MARCH 5, 2018 MICROBES AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

The incidence of autoimmune diseases has sharply risen over the last decade. I would say I am seeing at least 3 cases of autoimmune thyroiditis per day. Is it  only related to gluten sensitivity or is the answer found in the gastrointestinal system. Today functional doctors like myself focus on the gut-brain connection and the type and amount of bacteria in the microbiome. This is the hot topic.

Once a patient is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease we know that there is already tissue damage. We do know certain bacteria are associated with certain autoimmune disorders. As an example Klebsiella bacteria is associated with ankylosing spoondylitis; chlamydia with multiple sclerosis; Yersinia bacteria with Hashimoto's thyroiditis; and multiple bacteria with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recently on a stool analysis I found in a 60 year old white male the presence of Chilomastix mesnili This intestinal flagellate resides mainly int he cecum . More to be revealed.

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 3-4, 2018 OBESITY

We have more overweight Americans than ever before. Metropolitan cities like New York City, now has overweight people.It never used to be like this . Each year obesity related deaths are increasing Today more than 70% of adults are overweight with 37% of those being obese and 5 % are morbidly obese.  You must reduce body fat. You must reduce calories., You must stop the sugar

Obesity is one of the twin epidemics --the other being diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes lead to the number one killer--Cardiovascular Disease. In addition abdominal obesity is linked to chronic diseases and cancer as breast, uterine and gallbladder in women and prostate and colon in men.

Stress leads to an increase in a stress hormone, cortisol which is linked to increases in sugar and central obesity

Do you want a quick fix. ? I feel these are not as effective but I do know a lifestyle change is effective. Here are some suggestions

The plant, Giffonia simplicifolia can promote saiety which thus leads to reduced calorie intake can be effective.  There are 4 berberine derived plants which can balance sugar, balance lipid concentrations and combat obesity.

Chromium is an effective supplement that facilitates glucose uptake in cells as well as lowering body weight

All of these suggestions must be applied to a lifestyle change that increases dietary and exercise lifestyle as well as addressing addictions, meditation, self esteem, anger and self love

Until tomorrow...

March 2, 2018 CBD - CANBIOLA

 Education is knowledge. Cannabidiol , also known as CBD is one of many compounds found in the hemp plant and other cannabis varieties. CBD IS NON PSYCHOACTIVE

CBD wil NOT get you "high" This is one misconception that must be cleared up. Only the THC from the plant will get you high. Hemp plants are non psycho active with less than 1 % of THC

There is a network in the body called the Endocannabinoid system ( ECS) CBD and its other compounds act upon the ECS which have receptors throughout the body including the brain . The ECS helps regulate the biological processes of the body. CBD is a non toxic way to support the ECS

CBD has many uses. Some of the major reasons I utilize CBD is for anxiety, sleep and inflammation. It goes beyond that. It is anti bacterial, can inhibit the growth of cancer, and can be neuro protective.. It ahs been studied to reduced seizure and the use of epileptic drugs

One company, Canbiola has invested a lot into education of the public and medical professionals on CBD Please see www.canbiola.com

Their source of CBD is from the US using Pharma Grade isolates. They combine their CBD with other nourishing essential oils to reduce pain, inflammation, and stress while promoting anti aging and healthy living. 

Until tomorrow...

March 1, 2018 HONEY

Honey is the nectar of flowers transformed by the honeybee ( Apis mellifera) into this sweet secretion that is deposited in the honeycomb of a beehive. I didn't appreciate the efforts of honeybees until I became a beekeeper 12 years ago. Just to sit and watch honeybees flying into the hive with pollen .I await April of every year with anticipation. This pollen is converted to honey by the specific worker honeybees.

Honey is a syrup composed of fructose, glucose, water, protein ( as in pollen ) enzymes, minerals and the pure essence of the flower it was taken from. Honey has been used for thousands and thousands of years, medicinally and as a food source. 

Honey not only can be used for wound healing in many studies. but it also inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori. ( like another natural substance, a resin from the Mastica tree)  Honey contains pollen grains from a wide array of local plants.  Daily use of local honey results in approved immunity to the local allergens and thus can be used to treat allergic symptoms. 

I usually have One  teaspoon of local honey every morning. At night I have a teaspoon of raw honey as it  can increase your own level of melatonin.

Until tomorrow....

FEBRUARY 28, 2018 PLANTS AND CANCER

I have been fortunate as a non-Oncologist  to teach Oncology to the naturopathic medical students. It has enriched my knowledge base as well as having benefited my patients. As an integrative physician I have always believed that botanical medicine has been effective for a treatment of a variety of diseases. 

Some plants have provided conventional medicine with chemotherapy for cancers . These include the following: 1. Taxol from the Pacific yew tree; 2. vinblastine and vincristine from the Madagascar periwinkle, and 3. Irinotecan and Topotecan from the Happy Tree.

Conventional oncologist tend to avoid supplements during chemotherapy. Research has been done and articles written on the effectiveness of Tumeric ( Curcuma longa) given during chemotherapy.  Studies indicate that 50 - 60- % of cancer patients use herbs and supplements during their chemotherapy.  The use of turmeric has increased over the years There are many studies to validate the use of turmeric ( Alternative and Complimentary Therapies Vol 24, No 1. February 2018 )  Curcumin has the ability to target cancer initiation, growth and tumors in many ways.  Studies are equivocal. More studies need to be done on turmeric especially randomized controlled trials.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 27, 2018 DR LOW DOG'S IMMUNE BOOSTING SMOOTHIE

There is one of my mentors/colleagues that I have great respect for. Her name is Dr Low Dog. She was my professor at the Fellowship of Integrative Medicine University of Arizona. I completed that program in 2005

She  is an author of many books and an inspiration to many.  She has many unique ways to use culinary herbs. She was my inspiration to study herbs.  She uses Nutrient Booster Powders from MegaFood. and makes a smoothie.

I utilize Zen Berry. ZenBerry is a unique blend of greens and protein It is only available at Botanical Bounty. (www.botanicalbounty.org ) You could swap out vegetables and fruits ( as long as you do not add high glycemic ones )

 My favorite is one scoop of Mega Food or Zenberry with one cup of spinach or kale, 1 organic green apple, one banana, 2-3 organic dates, 1 cup of almond or coconut plain milk and 3 -5 ice cubes. This is the Green Smoothie that Dr Low Dog recommends. I swapped out Nutrient Booster by Mega Food for ZenBerry but either can be used

A great way to start the morning.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 26, 2018 INTELLIGENCE

Do you want a physician with a high IQ ? How many patients even consider this as a criteria when choosing their health care practitioner? Does the smartest students  as measured by graded and MCAT scores to get into medical schools, make the best physicians?

These questions were addressed in JAMA ( Journal of the American Medical Association) Viewpoint Opinion section. ( February 20, 2018 Vol 139, November 7 )

I found this intriguing. Testing results is an incomplete and inaccurate assessment of a student's potential to be a caring physician. 

I believe like this article states that an IQ is needed to master the skills and assess the volume of knowledge and information needed to be a good doctor. Yet today success in medicine is more about emotional l intelligence rather than intellectual intelligence.   The definition of emotional intelligence is the ability to manage emotions and interact efficiently with others.  It is stated people with high EQs are sensitive to the moods and temperaments of others. 

I feel that emotional intelligence taught in naturopathic programs is far superior to those taught in conventional medical schools. This was not addressed in JAMA Emotional intelligence ( EQ ) is built upon trust, empathy, and having mutual goals. I believe it is also dependent on empathy, compassion and love. I believe that if any student whether naturopathic or conventional trained has a personal experience with a family or friend having a chronic illness, he /she will can draw on that experience . In my opinion, this experience can increase emotional intelligence

Until tomorrow...

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 24-25, 2018 RED BUSH TEA

Red bush tea also known as Rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis ) is made from the twigs and leaves of this shrub. I love this tea. It has a nutty, sweet flavor which requires no extra sweeteners nor even honey.  Rooibos does have a lower tannin level  than the well known Green or Black teas. 

The properties of this tea are in its content of flavonoids which have been shown to have antioxidant, and anti-mutagenic properties. Rooibos is rich in polyphenols.

The one drawback but not a deal breaker is its effect of iron absorption (  like the Green teas) It  did not effect iron absorption significantly. Rooibos does vary in its content of Vitamin C This tea protects you against free radical damage

Try a cup of Rooibos Tea today

Until tomorrow...