<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 2-26-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn opens with an urgent measles advisory, noting the virus has an R-value of 15 compared to COVID's peak of 5, with South Carolina reporting over 1,000 cases. She recommends those who received only one MMR shot—particularly people now in their 60s—get an immune titer blood test, as protection declines after 40-50 years. Measles can cause "immune amnesia" destroying immunity to other pathogens, and rarely leads to fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis years later.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn criticizes Quest Labs' cholesterol reporting, which flags average levels as "moderate risk" with alarming red H markers even when values fall within their own stated normal ranges. She explains this creates unnecessary panic and pushes patients toward statins based on outdated 2008-2012 guidelines, when cardiology has since recognized that cholesterol can be too low.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks how an EKG can detect a past heart attack from "jagged lines." Dr. Dawn explains that each spike represents electrical signals moving toward or away from electrode pads, and a 12-lead EKG views the heart from multiple angles—smaller-than-expected spikes in specific leads indicate dead or damaged heart muscle. She urges everyone to learn CPR and AED use, which more than doubles survival chances.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer reports that food tastes strong on the first bite but becomes tasteless thereafter. Dr. Dawn identifies numerous medications causing taste changes including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, statins, diuretics, and even acetaminophen. She also highlights zinc—both deficiency and toxicity above 40mg daily can impair taste, noting a zinc nasal spray was pulled from market after causing smell loss.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about Prenuvo full-body MRI scans costing $499-1,000. Dr. Dawn cautions that while Prenuvo found 22 cancers in 1,000 people scanned, 1 in 20 scans requires follow-up biopsy and more than half are false positives—leading to stress, expense, and potential complications from unnecessary procedures.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about seed oils after reading a Johns Hopkins article defending them. Dr. Dawn distinguishes fruit oils (olive, avocado) from industrially-extracted seed oils requiring hexane solvent, a neurotoxin that may leave residues despite claims of evaporation. She cites a BMJ study showing coconut oil raised HDL (good cholesterol) while matching olive oil's LDL impact, and recommends cold-pressed oils while avoiding hexane-extracted products, especially for infants.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Health issues in the news and answers to your medical questions

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 2-26-2026:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn opens with an urgent measles advisory, noting the virus has an R-value of 15 compared to COVID's peak of 5, with South Carolina reporting over 1,000 cases. She recommends those who received only one MMR shot—particularly people now in their 60s—get an immune titer blood test, as protection declines after 40-50 years. Measles can cause "immune amnesia" destroying immunity to other pathogens, and rarely leads to fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis years later.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn criticizes Quest Labs' cholesterol reporting, which flags average levels as "moderate risk" with alarming red H markers even when values fall within their own stated normal ranges. She explains this creates unnecessary panic and pushes patients toward statins based on outdated 2008-2012 guidelines, when cardiology has since recognized that cholesterol can be too low.
</li><li>
An emailer asks how an EKG can detect a past heart attack from "jagged lines." Dr. Dawn explains that each spike represents electrical signals moving toward or away from electrode pads, and a 12-lead EKG views the heart from multiple angles—smaller-than-expected spikes in specific leads indicate dead or damaged heart muscle. She urges everyone to learn CPR and AED use, which more than doubles survival chances.
</li><li>
An emailer reports that food tastes strong on the first bite but becomes tasteless thereafter. Dr. Dawn identifies numerous medications causing taste changes including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, statins, diuretics, and even acetaminophen. She also highlights zinc—both deficiency and toxicity above 40mg daily can impair taste, noting a zinc nasal spray was pulled from market after causing smell loss.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about Prenuvo full-body MRI scans costing $499-1,000. Dr. Dawn cautions that while Prenuvo found 22 cancers in 1,000 people scanned, 1 in 20 scans requires follow-up biopsy and more than half are false positives—leading to stress, expense, and potential complications from unnecessary procedures.
</li><li>
An emailer asks about seed oils after reading a Johns Hopkins article defending them. Dr. Dawn distinguishes fruit oils (olive, avocado) from industrially-extracted seed oils requiring hexane solvent, a neurotoxin that may leave residues despite claims of evaporation. She cites a BMJ study showing coconut oil raised HDL (good cholesterol) while matching olive oil's LDL impact, and recommends cold-pressed oils while avoiding hexane-extracted products, especially for infants.
</li></ul>

Measles Outbreak Warning, Quest Lab Cholesterol Flagging Problems, EKG Interpretation, Full-Body MRI Scans, and Seed Oil Controversies

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD on 5-30-2024 and replayed on 2-12-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Cognitive errors in medicine dismissing unusual presentations as psychological. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A case of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis causing psychiatric symptoms. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Failures of genetic research to identify causes. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
The Need for integrating neurology and psychiatry; Importance of testing for antibodies and using MRI scans.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
 Detailed explanation of immune tolerance, peripheral tolerance, and the phenomenon of molecular mimicry in diseases like multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Historical context and current advancements in treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis using reprogrammed immune cells and iron oxide nanoparticles.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Explanation of how the liver filters blood and helps establish immune tolerance by processing cellular debris and antigens.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Advances in engineering regulatory T cells to target specific disease sites and calm inflammatory responses.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Exploration of new diagnostic tools and the potential of AI in understanding complex psychiatric conditions.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;
 </description>

Broadcast from KSQD on 5-30-2024 and replayed on 2-12-2026:
<ul><li>
Cognitive errors in medicine dismissing unusual presentations as psychological. 
</li><li>
A case of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). 
</li><li>
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis causing psychiatric symptoms. 
</li><li>
Failures of genetic research to identify causes. 
</li><li>
The Need for integrating neurology and psychiatry; Importance of testing for antibodies and using MRI scans.
</li><li>
 Detailed explanation of immune tolerance, peripheral tolerance, and the phenomenon of molecular mimicry in diseases like multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.
</li><li>
Importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
</li><li>
Historical context and current advancements in treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis using reprogrammed immune cells and iron oxide nanoparticles.
</li><li>
Explanation of how the liver filters blood and helps establish immune tolerance by processing cellular debris and antigens.
</li><li>
Advances in engineering regulatory T cells to target specific disease sites and calm inflammatory responses.
</li><li>
Exploration of new diagnostic tools and the potential of AI in understanding complex psychiatric conditions.
</li></ul>

The immune system, the brain and mental health, plus autoimmune disease research and treatments are thoroughly explored

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-05-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&gt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn presents a whimsical "theme park tour" of the upper gastrointestinal tract, from saliva production triggered by sight and smell of food, through the esophageal sphincter's iris-like opening, into the stomach's pH-1 acid bath where parietal cells produce 3,000 mg of hydrochloric acid per meal. She explains protective mechanisms including the bicarbonate layer beneath stomach mucus, H. pylori's role in ulcers, and how H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work—cautioning about long-term PPI effects on B12 and calcium absorption. The tour continues through the pylorus into the duodenum where pancreatic enzymes and bile converge, then along the 23-foot small intestine with its tennis-court surface area of villi absorbing nutrients, iron in the duodenum, most nutrients in the jejunum, and B12 requiring intrinsic factor in the ileum.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn explains why pancreatic cancer—projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030—is so deadly, using a medieval castle metaphor. The tumor microenvironment acts as an impenetrable moat of desmoplastic stroma made of fibroblasts, collagen, and hyaluronic acid that blocks drugs and immune cells. Over 90% of cases have K-RAS mutations acting as growth accelerators that also thicken this protective barrier and increase CD47 "don't eat me" signals. She discusses emerging treatments including K-RAS inhibitors, PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations, and combination immunotherapies showing 67% response rates, while noting that CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors alone fail because they cannot penetrate the stroma.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn summarizes Duke researcher Herman Ponzer's work using doubly-labeled water to measure total energy expenditure, revealing that humans burn 20-60% more calories than other great apes when adjusted for body mass. His surprising finding: Hadza hunter-gatherers walking 8-14 kilometers daily burn the same calories as sedentary Americans—the body compensates by reducing energy spent on inflammation and stress responses. This "constrained energy expenditure" model explains why exercise alone doesn't cause weight loss, though it remains crucial for preventing weight gain, reducing disease risk, and potentially tamping down harmful stress responses.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-05-2026:
>ul><li>
Dr. Dawn presents a whimsical "theme park tour" of the upper gastrointestinal tract, from saliva production triggered by sight and smell of food, through the esophageal sphincter's iris-like opening, into the stomach's pH-1 acid bath where parietal cells produce 3,000 mg of hydrochloric acid per meal. She explains protective mechanisms including the bicarbonate layer beneath stomach mucus, H. pylori's role in ulcers, and how H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work—cautioning about long-term PPI effects on B12 and calcium absorption. The tour continues through the pylorus into the duodenum where pancreatic enzymes and bile converge, then along the 23-foot small intestine with its tennis-court surface area of villi absorbing nutrients, iron in the duodenum, most nutrients in the jejunum, and B12 requiring intrinsic factor in the ileum.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn explains why pancreatic cancer—projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030—is so deadly, using a medieval castle metaphor. The tumor microenvironment acts as an impenetrable moat of desmoplastic stroma made of fibroblasts, collagen, and hyaluronic acid that blocks drugs and immune cells. Over 90% of cases have K-RAS mutations acting as growth accelerators that also thicken this protective barrier and increase CD47 "don't eat me" signals. She discusses emerging treatments including K-RAS inhibitors, PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations, and combination immunotherapies showing 67% response rates, while noting that CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors alone fail because they cannot penetrate the stroma.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn summarizes Duke researcher Herman Ponzer's work using doubly-labeled water to measure total energy expenditure, revealing that humans burn 20-60% more calories than other great apes when adjusted for body mass. His surprising finding: Hadza hunter-gatherers walking 8-14 kilometers daily burn the same calories as sedentary Americans—the body compensates by reducing energy spent on inflammation and stress responses. This "constrained energy expenditure" model explains why exercise alone doesn't cause weight loss, though it remains crucial for preventing weight gain, reducing disease risk, and potentially tamping down harmful stress responses.
</li></ul>

A Guided Tour of the Upper GI Tract, Pancreatic Cancer's Protective Microenvironment, and Herman Ponzer's Energy Expenditure Research

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-29-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about hemorrhoids affecting 2 relatives,a 60-year-old man and his 20-year-old daughter, with the daughter also experiencing constipation worsened by fiber supplements. Dr. Dawn explains hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins of the anus, with 102 genetic regions identified affecting blood vessel and smooth muscle strength. She emphasizes that fiber supplements without adequate water create "cement in the pipe"—recommending 16-24 ounces of water with supplements and 2 liters of clear water daily. Miralax also requires sufficient hydration to work. Key strategies include exercise to stimulate gut motility, staying off the toilet if unable to produce results, using a standing desk to reduce prolonged sitting pressure, and triggering the gastrocolic reflex by eating.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn discusses research on the "volatilome"—volatile organic compounds in breath that reflect gut microbiome composition. Researchers using sterile mice colonized with specific bacteria could identify bacterial fingerprints through breath analysis. The technique identified disease-associated compounds for tuberculosis and malaria, and correlated specific gut bacteria with asthma severity in children. The research suggests breath testing could eventually replace stool samples for microbiome assessment and disease screening.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She explains detoxification biochemistry, distinguishing between water-soluble toxins easily filtered by kidneys and fat-soluble toxins requiring liver transformation. Phase one converts fat-soluble molecules into reactive intermediates—dangerous if they linger—while phase two attaches water-soluble molecules like glutathione to neutralize them for excretion. Supporting phase two requires green tea, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and curcumin. She cautions against extended fasting for detox, especially over age 50, as it depletes the body's detoxification resources and muscle mass.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller asks about alkaline versus acidic water. Dr. Dawn explains you cannot alkalinize blood since kidneys maintain pH, but alkaline urine is beneficial. Rather than expensive alkaline waters, adding a pinch of baking soda achieves the same effect. Eating a 3:1 ratio of fruits, vegetables, and grains to animal products naturally alkalinizes urine. She notes lemons paradoxically alkalinize because kidneys overcompensate for the acid load.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller asks about managing heart disease after receiving a third stent. Dr. Dawn recommends the Mediterranean diet over DASH for cardiac patients, as Mediterranean emphasizes fish, whole grains, and fiber that binds cholesterol for excretion, while DASH focuses on calcium for hypertension. She encourages exploring exercise options through meetup.com groups and the hospital's lifestyle center, emphasizing that consistent effort can reduce biological age by 3-5 years regardless of chronological age.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-29-2026:
<ul><li>
An emailer asks about hemorrhoids affecting 2 relatives,a 60-year-old man and his 20-year-old daughter, with the daughter also experiencing constipation worsened by fiber supplements. Dr. Dawn explains hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins of the anus, with 102 genetic regions identified affecting blood vessel and smooth muscle strength. She emphasizes that fiber supplements without adequate water create "cement in the pipe"—recommending 16-24 ounces of water with supplements and 2 liters of clear water daily. Miralax also requires sufficient hydration to work. Key strategies include exercise to stimulate gut motility, staying off the toilet if unable to produce results, using a standing desk to reduce prolonged sitting pressure, and triggering the gastrocolic reflex by eating.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn discusses research on the "volatilome"—volatile organic compounds in breath that reflect gut microbiome composition. Researchers using sterile mice colonized with specific bacteria could identify bacterial fingerprints through breath analysis. The technique identified disease-associated compounds for tuberculosis and malaria, and correlated specific gut bacteria with asthma severity in children. The research suggests breath testing could eventually replace stool samples for microbiome assessment and disease screening.
</li><li>
She explains detoxification biochemistry, distinguishing between water-soluble toxins easily filtered by kidneys and fat-soluble toxins requiring liver transformation. Phase one converts fat-soluble molecules into reactive intermediates—dangerous if they linger—while phase two attaches water-soluble molecules like glutathione to neutralize them for excretion. Supporting phase two requires green tea, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and curcumin. She cautions against extended fasting for detox, especially over age 50, as it depletes the body's detoxification resources and muscle mass.
</li><li>
A caller asks about alkaline versus acidic water. Dr. Dawn explains you cannot alkalinize blood since kidneys maintain pH, but alkaline urine is beneficial. Rather than expensive alkaline waters, adding a pinch of baking soda achieves the same effect. Eating a 3:1 ratio of fruits, vegetables, and grains to animal products naturally alkalinizes urine. She notes lemons paradoxically alkalinize because kidneys overcompensate for the acid load.
</li><li>
A caller asks about managing heart disease after receiving a third stent. Dr. Dawn recommends the Mediterranean diet over DASH for cardiac patients, as Mediterranean emphasizes fish, whole grains, and fiber that binds cholesterol for excretion, while DASH focuses on calcium for hypertension. She encourages exploring exercise options through meetup.com groups and the hospital's lifestyle center, emphasizing that consistent effort can reduce biological age by 3-5 years regardless of chronological age.
</li></ul>

Hemorrhoids and Constipation Management, Breath Analysis Diagnostics, Detoxification Science, and Heart Disease Lifestyle Strategies

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-22-2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer from Canada asks about long-term Remicade (infliximab) use for her 16-year-old daughter's ulcerative colitis. Dr. Dawn explains the drug blocks tumor necrosis factor, which stops autoimmune attacks but also weakens infection defense—increasing risk of fungal infections, tuberculosis, and after about 10 years, slightly elevated blood cancer risk. She recommends the daughter practice good hygiene and mask in high-risk settings. For achieving full remission, she suggests vitamin D levels around 75-80, DHEA supplementation, strict gluten avoidance due to its pro-inflammatory effects, and working with a certified functional medicine practitioner to heal the gut and potentially withdraw medication.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn presents a case study of a 27-year-old woman with progressive weakness, pins-and-needles sensations, and impaired balance. Despite normal B12 blood levels, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid revealed functional B12 deficiency from using 20-30 nitrous oxide whippets daily. Nitrous oxide oxidizes the cobalt atom in methylcobalamin, permanently inactivating the enzyme needed for myelin sheath maintenance. Treatment requires months of daily B12 injections with recovery taking up to 84 weeks. She warns that nitrous oxide also interacts dangerously with Viagra-type drugs (causing dangerous blood pressure drops), methotrexate, stimulants, hallucinogens, and respiratory depressants.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She describes Canadian researchers developing a miniaturized 3D printer for vocal cord repair. After removing nodules that cause hoarseness, the device prints hydrogel along the wound to create a flat surface preventing keloid-like regrowth, rather like spackling a wall before healing occurs underneath.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn discusses lipoprotein(a), written as Lap(a), a genetic cardiovascular risk factor discovered in the 1960s. This relative of LDL carries a protein that promotes blood clots, thus raising heart attack and stroke risks. In a recent large survey, only about 14% of people have been screened despite its significance. New drugs like pelicarsin can reduce Lp(a) levels up to 80%,trials underway to confirm a benefit of reduced cardiac events. She notes tennis star Arthur Ashe had high Lp(a) contributing to his coagulopathy. A natural option is already available. She recommends lumbrokinase, derived from earthworms and used in traditional Chinese medicine, as an existing treatment that combats high Lp(a) and counteracts its procoagulant effects. The product Boluoke is commercially available, offering an alternative to high-dose niacin which causes intolerable flushing and diarrhea.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn reports research finding people with anxiety disorders have 8% lower choline levels in brain regions regulating emotion. Increasing choline could help. Choline sources include eggs (two eggs provide 300mg of the 500mg daily choline need), organ meats, salmon, soybeans, and lecithin supplements.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-22-2026:
<ul><li>
An emailer from Canada asks about long-term Remicade (infliximab) use for her 16-year-old daughter's ulcerative colitis. Dr. Dawn explains the drug blocks tumor necrosis factor, which stops autoimmune attacks but also weakens infection defense—increasing risk of fungal infections, tuberculosis, and after about 10 years, slightly elevated blood cancer risk. She recommends the daughter practice good hygiene and mask in high-risk settings. For achieving full remission, she suggests vitamin D levels around 75-80, DHEA supplementation, strict gluten avoidance due to its pro-inflammatory effects, and working with a certified functional medicine practitioner to heal the gut and potentially withdraw medication.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn presents a case study of a 27-year-old woman with progressive weakness, pins-and-needles sensations, and impaired balance. Despite normal B12 blood levels, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid revealed functional B12 deficiency from using 20-30 nitrous oxide whippets daily. Nitrous oxide oxidizes the cobalt atom in methylcobalamin, permanently inactivating the enzyme needed for myelin sheath maintenance. Treatment requires months of daily B12 injections with recovery taking up to 84 weeks. She warns that nitrous oxide also interacts dangerously with Viagra-type drugs (causing dangerous blood pressure drops), methotrexate, stimulants, hallucinogens, and respiratory depressants.
</li><li>
She describes Canadian researchers developing a miniaturized 3D printer for vocal cord repair. After removing nodules that cause hoarseness, the device prints hydrogel along the wound to create a flat surface preventing keloid-like regrowth, rather like spackling a wall before healing occurs underneath.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn discusses lipoprotein(a), written as Lap(a), a genetic cardiovascular risk factor discovered in the 1960s. This relative of LDL carries a protein that promotes blood clots, thus raising heart attack and stroke risks. In a recent large survey, only about 14% of people have been screened despite its significance. New drugs like pelicarsin can reduce Lp(a) levels up to 80%,trials underway to confirm a benefit of reduced cardiac events. She notes tennis star Arthur Ashe had high Lp(a) contributing to his coagulopathy. A natural option is already available. She recommends lumbrokinase, derived from earthworms and used in traditional Chinese medicine, as an existing treatment that combats high Lp(a) and counteracts its procoagulant effects. The product Boluoke is commercially available, offering an alternative to high-dose niacin which causes intolerable flushing and diarrhea.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn reports research finding people with anxiety disorders have 8% lower choline levels in brain regions regulating emotion. Increasing choline could help. Choline sources include eggs (two eggs provide 300mg of the 500mg daily choline need), organ meats, salmon, soybeans, and lecithin supplements.
</li></ul>

Nitrous Oxide B12 Toxicity Case Study, Ulcerative Colitis Remission Strategies, Lipoprotein(a) Testing and Treatment, and 3D Printing for Vocal Cord Repair

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

Ask Doctor Dawn

Details

Recent Episodes