BY Samuel Mathis MD, MD, MBA, CPE, Family Medicine, UTMB-Health and the John Sealy School of Medicine Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been making headlines again over the past few months, and with it comes the normal request for more information and treatment. The underlying concept of this treatment is to use certain light frequencies (red light and near-infrared) to impact the body by causing apoptosis of certain cells, reducing wrinkles, promoting hair growth, and helping the...

BY Samuel Mathis MD   Recently, my social media feed has been filled with advertisements for a new vagus nerve stimulator that works by using a device around the neck. These devices promise everything from improved heart rate, better sleep, lower cortisol levels, improved gut health, and improved mood and anxiety levels. As with any integrative therapy, I am skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true. This led me to research external...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA, CPE, Family Medicine, UTMB-Health and the John Sealy School of Medicine One of the most challenging integrative visits we face is patients with insomnia. It is often difficult to implement sleep hygiene recommendations in today’s busy society, and many prescription medications carry significant risks, especially in older patients. Two supplements we regularly recommend are melatonin and magnesium. Patients will often ask which of the two is a better choice for...

BY Samuel Mathis MD Recently, my healthcare system announced a partnership with the Blue Zone, a project aimed at improving the quality of life in our region with the goal of increasing the number of centenarians in the area. The initiative works to improve the health of locals, healthcare workers, and tourists to the region through healthy eating, improving green spaces, encouraging regular physical activity, and other initiatives that help to reduce chronic disease and...

BY Samuel Mathis MD Recently, I have received numerous inquiries regarding supplements for memory and cognition. These supplements make up a significant portion of the dollars spent per year with over $7 billion spent in 2021. With so many advertizements and options in the grocery store, patients can quickly become overwhelmed with the various options available. We will now review integrative strategies that help improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline....

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...