strains tested, and no in vivo or human trials, though the findings support further animal and clinical research.

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