BY Samuel Mathis MD   A therapeutic option that has recently caught my interest is the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic pulses to the body. These pulses (or shockwaves) work to breakdown scar tissues and calcification, encourage growth of new blood vessels, promote production of collagen, and decrease inflammatory markers. This therapy has been available since 2020 and has recently experienced increased attention for its effects...

BY Samuel Mathis MD   Next month, during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, many will celebrate by having one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in America, beer. Beer makes up over 54% of all alcohol sales in the USA. While the WHO’s current recommendation is that the benefits of alcohol consumption do not outweigh the risks, for those who will continue to drink, understanding the health benefits of beer may help steer their choices to...

BY Samuel Mathis MD   Recently, I’ve been asked about the medical uses of hydrogen therapy as an integrative treatment. Having never heard of this therapy before led me down a deep rabbit hole into the claims and science behind hydrogen therapy. Although it is still relatively new, this therapy has a lot of potential. Let’s review the science behind it.   Hydrogen therapy is an integrative therapy that includes ingesting, inhalation, infusion with hydrogen-rich...

BY Samuel Mathis MD   Recently, my spouse and I welcomed our second child into the world. During this pregnancy, we followed all the recommended guidelines for healthy eating, physical activity, and preventative health. We also utilized some integrative therapies that were safe and proven to help improve the overall pregnancy experience. Physicians should have a base understanding of these therapies to engage with patients who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.   One...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD   During medical school, I had the opportunity to study abroad at the International Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Beijing, China. During my time there, my classmates and I learned the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the importance of balance in the body and health, and the fundamentals of acupuncture. When not in class, we explored the city, ate amazing food, and spent a lot of time at...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   Recently, there has been a lot of media attention regarding supplements and prescription medications for certain neurological conditions and syndromes. This attention may encourage patients to ask questions about supplements that may help their brain health. While these supplements may help in certain situations, there is no quick fix or supplement that will delay or reverse cognitive decline. Let’s review some of the evidence surrounding supplements for brain health...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   Recently, my department hosted a grand rounds lecture that focused on the need for community and the rising loneliness epidemic across America. Research has now shown that loneliness affects health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. In 2020, the health insurer Cigna published a report discussing loneliness and factors that contribute to it. Since then, the epidemic of loneliness and its health effects have only gotten worse....

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, Hasan Yasin, MD, and Victor Sierpina, MD   Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and increasing scientific evidence backs their role in integrative medicine. When used appropriately, certain mushrooms offer significant health benefits, including immune system response rates, cancer-fighting properties, general well-being, improved sleep, and even psychiatric applications. Understanding both the possibilities and the limits of mushroom supplements helps us make recommendations for patients to use them safely...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   In 2018, a NIH report was published regarding the rates of obesity in America. They found that nearly 1 in 3 American adults are overweight and over 42% of adults have obesity. The prevalence of obesity has also been increasing over time with it showing up earlier in age among children and teens as well. Over the past 20+ years, rates of obesity have climbed 12%. With the numerous...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA, UTMB   Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a statement that there is no safe amount of alcohol that does not affect our health.  This is a shift from prior recommendations that found some potential cardiac benefit from moderate intake of certain alcohol-containing beverages. With this new guidance, it is more important than ever that we engage with our patients about alcohol use and the potential harm. For those...