JULY 7, 2026 NATURAL BLOOD THINNERS
There are many Americans on natural blood thinners as coumadin ( warfarin), eliquis, xarelto and oradaxa. Have you ever thought there could be natural blood thinners ? Healthy blood flow is one of those areas where everyday food choices can actually matter
A culinary herb and food that is known to be a natural blood thinner is Garlic ( Allium) This is part of the Lily Family. More than 10 years, my friend and colleague, Peter Bounjourno, ND and I wrote and published a research paper in an integrative journal about Garlic We cited more than 200 studies that support the use of garlic. Recent research has shown that garlic can act as a natural blood thinner, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Other studies have found that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. All these effects are due to the sulfur-containing compounds in garlic cloves.
Another kitchen spice which many of my patients use is Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper is a plant that belongs to the nightshade family. Cayenne pepper has many medicinal properties One of the most well-known medicinal uses for cayenne pepper is its ability to thin the blood. This property can be beneficial for people who are at risk for heart attacks or strokes.
i also use a Japanese fermented plant for blood thinning effects is Natto. The enzyme Nattokinase can be used for thinning blood. There are other enzymes that be used as umbrokinase from Earthworms and Serropepitase from silk worms. There has never been double blind studies with conventional drugs, yet I have seen these natural agents work just as well. There is no test to find out if these natural substances are thinning blood. I have done bleeding times with patients by making an incision and counting the seconds till the blood clots
More studies need to be done.
Until tomorrow…
JULY 6, 2026 FOODS FOR YOUR BRAIN
I want my brain to stay sharp and full of wit. Who doesn’t want that as we get older. My mind is most important to me —I take different supplements for my brain - MemoMaster by Dr Gupta, Lion’s Mane by Host Defense and Acetyl L Carnitine from Pure Encapsulation. There are also foods that one could consume which are rich in anti oxidants.
All berries come to my mind when I think of anti-oxidants. You would think the purple berries as blueberries and mulberries. But let us not forget the Raspberries These berries are particularly high in flavonoids, compounds known for their potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a critical role in neutralizing free radicals, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress, and potentially slowing down age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, raspberries contain a good amount of Vitamin C and fiber, both of which are beneficial for overall health, including the brain.
Studies have shown that these berries improve cognitive decline when consumed every7 day I cons78ume a different berry 3 days a week- I rotate raspberries, blueberries and mulberries. I also do strawberries, Another fruit that could have been in the Garden of Eden instead of the apple are pomegranates. Pomegranate is another fruit that stands out for its brain health benefits, primarily due to its high concentration of antioxidants. These antioxidants, including punicalagin and tannins, are highly effective in fighting oxidative stress, a key factor in the aging process of the brain.
Besides cognitive improvement with daily pomegranates Regular consumption of pomegranate or its juice has been associated with improved verbal and visual memory.
Lastly consuming avocados, nuts and seeds and omega 3 present in fish are essential.
Until tomorrow
JUNE 30 , 2026 FRUCTOSE LEVELS
This morning on my train ride from Fairfield Black Rock to Grand Central UI listened to my usual podcase with Dr R. Chatterjee from England His guest Dr Florence Comite was discussing biomarkers for inflammation that are often overlooked. One of these was fasting insulin as well as the obvious HgbA1c
After the podcase it made me think about wearing a continuous glucose monitor and watching my sugar/fructose levels. What foods actually increase my sugar ? Her new book Defy your Gen4etic Destony to Live Better Longer discusses just this
Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits, but consuming too much of it can have unexpected consequences for your health. While fruits are generally considered healthy, not all fruits are created equal when it comes to their fructose content So this about the fructose and which foods are higher or lower Fructose is processed almost exclusively by the liver. This concentrated processing can lead to fat buildup in the liver, contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, studies have shown that high fructose intake can increase the risk of metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance and obesity.
Apples are often hailed as a healthy snack, but they contain more fructose than many people realize. While they provide essential nutrients like fiber and vitamin C, the fructose content in apples can be significant, especially in larger varieties. Eating one or more apples a day may contribute to fructose overload For this reason I stick to Granny smith Green Apples or MacIntosh There are too many varieties of apples that are higher in fructose
Grapes may be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to fructose content. These tiny fruits are loaded with natural sugars, and it’s easy to eat large quantities in one sitting, quickly increasing your daily fructose intake. While grapes offer antioxidants that support heart health, their high sugar content can offset these benefits when consumed in excess. People who regularly snack on grapes should be cautious And lets not forget raisins and dates and many more packed with fructose
The best way to determine what foods elevate your sugar is to have your doctor prescribe a Continuous Glucose Monitor Free Style Libre II
So watch the fruits with fructose that you pick
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 29, 2026 FOODS THAT HELP THE LIVER
We all need a good liver It is a vital ogan to our survival. . One such organ is the liver, which helps your body break down and process foods and liquids that come into your system
Your first cup of coffee might be for waking up. However black coffee is important to the liver. Also are coffee enemas for cancer therapy Coffee contains antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and protect liver cells from damage. Coffee consumption is associated with lower liver damage
There is a superfood which ptoptects your liver. This is broccoli. his nutrient-rich vegetable contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. One of broccoli’s most impressive health benefits is its ability to support liver function. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the body.
I do not think enough is written about grapefruit. Sure there are certain medicines to avoid when eating grapefruits. consuming grapefruit may help to boost liver health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, grapefruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, essential for maintaining a healthy live
These are just dome foods that help with the liver. In addition I would make sure you add oatmeal to your regimen
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 24, 2026 SNACKING BEFORE BED
Do you snack before bed ? It is a common habit or getting up in the middle of the night to eat. NOT GOOD
One of the worst foods to eat at bedtime arfe high fat foods. High-fat foods are bad for your waistline and can harm your sleep. These foods are high in calories and can lead to weight gain, linked to sleep disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. They can also cause digestive discomfort You should know that sleep apnea/snoring is associated with cardiovascular disease and arrythmias.
While spicy foods can be delicious, they can also cause problems with sleep. Spicy foods are known to trigger heartburn, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. They can also increase your core body temperature
I love coffee. However, caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can have a significant impact on sleep. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. This can lead to increased alertness, improved mood, and better cognitive performance, but it can also make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are some people who can have coffee before bed and sleep fine This is rare.
Lastly if you have protein before bed —it will regulate your sugar so you don’t have a low sugar which could wake you up and then give you palpitations Try protein before bed
Until tomorrow..
JUNE 22, 2026 BLACKBERRIES
I love all berries during this time of the year. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries ( mulbverries) gooseberries Blackberries, the dark, juicy berries often found adorning grocery store shelves, are not just a delicious addition to meals and snacks; they are a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefit
A serving provides substantial vitamins, including vitamins C and K, and essential minerals like Manganese. Notably, they are also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for maintaining good digestive health
So why are Blackberries so good ? It has Vitamin C, which is vital for the growth and repair of all body tissues and is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties. Vitamin K plays a critical role in blood clotting and bone health. Although needed in smaller amounts, Manganese is pivotal for bone formation and nutrient metabolism. The high fiber content aids in maintaining a healthy digestive tract
Blackberries are renowned for their high antioxidant content, primarily due to the presence of anthocyanins, which give them their characteristic dark color. Antioxidants are crucial for health as they neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. The antioxidants in blackberries, including vitamin C and ellagic acid, have been linked to reduced inflammation and protection against heart disease and certain forms of cancer.
So eat all the berries you can . Fresh berries of all types can help you so much
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 15, 2026 WHATS GOOD AND BAD IN YOUR KITCHEN
Through years of training I have learned about the most fantastic herbs in the kitchen with medicinal benefit. These range from garlic, to ginger, to green tea to turmeric and hundreds more. On the other hand there are items in your kitchen which are NOT beneficial to the humans body
I want to explore these with you. Some of these are obvious - like white sugar. It is the white death and contributes to a multitude of different diseases. Sugar is inflammatory and the main cause of chronic inflammation Sugar is one of the most inflammatory substances you can eat. It spikes your blood pressure, stresses your heart, and can even trigger autoimmune diseases like arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Even worse is the consumption of soda or pop in the United States. I haven’t had a soda in more than 25 years.
I grew up on the ‘ cold cut’ childhood phase. Processed meats like bacon, ham, and cold cuts are packed with preservatives that spark inflammation in your joints, gut, and arteries.
Then there are those seed oils Research shows omega-6 seed oils trigger chronic inflammation and even damage your arteries. That so-called “heart-healthy” corn oil?
Think again about sugar substitutes as saccharin, and aspartame These have been linked to cancer and chronic disease
Fid the healthy herbs, and or spices in your kitchen There are plenty There are several great books to read- by Rosemary Gladstar, and Tierona LowDog and many more
Until tomorrow…