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

Dr. David Clarke, president of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, details the link between stress and chronic pain and the scope of brain-generated symptoms. Clarke says many patients have symptoms not explained by disease or injury, estimating about 20% of U.S. adults (about 50 million) live with chronic pain, with costs estimated at $650 billion, and notes clinicians are often not trained to evaluate psychosocial stressors. He describes clues that pain is brain-generated (e.g., multiple long-lasting or shifting symptoms, lack of objective nerve damage) and a broad symptom spectrum from migraines and IBS to pelvic pain and rashes. Clarke discusses adverse childhood experiences, triggers, personality traits, and repressed emotions, cites randomized trials showing “pain relief psychology” can reduce pain and change MRI findings, and shares resources including a clinician directory, self-assessment quiz, and the Curable app.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. David Clarke, president of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association.

How Continuous Glucose Monitors Can Optimize Metabolic Health—and Where GLP-1 Drugs Fit: Emergency physician-turned-preventive/metabolic medicine specialist Dr. Paul Kolodzik of Metabolic MD reveals how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are a tool not only for diabetics but also for non-diabetics and pre-diabetics to personalize diet, sleep, and exercise by seeing real-time glucose patterns instead of relying on fingersticks or A1c averages. Kolodzik describes CGM use in his clinic (two-week diagnostic wear, then therapeutic guidance), highlights insulin resistance, fasting insulin testing, glucose variability, and the role of low-carb eating, intermittent fasting, and strength training to improve metabolic syndrome, triglycerides, and fatty liver. They discuss CGM sourcing/cost, device mechanics and accuracy, possible future noninvasive wearables, and GLP-1/GIP weight-loss drugs, emphasizing supervised, limited-dose use with protein and lifestyle changes to avoid muscle loss and weight regain. A free PDF of Kolodzik’s book is offered HERE.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Kolodzik of Metabolic MD.

Are eggs good or bad for the brain? Low levels of a key nutrient can foster anxiety; Dealing with muscle cramps that develop hours after exercise; Garlic mouthwash outperforms chemical antibacterials; 76% of the world’s population aren’t getting enough omega-3s; Surgery may hasten progression to Alzheimer’s, but a vitamin may help; After marijuana legalization, some states want a do-over.