JULY 1, 2020 WHAT IS CISTANCHE

Have you ever heard of Cistanche ? I didn’t . During the pandemic I have extensive reading on a variety of subjects. Since I enjoy plants I do most of my reading of species of plants for the garden as well as medicinal use. The major component of Cistanche tubulosa extract has been researched , studied and has published medical benefits.

Cistanche health benefits include enhancing immunity, sexual health, antioxidation, and neuroprotection. It's known for its anti-aging properties It has shown to improve sexual function in both men and females. Maybe you have heard of this plant. Cistanche goes by many different names: cistanche tubulosa, cistanche sinensis, cistanche sala, and cistanche deserticola. It is also called Rou Cong Rong by the Chinese and nicknamed “ginseng of the desert In Asian cultures it is used as anti aging plant with others. It is a powerful antioxidant which account for its anti aging properties. It has been shown to promote T cell lymphocyte production thus increasing life span.

The supplementation of Citanche has been shown to increase naïve T cells and natural killer ( NK) cells which decreasing pro inflammatory markers as Interleukin 6. There are other supplements which decrease the inflammatory marker, IL 6 as CHEA and omega 3 oils.

More needs to be studied on this herb. Cistanche could be opportunity to live a longer healthier life.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 30, 2020 NUTS, NUTS, NUTS

If you need a quick energy boosting and cancer preventing food I would suggest eating a variety of nuts. I have discussed the beneficial use of Walnuts and Almonds in the past as well as a variety of seeds as Pumpkin seeds. One nut , the Pecan has many health benefits.

When I think of Pecans I think of Virginia and Nancy Byrd’s Pecan pie. I wasn’t fond of pecans if not for the pie. However one ounce of pecans contains 3 grams of protein in addition to healthy fats ( like other nuts )

Pecans have been shown to decrease the bad cholesterol , LDL. Pecans are high in monosaturated fats. One specific one is oleic acid . It has been shown to lower the expression of a gene called Her2/neu This gene is involved with the expression of breast cancer. The activation of this gene is associated with aggressive breast tumors and a poor prognosis.

Perhaps this is the reason I recommend a Mediterranean diet ( without the bread and the pasta) as this diet is high in monosaturated fats like oleic acid.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 29, 2020 STRESS REDUCTION

It has been hard to reduce stress during the Corona pandemic. We do know that increased stress can reduce your immune system These high levels of stress which may include loss of work, financial insecurity and your health can trigger high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone. There are published studies that have shown that cortisol diminishes immune functions and can increase disease risk.

Cortisol is responsible for your flight or flight response that each of us has had at one point in our lives. When the stressful threat has passed cortisol levels are supposed to return to normal . With an ingoing pandemic, cortisol levels are most definitely ON. Sress can result in a decrease in lymphocytes. These immune cells are used to kill viruses, like Corona and other invaders of the body.

We do know from published that supplements rich in polyphenols can help promote a variety of biochemical activities especially reducing inflammation and decreasing cortisol One of the best and most studied herbs that is effective in reducing cortisol and inflammation is Green Tea. It is rich in a polyphenol EGCG.

There is also the lychee fruit which is rick in polyphenols. Lychee contain long chain polyphenols which are not easily absorbed. Life Extension has a new short chain lychee green tea blend which is excellent. (www.,lifeextension.com ) There are studies that this product with added Magnolia bark and Phellodedron bark can reduce cortisol. I also use many adaptogenic herbs in tea form and tablet form to help your stress. These tea blends and supplements are available at Botanical Bounty in NYC at 115 East 57th Street Suite 1510.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 25-28 2020 INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY

For the last five years I have taught Oncology at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. It was a task or endeavor I enjoyed doing for the students What started as a weekend intensive course 6 years ago was now a full semester of Integrative Approaches to Cancer. Not only are naturopathic doctors must know the conventional principles of oncology and specific cancers , but they approach the patient in a different perspective. As a integrative/functional medicine physician I use many approaches to the treatment of cancers. I introduce the patient to the world of botanicals that have been used in other countries for treatment as well as vitanutrients.

According the American Cancer Society in 2020 an estimated 276,000 will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Many of these individuals will die. Although treatments as radiation and chemotherapy are used, many will still succumb to this dreadful disease.

This is journey I have taken many times with my patients. It is a mental/ emotional and psychological journey. The treatment is demanding Only the patient and the families know what lies ahead. I provide integrative tools to complement conventional treatments. These include meditation, yoga, reiki, botanical ( herbal ) treatments, vitamins ( oral and intravenous) , acupuncture and many other modalities. I present all to the patient. I perform a battery of blood tests to further help with the treatment protocols. Some of these plants used are Carnivora, Ukraine, B17, Mistletoe , and a variety of medicinal mushrooms.

I believe every individual should know other treatment modalities used in other countries This is truly an integrative approach to cancer

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 24, 2020 ALARMING SPIKES

Corona virus is like the fires of Australia. It is never going to go completely away . Yesterday California reported more than 6,000 infections in a single day - the largest single day count since the pandemic started. The more troubling sign is the increase in the hospitalizations in the state in some areas

I feel this is due to increase in widespread testing and also because the virus like a fire continues to spread. We have to see if this all results in increase hospitalizations. I do know that you can help build your immune system with vitamin C, zinc, complete mushroom formula and herbal antivirals.

There are projections within some states. There is 170 % increase in what was reported for deaths to be 5,600 which will now be about 150,000 by October 2020. This is alarming. We will begin to see higher[projections in most states that initially were low. The virus is continuing to spread. Los Angeles has had more than 2000 new cases per week in the last four weeks. We expected an increase in cases as business reopened and individuals started back at normal routines. This is high than was expected

Health officials expected a surge. I feel California and other states will deal with the increasing numbers. We must be diligent and proactive

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 23, 2020 DEXAMETHASONE

Dexamethasone is not a new drug Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood, hormone and immune system disorder and used in treatment of certain cancers. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder drug .

This medication is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

Recently there are reports that it stopped or cut COVID deaths. The report of its use has NOT been published yet. The scientific expert in the U.K. Patrick Vallance called the result “ tremendous news” Even the FDA said “ this is a positive finding.” I am still skeptical as I want the study to be published and I want to see the data. There were drugs at the beginning of the pandemic that were touted ‘ cures’ or the “ best’ Some of these were in spoken by the covert narcissist in the White House.

This study has a good patient study population of more than 2,000 patient each receiving 6 mg of Dexamethasone. It is the first drug to improve survival. I like the fact that this is an inexpensive drug that can be used. We will await the results

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 22, 2020 HONEY AND VENOM

I read a lot. Especially about bees. A recent new book Honey and Venom is by friend/colleague Andrew Cote. He is president of the NYC Bee Keepers Association . His new book Honey and Venom Confessions of a Urban Beekeepers is a must read.

He is a fourth generation beekeeper raised with bees since childhood in is Fairfield CT home. He has installed some of the world-famous hives throughout New York City and in some of the most famous landmark buildings. Beekeeping has been legal in NYC since 2010. I had my first hives in Cherry Grove ,Fire Island and then on my terrace in NYC.

His book is educational, as well as funny with all of its stories. You will learn about beekeeping from one of the best. I love that he learned beekeeping from his father , Norm - an ex navy man like my own father.

Andrew is charming, intelligent and empathic. Empathetic for the periled honey bees. His approach to beekeeping and to bees is beyond approach. I admire this individual Get his book . You will not be disappointed. Check out Andrewshoney.com

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 19-21, 2020 NEW SURGES

I am glad I reside in Connecticut and New York City. At the beginning of the pandemic New York City had its share of deaths and filled hospital capacities. Despite what many might say, I feel Governor Cuomo did then and is still doing an excellent job. Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma and Texas have all reported increases in new cases this past week. Nevada reported its single highest day since May 23 rd. I can see remember how its governor was arguing with Anderson Cooper in an interview. I just don’t get it.

It is more than a possibility that there will be an increase in numbers. I attribute this to the businesses reopening in most of these states and the laxity of their residents. There is also an increase in cases due to the protesting in the streets to end racial injustice. Many are standing or marching close together without any masks. Does anyone wear a mask ?

Seventeen states have shown increases in numbers. I am not surprised. I am also not surprised that this occur throughout the summer and into the Fall. This is not a surge per se but a continuation of the pandemic. The real surge will come during the normal flu season in late Fall/early Winter.

Until tomorrow…