How do you choose between a medical food and a supplement for your health and your wallet?

Dr. Patton and Dr. Eric Kassel dive into the booming supplement industry, revealing important differences and addressing common myths. While supplements offer general wellness support, medical foods are designed for targeted, physician-supervised nutritional management of specific diseases.

Their discussion reminds listeners to seek professional guidance, set clear health goals, and consider quality over price.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. The global supplement industry is rapidly expanding, valued at over $210 billion. Consumers are overwhelmed by choices, and it's critical to understand what you are buying to avoid wasting money or risking health by choosing low-quality products.

2. Medical foods are distinct from over-the-counter supplements. Medical foods require physician supervision, are formulated for managing specific diseases based on targeted nutritional needs, and often have higher regulatory and quality standards, whereas supplements are designed for general wellness and self-directed use.

3. Medical foods undergo more rigorous regulatory scrutiny, manufacturing standards, and evidence-based formulation than most supplements. Price differences often reflect quality, potency, and bioavailability, so consumers should be wary of cheaper options, as they may come with risks like lower efficacy or contamination.

4. Paying for medical foods and supplements can be complicated. While certain accounts like HSA and FSA often cover these products, most traditional insurance plans do not. It's important for patients to clarify payment options and understand cost barriers before starting new treatments.

5. Whether using supplements or medical foods, patients should have clear health goals, regularly review their supplement regimen with their clinician, and monitor their health markers. Indiscriminate supplement use can be unsafe—regular check-ins and lab tests can prevent complications like toxicity or organ stress.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Medical Foods vs. Supplements"

04:38 "Choosing and Using Supplements Wisely"

07:30 Medical Foods vs Health Claims

10:22 Supplement Quality and Regulatory Differences

12:58 Improving Medication Ingredients Quality

17:29 "Medical Food Safety Concerns"

23:03 Health Tracking & Medical Food Insights

24:49 "Smart Supplement Choices Matter"

27:09 "Medical Foods and Supplements Benefits"

30:24 Industry Insights with Dr. Kassel

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In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Patton examines how thoughts and habits shape the brain’s wiring and, ultimately, overall well-being. Through relatable examples, he highlights how stress and distraction interfere with memory and decision-making, while emphasizing the importance of cultivating habits that foster positivity and optimism.

Dr. Patton also provides practical strategies to strengthen mindset, enhance resilience, and promote long-term health.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

• Thoughts and habits directly influence well-being and health outcomes.

• Stress and distraction interfere with clear thinking and memory.

• Optimism and positivity support recovery, resilience, and overall health.

• Mindfulness practices can reset the mind and reduce negative thought patterns.

• Surrounding yourself with positive influences strengthens mental resilience.

Timestamped Overview

• 00:00 The Power of Thoughts and Habits

• 09:16 The Impact of Stress and Distraction

• 19:44 Rewiring the Brain for Positivity

• 24:12 Optimism’s Role in Health and Recovery

• 33:06 Practical Strategies for a Positive Mindset

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Bicycle helmets save lives, and Dr. David Sandberg has the experience to prove it.

As a pediatric neurosurgeon with more than 20 years in major trauma centers, he’s never seen a child suffer a fatal or devastating head injury while wearing one.

In this episode, Dr. Patton sits down with Dr. Sandberg to explore the life-saving importance of helmets, the dangers of head trauma, and what happens when helmets aren’t used—or aren’t worn correctly. They discuss how the Hard Hats for Little Heads program is making helmets accessible through free distributions and community partnerships.

From skull fractures and brain injuries to cultural attitudes that influence helmet use, this conversation tackles the hard truths and offers practical solutions. With education, proper fit, and community outreach, more families can help kids stay safe on wheels.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk and severity of head injuries among children riding bicycles, scooters, skates, and similar vehicles. Dr. Sandberg emphasized that he has never seen a devastating head injury in a child who was wearing a helmet.

2. Even in educated communities, helmet use remains extremely low, such as at Stanford University where only about 1 in 50 students wore helmets. Awareness and behavioral change need to improve so the proven benefits of helmet use can save more lives.

3. Community initiatives like “Hard Hats for Little Heads” are essential because they distribute free helmets, educate families on proper helmet fit, and focus on underserved communities where cost can be a barrier. These programs actively bridge gaps in access and safety.

4. Falls from bikes or being struck while unprotected can lead to skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, long-term disabilities, or death. Many of these traumatic outcomes are entirely preventable with something as simple as a well-fitted, strapped helmet.

5. There is a persistent cultural belief among children and adolescents that helmets are “uncool” or unnecessary, and parents face challenges convincing kids to wear them. Counteracting these attitudes through education and normalization is crucial for prevention.

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