MARCH 12, 2018 RED MEAT CONSUMPTION

In December 2018, an article published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation discussed the link of red meat consumption tied levels of a chemical linked to heart disease. A chronic red consumption of 8 oz significantly raises levels of a gut generated chemical called Trimethylamine N oxide (TMAO) which is linked to heart disease

We do know that a diet in red meat has higher levels of TMAO compared to white meat and non meat protein by three fold. TMAO levels do vary from person to person and also varies with kidney function. .

Therefore it was postulated if we find ways to lower TMAO levels we can lower the risk of heart disease. After reading the article I believe it has a lot to do with the gut microflora. I feel many of the chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with the gut microbiome ( which is not clearly understood )

There is enough data today to tell a patient to reduce his/her red meat consumption

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 11, 2019 PSORIASIS AND BONE DISORDERS

There is emerging evidence that patients with psoriasis with or without psoriatic arthritis are a greater risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. The exact mechanism is not known but it certainly does point to chronic inflammation of these diseases.

It has been shown cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis have recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

More studies need to be studied, I believe these studies should include all autoimmune diseases.

Until tomorrow….

MARCH 9-10, 2019 CBD AND THC

I have utilized the CBD oil for many patients in the last 10 years. I have seen remarkable results with CBD oil alone and in combination with THC ( that is medically prescribed by a doctor and the dispensary ) The vast multitude of benefits from CBD have been studied and researched for years. Only in the last few years are we seeing these remarkable results

There are some differences between CBD and THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both derived from the cannabis plant. 

Together, they are part of the cannabinoid group of compounds found in hashish, hash oil, and most strains of marijuana. 

THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric, 'high' feeling often associated with marijuana.

THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and brain and creates the sensations of euphoria and anxiety. 

CBD does not fit these receptors well, and actually decreases the effects of THC, and is not psychoactive. 

CBD is thought to help reduce anxiety and inflammation. 

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 8, 2019 LIVER

The liver is a powerhouse of an organ. It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates. It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health

There are good foods to take to keep your liver healthy These include coffee, green and black tea, berries, grapefruit, grape seed extract, beet juice and prickly pear.

Opuntia, commonly called prickly pear, is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae It can be used in treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. Some preliminary evidence shows that prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 7, 2019 IODINE AND BREAST CANCER

Iodine is considered a trace mineral. Today we have lots of iodine deficient individuals due to not having iodized salt. Many individuals take pink salt which lacks iodine.

Iodine major use is for the thyroid gland but also for proper immune system function. It has anti cancer effects, it is a potent antioxidant and and modulated estrogen response on breast cancer cells

Iodine protects the cell and DNA damage. Japanese women have been shown that they have the lowest incidence of breast cancer. as they consume 25 x higher iodine consumption In studies with as low as 5 mg of iodine have shown increased cell apoptosis, decreased proliferation and decrease in the estrogenic effects on cells.

So you should take iodine especially if you have breast cancer or know someone who does. You need to consult your health care practitioner about the exact amount as it is individualized

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 6, 2019 AMANITA SPECIES

Mushrooms can be medicinal. Mushrooms are a great food.

Certain species are poisonous

There are two deadly mushrooms- the destroying angel ( Amanita bisporigera) and Death Cap ( Amantia phalloides) . These mushgrooms can kill you within a few hours of one bite. The toxins are called amatoxins and unfortunately there is NO known antidote. A few hours after ingestion the person will get nauseous and have bloody diarrhea.

Amantia are gilled mushrooms and grow on the ground in the woods . The caps are oval or convex when young and convex or flat when mature The caps are bright red or yellow Some species have patches on their cap These are also called warts

I encourage anyone who picks their own mushrooms to be familiar with amantia species. There are many books about mushrooms to identify different species. I also like the book 100 Edible Mushrooms by Michael Kuo

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 5, 2019 OCULAR MIGRAINES

This can be described as a related group of conditions, all affecting vision usually temporary and without pain

Ocular migraines are more common in women of child bearing age who have had a history of migraines with auras. There are two types of ocular migraines- one with auras and retinal migraine. There are other types, one called a scintillating scotoma

There are conventional treatments as Depakote and topramax ( which are also used for epilepsy. I have seen tricyclics used for depression to be used. I have seen beta blockers used for this condition

Complimentary or integrative treatment include taking magnesium 500mg which I feel is essential. One of the best herbs used is butterbur but it should contain alkaloids. It should read PA free. The other herb is feverfew up to 100mg per day. Other helpful supplements are 5 HTP, riboflavin and Coenzyme 10

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 4, 2019 SEA BUCKTHORN AND HEART DISEASE

Cardiovascular disease is still the #1 killer among men and women in the United States Individuals with hypertension ( high blood pressure ) often also have hyperlipidemia ( high lipid levels ) ; the combination of the two conditions can lead to the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Poor lifestyle and dietary habits, as well as occupational stress, have contributed to the rise in CVD. Environmental stress should not be ignored for development of CVD

A recent published study observed the beneficial effects of Sea buckthorn on CVD Supplementing a diet with omega fatty acids has been shown to lower blood pressure. The seed oil of sea-buckthorn (SBT, Hippophae rhamnoides, Elaeagnaceae) is rich in omega fatty acids and the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin E. Sea buckthorn oil is rich in omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9 fatty acids.

There was clearly a beneficial effect noted. The authors attribute the positive results to the combined efficacy of the omega fatty acids and natural antioxidants in the SBT seed oil, which contributes to the reduction of cardiac risk factors. There were some limitations as number of participants, short duration of treatment and other cardiac risk factor measures

Published in Herbalgram from the American Botanical Council

Until tomorrow…

Vashishtha V, Barhwal K, Kumar A, Hota SK, Chaurasia OP, Kuma B. Effect of seabuckthorn seed oil in reducing cardiovascular risk factors: a longitudinal controlled trial on hypertensive subjects. Clin Nutr. October 2017;36(5):1231-1238. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.07.013.