<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-16-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn opens with a follow-up from an email from Maryland about a friend in Switzerland, who has ongoing neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. She reviews the earlier effort to connect him with functional-medicine resources in Switzerland, then focuses on a new observation that the patient may have had multiple parasitic infections during travel in Europe. Dawn agrees that this may have left a major gap in the workup and says that, in puzzling neurologic cases, a sleep-deprived EEG can sometimes reveal a “fingerprint” of brain-based dysfunction even if the patient is not actively having symptoms during the test. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn says that for people over 60 who have never had a heart attack or stroke, daily baby aspirin is no longer considered a good routine preventive measure because the bleeding risks, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, can outweigh the cardiovascular benefit. She makes the distinction that aspirin may still make sense for secondary prevention in people who already have established cardiovascular disease. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She next reviews several medications that she thinks many older adults should reconsider. She explains that phenylephrine, which replaced easier access to pseudoephedrine in many cold remedies, has been found to work no better than placebo . She also says Colace is not very effective, and she strongly advises older adults to avoid Benadryl because it accumulates with age, increases fall risk, and may be associated with cognitive decline. She adds that beta blockers are no longer preferred first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension in many older patients, and that medications targeting the angiotensin pathway are generally favored instead. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn introduces Mira Achilles in the studio, describing her as her excellent administrative assistant. Mira explains that she gathered health questions from peers from her college world. Mira asks what best supports focus for someone with ADHD working at a desk job. Dr. Dawn says the two evidence-based pillars are cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. She walks through practical strategies including using calendars, reminders, index cards, and to-do lists; sorting tasks by urgency and importance; breaking large projects into smaller steps; creating small reward loops by checking off progress; and deliberately reducing distractions in the work environment.. She emphasizes that movement and exercise improve attention and executive function, and that ADHD management often improves when sleep timing is stabilized.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Another of Mira’s peers asks whether women should avoid very cold showers or ice baths during the luteal phase or around menstruation. Dr. Dawn says the answer is not absolute, but she cautions that cold exposure can hit women differently depending on hormonal state. She notes that the luteal phase may make vasoconstriction and cold sensitivity more pronounced, and she raises concerns about the physiologic stress of cold immersion, including possible adverse effects on circulation and rewarming. Her overall tone is cautious rather than enthusiastic, especially for people who are already prone to feeling chilled or reactive. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Another contributor asks why some people faint when seeing needles, blood, or medical procedures. Dr. Dawn explains the vasovagal response: a reflex in which blood pressure and heart rate suddenly drop, reducing blood flow to the brain. She offers simple countermeasures such as crossing the legs, tightening muscles, squatting, or using hand-grip tension to help push blood back toward the brain and prevent passing out.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn closes by asking whether cortisol is a “good” or a “bad” hormone. Dr. She answers that cortisol is essential: it helps regulate daily rhythms, energy balance, and the broader hormonal system, so it is not something to think of as inherently harmful. At the same time, she says problems arise when cortisol is chronically dysregulated or excessive, so the goal is to maintain a healthy rhythm and avoid overwhelming the adrenal system.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Please go to KSQD.org and donate to support Ask Dr. Dawn on KSQD.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Health issues in the news and answers to your medical questions

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-16-2026:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn opens with a follow-up from an email from Maryland about a friend in Switzerland, who has ongoing neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. She reviews the earlier effort to connect him with functional-medicine resources in Switzerland, then focuses on a new observation that the patient may have had multiple parasitic infections during travel in Europe. Dawn agrees that this may have left a major gap in the workup and says that, in puzzling neurologic cases, a sleep-deprived EEG can sometimes reveal a “fingerprint” of brain-based dysfunction even if the patient is not actively having symptoms during the test. 
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn says that for people over 60 who have never had a heart attack or stroke, daily baby aspirin is no longer considered a good routine preventive measure because the bleeding risks, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, can outweigh the cardiovascular benefit. She makes the distinction that aspirin may still make sense for secondary prevention in people who already have established cardiovascular disease. 
</li><li>
She next reviews several medications that she thinks many older adults should reconsider. She explains that phenylephrine, which replaced easier access to pseudoephedrine in many cold remedies, has been found to work no better than placebo . She also says Colace is not very effective, and she strongly advises older adults to avoid Benadryl because it accumulates with age, increases fall risk, and may be associated with cognitive decline. She adds that beta blockers are no longer preferred first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension in many older patients, and that medications targeting the angiotensin pathway are generally favored instead. 
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn introduces Mira Achilles in the studio, describing her as her excellent administrative assistant. Mira explains that she gathered health questions from peers from her college world. Mira asks what best supports focus for someone with ADHD working at a desk job. Dr. Dawn says the two evidence-based pillars are cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. She walks through practical strategies including using calendars, reminders, index cards, and to-do lists; sorting tasks by urgency and importance; breaking large projects into smaller steps; creating small reward loops by checking off progress; and deliberately reducing distractions in the work environment.. She emphasizes that movement and exercise improve attention and executive function, and that ADHD management often improves when sleep timing is stabilized.
</li><li>
Another of Mira’s peers asks whether women should avoid very cold showers or ice baths during the luteal phase or around menstruation. Dr. Dawn says the answer is not absolute, but she cautions that cold exposure can hit women differently depending on hormonal state. She notes that the luteal phase may make vasoconstriction and cold sensitivity more pronounced, and she raises concerns about the physiologic stress of cold immersion, including possible adverse effects on circulation and rewarming. Her overall tone is cautious rather than enthusiastic, especially for people who are already prone to feeling chilled or reactive. 
</li><li>
Another contributor asks why some people faint when seeing needles, blood, or medical procedures. Dr. Dawn explains the vasovagal response: a reflex in which blood pressure and heart rate suddenly drop, reducing blood flow to the brain. She offers simple countermeasures such as crossing the legs, tightening muscles, squatting, or using hand-grip tension to help push blood back toward the brain and prevent passing out.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn closes by asking whether cortisol is a “good” or a “bad” hormone. Dr. She answers that cortisol is essential: it helps regulate daily rhythms, energy balance, and the broader hormonal system, so it is not something to think of as inherently harmful. At the same time, she says problems arise when cortisol is chronically dysregulated or excessive, so the goal is to maintain a healthy rhythm and avoid overwhelming the adrenal system.
</li><li>
Please go to KSQD.org and donate to support Ask Dr. Dawn on KSQD.
</li></ul>

Medications to Stop After 60, ADHD Management Strategies, Ice Bath Risks, and Vasovagal Syncope Prevention

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-09-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn shares a follow-up from an emailer in Switzerland providing seven functional medicine practitioner addresses near Zurich and Aargau, noting that Switzerland uses different terminology but is actually an "epicenter of functional medicine."
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn calls for support of the bipartisan Break Up Big Medicine Act, modeled on Glass-Steagall, which would prohibit common ownership of medical providers with insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or drug wholesalers. She explains how vertical integration by companies like UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Cigna allows them to game medical loss ratio requirements through self-dealing while driving up costs.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A European clinical trial implanted 2mm x 2mm light sensors beneath the retinas of 38 people with advanced macular degeneration, with 80% gaining clinically meaningful improvement (two lines on the vision chart) after one year. The device bypasses damaged rods and cones, sending camera images from glasses directly to the optic nerve.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn explains that air temperature warnings are measured in shade, but direct sunlight can add 20°C to heat exposure. Heat stroke triggers gut permeability, releasing lipopolysaccharides that cause cytokine storms and organ failure. She advises fans over air conditioning when possible, shade, hydration, and loose natural-fabric clothing.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks if low-dose oral strontium supplementation has the same problem as pharmaceutical strontium. Dr. Dawn confirms it improves bone density scores without reducing fracture risk, and recommends telopeptide testing to monitor actual bone loss after discontinuing.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer's doctor wants to prescribe high-dose dexamethasone for low platelets. Dr. Dawn advises against rushing to steroids since platelets of 40 are adequate for clotting, recommending a hematology consultation and repeat testing with citrated blood.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn reviews fiber types: wheat dextrin (Benefiber) is fermentable but technically gluten-free; guar fiber (Sunfiber) ferments slowly and works for low-FODMAP diets; inulin feeds bifidobacteria and produces anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids; methylcellulose (Citrucel) is non-fermentable; and psyllium (Metamucil) is facing a class action lawsuit over undisclosed lead contamination.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer with varicose veins reports recurring superficial blood clots. Dr. Dawn explains these don't travel to lungs like deep vein clots, but repeated clotting suggests possible thrombophilia requiring workup. She recommends consulting a vascular surgeon about superficial venous ligation under local anesthesia.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Analysis of 25,000 wearable users found that three daily "exercise snacks" of just 1-2 minutes of vigorous activity (stairs, running for a bus) reduced all-cause mortality by 38-40%. Benefits plateau around 7,500 steps daily, and simply standing up every couple of hours dramatically reduces sedentary risks.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-09-2026:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn shares a follow-up from an emailer in Switzerland providing seven functional medicine practitioner addresses near Zurich and Aargau, noting that Switzerland uses different terminology but is actually an "epicenter of functional medicine."
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn calls for support of the bipartisan Break Up Big Medicine Act, modeled on Glass-Steagall, which would prohibit common ownership of medical providers with insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or drug wholesalers. She explains how vertical integration by companies like UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Cigna allows them to game medical loss ratio requirements through self-dealing while driving up costs.
</li><li>
A European clinical trial implanted 2mm x 2mm light sensors beneath the retinas of 38 people with advanced macular degeneration, with 80% gaining clinically meaningful improvement (two lines on the vision chart) after one year. The device bypasses damaged rods and cones, sending camera images from glasses directly to the optic nerve.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn explains that air temperature warnings are measured in shade, but direct sunlight can add 20°C to heat exposure. Heat stroke triggers gut permeability, releasing lipopolysaccharides that cause cytokine storms and organ failure. She advises fans over air conditioning when possible, shade, hydration, and loose natural-fabric clothing.
</li><li>
An emailer asks if low-dose oral strontium supplementation has the same problem as pharmaceutical strontium. Dr. Dawn confirms it improves bone density scores without reducing fracture risk, and recommends telopeptide testing to monitor actual bone loss after discontinuing.
</li><li>
An emailer's doctor wants to prescribe high-dose dexamethasone for low platelets. Dr. Dawn advises against rushing to steroids since platelets of 40 are adequate for clotting, recommending a hematology consultation and repeat testing with citrated blood.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn reviews fiber types: wheat dextrin (Benefiber) is fermentable but technically gluten-free; guar fiber (Sunfiber) ferments slowly and works for low-FODMAP diets; inulin feeds bifidobacteria and produces anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids; methylcellulose (Citrucel) is non-fermentable; and psyllium (Metamucil) is facing a class action lawsuit over undisclosed lead contamination.
</li><li>
An emailer with varicose veins reports recurring superficial blood clots. Dr. Dawn explains these don't travel to lungs like deep vein clots, but repeated clotting suggests possible thrombophilia requiring workup. She recommends consulting a vascular surgeon about superficial venous ligation under local anesthesia.
</li><li>
Analysis of 25,000 wearable users found that three daily "exercise snacks" of just 1-2 minutes of vigorous activity (stairs, running for a bus) reduced all-cause mortality by 38-40%. Benefits plateau around 7,500 steps daily, and simply standing up every couple of hours dramatically reduces sedentary risks.
</li></ul>

Breaking Up Healthcare Monopolies, Retinal Implants for Macular Degeneration, Heat Wave Physiology, and Exercise Snacks

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-02-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn briefly responds to an emailer in Aptos, advising that her numbers don't require rushing into therapy but recommending a more thorough workup.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about her sister's osteoporosis treatment, including Reclast side effects and vitamin D levels of 28. Dr. Dawn recommends raising vitamin D to around 50, adding vitamin K2 (MK7-9) and calcium, and suggests weekly oral Fosamax as an alternative to annual Reclast infusions that cause week-long flu-like symptoms.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller reports dizziness when sitting up in bed and recent fainting episodes during hot weather. Dr. Dawn distinguishes vestibular problems from postural hypotension — spinning dizziness when legs are still in bed suggests loose otoliths in the semicircular canals rather than blood pressure issues. She recommends the Dr. Foster vestibular exercises and increased fluid and salt intake.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Cancer survival has reached a major milestone: 70% of U.S. patients now survive at least five years, up from 50% in the 1970s, thanks to reduced smoking and advances like immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An Estonian Biobank study of 67,000 adults found men's libido peaks in their early 40s while women's peaks in their 20s-30s with sharper decline around age 50, though testosterone levels begin falling in men's early 30s.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn frames perimenopause and menopause as natural transitions rather than diseases, explaining that perimenopausal hormone swings can actually be larger and more erratic than during fertile years. She recommends limiting caffeine (which is metabolized more slowly after menopause), alcohol, and spicy foods, and strongly advocates transdermal bioidentical hormones over oral synthetics—oral estrogen increases clotting risk 400% while transdermal carries no increased risk.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. Dr. Dawn explains that while the technology works and shows benefit in studies, targeting remains challenging because each person's brain architecture differs based on individual developmental experiences.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Researchers found that applying gamma-frequency electrical stimulation (40-90 Hz) to frontal and parietal lobes made participants more likely to choose generous money-splitting options with strangers, suggesting brain stimulation can nudge social decision-making toward altruism.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A small Indian study found that daily conch shell blowing reduced sleep apnea symptoms by 34% after six months, similar to earlier didgeridoo research—blowing against resistance strengthens airway muscles and increases resting muscle tone during sleep.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-02-2026:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn briefly responds to an emailer in Aptos, advising that her numbers don't require rushing into therapy but recommending a more thorough workup.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about her sister's osteoporosis treatment, including Reclast side effects and vitamin D levels of 28. Dr. Dawn recommends raising vitamin D to around 50, adding vitamin K2 (MK7-9) and calcium, and suggests weekly oral Fosamax as an alternative to annual Reclast infusions that cause week-long flu-like symptoms.
</li><li>
A caller reports dizziness when sitting up in bed and recent fainting episodes during hot weather. Dr. Dawn distinguishes vestibular problems from postural hypotension — spinning dizziness when legs are still in bed suggests loose otoliths in the semicircular canals rather than blood pressure issues. She recommends the Dr. Foster vestibular exercises and increased fluid and salt intake.
</li><li>
Cancer survival has reached a major milestone: 70% of U.S. patients now survive at least five years, up from 50% in the 1970s, thanks to reduced smoking and advances like immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors.
</li><li>
An Estonian Biobank study of 67,000 adults found men's libido peaks in their early 40s while women's peaks in their 20s-30s with sharper decline around age 50, though testosterone levels begin falling in men's early 30s.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn frames perimenopause and menopause as natural transitions rather than diseases, explaining that perimenopausal hormone swings can actually be larger and more erratic than during fertile years. She recommends limiting caffeine (which is metabolized more slowly after menopause), alcohol, and spicy foods, and strongly advocates transdermal bioidentical hormones over oral synthetics—oral estrogen increases clotting risk 400% while transdermal carries no increased risk.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. Dr. Dawn explains that while the technology works and shows benefit in studies, targeting remains challenging because each person's brain architecture differs based on individual developmental experiences.
</li><li>
Researchers found that applying gamma-frequency electrical stimulation (40-90 Hz) to frontal and parietal lobes made participants more likely to choose generous money-splitting options with strangers, suggesting brain stimulation can nudge social decision-making toward altruism.
</li><li>
A small Indian study found that daily conch shell blowing reduced sleep apnea symptoms by 34% after six months, similar to earlier didgeridoo research—blowing against resistance strengthens airway muscles and increases resting muscle tone during sleep.
</li></ul>

Osteoporosis and Vitamin D Optimization, Vestibular Dizziness vs. Postural Hypotension, Perimenopause as Natural Transition

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-26-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn announces a UCSF study recruiting participants for psilocybin therapy to help patients cope with chronic low back pain, requiring ages 25-70 with failed prior treatments.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller preparing for bladder stone surgery asks about avoiding a repeat of severe post-anesthesia disorientation. Dr. Dawn recommends pharmacogenomic testing through 3x4 Genetics to identify slow acetylator status and other detoxification enzyme variants that can guide anesthesiologists toward better drug choices.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A clinical trial found that 24 minutes of music with binaural beats—where slightly offset audio in each ear generates synchronized brainwaves—significantly reduced anxiety in medicated patients. Dr. Dawn encourages trying this accessible, low-risk intervention.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Chronic noise exposure triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Data centers and server farms are emerging noise pollution sources, and Dr. Dawn recommends affordable noise-canceling headphones as a health investment.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A Crohn's patient in Switzerland reports alarming neurological symptoms including speech arrest with preserved awareness and transient visual disturbances. He is having trouble finding any Functional Medicine trained physician and Dr. Dawn recommends emailing to info@ifm.org. Furthermore, Dr. Dawn suspects possible seizure activity from brain inflammation and recommends pursuing a sleep-deprived EEG and MRI through a neurology referral.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
MIT researchers discovered Interlectin-2, a protein that both strengthens the mucus barrier by cross-linking mucins and directly traps and kills pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella. Imbalanced levels may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Synthetic versions may be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
A 33-year-old man survived 48 hours without lungs after flu-triggered bacterial pneumonia caused ARDS and multiple organ failure. Surgeons removed both lungs treat septic shock while ECMO (extracorporeal oxygenation)sustained him until a successful double lung transplant.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A meta-analysis of 43 studies involving millions of births found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk, contradicting recent political claims.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Green tea contains about 30% more L-theanine than black tea, with studies showing 200mg daily improves verbal fluency, sleep quality, and reduces anxiety. Decaffeinated green tea retains full theanine content.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Pop star Robbie Williams developed scurvy while on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, highlighting that only 2 of 40+ major GLP-1 trials assessed vitamin intake. Dr. Dawn urges anyone on these medications to take a comprehensive multivitamin.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-26-2026:
<ul>li>
Dr. Dawn announces a UCSF study recruiting participants for psilocybin therapy to help patients cope with chronic low back pain, requiring ages 25-70 with failed prior treatments.
</li><li>
A caller preparing for bladder stone surgery asks about avoiding a repeat of severe post-anesthesia disorientation. Dr. Dawn recommends pharmacogenomic testing through 3x4 Genetics to identify slow acetylator status and other detoxification enzyme variants that can guide anesthesiologists toward better drug choices.
</li><li>
A clinical trial found that 24 minutes of music with binaural beats—where slightly offset audio in each ear generates synchronized brainwaves—significantly reduced anxiety in medicated patients. Dr. Dawn encourages trying this accessible, low-risk intervention.
</li><li>
Chronic noise exposure triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Data centers and server farms are emerging noise pollution sources, and Dr. Dawn recommends affordable noise-canceling headphones as a health investment.
</li><li>
A Crohn's patient in Switzerland reports alarming neurological symptoms including speech arrest with preserved awareness and transient visual disturbances. He is having trouble finding any Functional Medicine trained physician and Dr. Dawn recommends emailing to info@ifm.org. Furthermore, Dr. Dawn suspects possible seizure activity from brain inflammation and recommends pursuing a sleep-deprived EEG and MRI through a neurology referral.
</li><li>
MIT researchers discovered Interlectin-2, a protein that both strengthens the mucus barrier by cross-linking mucins and directly traps and kills pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella. Imbalanced levels may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Synthetic versions may be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
A 33-year-old man survived 48 hours without lungs after flu-triggered bacterial pneumonia caused ARDS and multiple organ failure. Surgeons removed both lungs treat septic shock while ECMO (extracorporeal oxygenation)sustained him until a successful double lung transplant.
</li><li>
A meta-analysis of 43 studies involving millions of births found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk, contradicting recent political claims.
</li><li>
Green tea contains about 30% more L-theanine than black tea, with studies showing 200mg daily improves verbal fluency, sleep quality, and reduces anxiety. Decaffeinated green tea retains full theanine content.
</li><li>
Pop star Robbie Williams developed scurvy while on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, highlighting that only 2 of 40+ major GLP-1 trials assessed vitamin intake. Dr. Dawn urges anyone on these medications to take a comprehensive multivitamin.
</li></ul>

Binaural Beats for Anxiety, Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease, Crohn's Disease Seizure Risks, and Scurvy Returns with GLP-1 Drugs

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-19-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn warns that stacking multiple gummy supplements can cause GI distress from sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, with symptoms persisting up to three days after stopping. She recommends limiting sugar alcohol intake to 6mg daily and switching to non-gummy formulations if experiencing bloating, cramping, or diarrhea.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about finding treatment for abdominophrenic dyssynergia, a condition causing progressive abdominal distension after meals. Dr. Dawn recommends using AI search to locate physical therapy centers offering EMG-guided biofeedback, and suggests ruling out SIBO and low stomach acid.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Researchers at the American Chemical Society have created modified psilocybin variants designed to release the active compound more slowly, potentially reducing hallucinogenic effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. Dr. Dawn expresses concern that such patentable alternatives could prevent legalization of natural psilocybin for addiction treatment.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Japanese researchers used PET imaging to discover that ketamine rapidly relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering the distribution of AMPAR glutamate receptors in the brain. Within two weeks, patients' receptor patterns normalized to resemble healthy controls, with enduring changes tracking symptom improvement.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A study found CBD and CBG improved fatty liver disease markers in mice by increasing phosphocreatine energy reserves and reactivating cellular recycling centers. Dr. Dawn notes the compounds were injected directly into the abdominal cavity, making the results impossible to translate to oral consumption, an example of headlines exceeding reality.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
King's College London research found that root canal treatment for apical periodontitis improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers over two years. Dr. Dawn advises regular flossing and periodically tapping teeth with a metal instrument to detect painful teeth needing attention.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about Crohn's disease and the gut-brain axis. Dr. Dawn explains that the vagus nerve serves as a bidirectional highway between brain and gut, with gut bacteria producing serotonin that affects mood, while stress increases intestinal permeability and worsens inflammation.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
In medical news of the weird, scientists discovered that malaria parasites contain tiny iron crystals powered by hydrogen peroxide—the same fuel used in rockets. This first-ever biological self-propelled nanoparticle could inspire new approaches to powering medical nanobots.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-19-2026:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn warns that stacking multiple gummy supplements can cause GI distress from sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, with symptoms persisting up to three days after stopping. She recommends limiting sugar alcohol intake to 6mg daily and switching to non-gummy formulations if experiencing bloating, cramping, or diarrhea.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about finding treatment for abdominophrenic dyssynergia, a condition causing progressive abdominal distension after meals. Dr. Dawn recommends using AI search to locate physical therapy centers offering EMG-guided biofeedback, and suggests ruling out SIBO and low stomach acid.
</li><li>
Researchers at the American Chemical Society have created modified psilocybin variants designed to release the active compound more slowly, potentially reducing hallucinogenic effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. Dr. Dawn expresses concern that such patentable alternatives could prevent legalization of natural psilocybin for addiction treatment.
</li><li>
Japanese researchers used PET imaging to discover that ketamine rapidly relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering the distribution of AMPAR glutamate receptors in the brain. Within two weeks, patients' receptor patterns normalized to resemble healthy controls, with enduring changes tracking symptom improvement.
</li><li>
A study found CBD and CBG improved fatty liver disease markers in mice by increasing phosphocreatine energy reserves and reactivating cellular recycling centers. Dr. Dawn notes the compounds were injected directly into the abdominal cavity, making the results impossible to translate to oral consumption, an example of headlines exceeding reality.
</li><li>
King's College London research found that root canal treatment for apical periodontitis improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers over two years. Dr. Dawn advises regular flossing and periodically tapping teeth with a metal instrument to detect painful teeth needing attention.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about Crohn's disease and the gut-brain axis. Dr. Dawn explains that the vagus nerve serves as a bidirectional highway between brain and gut, with gut bacteria producing serotonin that affects mood, while stress increases intestinal permeability and worsens inflammation.
</li><li>
In medical news of the weird, scientists discovered that malaria parasites contain tiny iron crystals powered by hydrogen peroxide—the same fuel used in rockets. This first-ever biological self-propelled nanoparticle could inspire new approaches to powering medical nanobots.
</li></ul>

Gummy Supplement Warnings, Psilocybin Drug Development, Ketamine's Brain Mechanism, Root Canals and Cholesterol, and the Gut-Brain Axis

Answers to your medical questions and health topics in the news.

Ask Doctor Dawn

Details

Recent Episodes