• Upcoming congressional hearings for RFK, Jr to head HHS
• I sleep four hours a night and feel fine, but is there a sleep supplement you recommend?
• Is agave a better sugar substitute than stevia? Any cautions about using agave?

• Do you take all of your supplements when you go on vacation?
• I give blood at least once a year and now my ferritin level is 28. What should it be?
• Long-term use of statins can cause insulin resistance and associated elevations in fasting insulin
• Can anybody recover from primary progressive aphasia?

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman interviews Dr. Carol Johnston, a professor of nutrition and associate dean at Arizona State University, dubbed 'The Vinegar Lady' for her extensive research on vinegar's health benefits. Dr. Johnston discusses the scientific basis for using apple cider vinegar to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in pre-diabetics, and its potential impacts on other conditions like depression. She explains how vinegar (acetic acid) affects metabolism and digestion. Additionally, Dr. Johnston highlights her research on high protein, low-fat diets, ketogenic diets, and the importance of maintaining a balanced intake of vitamins, especially B6 and C, due to common deficiencies in the American diet. The conversation includes practical dietary tips and addresses concerns like how to incorporate vinegar safely into daily consumption.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Carol Johnston, PhD, RD, Professor of Nutrition, in the College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University.

Integrative dermatology with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis." We hear about how her personal journey toward embracing diet and supplements for her patients with skin problems was motivated by the discovery—after many missed diagnoses—that she was suffering from celiac disease. She finds that many skin conditions are ameliorated by elimination of culprit foods, and the overall adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Dr. Hurwitz discusses treatment for acne, in light of the fact that while dermatologists are 1% of medical specialists, they dispense 20% of the antibiotics prescribed overall. She updates us on the latest “biologic” medicines for eczema and psoriasis, but claims they work better when complemented with lifestyle changes. Dr. Hurwitz discusses the role of vitamin D, Omega 3s, and probiotics for many skin conditions, as well as niacinamide which reduces recurrence of skin cancer; she also addresses sunscreens and scar treatments. 

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Diana Hurwitz, co-author of "Strategies to Treat Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Wish Your Doctor Had Told You."

US dementia cases set to double by 2060; Study claims red meat a culprit in cognitive decline—but a close read reveals it’s a lot of baloney; Aerobic exercise is best hedge against Alzheimer’s; Prevagen ordered to drop memory claims; When a blood pressure cuff is too tight, can it throw off readings? An 80-year-old who takes DHEA wants to add pregnenolone; Oregon hospital patient awarded $900,000 after face catches fire during surgery; LA residents may suffer health consequences of pollutants long after wildfires quenched. 

Intermittent fasting with early (9:00-5:00) eating window works best for weight loss, blood sugar control; Beleaguered California Governor Newsom at least gets it right with initiative to curb ultra-processed food, dyes, sugar; Can supplements still be used after their expiration dates? Long-term use of acid-blockers hikes heart risks in women; Quality of patient care threatened by private equity takeovers of hospitals; A tiny camera that you swallow reveals problems lurking deep within the small intestine; High fructose corn syrup fuels tumor growth; RFK Jr. faces congressional grilling next week. 

Foods and Lifestyle Changes to Manage High Blood Pressure: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses effective ways to manage high blood pressure through simple lifestyle changes and dietary choices. She highlights the importance of achieving a healthy weight and outlines how foods like beets, celery, pistachios, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and salmon can support healthy blood pressure levels. Leyla also emphasizes the need to avoid processed foods, excess sodium, and alcohol, presenting a comprehensive approach to improving cardiovascular health.

• Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's west coast bike trip
• Study: Light flickering promotes sleep and may protect the brain from dementia
• Could a person be low in omega-6 fats?
• Do you recommend my husband and I get the latest shingles vaccine?