Intelligent Medicine with Dr. Ronald Hoffman | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities

Understanding and Preserving Cognitive Health with Dr. Barbara Haskin: In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine podcast, host Dr. Ronald Hoffman discusses cognitive health with neuropsychologist Dr. Barbara Haskin, author of “How My Brain Works: A Guide to Understanding It Better and To Keeping It Healthy.” They explore the impact of aging and other factors on cognitive function, citing personal anecdotes and recent research. The conversation centers on the importance of mental well-being, diet, exercise, and sleep in maintaining brain health. Dr. Haskin highlights her professional experiences, including the evaluation and treatment of various cognitive issues through detailed testing and personalized care strategies. The episode concludes with a discussion on practical lifestyle measures to prevent and address cognitive decline.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Barbara Haskin, author of “How My Brain Works: A Guide to Understanding It Better and To Keeping It Healthy.” 

In this episode of the Intelligent Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ronald Hoffman interviews Dr. Sharad Paul, a New Zealand physician, on his book, "Biohacking Your Genes: 25 Laws for a Smarter, Healthier, and Longer Life." They discuss how genes serve as a blueprint but not a destiny, stressing the role of lifestyle and habits in managing genetic risks. Dr. Paul expands on the impact of diet, supplements, and exercise tailored to genetic makeup, citing his holistic approach versus extreme gene-editing biohacking. The conversation touches on vitamin D's role in health, the misconception about sun exposure, and the relationship between genetics and skin health. Nutrigenomics is explored, illustrating how genetic testing can influence dietary and lifestyle choices, while also covering genetic predispositions related to mood, sodium, and sugar sensitivity. The podcast concludes with actionable tips for optimizing skin health through diet and protective measures.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Sharad Paul, author of "Biohacking Your Genes: 25 Laws for a Smarter, Healthier, and Longer Life."

New-think on diet for ApoE4, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s—eat meat! Is a non-invasive blood sugar monitor on the drawing board for the next Apple Watch? True or false—does drinking carbonated water help weight loss? Eating while distracted puts on the pounds; Treating duodenitis; How much whey protein should you consume? Why some people fail to lose weight on GLP-1 drugs.

Don’t skip homocysteine when testing for dementia risk factors; Treating osteoporosis; New hope against pancreatic cancer; Eating right for Parkinson’s Disease; Olive oil helps stave off dementia—but only the right kind; A lifestyle hack that can cut Alzheimer’s risk by 38%; How to reduce high calprotectin on a stool test.

Supplements and Morning Coffee: Timing Iron, Zinc, Calcium, B Vitamins, and Vitamin D: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explains that coffee (and tea) can interfere with nutrient absorption and digestion, so certain supplements shouldn’t be taken with morning coffee. Coffee’s tannins and polyphenols can significantly reduce non-heme iron absorption (decaf doesn’t prevent this), and similar binding issues may affect zinc; she recommends taking iron with water at least 1–2 hours away from coffee and pairing it with vitamin C. Because caffeine may increase urination, B vitamins (especially thiamine) may be lost more readily, so she suggests taking them with food but not with coffee. Vitamin D is best taken with a fat-containing meal (not washed down with coffee), and calcium supplements should be separated from coffee since caffeine can slightly increase calcium loss. She also notes interactions such as green tea reducing folate absorption, spinach oxalates limiting mineral absorption, phytates in bran/legumes reducing iron and zinc absorption, and calcium (milk or supplements) cutting iron absorption, emphasizing timing rather than eliminating these foods.

• An example of another bad 'scientific' study
• What do you think of the new at-home prostate test?
• My calcium score has increased over the years. Am I taking enough Vitamin K? Too much?

• A case study in high cholesterol
• How can I lower my Apolipoprotein B? My husband's A1c went up after taking a statin for 5 months. Help!
• Can you recommend a good foot cream?
• Using a heating pad for pain — a listener's success story
• How long of a break should I take from my supplement regimen?

Natalie Ochoa, president of Jigsaw Health, details widespread magnesium insufficiency and why it occurs (soil depletion, low plant intake/processed foods, stress-related loss, aging, and medication effects including diuretics and proton pump inhibitors). They discuss the poor reliability of standard serum magnesium testing, the limitations of RBC magnesium testing, and using symptoms such as cramps, twitches, constipation, fatigue, and sleep trouble as clues. Ochoa explains Jigsaw’s sustained-release magnesium malate (MagSRT) designed to reduce GI side effects and how to read labels for elemental magnesium, with typical intake around 500 mg/day. She reviews the 2018 placebo-controlled Scottsdale Magnesium Study (91 participants) showing increases in RBC and serum magnesium and reduced deficiency symptoms, and a Korean study linking higher magnesium intake to less sarcopenia and lower CRP. They also cover MagSoothe (magnesium glycinate) and an Oura Ring-based sleep trial reporting reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality, plus mention Jigsaw’s potassium drink, electrolyte product, and cod liver oil.