NOVEMBER 18, 2019 INACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN ORAL MEDICATIONS

I recently read a disturbing study about inactive ingredients found in oral medications. As a prescriber, I was outraged. As physicians, we have lost our rights- medicine is controlled by the pharmaceutical industry as well as the health insurance companies. Yes we have a medical license, a DEA certificate and a prescription pad, but we do not always get to prescribe the medications we want or the test we need to perform on our patients.

Overall 92.8 percent of oral solid medications contain at least one ( if not more) potential allergens. This dats was published in the March 13 2019 issue of the journal, Science Translational Medicine. Data from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston revealed that an average tablet or capsule of 42,052 orals studied had 8.8 inactive ingredients. How is this possible ? Only 12 % of active pharmaceutical ingredients are free of inactive ingredients. This means that 88% of pharmaceutical ingredients have inactive ingredients that are allergens. These allergens cause problems or disease.

This is scary. Does this mean we are getting poisoned by taking prescription medications. Perhaps this is why so many Americans have turned to natural medicines as supplements and herbs. I would rather turn to an herb or plant as a treatment

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 16-17, 2019 LEVOTHYOXINE

Hypothyroidism has a high prevalence in the United States. I am not an endocrinologist but see at least 10 patients per week with either hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis( autoimmune thyroiditis) Levothyroxine is one of the most frequently prescribed medication in the United States. In 2016 there were 123 million prescriptions for levothyroxine . I prefer to use the name brands Synthroid and Tirosint instead of levothyroxine as I have seen individuals do better with the name brands. This is because there are no additives and no gluten in the name brands. Some FDA laws in 2007 required that synthetic T4 content in pills be within 5% of stated dose.

To tell you the truth , T4 which is levothyroxine is not enough for most patients. I do utilize T3 , synthetic as cytomel or liothyronine or natural as armour thyroid. For women or child bearing age I usually go with Synthroid or tirosint but have bene known to use T3 ( although not as effective ) for hypothyroidism or hashimoto’s

It is not unreasonable to try T3 in some patients. I have success with rotating thyroid , both T3 and T4 in most patients. I also recommend compounded thyroid in some patients. I have a special affinity for thyroid disease as for myself I have very controlled Hashimoto’s with TPO antibodies less than 25 ( from 1000) with using low dose naltrexone, selenium and a gluten free dietary lifestyle. I have used different thyroid medications throughout my life, now with no thyroid supplementation of any kind.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 15, 2019 BACK PAIN AND DIABETES

Did you know that individuals with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing back pain ? It has been shown that diabetics have an increased likelihood of developing back pain or spinal pain compared with those that do not have diabetes.

There were five studies involving 131,431 ( not a small study) which showed an increased likelihood of reporting back pain among people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. I am sure that this has to do with obesity among type II diabetic patients. There was one study indicating 30% of people with obesity developed chronic back pain over 10 years.

Since obesity is associated with less physical activity—this could be the reason . The abnormal sugar and lipid levels also play a role . These abnormalities reduce muscle blood flow and increase cartilage inflammation this making physical activity impossible. There are many causes why diabetics exercise less. We have to change this . As a physician it is my obligation to encourage my patients to exercise.

Until tomorrow…

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NOVEMBER 14, 2019 VACCINES ?

Are we giving too many vaccines to our children ? The answer is yes. We are inoculating diseases which are relatively benign in the vast majority of individuals as measles, chickenpox and mumps/ Why are we vaccinating against everything all at once and at a young age ? These questions need to be answered. For every bad effect someone will write a good effect or reasons to be vaccinated. There are some facts about children that should be considered

1 in 3 children are overweight

1 in 5 are obese

1 in 11 have asthma

1 in 10 have ADHD

1 in 2 have chronic illness

1 in 59 have autism

Do I keep telling you more statistics? In the 1970’s the statistic for autism was 1 in 100,000 and now it is 1 in 59. Do I need to say more. Why hasn’t the FDA studied vaccines and autism. This is a 160 fold increase Do I need to say more

Some want double blind randomized placebo controlled studies for herbs and supplements. I want a randomized, double blind placebo controlled study for vaccines. Is that unfair ? Would it prove anything?

I also am confused about this issue. I want what is right for children. I want NO disease in the world. This is impossible with an ever growing society of processed food, environment toxins and the agricultural industry

Think before you render an opinion. We are all entitled to an opinioin

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBVER 13, 2013 TESTOSTERONE

There is always discussion about the use of testosterone - the questions are being asked - is there a link between testosterone levels and the risk of experiencing heart disease? There is stilled mixed views with reviews and studies on the pros and cons. The use of testosterone has tripled over the last few years. The possible use of testosterone in other situations as male contraception, muscle wasting syndromes as HIV, erectile dysfunction and female hypoactive sexual disorders has increased its use. I have used testosterone in each of these conditions in addition to low hormone levels in men.

The FDA concluded there was a increased cardiovascular risk with use of testosterone. There was a decrease in using testosterone after this statement Even the Endocrine Society recommended against using testosterone in men with history of stroke or heart attacks.

There is a larger study evaluating this association but its results and conclusion will not be published for several years. I feel you have to be ‘ smart’ in its use and have levels checked every 3-4 times per year if on testosterone. Be proactive and find the correct health care practitioner.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 12, 2019 MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle is one of the best-known herbal remedies, discovered about 2,000 years ago. It is one of those rare herbs that can cure almost everything. It got its name from the milky-white substance that oozes from its leaves when cut. According to mythology, the milk-white substance was the Virgin Mary’s milk. This is why the leaves were said to have healing properties.

When you think of thistle you think of the healing properties it has for the liver. For people with scarred or damaged livers, milk thistle is a miracle worker. It heals damaged liver cells and protects existing liver cells from damage I use it for individuals with history of hepatitis A, B or C. I use it when Epstein Barr is acutely present or old, but has reactivated. Milk thistle detoxifies the liver by removing harmful toxins. It processes oxidative substances, which are harmful to the liver, which helps the liver stay strong by reducing the burden on it. I have seen that the regular use of the supplement may extend life expectancy especially among people with cirrhosis of the liver.

It is also good to reduce blood sugar levels. I usually add it to a individual’s regimen that has a cancer and it acts a for cancer support

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 11, 2019 MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is very important. It is an essential transmembrane and intracellular modulator of the electrical activity of the heart—the cardiac muscle. After potassium it is the second most important cation in the human body after magnesium. It can get too technical and into too much biochemistry for the lay person, but I need to tell you about magnesium and its use in preventing heart problems as arrhythmias , also called palpitations

The first use of magnesium use for life threatening arrhythmias was in 1935. Since then very little has been researched. There are facts and studies that digoxin ( made from the Foxglove plant) toxic rhythms respond well to magnesium administration. Magnesium administration can also terminate post myocardial infarction ( heart attack) ventricular arrhythmias . It also can terminate arrhythmias associated with coronary heart disease.

Magnesium IV is the drug of choice for a deadly arrhythmia called Torsade de Pointes VT . Oral magnesium n the appropriate dose and the proper type can be used for other illnesses as constipation, insomnia, anxiety and much more.