Intelligent Medicine | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities

Nathan Jones, founder and CEO of Xlear, Inc., reveals xylitol’s role in supporting oral and nasal “gateway” microbiomes by selectively starving acid-producing Strep mutans rather than indiscriminately killing bacteria, and warns that harsh mouthwashes can disrupt beneficial oral bacteria linked to nitric oxide production and possibly blood pressure. Jones outlines Spry and Xlear products (gum, mints, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry-mouth “Rain,” and upcoming gummy candies, a new dental probiotic with added nutrients, and a direct-to-consumer oral bacteria test kit with pre/post tracking). He discusses diet, emphasizing sugar as a key driver of cavities and criticizing limited focus on sugar in a Surgeon General oral health report. In part two, Jones describes ongoing and planned legal actions against the FTC over shifting evidentiary standards and reputational damage, then reviews Xlear’s allergy and respiratory approach via nasal hygiene, product tiers (regular, Max with quercetin, Rescue botanicals, and a decongestant), and a forthcoming ectoine-based spray to support mucus barrier integrity.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nathan Jones, founder and CEO of Xlear, Inc.

Nitric Oxide Explained: Vascular Health, Exercise Performance, and N1o1 with Dr. Nathan Bryan, international Leader in Molecular Medicine, the first to describe nitrite and nitrate as indispensable nutrients required for optimal cardiovascular health. He details NO as a ubiquitous messenger affecting blood flow, erectile function, cognition, exercise performance, endothelial dysfunction, and aging-related declines in NO production. Bryan explains why PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra prolong cyclic GMP signaling but don’t fix NO deficiency, and why beet products often fail due to variable nitrate content and inadequate dosing. He outlines his NO lozenge approach that generates NO gas from sodium nitrite and magnesium ascorbate, plus a fermented beet powder drink (NOBeets), and emphasizes the role of oral bacteria (and harms of antiseptic mouthwash/fluoride) in nitrate conversion. They review published endpoints, including flow-mediated dilation, blood pressure effects, inflammation markers, triglycerides, stem cells, plaque regression, applications to Alzheimer’s, glaucoma/microvascular disease, safety/dosing considerations, risks of arginine supplementation, and a dual-chamber topical NO serum developed from wound-healing experience.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Nathan Bryan, international Leader in Molecular Medicine, the first to describe nitrite and nitrate as indispensable nutrients required for optimal cardiovascular health. 

Should you stop taking glucosamine based on a new study linking it to Alzheimer’s? What’s behind the spate of “Tai Chi Walking” social media posts? Undereye “festoons”—what to do about them? Are antibiotics the only treatment for SIBO? Vaping after smoking hikes risk for lung cancer.

Why aren’t there more medical insurance plans that cover alternative medicine? Solutions for Long Covid; MK7 vitamin K slows arterial calcification; Keto diet shows promise for treatment of anorexia; It’s not so much salt restriction—it’s the dietary sodium/potassium ratio in hypertension; Study finds multivitamins don’t keep you from getting Covid—but when you get it, it’s milder; Incidence of social anxiety disorder is soaring among young people.

Sleep, Glymphatic Detox, and the Hidden Heart Risks of Sleep Apnea: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explains how sleep supports brain “housekeeping” via the glymphatic system, a glial-lymphatic waste-clearance network most active during sleep that moves cerebrospinal fluid through brain spaces to remove metabolites and toxic proteins such as amyloid beta, with sleep deprivation linked to amyloid accumulation. She notes other clearance pathways, including meningeal lymphatic vessels, whose impaired function is associated with neurodegenerative disease and brain injury. Reviews of human studies suggest sleep influences glymphatic outcomes, though results are inconsistent and methods vary. She emphasizes that poor sleep is associated with dementia risk, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular events, mortality, and impaired glucose metabolism, and highlights lifestyle strategies that may improve sleep. She warns that untreated obstructive sleep apnea accelerates cardiovascular aging via intermittent hypoxia and inflammation, raising blood pressure and cardiovascular event risk, while treatment (e.g., CPAP) may halt or reverse damage.

Is there any truth to some of the latest news that claims glucosamine supplements accelerate dementia and Alzheimer's?Some key points on methodology - what were they actually measuring?What does glucosamine have to do with hyperglycosylation?

What may be the real driver of persistent musculoskeletal pain in menopause?What are your thoughts on hyperbaric oxygen for treating hard-to-heal wounds?Kudos to holistic veterinarians!My prostate is Swiss cheese now after so many biopsiesWhat's the latest on melatonin?

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman interviews Professor Kieran Murphy, an interventional neuro radiologist and prolific inventor from Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Murphy has developed numerous innovative medical devices and filed 60 patents. He shares insights from his book, “The Essence of Invention: Medicine and the Joy of Creativity,” discussing his work on medical innovation, his unique background, and personal experiences that have driven his creative solutions. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of creativity, the impact of bureaucracy on modern medicine, and groundbreaking innovations like ozone therapy for herniated discs and a radio-protective supplement for medical personnel. Dr. Murphy emphasizes mindfulness and paying attention to phenomena as key components for fostering creativity and innovation in medicine.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kieran Murphy, author of “The Essence of Invention: Medicine and the Joy of Creativity,”

Pandemic Policies, Vaccines, and Harms to Children: pediatrician and author Dr. Elizabeth Mumper discusses her book “Kids and COVID: Costly Mistakes That Must Never Happen Again.” Mumper argues parents should question authorities, citing early pandemic decisions such as lockdowns, masking, and a “one size fits all” vaccine strategy despite children’s low risk from COVID. She supports the Great Barrington Declaration’s focus on protecting high-risk groups and criticizes suppression of repurposed treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. The discussion raises concerns about mRNA vaccine safety, biodistribution of lipid nanoparticles, underreporting to VAERS, loss of long-term control groups, myocarditis risk in young males, and claims of severe neurologic effects and “turbo cancers.” Mumper describes developmental, educational, and mental-health harms from masking and school closures, challenges vaccine mandates as violating informed consent, explains the cell danger response concept, and criticizes Paxlovid while favoring integrative approaches.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with pediatrician and author Dr. Elizabeth Mumper.

Want a suitcase of antibiotics? Online “wellness” companies will oblige, but the disruption to your microbiome may last up to 8 years; What’s the best form of curcumin? New push to promote nutrition instruction for doctors—is it enough? “Borderline anemia”—what could be the cause?

More than just a game—Knicks overcoming odds in game 4 comeback is a parable of resilience; A one and done lifetime cholesterol fix via gene modification; Will cataract surgery interfere with benefits of light exposure? Do amounts of vitamin A in various supplements taken together court the risk of toxicity? Smartphones and social media create real harm for adolescents; Experts determine the exact right amount of sleep down to the minute—but is it overreach? 

Perimenopause, Insulin Resistance, and Persistent Muscle & Joint Pain: A Functional Medicine Framework: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses perimenopausal musculoskeletal symptoms—new or persistent joint pain, muscle aches, and tendon problems—and highlights a Clinician’s Journal article by physical therapist Tara Moore proposing insulin resistance screening in perimenopausal musculoskeletal care. She explains that declining estradiol during the menopausal transition can worsen insulin signaling, increase visceral fat, and reduce insulin sensitivity, affecting skeletal muscle recovery and potentially contributing to tendinopathies and poor or short-lived responses to localized treatments like PT. The framework emphasizes assessing systemic metabolic contributors (e.g., sedentary behavior, high-carbohydrate nutrition patterns, PCOS, central weight gain, stress, sleep disruption) and addressing mediators such as inflammation and impaired glucose utilization. She suggests integrating metabolic risk assessment, sleep and stress strategies, resistance training, and interdisciplinary referrals, arguing that nutrition and supplementation—especially a low-carb approach—may improve recovery and pain outcomes.

Deprescribing thyroid and other meds in older adultsCan I safely take serrapeptase for longer than four weeks?I want to take nattokinase but isn't there a 'clot dislodging' risk?Could you discuss C. difficile and how to treat it?

I do stair climbing indoors in bad weather instead of walking outdoors. Is this worthwhile?The FDA no longer recommends use of radiation shields during X-ray procedures.  What say you?I have a queasy stomach feeling, and my blood sugar is higher than usual.  What are your thoughts?I've been using magnesium taurate to control palpitations and find I need more than usual.A comment about performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports

Comprehensive Insights into Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy with Dr. Erika Schwartz, author of “The New Hormone Solution.” In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman speaks with Dr. Erika Schwartz, an expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. They discuss the evolution and controversies surrounding hormone therapies, including the impact of the Women's Health Initiative study. Dr. Schwartz shares her insights on the importance of a tailored approach to hormone replacement, the benefits of different forms of estrogen and progesterone, and the role of testosterone, DHEA, and lifestyle choices in comprehensive care for menopause and andropause. Additionally, they explore the topics of women's sexuality, the pros and cons of osteoporosis drugs, and the necessity of incorporating a holistic lifestyle approach for overall health and longevity.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Erika Schwartz, author of “The New Hormone Solution.”

Dr. Garth Nicolson, Founder, President, Chief Scientific Officer, and Emeritus Research Professor of Molecular Pathology at the Institute for Molecular Medicine in Huntington Beach, California, and Research Advisor for Nutritional Therapeutics, explains how membrane damage from free radicals and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential contribute to declining energy with age, noting studies in older adults showing improved energy output, fatigue, cognition, mood, and activity after NTFactor lipids, a protected phospholipid supplement balanced toward mitochondrial lipid composition. He describes evidence of lipid delivery using fluorescent-tagged lipids in sperm, with improved motility, and discusses applications including wound healing in veterans, removal of hydrophobic toxins via a concentration-driven “conveyor belt” process, and improved transport of nutrients like CoQ10. He details articles on normal aging, menopause-related changes supported by membranes, dementia risk linked to hearing loss, and rat studies showing delayed hearing loss with NTFactor, and mentions research on EMF sensitivity and planned schizophrenia trials.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Garth Nicolson, Founder, President, Chief Scientific Officer, and Emeritus Research Professor of Molecular Pathology at the Institute for Molecular Medicine in Huntington Beach, California, and Research Advisor for Nutritional Therapeutics.

The “Enhanced Games”, with no-holds-barred performance-enhancing drugs, yields scant advantages over “clean” contests; Does saturated fat increase insulin resistance? Can a heart attack victim avoid statin use with CoQ10? Omega-3 fish oil shows promise vs. type 2 diabetes; Motorized e-scooter use needs to be regulated NOW!

AI founders call for Congress to set guardrails against AI-accelerated bioweapon development; Deprescribing thyroid medication in seniors; Low-arginine/high lysine diets vs. herpes; Researchers test the “5 second rule” for dropped food; Long-term antidepressant use comes under new scrutiny.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses research showing simple strength tests—grip strength and a five-rep sit-to-stand chair test—predict longevity in older women. In a University at Buffalo study of over 5,000 women ages 63–99 followed for eight years, stronger grip and faster chair-stand times were linked to lower mortality; every additional 7 kg of grip strength corresponded to a 12% reduction in death risk, and faster chair-stands were also associated with improved survival, even after adjusting for activity, cardiovascular fitness, and inflammation. She emphasizes prioritizing muscle-strengthening alongside aerobic exercise and suggests accessible resistance options (weights, bodyweight moves, or household items) with professional guidance as needed. She then cites UK Biobank data linking long-term statin use to declines in grip strength and appendicular lean mass, urging discussion with physicians and added vigilance, especially for those also using GLP-1 drugs that may reduce protein intake and muscle mass.

Can topical B12 help relieve itching?The types of doctors to avoidGetting back to basicsA case study of lavender oil helping to relieve itchingYou say you're dairy sensitive but you use whey protein. Please explain.What are your thoughts on a lactose relief patch that is on offer?

Is high blood pressure genetic? Are we stuck having to take blood pressure meds?Could you please critique the study asserting fish oil supplements elevate the risk of atrial fibrillation?I've had strep throat three times in two months! What gives?I've had queasy reactions to protein added foods

A Brand New Tool for Gut, Inflammation, and Brain Support: Holistic Practitioner Jane Jansen details Essential Formulas’ Dr. Ohhira’s Postbiotic Fermented Food Concentrate, a non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, capsule-free fermented paste in travel-friendly, non-refrigerated sachet packets. She explains the difference between probiotics and postbiotics, emphasizing that this concentrate delivers postbiotic metabolites (including short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, plus enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, peptides, and growth/repair factors) created via a five-year fermentation of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweeds. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with holistic practitioner Jane Jansen.

Naturally Healthy Pets: Whole-Food Diets, Microbiome Repair, and Integrative Therapies with integrative veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT. She argues that pet ownership benefits human wellbeing and that pets concentrate household toxins, warning against routine pesticide-based flea/tick and other veterinary drugs due to environmental contamination and adverse events. She recommends species-appropriate whole-food diets (cats as obligate carnivores; dogs mostly meat) and criticizes ultra-processed pet foods, synthetic nutrient premixes, grains/legumes in kibble, and high-carb diets that fuel yeast and inflammation; she discusses safe calcium, zinc, and vitamin D sources. In part two, she describes veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic, and laser/red-light therapies with case examples, links skin/ear “allergies” to gut dysbiosis, uses microbiome testing, FMT capsules, and detox support, highlights omega-3s, PEA for pain, and CBD for seizures/anxiety, and outlines multi-layered natural flea/tick prevention. Intelligent Medicine listeners can get 50% off Dr. Judy authored books found on NaturallyHealthyPets.com. Just use the coupon code INTELLIGENT50.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with integrative veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT. 

A tale of 2 pneumonias—NASCAR racer Kyle Busch dead at 41 while Rudy Giuliani, age 81, survives critical care; Newly discovered evidence that Neanderthals were practicing dentistry—59,000 years ago! “Fatty 15”—does it measure up to the hype? Stem Wave—A shocking way to obtain pain relief; When to give antibiotics for a tick bite; Proposed ban on tobacco products for future generations of Brits aims to eradicate smoking.

Soon-to-arrive drugs promise to address elevated Lp(a); Best natural alternatives to repel mosquitoes and ticks; When cancer treatments cause osteoporosis; Organoids and computer simulations promise to reduce the toll of live animal experimentation; Land snails and pythons yield clues for new drug development; Shortfall in doctors accelerated by early retirement as physicians cite “hassle factor.”

Registered dietitian nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the growing interest in biological age versus chronological age and explains that biological aging is modifiable through consistent lifestyle choices. She outlines common measurement tools and biomarkers, including epigenetic clocks (DNA methylation), telomere length, VO2 max, inflammatory markers, grip strength, and muscle mass, noting that genetics account for only about 25–40% of biological aging variation. Key interventions include regular aerobic and resistance exercise, protein-adequate nutrition to preserve muscle and prevent sarcopenia (with whey protein and leucine-rich foods noted), improved sleep, stress management, reducing processed foods and visceral fat, and lowering chronic inflammation (CRP, IL-6). She also reviews hormetic stressors such as sauna use and mentions red/near-infrared light and sun exposure without sunglasses. Leyla shares client examples showing biological age can worsen or improve, and encourages repeat testing after lifestyle changes.

An overview of itchingWould tofu be a good addition to my diet?Is TMAO a risk factor for heart disease when eating meat?How about interviewing an expert on vegetarianism?

Would you discuss vertebroplasty vs. kyphoplasty?I recently had a fundoplication surgery and now have gastroparesisCould you recommend a healthy aging supplement?How to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction/dry eye disease?Should we get wool carpeting or hardwood flooring?

Investigative journalist Charles Piller reveals deep-seated corruption in Alzheimer's research as chronicled in his book, “Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Disease.” The discussion delves into the issues surrounding Big Pharma's influence, fraudulent scientific studies, and the implications of a controversial 2006 experiment at the University of Minnesota. They also address the costly and marginally effective Alzheimer's drugs like Aducanumab, the challenges faced by alternative research hypotheses, and the significance of improving scientific integrity and checks and balances in medical research.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with investigative journalist Charles Piller, author of “Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Disease.”

Dr. Corey Schuler, PhD(c), FNP, DC, CNS, and director of medical affairs at Allergy Research Group, details his paper “Energy Allocation Resilience and Endocrine Integration” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. He introduces the Energy Allocation System (EAS), which emphasizes how the body allocates energy—not just produces it—and links many symptoms to impaired bioenergetics and resilience. They discuss mitochondria as energy generators and cellular signaling hubs, the integrated stress response and endocrine coordination (HPA axis, thyroid, gonads), and mitohormesis/eustress (exercise, fasting, heat/cold, circadian “zeitgebers”). Schuler explains nuanced testing for fatigue (diurnal cortisol, CGM patterns, thyroid markers including T3/reverse T3) and a case of a perimenopausal woman where oral contraceptives and cortisol dysregulation affected glucose patterns. They cover mitochondrial support (removing obstacles like pollutants/antibiotics, triglycerides, carnitine, dietary fats, micronutrients) and pacing/sequencing lifestyle interventions.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Corey Schuler, PhD(c), FNP, DC, CNS, and director of medical affairs at Allergy Research Group.

Dr. Marty Makary out as FDA Commissioner—was he the victim of a BigPharma purge? Are “liquid biopsies” useful for predicting recurrences, as well as guiding therapy, for cancer? Nighttime smartphone by adolescents surges, eroding kids’ sleep needs; Persistent itch may require an “all of the above” approach to break its vicious cycle—could topical vitamin B12 provide an answer? Study critiques research methods that fast-tracked new Alzheimer’s drugs.

You won’t believe this new medical use for Classic Coca-Cola; The solution for menopausal sleep problems goes beyond mere hormone replacement; Paxlovid strikes out vs. Covid in new trials; Pesticide exposure may explain rising colorectal cancer rates in young people; Big Food touts faulty study that claims healthier food regulations will cost consumers; Higher aerobic fitness boosts size of the brain’s memory centers—as does memorizing London taxi routes. 

Eccentric Exercise: Better Results with Less Effort. Leyla Muedin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, discusses eccentric exercise and research suggesting it may deliver better results than strenuous workouts that cause muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). She explains contraction types—isometric, concentric, and eccentric—highlighting that eccentric contractions involve muscle lengthening during the lowering phase (e.g., lowering a dumbbell, walking downstairs) and can provide greater mechanical loading with lower perceived effort, less fatigue, and broad accessibility across ages and health conditions, though requiring more focus and control. She cites studies including stair-descending in elderly obese women improving cardiovascular function, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and strength, and a five-minute home routine (chair squats, wall pushups, chair reclines, heel drops) improving strength, flexibility, mental health, and encouraging continued exercise. She notes athletic benefits and the need for further research.

Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's Scandinavian tripShould I eliminate the nightshade family of foods from my diet?My friend has been experiencing acid reflux since using a reverse osmosis water filtration system

Where can I access peptide therapy for my wife in California?What are other methods of lowering LDL doing exactly that niacin is not?Should we all be using unbleached toilet paper?Would I benefit from taking minoxidil and finasteride for hair growth?What can I do about my festoons?

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, an Integrative Medicine physician, researcher, and best-selling author specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome, details “adrenal fatigue,” contrasting Endocrine Society guidelines focused on overt adrenal failure with his view that the adrenals can be functionally exhausted and may be missed by standard testing and “normal ranges.” They discuss adrenal roles in stress response, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure, immunity, and symptoms suggesting low adrenal function (irritability when hungry, sugar cravings, fatigue, recurrent infections, lightheadedness/brain fog, mood shifts). Contributors include high sugar intake, chronic stress, dehydration, and salt restriction, with modern media fear/divisiveness cited as a major stressor; hypothalamic dysfunction and circadian rhythm disruption may cause “tired but wired” insomnia. They cover options such as licorice (not DGL), dietary and lifestyle changes, Adrenaplex, adaptogens (ashwagandha standards, HRG80 red ginseng study), phosphatidylserine for high nighttime cortisol, cautious low-dose hydrocortisone thresholds, and DHEA/pregnenolone considerations, plus resources at endfatigue.com.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, an Integrative Medicine physician, researcher, and best-selling author specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Beyond the Bends—Wounds, Stroke Recovery, Radiation Injury, and Performance. Nicole Garrett, founder and COO of Under Pressure Hyperbarics, details hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). She explains how HBOT treats divers’ decompression sickness by recompressing nitrogen bubbles and reducing inflammation, and how therapeutic benefits depend on reaching adequate pressure (commonly around 2.0 atmospheres or more; diver treatment may begin at 2.8). Garrett describes HBOT’s history, FDA-approved uses such as diabetic wound healing, radiation injury, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (often combined with steroids), and off-label use for stroke/TBI recovery, cognitive issues, autoimmune flares, Crohn’s disease, athletic recovery, anti-aging research (including telomere findings), and adjunctive cancer care. She contrasts “soft” chambers with higher-pressure medical chambers, discusses treatment courses (often 10–60 sessions), safety and contraindications (ears, pneumothorax, retinal bubble procedures), and practical barriers like cost, insurance coverage, and facility/oxygen regulations.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nicole Garrett, founder and COO of Under Pressure Hyperbarics.

Now do we have to start worrying about Hantavirus? Digestive enzymes for pancreatic insufficiency; Space exploration yields new treatments for resistant bacterial infections; Alternatives to prednisone for autoimmune hearing loss; Casey Means bows out of Surgeon General nomination—next up, Nicole Saphier; Multivitamins found to slow biological aging.