JULY 30, 2019 AMLA

A 2015 paper published the potential benefits of using Amla or Indian Gooseberry to lower blood sugar levels.

Indian gooseberry is taken by mouth for high cholesterol, "hardening of the arteries"(atherosclerosis) , diabetes, pain and swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis), cancer, , eye problems, joint pain, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea (dysentery),, obesity, "organ restoration", and for a skin disorder that causes unpigmented skin (vitiligo).

Amla is available at ethnic stores in many different forms. You can buy amla powder or in capsula. Amla is a fruit that has the highest content of Vitamin C. It can be found in ethnic stores throughout NYC or on line

I have used both pickled gooseberries and powdered amla with positive results. You only need a small amount, about equal to one gooseberry daily.

Until tomorrow…

JULY 29, 2019 HERBS TO SUPPORT DIABETES

There are many herbs and nutraceuticals that can help decrease blood sugar levels. There are millions of Diabetes in the United States. There are even more pre- diabetics with insulin resistance, also known as pre - diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Many of the herbs that can decrease blood sugar are herbs/foods that you know. Some are fenugreek, rosemary and cinnamon.

A recent study published in the American Diabetes Association Journal found that taking 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily produced a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It was a small study and the length was only 40 days. It seems like a a lot of cinnamon so I suggest for patients to take 1-2 grams with each meal.

The other herb, Fenugreek also can decrease glucose levels and improve insulin resistance. Fenugreek has saponins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and other ingredients that increase the release of insulin and improve the use of insulin in the body The amount of fenugreek can be up to 6 grams daily.

Until tomorrow….

JULY 26-28, 2019 PLANTAIN

Plantain it’s super nutritious, easy to identify, has no poisonous look-alikes and it is used as medicine Plantago major is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae

It is not to be confused with the type of banana. Plaintain is a common weed that is found in your back yard, and almost in most cities within the United States. It has many medicinal properties.

It has three major components which have anti inflammatory properties. These constituents are allantoin, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The allantoin is anti inflammatory, the flavonoids is anti microbial and the phenol compound is an anti oxidant.

I use plantain for many insect bites as a poultice and for many wounds.

Until tomorrow…

JULY 25, 2019 NO NO BEFORE BED

Do you ever want a little snack before bedtime?

Many foods are a no-no before bedtime, but I gathered the worst ones that can cause sleepless nights and serious digestive issues. Even healthy foods like raw vegetables should be avoided before sleeping. I have many patients who eat a bowel of cereal before bedtime with milk. If you eat cereals with milk they get tryptophan-rich milk in your system, which technically helps you sleep, but cereals are coated with syrups and sugars and your blood glucose will be high, so don’t eat them before bed. So No cereal.

Any food that contained tyramine like cheese can jolt the system awake and should be avoid. So no cheese .Many cured meats such as ham, pepperoncini and salami are processed AND they contain tyramine Tyramine as stated can jolt you awake You could eat turkey, because it contains tryptophan that is a benefic compound which helps you sleep faster.

There are many foods that should be also avoided as sweets like ice cream Even the healthy raw veggies are bad because they are hard to digest right before sleep. I suggest a tablespoon of a nut butter as almond or organic peanut butter

Until tomorrow…

JULY 24, 2019 TINNITUS

More than 50 million Americans have tinnitus or ‘ ringing in the ears’ Tionnitus is a hissing, buzzing or ringing sound experienced in the ears. It is related to damage of the hair cells of the inner ear. It can be associated with a degree opf hearing loss. There are many causes as ear wax, viral infection, prolonged loud noises, and Meniere’s disease. I find that heavy metal intoxication especially with mercury can be the cause. You must have a provocative challenge for metals or a hair analysis in selected states like Connecticut

The treatment could involve using herbs and acupuncture by a traditional Chinese herbalist/acupuncturist Some of the herbs used are Tu Su Zi, and Shu di Huang. I use Feverfew and Hawthorn

I also have utilized aromatherapy with cypress, rosemary and rose. Sometimes there is a nutrient deficiency so I check trace minerals as well as magnesium

Until tomorrow…

JULY 23, 2019 COPPER

Copper is essential in the human diet. It is needed for the normal growth and development of human fetuses, infants and children. In adults, it is necessary for the growth, development and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart and many other body organs. Copper is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting and oxygen transport. Copper is also known to stimulate the immune system, help repair injured tissues and promote healing. Copper has been shown to help neutralize "free radicals," which can cause severe damage to cells.

HAVE YOUR DOCTOR CHECK YOUR COPPER, ZINC AND SELENIUM SERUM BLOOD LEVELS

Until tomorrow…

JULY 22, 2019 DEFICIENCIES

1. Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is very common, especially among young women, children, and vegetarians. It may cause anemia, fatigue, a weakened immune system, and impaired brain function.

2. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is very common. Symptoms include muscle weakness, bone loss, an increased risk of fractures, and — in children — soft bones. It is very difficult to get sufficient amounts from your diet alone.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially in vegetarians, vegans, and older adults. The most common symptoms include blood disorders, impaired brain function, and elevated homocysteine levels.

4. Calcium deficiency
Low calcium intake is very common, especially in women of all ages and older adults. The main symptom of calcium deficiency is an increased risk of osteoporosis later in life.

JULY 22, 2019 DEFICIENCIES

1. Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is very common, especially among young women, children, and vegetarians. It may cause anemia, fatigue, a weakened immune system, and impaired brain function.

2. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is very common. Symptoms include muscle weakness, bone loss, an increased risk of fractures, and — in children — soft bones. It is very difficult to get sufficient amounts from your diet alone.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially in vegetarians, vegans, and older adults. The most common symptoms include blood disorders, impaired brain function, and elevated homocysteine levels.

4. Calcium deficiency
Low calcium intake is very common, especially in women of all ages and older adults. The main symptom of calcium deficiency is an increased risk of osteoporosis later in life.