MAY 13, 2024 AN ADAPTOGEN

Ashwaganda is an adaptogen. It has many properties. It is anti-inflammatory, an anti oxidant, a hypoglycemic agent as well as an immune supportive herb. There are many botanical adaptogens. Most of what I have learned about adaptogens comes from David Winston, RH lectures and his books. He loves adaptogens as much as I do. He is the father of adaptogen use. The uses of this herb are many ranging from asthma, arthritis to adrenal support, cancer and failure to thrive in children.
The best asset of this herb is that it improves and conserves adaptive energy.
With all the stress in this world and your every day life, your adrenal glands are truly "pooping' out. You have adrenal fatigue. For those of you that do not know this - the adrenal gland is on top of each kidney. It releases the stress hormones for your life. After much usage of this gland and its hormones it begins to get tired and poop out. This is called Adrenal Fatigue.
The good news is that you can take ashwaganda. There are clinical trials and studies to support the use of this herb for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders as well as Parkinson's disease.
I love it as it increases my stamina. I do not think I need more stamina than I have but a little extra is always good. I find it terrific fort memory and cognition. There are studies for this herb for energy.

Try it!
You will like it !

Until tomorrow

MAY 9, 2024 BULGAR

Bulgur, a versatile and ancient whole grain, has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. This nutritious grain, made from cracked wheat, is not only a culinary delight but also a powerhouse of health benefits. The question is why do we need bulgar ? It is not widely used among individuals.

Bulgur stands out in the world of grains for its exceptional nutritional profile. It’s a rich source of dietary fiber, essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation. This high-fiber content also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar level. It is chock full of vitamins. It is high in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, and folate, which are crucial for energy production and brain function

I love bulgar for regulating blood sugar However i see many individuals with gut issues- The term might be irritable bowel but in functional medicine we term it ‘ leaky gut ‘ Bulgur’s high fiber content is a boon for digestive health. It aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation, a common problem in diets lacking sufficient fiber. This whole grain also plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria

Lastly it is used in my practice for heart heart Regular consumption of bulgur is linked to improved heart health. The grain’s high fiber content is instrumental in reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDL), a major risk factor for heart disease. By promoting healthy cholesterol levels, bulgur helps in keeping arteries clear, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes

Until tomorrow…

MAY 8, 2024 HONEY

The buzz (no pun intended) is the use of local honey to diminish allergic symptoms. In my clinical experience, the consumption of local honey does alleviate allergic symptoms. I always tell my patients to use local honey from their region where they live. The New York Times said just the opposite years ago

The NY Times article published on May 2011 referenced a 10 year old study (from 2001 ) comparing a group of people consuming local unfiltered honey, to other groups consuming commercial honey and corn syrup (the placebo). This 10 year old study showed no difference in the three.

Shame on the NY Times for publishing data from a 10 year old study.

Another study had different results. Although there were only 44 patients. This study compared those using birch pollen honey to those consuming regular commercial honey. The study concluded that during the birch pollen season those consuming the birch pollen honey had:

1. 60% reduction in symptoms

2. Twice as many asymptomatic days (less time off from work)

3. 70% fewer days with symptoms
4. 50% reduction in antihistamine use

Take away information: Consume 1 teaspoon of local honey per day. I do it every morning. April and May are the busiest times for beekeepers. Each spend alot of time preparing their hives for a successful honey season. Support your local beekeeper.

Until tomorrow. …

MAY 7, 2024 FOLIC ACD

Understanding folic acid is essential not just for those in specific life stages, such as pregnancy, but for everyone. There are some vitamins that should be given everyday to everyone Folate is such a vitamin. The understanding about folate and methylation is a complex discussion Let’s make it simple

Folic acid, a form of water-soluble B vitamin, is essential for numerous bodily functions. It is often confused with folate, its natural counterpart found in various foods. While both are forms of vitamin B9, folic acid refers specifically to the synthetic form used in supplements and food fortification

The sources of folic acid vary, with the primary ones being fortified foods and supplements. Common fortified foods include cereals, bread, pasta, and other grain products. These foods are fortified with folic acid as part of public health initiatives to reduce the risk of birth defects. Natural sources of folate, the other form of vitamin B9, include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and nuts. The body’s ability to convert folate into its active form is more efficient than its ability to convert folic acid Folic acid plays a pivotal role in the body, primarily in DNA synthesis and repair. This function is crucial for all individuals, as it supports the growth and proper functioning of cells. Additionally, folic acid is vital for the formation of red blood cells, preventing anemia

For most adults, the RDA is set at 400 micrograms per day, while pregnant women are advised to increase their intake to 600 micrograms. I prescribe a lot more depending on the presence of the MTHFR gene The important thing to know is to take folic acid.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 6, 2024 BREAST CANCER

Cancer is a scary word. Nobody wants to hear that they or someone they love has cancer. According to studies breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. Each year, it is estimated that 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed, and almost half a million women die from the disease annually. I see in my practice many women that have breast cancer Some is genetic based—BRCA 1 and 2, and most is not There are ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer

There are facts we know about risk of cancer in general. You should not smoke, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and limit alcohol consumption. Women who smoke have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Smoking damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing themselves, which can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors.

Do you exercise regularly ? Studies have shown that women who are physically active have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who are inactive. There are several reasons for this. First, exercise helps to control weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for breast cancer,

Eat smartly, wisely and carefully. Consume more greens and fruits. Do not eat processed food and limit your sugar intake It is easy, simple but often hard to do Certain vitamins help reduce tor risk folate is a B vitamin that helps to repair DNA damage, and studies have shown that getting enough folate can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. The second is omega 3 fatty acids

In addition to doing above. Get regular check ups and that includes self examination Do a mammogram and a Thermogram. Find a physician that will listen to your needs and practice integrative therapies with your conventional surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

Until tomorrow…

MAY 2, 2024 ALMONDS

We all like almonds. Almonds, a powerhouse of nutrition, have been revered throughout history for their health benefits and culinary versatility. These small nuts pack a significant punch in terms of both macro and micronutrients, making them an essential addition to any diet. I find it fascinating that without honeybees pollinating the almond trees in California in February there wouldn’t be any almonds . Almonds are a treasure trove of nutrients, boasting a rich blend of proteins, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. A single ounce of almonds contains about 6 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat, predominantly monounsaturated, known for their heart-healthy properties.

Almonds are excellent for your cholesterol. egular consumption of almonds has been linked to a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. This effect is attributed to the high levels of unsaturated fats in almonds, which help in lowering LDL cholesterol when they replace saturated fats in the diet.

If you don’t have high lipids then eat almonds for your inner and outer beauty The benefits of almonds extend beyond internal health, significantly impacting skin health and beauty. Rich in Vitamin E, almonds offer potent antioxidant properties that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. This vitamin is known for its ability to protect the skin from oxidative stress and UV radiation damage

Consume almonds every chance you get

Until tomorrow…

MAY 1, 2024 ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux, medically termed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that affects many worldwide. It’s characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, and can be exacerbated by certain foods Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, irritating. The most common symptom is heartburn, which can also lead to a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and even regurgitation. Obesity, pregnancy, certain medications, and foods can trigger this condition.

Most rely on over the counter medications as tums and mylanta These are full of aluminum Others go for the pepcid, prilosec and many more These medications block the absorption of the essential vitamin, B12. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, irritating. The most common symptom is heartburn, which can also lead to a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and even regurgitation. Obesity, pregnancy, certain medications, and foods can trigger this condition.

There are many herbs I utilize for reflux. Slippery Elm, Marshmallow , Meadowsweet and Raspberry I use these frequently together in a tea called GUTSY Available at www.botanicalbounty.org Use gutsy tea daily

The foods that I use to help reflux are steel cut oatmeal. . Rich in fiber, it aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight, both essential for preventing acid reflux. The other herbs I use are ginger, aloe vera and deglycherrized licorice ( DGL) Additionally, ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, a common symptom associated with acid reflux. By incorporating ginger into one’s diet, either as a spice in meals or as a tea Do not forget to stop those aggravating foods as caffeina, chocolate and dairy

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 30, 2024 FOODS FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

There are top foods proven to aid in managing autoimmune disorders effectively. From anti-inflammatory fruits to nutrient-rich vegetables- you need to eat these foods. Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, can be debilitating and life-altering. While medication and therapy are common routes of treatment, dietary choices can also make a significant difference. The only medication I use frequently is low dose naltrexone The dose is from 1.0 to 4.5. Sometimes I go highly than 4.5 mg.

Inflammation is a common thread that ties together most autoimmune disorders. When the immune system is in overdrive, it can lead to chronic inflammation, which exacerbates symptoms. This inflammation can affect various parts of the body, from joints and muscles to internal organs. Therefore, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods becomes essential in managing these conditions. You must know and start to eat anti-inflammatory foods.

When I think of the best anti inflammatory foods I think of berries. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, another contributor to inflammation. Green tea is another excellent choice; it’s rich in polyphenols and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

You must avoid processed foods. You must avoid ‘ white’ carbohydrates. These are loaded with sugar. Eat less sugar Eat more fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Eat some non-gluten grains as quinoa, millet and amaranth.

Until tomorrow….