Gummy Supplement Warnings, Psilocybin Drug Development, Ketamine's Brain Mechanism, Root Canals and Cholesterol, and the Gut-Brain Axis

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-19-2026:

• Dr. Dawn warns that stacking multiple gummy supplements can cause GI distress from sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, with symptoms persisting up to three days after stopping. She recommends limiting sugar alcohol intake to 6mg daily and switching to non-gummy formulations if experiencing bloating, cramping, or diarrhea.
• An emailer asks about finding treatment for abdominophrenic dyssynergia, a condition causing progressive abdominal distension after meals. Dr. Dawn recommends using AI search to locate physical therapy centers offering EMG-guided biofeedback, and suggests ruling out SIBO and low stomach acid.
• Researchers at the American Chemical Society have created modified psilocybin variants designed to release the active compound more slowly, potentially reducing hallucinogenic effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. Dr. Dawn expresses concern that such patentable alternatives could prevent legalization of natural psilocybin for addiction treatment.
• Japanese researchers used PET imaging to discover that ketamine rapidly relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering the distribution of AMPAR glutamate receptors in the brain. Within two weeks, patients' receptor patterns normalized to resemble healthy controls, with enduring changes tracking symptom improvement.
• A study found CBD and CBG improved fatty liver disease markers in mice by increasing phosphocreatine energy reserves and reactivating cellular recycling centers. Dr. Dawn notes the compounds were injected directly into the abdominal cavity, making the results impossible to translate to oral consumption, an example of headlines exceeding reality.
• King's College London research found that root canal treatment for apical periodontitis improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers over two years. Dr. Dawn advises regular flossing and periodically tapping teeth with a metal instrument to detect painful teeth needing attention.
• An emailer asks about Crohn's disease and the gut-brain axis. Dr. Dawn explains that the vagus nerve serves as a bidirectional highway between brain and gut, with gut bacteria producing serotonin that affects mood, while stress increases intestinal permeability and worsens inflammation.
• In medical news of the weird, scientists discovered that malaria parasites contain tiny iron crystals powered by hydrogen peroxide—the same fuel used in rockets. This first-ever biological self-propelled nanoparticle could inspire new approaches to powering medical nanobots.