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...

BY Hasan Yasin, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB and Samuel Mathis, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB   “When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou   The legacy of Rockefeller’s Standard Oil and the subsequent proliferation of petroleum-derived products have left an indelible mark on modern medicine and public health. As clinicians, it is essential to recognize how the omnipresence of petrochemicals, ranging from pharmaceutical precursors to food additives and plastics, may be contributing to...

BY Samuel Mathis MD, MBA   One of my favorite scents is lavender. It is a perfect fragrance of floral notes with a mix of herbal and woody scents combined. Smelling it always puts me at ease. While lavender is typically touted for its scent and used in soaps, candles, lotions, and diffusers, it actually has some wonderful health benefits as well.  A colleague recently sent me an article about the effects of lavender on...

BY Samuel E. Mathis, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAF, Assistant Professor, Fellowship Director, UTMB Integrative & Behavioral Medicine Fellowship, WD & Laura Nell Nicholson Family Professorship in Integrative Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Recently, I have had several conversations about the benefits of exercise. We know that exercise has significant health benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It also improves sleep quality,...

BY Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA   Over the last month, I had the opportunity to try out a commercial continuous glucose monitor. This device was attached to the back of my arm and provided constant feedback on my blood glucose levels. I found the experience enlightening. I learned that rice significantly raises my blood sugar levels. I also learned how certain drinks and sweets affect my blood sugar levels. I thought I would share some...