DECEMBER 1, 2020 POMEGRANATE JUICE

Was it an apple or the pomegranate in the Garden of Eden ? There is much debate over this. Pomegranate (Punica granatum, Lythraceae) fruit contains various bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve biomarkers of CVD. I use pomegranate seeds as a natural aromatase inhibitor helping men increase their testosterone levels. Cardiovascular disease is still the numebr one killer in the United States. I try and read many different articles to help my patients in the best way I can.

A recent study was published in the HerbalGram of The American Botanical Council. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent abnormality in kidney structure, function, or both for at least three months. The disease, commonly attributed to type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, is classified by the degree of renal dysfunction as measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) or renal failure is the final stage of CKD, which can be fatal in the absence of renal transplant or hemodialysis (HD). The disease process of CKD increases inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, putting patients at significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). I found the article informative, useful and knowledgable.

Based on their findings, the authors conclude that eight weeks of PJ consumption may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL-C in patients receiving HD. Moreover, PJ consumption elicited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as evidenced by increased TAC and decreased MDA and IL-6 in these patients.

There were good outcomes and data obtained.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 PROSTATITIS

As men age some of us can get prostatitis. Prostatitis (swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland) is a significant health concern among men and characterized by painful or difficult urination. It can be caused by infection, injury, or an immune system disorder. There are conventional medications that can help depending on what caused the prostatitis. You do NOT always have to take a medication.

A recent study looked at the use of Boswellia and Propolis for treatment of prostatitis. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) resin has reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Propolis is a resin produced by honey bees mixing pollen, tree bark, and other plant components. It also has reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity

I am never amazed at the use of herbs for illness. Nor am I disappointed n the products of the beehive.

The study was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council. I teach at the Naturopathic College at the University of Bridgeport and the ArborVitae School of Medical Herbalism. I always encourage my students to join the American Botanical Council.

The authors conclude the boswellia/propolis suppository can safely reduce genitourinary pain and improve quality-of-life of men with symptomatic prostatitis.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 25, 2020 PEPTIDES

It is cutting age medicine. Peptides are in use in the United States There are more than 60 medicinal peptides used in clinical medicine These are used to repair, regenerate, support and improve the structure of certain parts of the body. Natural occurring peptides that are well known are growth hormone and thyroid hormone.

There is a difference between pharmaceutical drugs and medicinal peptides.

I have seen peptides used for :

1. decreased body fat and weight loss.

2. deeper better sleep

3. sexual drive

4. increased bone density

5. anti aging and regeneration

6. cellular energy produ8ction

7. Alzheimer’s disease

8. post stroke recovery

9. depression and much much more

   Medicinal peptides should only be obtained from FDA certified compounding pharmacies that provide 9o9.8 % purity and chemical integrity. Be careful who is prescribing these peptides and certification

   Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 BENZO USE

We are in a constant state of anxiety these days in America - part of it is the current health situation and part is the current political situations. There are many other stressors- fear of financial security, fear of being isolated, children not learning from on line and much more. Anxiety or anxious feelings are targets for the pharmaceutical industry and doctors to start anti anxiety medications. The problems with taking benzodiazepines as ativan, xanax, clonezepam, and valium long term are well known. These include dependence and withdrawal associated problems and addictions. These drugs also prevent pathways of growth which effect patient’s ability to manage their anxiety.

There are herbs and supplements that can interface or use the same benzodiazepines receptors in the brain and or GABA receptors for anxiety.

Some of the herbs that can help are passion flower, chamomille, lavender, rhodiola , valerian root , an d ashwagandha. Some supplements include theanine, and niacinamide.

I would consult your health care practitioner or a health care professional that can discuss the herbs and the medications.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 OMEGA 3

You must supplement fish oils in an effort to boost omega 3 fatty acid intake The supplementation must come from a fish source. This has clearly been demonstrated. Sure you have the tuna ( it might contain mercury) the halibut and the mackerel. Squid is another source. But lately there are studies on krill oil from these shrimp like crustaceans. There are high amounts of EPA and DHA in krill oil.

If you are one of these individuals who cannot use fish oil, you have a problem. You might say to the doctor that you use Flaxseed Oil. I think this is terrific but flax contains 52 - 55% omega3's as alpha linolenic acid ( ALA) not EPA / DHA. Also do not confuse the abbreviation ALA to stand for alpha lipoic acid.  It does not. Alpha lipoid acid is used as a supplement to reduce blood sugar levels

Medical conditions that may be treated or prevented with fish oil.
1. High triglycerides
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Heart Failure
4. Asthma
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
6. Bipolar disorder
7. Inflammatory bowel disease
8. Depression

Until tomorrow

NOVEMBER 20-22, 2020 HOPS

When you think of Hops, you might have know it is associated with bee. Others might think of it to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, Both are not wrong. Hops are commonly used orally for anxiety or sleep disorderss such as the inability to sleep or disturbed sleep due to rotating or nighttime work hours (shift work disorder), restlessness, tension, excitability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness, irritability, and symptoms of menopause among other uses. But there is limited scientific evidence to support using hopes for any of these conditions.

Recently an article published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council peeked my interest . Fuduka et al published a study about supplementation with matured hop bitter acids improves cognitive performance and mood state in healthy older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Others studies indicated that Hops was beneficial. In this study there were mixed results.

Clearly more needs to be studied . It was stated that “ Long-term studies are needed to assess MHBAs'( Mature Hops Bitter Acids ) effects on prevention or slowing of age-related cognitive decline and to avoid the learning and ceiling effects caused by repeating the same tests. More research on the role of the vagus nerve system in improving cognition is also required. “

I find all trials involving herbs need to be read by all including conventional (allopathic ) health care professionals. The studies should be noted . We should turn to Earth Mother more often for the common problems we see in the world.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 MODERNA VACCINE

There is a vaccine in the works. You have read it int he news. The Moderna vaccine reduced the risk of COV IOD 19 by 94.5 % There is the Pfizer-BioTech collaboration which released their preliminary data Both are fairly similar

In Moderna vaccine there were only 5 infections in patients who developed COVID after receiving the vaccine , mRNA-1273. Dr Fauci said this is better than he predicted. Moderna trial had 30,000 person trial . Is this enough ? It did have at least 37 % of the study population were from communities of color.

I don’t want to be one of the five that gets the infection. There are a lot of concerns I want to know what is in the vaccine. I feel I have a right to know all of the ingredients if I am to receive or mandated by law to get the vaccine

Moderna stated there were no safety concerns. Some aches and pain and headache . They stated these are limited. Both Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccine trials are continuing and the efficacy figures for both could decline by the time the trials are complete.

There is big money involved Billions and billions of dollars . All this data was in a press release NOT a scientific studies.

Until I see more data I have mixed feelings about this vaccine More to come…I am sure

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 APPLES

Have you ever thought about an apple. You know the saying “ An apple a Day keeps the doctor away. “ While lying on his death bed from tuberculosis in 1862 , well known writer Henry David Thoreau wrote an essay about apples which was published after his death, It was entitled ‘Wild Apples’- a must read on the ode to the apple through its history. In Michael Pollan’s book, “ Botany of Desire,” the first part of the book discusses the apple and its history. I urge you to read this book.

Perhaps being a doctor has intrigued my interest in Apples. I enjoy apples as part of my dietary regimen consuming at least 3 - 5 apples a week. This began my search for a book of Apples. Apples you think are truly American but they are not. The only apple trees in America were wild small bitter crab apples when first settled. The Europeans were smart enough to bring apple seedlings to be planted.

The book that drew my attention to this and much more is the Reaktion Botanical Series book on Apples by Marcia Reiss. There are 11 delicious chapters to read and digest ( no pun intended) with some called The Searching for Sweetness, Bad Apples, Good Apples and even Misplaced Apples.

You will come away after reading this book with a refreshness towards this fruit and more knowledge than ever thought possible.

Until tomorrow…