MAY 7, 2018 – ADRENAL FATIGUE

Biotin is a common supplement sold in most stores. It can help the thyroid as well as the adrenal glands. Many integrative physicians discuss adrenal fatigue too loosely. Some of the symptoms include insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, low libido, anxiety, weight gain, inflammation, addictions, and cardiac issues such as blood pressure and heart disease.

These symptoms can also sound like hypothyroidism. Many people with adrenal fatigue have hypothyroidism. The adrenals are not often tested. 

I feel it is not even recognized in most of the literature. You must ask your doctor to do testing of cortisol levels. This is best accomplished through saliva testing (which is not available in all states). The advantage of saliva testing is that it takes cortisol levels at different times of the day and shows how cortisol levels vary.

Adrenal fatigue can be treated with adaptogenic herbs. Some of these herbs include Ashwaghanda, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Schisandra.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 5-6, 2018 – ADDICTIONS

"You might even say we, as a society, are addicted to addiction." -Alan Cumming, Foreword for A Doctor's Confession.

The overwhelming craving for or a dependence on a substance is an addiction. There are a lot of symptoms if the substance is alcohol, nicotine, or drugs. These symptoms can be mood swings, red eyes, trembling hands, etc.

It all depends on the substance. Have you ever thought that an addiction is an energy thief? I have been discussing this with patients for years. These energy thieves can be addictions to technology, to family drama, to the internet, to your health, to lack of relationship – the list goes on and on.

Some are addicted to perfectionism. There are great herbs to calm the nervous system: oats, skullcap, and valerian. Bergamot – I use it for high cholesterol – can be used for addiction to food.  Homeopathically I use Nux vomica. I have found that flower essences by a good practitioner can be used. These include Crab Apple, Gorse, or Mustard.

You need guidance by a medical professional if you are addicted to a substance such as alcohol, drugs, or even prescribed medications. I find that a clinical therapist has always been helpful. Try a 12 step program – it can change your life.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 4, 2018 – LOW BLOOD SUGAR

The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar range from fatigue to palpitations. Mental confusion and irritability can occur. When the blood sugar is decreasing rapidly in the body, the patient experiences H.A.L.T or Hungry Angry Lonely and Tired. 

There are many solutions to this problems besides avoiding sugar or foods that quickly turn to sugar such as breads, pastas, and potatoes.

There are many herbs that can normalize blood sugar. In Chinese herbalism, yams and lotus seed will normalize blood sugar levels. Eating 5-6 small protein meals during throughout the day will help normalize sugar and prevent drops in blood sugar.

I do know that 50 % of individuals who suffer with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) have some thyroid issue.

Get your sugar checked out today.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 3, 2018 – CAROTENOIDS

Two carotenoids – Lutein and Zeaxanthin – are instrumental in reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration (ARMD).

More than 15 million individuals are affected by ARMD. So why are you not taking these antioxidants which essential to normal vision. Zeaxanthin is found in many vegetables and fruits. Some of these are yellow corn, oranges, apricots, mangos, papaya, spinach, amarant,h and mustard greens. Lutein which is similar is also found in fruits and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, peas, corn, and tomatoes. Do not forget that lycopene is also found in tomatoes. 

These two antioxidant have yet to be correlated in isolation against ARMD; however, there are beneficial studies to support the use of dark leafy vegetables reducing the risk of ARMD.

Start eating your vegetables! 

Until tomorrow...

MAY 2, 2018 – SOLANUM MELONGENA

For an Italian or a Greek, the following vegetable is commonly used in their delicious culinary dishes. This is the common eggplant. It is part of the nightshade family. I found out that the eggplant is typically a fruit, but not eaten as one. It has been cultivated for more than 4000 years – first being in India.

In the 16th century the eggplant was regarded as an aphrodisiac and called the "apple of love."

On the whole, eggplants are good but not very nutritious. It does contain a lot of calcium and potassium. In some countries like Nigeria, the eggplant is regarded as a contraceptive. It has been used to treat arthritis and well as seizures. I have used it in conjunction with omega 3 and bergamot to treat high cholesterol.

Many of my patients with cancer eat eggplant for its anti cancer benefits.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 1, 2018 – VITAMIN D AND FERTILITY

I have been a big proponent of Vitamin D supplementation. I utilize high doses in females trying to get pregnant. Finally there is some research to support vitamin D and reproduce biology.

There is an association of low vitamin D levels and  reduced clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF that has been well-documented.

Today, adequate vitamin D levels is a predictor of clinical pregnancy.

I also discuss intake of gluten and cows dairy, B12 levels (whether the patient has a methylation defect) and most importantly thyroid levels.

Happy May Day!

Until tomorrow...

APRIL 28-29, 2018 – NIGELLA SATIVA

There are many treatments available for Hashimoto's thyroidits (autoimmune thyroidits). For this chronic disease, I recommend 100 % gluten free dietary lifestyle, supplementation with selenium and low dose naltrexone. I have been doing this treatment well before there were books written on the subject. I also advocate a cow dairy free dietary lifestyle elimination. The thyroid replacement is usually a natural thyroid such as amour (since hashimoto's) is a t3 deficient state. Sometimes I start with Standard Process Thytrophin PMG. Very rarely do I use the conventional synthroid. I do know that rotating thyroid replacement is beneficial.

Nigella sativa is part of the buttercup family. It is called black cumin. I have used this herb for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and allergies. In Ayurvedic medicine it is commonly used. It has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism especially insulin resistance or Metabolic syndrome.

Those with Hashimoto's have an increased incidence of insulin resistance so Black cumin is useful. There are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Nigella. 

There is convincing evidence of its use. We know its use as a culinary and medicinal herb is well documented with low toxicity.

Until tomorrow...

APRIL 27, 2018 – THE 9 BEST DOCTORS

Healthy habits are not a complicated matter. I believe in daily good habits. There are nine best doctors. These are:

1. Sunshine
2. Air
3. Exercise
4. Water
5. Rest
6. Laughter
7. Good diet
8. Meditation
9. Sex

These are essential to a good healthy life. You do not want to get addicted to any of these as each in excess (like anything) can be an energy thief.  You cannot change your genetic make up but you can change the food you eat, the water you drink, and the air you breathe.

Until tomorrow...