SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 – B17

B17, also known as amygdain, has been used for years as a treatment for cancer. It is found in raw nuts especially in apricot seeds. Besides being a cancer cell toxin, B17 (given orally and intravenously) can promote natural programmed cancer cell death called apoptosis. It also has been shown to slow the growth of new blood vessels that feed the cancer.

Despite this information, a small study in 1982 revealed that B17 is a toxic drug and not effective in cancer. This mentality has been adopted by USA and Canadian physicians. It is wrong. As a physician, it is not the 'cure' nor should be used alone as treatment for any cancer. It should be used as a multi treatment protocol for cancer. This should be especially done if chemo-sensitive testing has been done. This testing tells the physician which drug, supplement, and herb can be used to kill the tumor. This testing is not always available or used within the United States.

Studies outside the USA have shown thousands of doses of B17 have stopped or slowed aggressive cancers.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 – ARTESUNATE

As a faculty member and professor at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, I have continually stimulated my mind and learned a view variety of topics. Naturopathic physicians have a greater understanding of both conventional and integrative approaches to most diseases, especially cancer. In the last 25 years, new intravenous and injection protocols have been used in cancer.

Artesunate is an IV medication from the herb Artemesia that is used in the treatment of malaria. Studies have now shown that this herb usual for de-worming is important in stimulating tumor necrosis factor. It has been used for certain cancers as well as autoimmune conditions. Clinical research with more than 4,000 IV doses of artesunate have shown to be safe in patients with advanced cancers.

Research has shown that artesunate has similar effect to the chemotherapeutic drug, gemcitabine (Gemzar) which is used in the deadly pancreatic cancer. This IV derivative from Wormwood (Artmesia) has a potent anti inflammatory and immune calming properties.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 – DEMENTIA

Dementia is a large umbrella term which includes not only Alzheimer's but also vascular dementia and other debilitating diseases. We do know there are more than 5.7 million Americans with Alzheimer's Disease. One person develops the disease every 66 seconds. It is also the 6th leading cause of death in the USA. Of course I would be worried and I would be reading everything associated with lifestyle changes that can help. These would involve both exercise and lifestyle changes as well as any supplement or herb that might help.

There are about 10 treatable conditions that can trigger dementia symptoms. These include very simple treatable topics. One is medications. Many individuals are on too many conventional medications and poly medicine which all can affect the memory and mimic dementia symptoms. Other treatable disease which trigger dementia symptoms as urinary tract infections, hearing loss, and trauma. 

Nutritional deficiencies mimic dementia symptoms - especially B12 and folate deficiency. Sticking to a mind dietary lifestyle is associated with a 30-35 % lower risk of cognitive impairment. We all need to eat better.

Other conditions that are treatable which mimic dementia are alcohol abuse, diabetes, and depression.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 – STRESS BURNOUT

We have all been in a stressful burn out situation. Whether this burnout is due to physical sickness, mental sickness, or psychological sickness, we all can relate. What do you do if this occurs? 

Some might eat more, or some might eat less. Some might exercise and others might meditate.

How many take an herb or supplement to decrease stress or anxiety? The class of herbs for stress or anxiety are called nervines. There are many herbs within this class. Examples could be skullcap, California poppy, vervain, and even chamomile. There are even adaptogenic herbs as rhodiola that has been used and studied. A study was done in Vienna for 12 weeks. There was a experimental rhodiola called Vitango (200mg tablets, taken twice a day for 12 weeks). There is promising results on effects of anxiety and stress but more needs to be studied.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 – NETTLES

Urtica dioica is commonly known at stinging nettles, or nettles. It is an herb that I utilize almost every day in my practice. Stinging nettles can be consumed. I know my Nanny used to put it in the Sunday salad without any of us knowing us. It is a good source of protein and fiber in addition to many vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins that are contained in nettles are Vitamin A, C, and K. In addition, there is manganese, potassium, iron, and calcium in this plant. One of the antioxidants contained in nettles are carotenoids. 

You might think nettles is only great for allergies and sinusitis. However there is good research on nettles for diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis as well as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). I utilize both nettle root and nettle leaf for BPH.

Anytime you think about an herb, know that these herbs are medicines. Herbs have been used for thousands of years with excellent results. Herbs are not alternative medicine – herbs are the real medicine. 

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 8-9,2018 – MAGNESIUM

Low serum magnesium has been linked to increased mortality and cardiovascular disease. Serum magnesium was studied in a group of patients with chronic kidney (renal) disease.

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation in the body. It serves many functions. It is far more important than you might think and is involved in every function of the body.

Studies have shown that low magnesium levels were independently associated with all causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease with or without other conditions as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 – CLEANSING FOODS

We do not think of foods as cleansing or detoxifying foods. Many of my patients do view foods as cleansing foods. Our bodies are meant to cleanse. Our bodies must cleanse especially with the toxic world we live in.

There are too many insults to the body in our world today . It is in the food we consume, the water we drink, and in the air we breathe. Genetics play a minor role in the development of disease and cancer. There are 4 pathways of eliminating toxins in our body. Through breath, defecating, urinating, and sweating. 

One organ that is overlooked is the liver - the detoxifying organ. It is good to feed the liver with alkalinizing foods as parsley, fennel, kale, and even cilantro. Please don't forget the insoluble fibers for your gut to sweep out those toxins.

Happy detoxifying!

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 – GOTU KOLA

 When you hear the name Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) most think of its adptogenic properties. These are well studied and a topic for David Winston (author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief). The other individual is Donnie Yance. Donnie Yance talks of adaptogens and their relation to their use in cancer therapy. His book is called " Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism"   We do know that topical and oral administration of Gotu Kola  is for wound healing - both surgical and nonsurgical wounds, venous insufficiency as in varicose veins, and pedal edema. 

An oral compound of Centella called TTFCA is well tolerated and used. The trierpenoids in Centella are well studied. There have been in vitro studies on the acids found in Centella.

In Japan, one of the oleanolic acid compounds has been marketed and used for treating nonlymphatic leukemia. I do feel that many European countries and the Far East use more natural compounds than we do in the United States. Too many regulations here. 

Until tomorrow...