Natural Medicine in Focus: Gut-Brain Axis, Omega-3s, and Clinical Empathy, Part 1

Registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses dietary strategies for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She compares the traditional low FODMAP diet with a recent study advocating a low sugar and starch diet, highlighting the effectiveness of both approaches in alleviating IBS symptoms. Leyla provides detailed information on which foods to avoid and which to consume on a low FODMAP diet and stresses that while both diets can significantly improve IBS symptoms, they are not intended to be long-term solutions. The episode offers insights into how dietary changes, along with botanical supplements, can help relieve IBS-related issues such as bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits.

Discussion about the recent nutrition round table hosted by Senator Ron Johnson; What can I take for chronic tinnitus due to a motorcycle accident?; What is your criteria for prescribing a daily low dose aspirin?

What has happened to Future Pharm?; A large gallstone was found on a recent MRI. Is this contributing to my colitis and IBS-D?; What advice do you have for treating oral lichen planus?; Can you talk about Revive for skin, hair, nails and joints?; How much vitamin A can I take to avoid toxicity?; Do you know of a good functional medicine doctor in Los Angeles?

Karolyn Gazella, the founder of the Natural Medicine Journal, discusses the growing field of integrative medicine, focusing on a fascinating study that demonstrates how fish oil can slow progression of Alzheimer’s. She also highlights how diet and lifestyle can overcome “bad” genes, the microbiome’s influence on resilience and eye health, and how physician empathy can improve patient outcomes. Karolyn also shares her extensive experience in publishing and podcasting about holistic health since 1992, and highlights the evolving respect for naturopathic practices within the medical community.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Karolyn A. Gazella, founder of the Natural Medicine Journal and the host of the Natural Medicine Journal Podcast series.

BREAKTHROUGHS IN CANCER DETECTION: New tests promise to revolutionize cancer diagnosis. Dr. Gary Goldman is a board-certified ob-gyn and one of America’s leading Functional Medicine practitioners, and is also a member of the speakers’ bureau for Grail, developer of the Galleri cancer test. What are some of the limitations of current cancer tests like mammography, colonoscopy, PSA, CA-125, PAP smears, and CT scans? What’s the difference between sensitivity and specificity? How does the Galleri test enhance our ability to detect cancers? How was it developed? How accurate is it? Will it lead to overdiagnosis? Why is there controversy over a £140 million NHS trial using Galleri to detect cancer? Can “liquid biopsies” be used to find out whether cancer is recurring before it’s visible on imaging? What about new genetic tests that predict your likelihood of developing cancer? Why the arguments over frequency of colonoscopies, mammograms and PAP smears? Is there a certain age when you can forego them? Is the new colon cancer blood test a good alternative to colonoscopy?

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Gary Goldman, board-certified ob-gyn and one of America’s leading Functional Medicine practitioners. He's a member of the speakers’ bureau for Grail, developer of the Galleri cancer test.

“Dead butt syndrome”—you probably already have it; Over half of Americans with uncontrolled hypertension are unaware of their condition; Is a smartwatch app for continuous blood pressure monitoring ready for primetime? What are frequent causes of errors in blood pressure measurement? How long can you continue to take Prolia? What’s the likelihood of a colon adenoma turning cancerous? Metformin scores cognitive and anti-aging benefits in monkeys—human trials underway.

Is “Morgellon’s Disease” a figment of the imagination? Are reports of frequent liver problems with popular herbs unfairly alarmist? Diagnosing stomach pain; Harmful micro-organisms can travel hundreds of miles high in the atmosphere; Toxic condoms; Sales of herbal supplements soar—we breakdown the most popular; The three tests for cardiovascular risk that you absolutely need.

Effective Produce Cleaning and Pesticide Concerns: registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the importance of buying organic produce and the limitations of washing fruits and vegetables to remove pesticide residues. She explains the findings of a new study published in the American Chemical Society's journal Nano Letters, which indicates that washing does not effectively remove pesticides that penetrate the fruit's peel into the pulp. She provides practical tips for cleaning produce, emphasizing buying organic and peeling fruits like apples to minimize pesticide exposure. The episode also addresses food safety practices, consumer concerns, and the significance of choosing high-quality food for long-term health.