MARCH 19, 2019 OBESITY AND CANCER

WE do know that obesity increases the risk of developing cancers. It has been studied and well documented that obesity increases immune aging, tumor progression and even other proteins.

What is more paradoxical is that obesity or excess weight helps immunotherapy drugs kill cancer cells.

This study was done in mice and more needs to be done. The same study was mirrored in man. Those cancer patients with a higher body mean index had better survival than those lean cancer patients.

It was found that there was a difference in T cell function in obvese and non obese individuals.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 18, 2019 AVOCADOS

WHY EAT AN AVOCADO?

An avocado is power packed with nutrition for many reasons. There are more than 20 vitamins and minerals in an avocado - It provides 21 % potassium, 25 % vitamin C , 30 % folate an d 39 % vitamin K. Each one of these supplements can be used for a variety of conditions.

The healthy fats in an avocado is great for heart health and reduces heart attacks and strokes by lowering total and bad ( LDL) cholesterol. I feel this is a good food for a diabetic as it reduces blood sugar and great at regulating insulin levels.

Since an avocado is packed with B vitamins it is great for the pregnant female It contains lutein and zeaxanthin which is important for eye health

Eat an avocado at least two to three times a week

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 13, 2019 FISH OILS

There was a positive primary endpoint of the REDUCE -IT trial when it comes to the benefit of omega 3 ( EPA). It was presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Session to an outstanding applause. The mechanism might be poorly understood and even accepted but the results are compelling.

This was a large multicenter trial compared patients with high cardiovascular risks and elevated triglycerides who took 4 grams of EPA /day to a group that took a mineral oil placebo. At the end there was a 4.5 % lower risk of dying from cardiac events or experiencing myocardial infarctions, stroke, coronary revascularization than than those who took the placebo

With such results, there was speculation about the placebo oil and if it caused harm. The other flaw was other cardiac risk factors were not measured.

I will continue to describe omega 3 ( EPA) supplementation to my cardiac patients.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 12, 2018 RED MEAT CONSUMPTION

In December 2018, an article published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation discussed the link of red meat consumption tied levels of a chemical linked to heart disease. A chronic red consumption of 8 oz significantly raises levels of a gut generated chemical called Trimethylamine N oxide (TMAO) which is linked to heart disease

We do know that a diet in red meat has higher levels of TMAO compared to white meat and non meat protein by three fold. TMAO levels do vary from person to person and also varies with kidney function. .

Therefore it was postulated if we find ways to lower TMAO levels we can lower the risk of heart disease. After reading the article I believe it has a lot to do with the gut microflora. I feel many of the chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with the gut microbiome ( which is not clearly understood )

There is enough data today to tell a patient to reduce his/her red meat consumption

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 11, 2019 PSORIASIS AND BONE DISORDERS

There is emerging evidence that patients with psoriasis with or without psoriatic arthritis are a greater risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. The exact mechanism is not known but it certainly does point to chronic inflammation of these diseases.

It has been shown cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis have recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

More studies need to be studied, I believe these studies should include all autoimmune diseases.

Until tomorrow….

MARCH 9-10, 2019 CBD AND THC

I have utilized the CBD oil for many patients in the last 10 years. I have seen remarkable results with CBD oil alone and in combination with THC ( that is medically prescribed by a doctor and the dispensary ) The vast multitude of benefits from CBD have been studied and researched for years. Only in the last few years are we seeing these remarkable results

There are some differences between CBD and THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both derived from the cannabis plant. 

Together, they are part of the cannabinoid group of compounds found in hashish, hash oil, and most strains of marijuana. 

THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric, 'high' feeling often associated with marijuana.

THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and brain and creates the sensations of euphoria and anxiety. 

CBD does not fit these receptors well, and actually decreases the effects of THC, and is not psychoactive. 

CBD is thought to help reduce anxiety and inflammation. 

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 8, 2019 LIVER

The liver is a powerhouse of an organ. It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates. It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health

There are good foods to take to keep your liver healthy These include coffee, green and black tea, berries, grapefruit, grape seed extract, beet juice and prickly pear.

Opuntia, commonly called prickly pear, is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae It can be used in treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. Some preliminary evidence shows that prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 7, 2019 IODINE AND BREAST CANCER

Iodine is considered a trace mineral. Today we have lots of iodine deficient individuals due to not having iodized salt. Many individuals take pink salt which lacks iodine.

Iodine major use is for the thyroid gland but also for proper immune system function. It has anti cancer effects, it is a potent antioxidant and and modulated estrogen response on breast cancer cells

Iodine protects the cell and DNA damage. Japanese women have been shown that they have the lowest incidence of breast cancer. as they consume 25 x higher iodine consumption In studies with as low as 5 mg of iodine have shown increased cell apoptosis, decreased proliferation and decrease in the estrogenic effects on cells.

So you should take iodine especially if you have breast cancer or know someone who does. You need to consult your health care practitioner about the exact amount as it is individualized

Until tomorrow…