Intelligent Medicine Radio for September 5, Part 1: Pros/Cons of CT Scans vs. MRIs

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin answers a listener question about taking many supplements with oolong tea, explaining that tea tannins can interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption; because oolong is partially oxidized, its tannin level falls between green and black tea, so she recommends taking supplements with water and separating them from tea or coffee by at least an hour (ideally 1.5–2 hours). She then reviews research in Nature Communications from USC on how gut signals via the vagus nerve may influence which food experiences become memories: in rats, nutrient-rich foods increased acetylcholine signaling to the hippocampus, supporting memory for food location, while sweetness without calories did not. Over time, high-fat/high-sugar diets weakened this gut–hippocampus communication and memory performance, with implications for obesity, diabetes/prediabetes, and cognitive decline, and possible future vagus-nerve-based approaches.

Ultra-processed foods' impact on postpartum depression/psychosisWhich should my sister take, Jardiance or Dapagliflozen?  I had aortic valve repair. Can I safely take N101?I suffer with trigeminal neuralgia after recent extensive dental work. What do you advise?What would be the optimal total testosterone level for an 84 year old male?

How can I find an integrative pediatrician in the NYC or Weehawken/Hoboken area?Can the xylitol in my nasal spray have an adverse impact on heart health?I chronically use Vaseline on my lips. Is this a concern?My 25-year-old daughter was diagnosed with lipedema stage one. Any advice?I had an Apo B test and am confused at the results. Could you elucidate?

Former pharma reporter for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, investigative reporter Gardiner Harris, discusses his new book “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.” It details the unethical practices and numerous scandals that have plagued Johnson & Johnson over the decades, including the asbestos contamination in baby powder, the misuse of the antipsychotic drug Risperdal, the dangerous outcomes of vaginal mesh implants, and the controversial development and deployment of their COVID-19 vaccine. Harris provides a comprehensive overview of the corporate malfeasance within the pharmaceutical giant, shedding light on the regulatory failures and systemic corruption that have allowed these issues to persist.

Dr. Hoffmabn continues his conversation with investigative reporter Gardiner Harris, author of “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.” 

Renowned integrative medicine physician, board-certified internist, and researcher Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum discusses his new book, "Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps," and the growing chronic pain epidemic (one in four U.S. adults; about 7% debilitating). Teitelbaum argues most pain is treatable by addressing root causes and describes four biochemical pain types—muscle pain from low energy, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and brain pain (microglial activation)—alongside structural, biophysical, and mind-body contributors. They discuss risks of NSAIDs and Tylenol, diet’s role (processed foods, sugar, seed oils), and strategies such as an Energy Revitalization Drink Mix, SHINE protocol, curcumin with turmeric oils plus boswellia (Curamin), omega-3 support, magnesium, B12 issues with metformin/GLP drugs, lipoic acid for neuropathy and burning mouth syndrome, and migraine support with high-dose riboflavin and magnesium. He also cover CRPS treatments (including ketamine and bisphosphonates), low-dose naltrexone and PEA, compounded topical options, and pelvic pain/prostatitis approaches including quercetin and antibiotics like fosfomycin when appropriate.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with integrative medicine physician, board-certified internist, and researcher Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum about his new book, "Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps."

New study attempts to resolve question over which has contributed more to our current obesity epidemic—diet or sedentary lifestyle? Pros/cons of CT scans vs. MRIs for investigating abdominal complaints; Fish oil rivals effectiveness of antibiotics for periodontal disease; The MIND diet vs. KetoFLEX Diet for fending off cognitive decline; Vitamin B3 helps relieve Raynaud’s symptoms; After American Heart Association green lights coffee, new study shows high consumption can accelerate bone loss; High-dose vitamin D protects memory in light sleepers.

Scientists reveal how much exercise you really need to protect your heart—and no way are you doing enough! Is that prostate biopsy really necessary? It’s true that statins can reduce heart risk even in 70+ individuals—but they don’t prolong life or fend off disability; Magnesium found to prevent age-related sarcopenia, probably by curbing inflammaging; Deep-brain stimulation with external magnets found to enhance brain function in mild cognitive impairment; Are concerns over Avapro blood pressure medication warranted?

Exercise, Recovery, Relaxation—and Muscle as the Key to Healthy Aging: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses science-backed wellness trends that pair exercise with effective recovery and deliberate relaxation to support performance, resilience, and healthy aging, noting benefits such as fewer overuse injuries, better sleep, steadier energy, and improved adherence. She highlights relaxation practices (breathwork, meditation, gentle yoga, outdoor time, massage, consistent sleep routines) and encourages making recovery part of daily life, including creating home or community “wellness spaces” like pools for gentle movement and stress reduction. She emphasizes sustainable habits supported by tools like wearables and heart-rate variability tracking. The episode then frames muscle as a “longevity secret weapon,” explaining its roles in metabolism, glucose storage, insulin sensitivity, inflammation control, and joint stability, citing the PURE study on grip strength and mortality, warning about sarcopenia, and recommending strength training, higher and well-distributed protein intake with age due to anabolic resistance, plus adequate sleep and recovery.