NOVEMBER 19, 2019 SAFFRON
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food
This expensive spice appears to be as effective as the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH) used to treat children with ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This was published data from a small randomized trial at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. This group found there was no effective difference in the saffron vs MPH group.
Saffron and its active constituents appear to increase the reuptake inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine . Saffron is also a GABA alpha agonist. This needs to be studied more
Saffron has been traditionally used for its antispasmodic, antiseptic and anticancer and its anticonvulsant effects.
It makes sense that this study was done in Iran as Saffron is a Persian herb
Until tomorrow…
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…
House Calls with Dr. Fratellone
Integrative Cardiologist Patrick Fratellone, M.D. has noticed an alarming trend of treating health problems with ever-new-and-evolving drugs – often without regard to potentially dangerous side effects. Society is fixated on obtaining easy solutions, which require little or no participation by the patient. Drug therapy may provide only temporary solutions for symptomatic relief and lead to complications. In many cases, these medications are unnecessary and produce no great benefit. Instead, Dr. Fratellone focuses on using vitamins, herbs and supplements to treat and prevent disease. It has been over a decade since Dr. Fratellone blessed our ears with his radio show and even wrote a book based on his most frequently asked questions from that time. Now, he is back to provide listeners with all of his in-depth knowledge on integrative medicine, infectious disease, cardiology and so much more.
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First episode Friday 11/15