AUGUST 27, 2018 – ANXIETY AND ABDOMINAL FAT

There is evidence that abdominal fat may signal increased anxiety risk in middle aged women. This was published in the Journal Menopause in March 2018.

The director, J Pinkerston MD stated that, "Hormone changes may be involved in the development of both anxiety and abdominal obesity because of their roles in the brain."

I feel this study provides valuable insight into this connection. I feel further studies need to be done. These studies should include men regarding testosterone and anxiety/depression.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 25-26, 2018 – COUGH

We all cough. I feel that sometimes you think someone who coughs is annoying. It is the body's way of clearing the airways so you can breathe better. After a while, it can irritate your throat. There are some of my favorite herbs used in cough syrups – elderberry, anise, eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint, and thyme. 

Most of these herbs you are probably familiar with. To soothe the throat there are different herbs as slippery elm, marshmallow, and licorice. These are more common than you think as marshmallow was used in ancient times by the Greek physician, Theophratus. 

Your grandmother probably used her own remedy as garlic or even marjoram. The Ancient Greeks used marjoram to coat their hair and eyebrows.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 24, 2018 – GUAYUSA

Have you ever had Guayusa tea? Until 3 months ago, I never heard of this tea. Guayusa is a rare, naturally caffeinated tea from the leaves of a holly tea that grows in South America. Specifically it grows in Ecuador. This is not new to the Amazon culture as it has been used for greater than 2000 years. 

I did not feel jittery when having this tea. It did give me and others who have it a balanced feeling. It has a earthly aroma and tasted fresh.

If you have had a cup of Yerba Mate, you will understand the taste. Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is the Amazonian cousin of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) from the Atlantic Rainforest in and around Argentina. Both are caffeinated rainforest holly trees; however, Yerba Mate has a strong bitter flavor while Guayusa has a smooth taste.

I encourage you to have a cup. I use the brand by WAYKANA.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 23, 2018 – WHITE BUTTON MUSHROOMS

There are many health benefits to a variety of mushrooms. The white button type (Agaracus bisporus) are the most popular. These are not used for their cancer prevention, but for their effect on the gut and its microbiome. They can improve the regulation of glucose in the liver. It is the most common mushroom ingested in the United States – about 90% of the time. There are some health benefits in addition to glucose regulation. Heart Disease is the number one killer in the United States.

"Researchers at Arizona State University tested the effects of button mushrooms on the human endothelial cells in a test tube. The results of their study, published in the July 2010 issue of "Nutrition Journal," show that button mushrooms reduce inflammation in arterial cells and prevent white blood cells from sticking to arterial walls." These mushrooms can also boost your immune system by increasing the amount natural T killer cells. 

Mushrooms do have a high content of copper in addition to Vitamin D and many trace minerals.

I advocate for eating a variety of mushrooms in addition to the white button variety. Many mushrooms have an anti-cancer properties

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 22, 2018 – CHERRIES

I love cherries at this time of the year. Recently, a study revealed a new purpose for eating cherries:

Investigators at the University of Arkansas suggests that Montmorency tart cherries can be added to the list of gut-friendly foods and may play an important role in improving gut health.

The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry published the reason why cherries are so important to the microbiome. It is the their content of polyphenols. Polyphenols are important antioxidants. The benefit of green tea is from their polyphenol content.

Pure polyphenols characteristics of tart cherries increased the amount of Bifidobacterium. However, when concentrated juices were fermented, this bifidogenic effect appeared to be leveled out by the larger increase of polysaccharides utilizing bacteria

So the lesson is...Eat more tart cherries. Most know that tart cherries help reduce the incidence of gout.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 21, 2018 – H. PYLORI

Much is written about Helicobacter pylori infection. The decision of whether we eradicate from the body or if it beneficial in some way has been well documented. I think both can be debated. From the case of a patient, a colleague sent me the following. I love new debates and new learning. An interesting read about diabetes and H pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common human bacterial pathogens, and infection causes a wide array of gastric disorders, including simple gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric malignancies. Gastrointestinal inflammation caused by H. pylori can influence the absorption of glucose and lipids, which are also abnormal in diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), formerly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. It is an emerging pandemic and is rapidly becoming a serious threat to public health. Emerging data now indicate a strong relationship between H. pylori infection and the incidence of T2DM. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes are complex, involving insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, insulin secretion deficiency as a result of pancreas β-cell dysfunction, glucotoxicity, and lipotoxicity. H. pylori infection is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, and the growing awareness of its role in diabetes is important for the early detection of glucose dysregulation and prevention of T2D

World J Gastroenterol 2014 April 28; 20(16): 4607-4617
ISSN 1007-9327 (print)M in high-risk communities.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 20, 2018 – BOTANICAL BOUNTY

Are you looking for a natural way to feel well?

Look no further – Botanical Bounty is a organic herbal tea/supplement company using the highest standards. 

Unique in the herbal world, is their custom blend tea just for YOU from their selection of 50 organic fair trade herbal teas. By using their website you can put in your symptoms and a tea will be generated by myself, Patrick Fratellone, MD RH (AHG) FIM to suit your needs.

It is rare to have an MD who is also a registered herbalist formulate a tea just for you. This is unique and YOUR OWN NATURAL PRESCRIPTION!

Go to their website www.botanicalbounty.org to make your tea or call (646) 723-1823.

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 18-19, 2018 – FOODS FOR YOUR BRAIN

There are many foods to nourish your brain. Some of these are superfoods such as greens, blueberries, and even nuts/seeds.

There are great fish choices that are high in DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). This oil is essential how the different cells communicate with each other. I recommend Pacific Salmon, mackerel, and sardines. I advise my patients to order from www.vitalchoice.com. I also recommend quality fish oil from Artic Oils or Nordic Naturals.

I also advocate for the right fruits and vegetables to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Studies have been shown this can be as effective as 76%. Some of these fruits are the variety of purple berries - mulberry, blueberry, wolfberry, acai berry, and many more

To keep inflammation down, I recommend eating foods with high levels of Vitamin D such as fish and mushrooms. You can always supplement with liquid Vitamin D / and Vitamin K.

Order your Vitamin D/ K from Botanical Bounty by calling (646) 723-1823.

Until tomorrow...