FEBRUARY 6, 2019 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND ZINC DEFICIENCY

A new study published has linked high blood pressure and zinc deficiency. When I think of a zinc deficiency I usually think of a thyroid condition. For instance, individuals with certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease commonly have a zinc deficiency and high blood pressure. Scientists are still unclear whether zinc levels are a cause or an effect of elevated blood pressure

Zinc use in the body was carefully studied in this paper.

Understanding the mechanisms of ZnD-induced BP dysregulation may have important therapeutic impact on hypertension.

The study was published in the American Journal of Physiology December 2018

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 5, 2019 TREPONEMA

Christopher's Columbus crew from 1451-1506 contracted a disease... The French call it "The disease of Naples"

John Gunbeck wrote, "...a disease so cruel, so distressing, so appalling that until now nothing so horrifying, nothing more terrible or disgusting has ever been known to earth."

In 1503, Girolamo Fracastro named the disease after a fictitious shepherd who cursed the God Apollo and was afflicted with a new disease by the angered god ...

Al Capone died of this disease...

Leo Tolstoy had this disease as a teenager, but treated it with arsenic...

There are rumors that Henry VIII, Vincent Van Gogh and Adolf Hitler suffered from this disease...

New York City has reported an increase in the number of cases of this disease... is this due to the use of PREP or Truvada with many not using condoms

THE DISEASE IS CALLED SYPHILIS.

Syphilis has been called the "Great Imitator" or the " Great Masquerader". There is enormous variation in the symptoms giving rise to the two names above. There are three distinct stages of the disease. The first stage, the chancre stage is the earliest clinical sign of the disease. This is a painless lesion usually on the shaft of the penis, but it doesn't have to be on the shaft. After initial contact, the responsible "bug" Treponema pallidum penetrates the mucous membranes. Within hours the Treponema enters the lymph and blood system to cause a systemic reaction. This is long before any other signs appear. In anywhere from 3 - 90 days, the chancre- the painless ulcer appears. I have seen the chancre occur on the lips and the fingers in addition to the penis shaft. If untreated the chancre will disappear in 4 - 8 weeks leaving a scar. Syphilis can be spread by touching or kissing or having oral, anal or vaginal intercourse a person with an active sore.

The second stage develops in 2 - 12 weeks. I have seen 2 cases where the secondary stage appeared 12 months later. Although this is rare it can occur. Patients will present with headache, sore throat, and mild muscle aches. There is an increase in cases of syphilis

I have three theories. One theory is that gay men have stopped using condoms since they feel that HIV can be treated or 'cured' with the use of PREP or TRUVADA. This medication is only for transmission of HIV. Condoms should always be worn Second theory is that a sector of gay men indulge in promiscuous sexual behavior. Third is that many addictions are more common among homosexual versus heterosexual individuals.

I saw an individual with a trunk body rash. He denied any high risk sexual activity. He actually claimed to not have had sex for one year. I gave him antibiotics. I saw the patient four weeks later. He claimed that I had missed the diagnosis of syphilis. How can I even assume he had syphilis if he had been celibate for one year?

After the secondary stage there is a latent or silent period. There are no symptoms of any infection during this phase. In this early latent stage the individual can transmit the disease to others. In the third stage of syphilis the patient is no longer able to transmit the disease to others (4 years after initial contact). Tertiary syphilis afflicts the cardiovascular and nervous systems (especially the brain).

So where are we today? Is syphilis eliminated? The answer is NO. The incidence of syphilis fell from 72 per 100,000 in 1940 to 20 per 100,000 in 1990. In 2004 the incidence was 2.7 per 100,000 . In the last 3 years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of syphilis. The best way to prevent infection is to advocate sex education and the use of condoms. The history of syphilis (like HIV) indicates discrimination against those with a differing lifestyle. There is a bias that syphilis only occurs in the urban poor, the uneducated, those with little medical care and those with alternate lifestyles. As a society WE NEED TO MOVE ON from such misconceptions.

Education is the key to understanding.... Condom use needs to be discussed

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 4, 2019 ALLERGIES

The rise in the numbers of people complaining about allergies increases every year The allergy season will start soon It will have multiplied by last year. I could discuss how the Traditional Chinese medicine views allergies. It is assault by various evils, imbalance of fluid leading to dampness or some sort of weakness or deficiency. The external evil is the wind, which does make sense to me. Dampness makes me think of fungal infections (spores from different plants, which also makes sense). I do know the deficiency in Chinese medicine is the Qi, blood.

As previously discussed, allergies can be food or environmental. I spent some time blogging in early March about allergies, especially to yeast. The herbs are used to nourish the body, particularly the immune system. The immune system needs a boosting when you have environmental allergies. You know the symptoms--itchy, watery eyes, rashes, puffy eyes, sore throat (from nasal dripping) and general fatigue. A combination of echinacea and licorice is often used to treat hay fever. If you have high blood pressure, you must be careful using licorice.

Chamomile and yarrow can be given daily as a tea for allergies. They soothe the allergic response.

Stinging Nettles Leaf ( fresh tea is the best) provide immediate relief for hay fever. It acts like the standard conventional antihistamines (except without the drowsiness) The root of this plant is used for prostate issues

. The best is always Vitamin C to decrease the inflammatory response. You can use it through eating more citrus fruits, which contain bioflavinoids. The bioflavinoid is quercetin, which helps decrease the release of histamine. Histamine causes the allergic response. How much Vitamin

Some use essential oils of lemon balm, yarrow and chamomile, which can used in a bath, for a massage and an inhalant.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 1-3, 2019 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

While the care of a neurologist and conventional therapies are needed, there are some other tests that need to be done in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . I am not a MS specialist. The cause of MS is still unknown. It has been postulated that MS is an autoimmune disease. Others feel it is caused by a virus. I do believe that the cause is multi-factorial. I believe that all the hypothesis are viable. I know that if treatment is started early for a newly diagnosed patient, can be quite effective. Other testing that I feel should be done is heavy metal testing, environmental testing, and food allergy testing--especially gluten sensitivities. This was research by Roger MacDougall who was affected by MS and bound to a wheelchair. His condition slowly improved when he eliminated all gluten from his diet.

A different dietary lifestyle must be sought. In 1948, Dr Roy Swank believed that a diet low in animal fat can arrest the progression and symptoms of the disease. I have seen a slower progression in patients whom follow the Swank protocol. Newer dietary lifestyles have been used since 1948 with better results, however these are basically all derived from the Swank protocol. Unfortunately, this compassionate doctor died in 2008. http://www.swankmsdiet.org/

The recommendations of the Swank protocol are as follows:
1. Saturated fat intake no more than 10 grams(1/2 ounce daily)
2. A daily intake of 40-50 grams of polyunsaturated fats (I suggest much lower and margarine, and hydrogenated oils are strictly forbidden)
3. One teaspoon to one tablespoon of cod liver oil daily
4. Normal protein intake (6-10 ounces daily- try leaner protein)
5. Intake of fish 3-4 times a week (no tuna, swordfish or crustaceans)

In addition to serum and provocative 6 hour urine testing, I recommend a IgG RAST serum allergy test. The conventional testing of all scans should be done with the guidance of a neurologist.

In my practice I utilize many supplements. These supplements can be powder, capsule and/or intravenous routes of administration. Good multi-vitamin and mineral formulas are essential.
I use both tumeric (Curcuma longa ) and Gingko biloba in MS patients. There are interesting relavent studies regarding these herbs. Serum levels of Vitamin D should be measured and high supplementation may be needed. I also use many oils as well as alpha lipoic acid. The one medication I use for autoimmune disease is Low Dose Naltrexone ( LDN) starting at 1.0 mg . I usually go up to 4.5 mg

Until tomorrow…

JANAURY 31, 2019 FEVER BLISTERS

It is the painful fever blister known as Herpes I. These fever blisters are agitated by stress, tension, a lowered immune system ( in my case lack of sleep ) and sometimes even a diet rich in sugar and nuts. Nuts contain arginine which is the herpes virus fuel source.

I have learned to prevent outbreaks. I know when they start to happen as I get a sensation in my lower lips The following are steps to prevent the outbreak
1. I start to drink bitter teas to cool of my liver. I will tell you straight out that they do not taste well. These are Oregon Root, Dandelion and Yellow Dock
2. I add some Reishi mushrooms to my diet
3. I take echinacea tincture 1/2 dropperful twice to three times a day
4. I immediately start the two amino acids, lysine and proline in high doses
Lysine 500mg (6-8/day ) and Proline 500mg ( 6-8/day)

I have listened to many other herbalists regarding Licorice ( Glycyhhriza glabra) for the treatment of Herpes simplex I and II.It is the genus of the pea family. There are many medicinal uses for Licorice. I have used it in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, but in the deglycerized version
In addition to starting some or all of 1-4 above, start applying licorice tincture to the affected area. I have seen others talk about adding lemon balm in the essential oil form. I like the combination of three tinctures St John's Wort, Licorice and calendula. Mix and dab throughout the day. I prefer due to work situation to drink the maximal dose of 1 teaspoon three times a day.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 30, 2019 PQQ

Everyone wants longevity and youth. I do know that dietary and exercise lifestyle changes will extend your longevity. For some, this is not enough.
Everyone searches for the Fountain of Youth. The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that reputedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks of its waters. Tales of such a fountain have been recounted across the world for thousands of years, appearing in writings by Herodotus, the Alexander romance, and the stories of Prester John. In grade school we all learned about the Fountain of Youth attached to the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, first Governor of Puerto Rico. According to an apocryphal story that features a combination of New World and Eurasian elements, Ponce de León was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he traveled to what is now Florida in 1513. Since then, the fountain has been frequently associated with Florida. Wouldn't it be fabulous to 'dip' yourself in a fountain of water and become youthful !

Some consumer ads in various magazines taut the Anti-aging vitamin/supplement. Is is a mushroom? Is it testosterone? Is is Co Enzyme Q10 or is it Growth Hormone. I do not think there is one essential supplement that increases longevity. It is a multitude of changes that need to be made. From seventh grade biology one may recall that every cell has a "powerhouse" or energy source. This organelle is called the mitochondria which produces energy, called ATP. Coenzyme Q10 is a co factor needed in the formation of ATP as well as NADH. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could produce more mitochondria thus producing more energy ? Now there is Pyrroloquinoline quinone, also known as PQQ. It is a factor found in a variety of different foods. In humans, the benefits reported from PQQ supplementation range from improvements in cognitive function ( brain function) to an overall reduction in internal inflammation.
Remember that inflammation is the underlying cause of most diseases. Recent published research also suggests that taking a PQQ supplement has the potential to stimulate mitochondrial function (the primary energy source in cells) and protects from excessive oxidative damage, a major cause of rapid cell aging. PQQ was first recognized as a cofactor (a component essential to enzyme action) in bacteria. It has also been examined as a potent plant growth factor. In humans and animals, PQQ acts in a similar fashion to resveratrol or quercetin (so-called food biofactors) in that it serves as a mimic-signaling molecule important to sustaining cellular functions and mitochondrial action. Both resveratrol and quercetin are anti oxidant. Resveratrol is red wine extract, and quercetin is a bioflavinoid. For animals and humans there has been a constant exposure to PQQ. For example, soil bacteria that have a symbiotic or mutually favorable relationship with plants make it. . As a supplement, PQQ has many of the same benefits as the beneficial flavonoids found in chocolate and green tea.
I have been fortunate to have more than a few patients reach the age of 100 or better.
There are PQQ-rich foods which you might to increase in case you are not consuming them PQQ is not NEW. This supplement has been cited in the literature as early as 1997.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 29, 2019 HOLTICULTURE THERAPY

The poet, Wordsworth wrote these words

" God made the flowers to beautify
The earth, and cheer man's careful mood;
And he is happiest who hath power
To gather wisdom from a flower,
And wake his heart in every hour
To pleasant gratitude."

I hope that the love of human kind for flowers would be shared among those who read these words. I would hope that those who have gardens would consider Horticulture Therapy (HT) by which you can harness the healing power of plants. I know it sounds ridiculous and childish. It is NOT ! Research has been done that HT can improve mood and irritability. HT can assist in depression, loneliness and desperation for some individuals. HT can boost your self esteem. HT can become your new hobby for the Spring.
Of course in such therapy not only will vocational and physical skills be improved, but more profound are the mental, emotional and spiritual gains. I have seen HT assist the cancer patient in accepting her illness as well assist a patient with sever debilitating rheumatoid arthritis cope with her/his chronic illness.

Plants and gardening related activities is a way for me to reconnect with different types of people. It introduced me to Grass Roots movements and Free Clinics in Ithaca with 7 Song . It has introduced me to the World of Bees. The possibilities are endless. The practice of gardening and planting for me is as healing as a conventional medicine. For others, a different practice might produce the same effect. The benefits from HT are diverse. There are physical benefits as increasing strength in the outdoors as well as dexterity; The cognitive benefits range from self worth to a new learning opportunity; The emotional benefits are recalling memories. Planting brings up childhood memories of caring for the vegetables with my Poppy and picking the Lilly of the Valley with my mother. The next important benefit to me after the emotional is the spiritual connection . I feel blessed to practice free will and plant what I want. I feel hopeful that my seeds will grow into beautiful plants with flowers. I tend to plant bee friendly herbs and flowers

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 28, 2019 BREATHING

I love the 4-7-8 method of breathing. Take a deep breath in on a count of 4 seconds; hold the breath for 7 seconds; and fully exhale the breath on a count of 8 seconds. I always tell the patient to start slow. First block a period of time in your schedule . For example 15 minutes twice a week are carved into your busy schedule. You will only start to the do the 4-7-8 breathing for 3 minutes out of the 15 minutes. Every week we increase the 4-7-8 breathing technique by 1 minute. In 12 weeks you will now have 15 minute of 4-7-8 breathing

Another simple introductory method of breathing is called Coherent Breathing (CD) I suggest
www.coherence.com The individual follows paced breathing at 5 breaths per minute thus allowing a gentle relaxation. I ask a patient to do 10 minutes twice a day.

Many breathing technique are used in the Practice of Yoga. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. Proper Breathing, in a Yogic point of view, is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the vital life energy. A type of breathing called Ujjayi Breathing also called loud breathing is very effective for anxiety issues.
Ujjayi strengthens the nervous and digestive systems and gets rid of the phlegm. I find it best to learn this breathing in a Yoga class. This alternate nostril breathing can be difficult especially for the elderly population. There are many senior centers which now offer Yoga to the ever-growing older population. It is hard to describe how to perform this method of breathing.
Below is a textbook description of the type of breathing. I would encourage to look on line for a video showing how to perform Ujjayi breathing ( Loud breathing). Those who practice Loud breathing have a immediate sense of well-being and calmness within 5 - 10 minutes of doing this technique. This technique was taught to those who were present at the World Trade Center disaster. It has been used for Post traumatic stress disorder patients.
This consists in drawing air in through both nostrils with the glottis held partially closed. Ujjayi translates as "what clears the throat and masters the chest area." This partial closure of the glottis produces a sound like that heard in sobbing, except that it is continuous and unbroken. The sound should have a low but uniform pitch and be pleasant to hear. Friction of air in the nose should be avoided; consequently no nasal sounds will be heard. A prolonged full pause should begin, without any jerking, as soon as Inhalation has been completed. Closure of glottis, use of chin lock and closure of both nostrils are standard. Prolong the pause as long as possible; but it should be terminated and exhalation commenced smoothly and slowly. When properly performed, exhalation proceeds slowly and steadily through the left nostril with the glottis partially closed as in inhalation. One may begin to exhale with release of air pressure by lifting the finger from his left nostril, loosening his chin lock and then partially opening his glottis. Exhalation should be complete.
One of my goals for the New Year is to explore other Yoga Practices.

Until tomorrow...