MAY 30, 2019 BOSWELLIC ACID

We know boswellic acid and its components by Frankincense. Frankinscense is a gum tresin secreted by the tree Boswellia serata. It has a close relative, myrrh ( Commiphora species ) Both of these date back to more than 5000 years ago. In Chinese medicines both of these plants have used to treat pain and trauma. It also can be applied topically to promote healing of sores.

The active compound in Frankincense is boswellic acid. Many documented scientific papers document its use as an anti inflammatory agent. These studiues have been studied in rats and mice. It has been studied in humans using 600 mg of boswellic acid

In addition to the anti inflammatory effects it has been shown to anti tumor effects It has induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells, as well as inhibiting proliferation. These studies have been done in vitro. More studies need to be done in humans.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 29, 2019 PLANTS OF THE GODS

There are many plants that contain hallucogenic components. One of the most sacred mushrooms employed in divination and other ceremonies is a member of a small genus Panaeolus.

It is known is Mazatec as T-ha -na sa, Shje-to and To-shka. This means the PASTURE MUSHROOM and To-shka means Intoxicating Mushroom It is not as important as species within Psilocybe. This species Panaeolus sphincruinus is used by certain shamans

It has been shown that this mushroom contains the hallucogenic psilocybine . It grows on cow dung found in forests, fields and open fields A very delicate brown yellow mushroom with a darkish stripe and contains gills.

You must have a mushroom guide when trying to find this species. I find it interesting that the European variety of this mushroom contains no psilocybine.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 28, 2019 BEVERAGES YOU SHOULDN'T DRINK

The celery juice craze is in full motion. There was a time when I was growing up that drinking orange juice was considered a good meal replacement. And all that fruit contains sugar that can amount to a meal’s worth of calories pretty quickly. But you probably don’t — and definitely shouldn’t — chug a glass of OJ and call that a meal. Juice is devoid of the filling fiber found in fruit, protein, and fat

Another example is the difference between milk and organic milk First of all, the conventional one contains a dangerous amount of estrogen because it comes from cows treated with hormones. As research has shown, consuming this type of milk increases the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer

There is nothing good to the be said about sodas. From sport drinks to iced teas and sodas, each of these commonly encountered beverages contains chemicals, artificial colorings and sweeteners that mess with your brain and body in no time.

Then there is water. There is nothing bad to say about water except its plastic bottle. I would encourage water from glass bottles and now water from box containers

Until tomorrow…

MAY 23, 2019 MINDFULNESS

I LOVE THIS WORD - MINDFULNESS. Life is busy, Life is too short, and life is busy. For years I found it difficult to quiet my mind or the thoughts racing. I had to learn to be quiet. I started doing prayer and meditation as part of my twelve step program For the last 20 years I have meditated on a daily basis. It changed my life

The man Jon-Kabat Zinn who created the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction known as MBSR defines mindfulness as “ paying attention in a certain or particular way. He states to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment and with no judgement. I do not live in the past or dwell on it. I look at it for memories and I never live in the future I find that if I live in the future with expectations I usually—no I definitely get disappointed. I have learned to stop living on autopilot or on cruise control. This way I appreciate life more fully.

It helps me with my repetitive patterns or habitual patterns. I get into patterns which can be useful but sometimes these are not useful.

It is my opinion that everyone can benefit from mindfulness. It does matter whether you or religious or spiritual. Everyone can benefit.

Until tomorrow…

MAY 22, 2019 SUGAR ALCOHOLS

The sugar alcohols do occur naturally in some fruit and vegetables. They do not contain alcohol also known as ethanol that is found in alcoholic beverages. It has a similar structure but it is not the same. There are even some sugar alcohols in other products as gum, jelly spreads, candy and even in tooth paste

The sugar alcohols contain fewer calories than sugar and only partially digested. This means they do not affect the sugar levels.

It sounds great but there are disadvantages to sugar alcohols. If consumed in large amounts I have seen these sugar alcohols cause bloating, gas and diarrhea. Therefore a careful dietary history should be taken by your doctor. In high amounts these sugar alcohols can be a cause of your leaky gut

Until tomorrow…

MAY 21, 2019 PROTEIN RISK AND STROKE

I think the layperson might believe that protein intake increases the risk of stroke. My years with the late Robert Atkins, MD certainly changed my view of the use of protein and fat. I may not have agreed with the high protein and fat, and the use of animal protein but I did see people get better. Today the Keto diet is popular which is really an extension of the Atkins diet. I do know protein intake is good for some individuals.

Recently a study called The Hisayama Study published data stating that high protein intake was associated with a LOWER risk of stroke in the general Japanese population In addition subjects with higher vegetable protein intake had a lower risk of total stroke and ischemic stroke as compared to those with higher animal protein has a LOWER risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. This is very important I believe this is the first study to clearly show a protective influence of vegetable protein intake on risks of stroke

More studies like this one need to be done. With so many people doing a variety of dietary changes—this needs to be studied more

Until tomorrow…

MAY 20, 2019 HEAVY METALS AND THE HEART

In the British Medical Journal in August 2018 it was published that exposure to toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, copper, and cadmium is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk and heart disease.

As a cardiologist/ integrative physician I have been testing heavcy metals for more than 20 years in my patients. I utilize serum blood testing to determine is metals have been in the body for 30 days. I also use a provocative urine analysis to determine long term exposure to metals. In New York State a hair analysis is no longer allowed used.

The BMJ study analyzed 37 studies that included more than 350,000 people. The study linked arsenic exposure to a 23 percent increased risk of coronary disease and a 30 % increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Both lead and cadmium were associated with an increased of stroke- 63 % higher for lead and 72 % higher for cadmium. Lead usually comes from water exposure and paint through the years. Cadmium is present in nicotine cigarettes

This study reinforced other studies that revealed the importance of environmental toxicities.

It is very important to be tested for heavy metals.

Until tomorrow…

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