Mind, Body, Gut: A Comprehensive Look at Gastroenterology, Part 1

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman is joined by Dr. Alexandra Shustina, a distinguished integrative gastroenterologist based in New York City and Miami. They delve into Dr. Shustina’s journey from conventional to integrative medicine, the importance of addressing the microbiome, and holistic approaches to treating gastrointestinal ailments like IBS, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Shustina shares her insights on diet, the impact of stress, and the role of supplements and herbal remedies. She discusses the significance of personalized care, visceral manipulation, and mind-body techniques in promoting gut health. The episode also touches on the rising incidence of gastrointestinal cancers in young people and the potential benefits of proactive, integrative healthcare approaches.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier Integrative board-certified Gastroenterologist and gut health specialist, an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.

New study suggests taking thyroid medication WITH food may be just as good as taking it on an empty stomach; Natural support for Parkinson’s Disease; Reviving the lost art of handwriting may be key to kid’s learning; Dr. Jeffrey Bland does a deep dive on why not all fish oils are alike.

While we’re making progress in TREATING cancer, worldwide cancer INCIDENCE is soaring, especially among young people; New guidelines for colon cancer screening urge earlier start at age 45; Rates of peanut allergy are declining as more parents follow revised advice to introduce nuts earlier to kids; What’s with all the buzz about methylene blue? Legalization and stronger pot are creating an epidemic of ER visits for uncontrolled vomiting, debilitating abdominal pain; New smart toilet gives you a report card on your poop; When Zoloft doesn’t work for anxiety.

Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, discusses the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects commonly experienced by patients using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Rybelsus. Leyla introduces a nutraceutical called Digexin, created by N-X-T-U-S-A, which has shown promise in mitigating these side effects and improving overall well-being. The episode highlights the need for patients to prioritize animal protein intake and incorporate strength training to maintain muscle mass, especially when taking GLP-1 medications. Leyla emphasizes the importance of developing healthy habits and lifestyle changes to sustain weight loss after discontinuing these drugs.

INFINITY Study on the timing of thyroid medication ingestionI have a growth near my eye that is changing in color and becoming crusty. What should I do?I've been suffering from hip pain for the last three years. Any suggestions on what to do?Could toxic exposures like mold cause conditions like low thyroid or autoimmunity?

With a calcium score of zero, is there any fat in your diet?  Are there any recommended supplements for IBS?What is the safest and most appropriate dose of vitamin D3 for most seniors?

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?