JANUARY 13, 2021 HICCUPS

A hiccup is a common irrigation of the diaphragmatic nerves which cause involuntary inhalation of air. There are many remedies to hiccups. I have heard them all. Swallow water and hold for 10 minutes in your mouth or breath into a paper bag. The lowering of the diaphragm and the sudden closure of the vocal cords result sin the hiccup.
Perhaps mine was brought on by the carbonated water this weekend. Most of attacks only last a few minutes. Prolonged hiccups can exhaust you. Mine did not last long as I did the trick I always do.
I squirted some lemon juice to the back of my throat and then sucked on a fresh piece of lemon.

Lemons have great properties as a blood purifier, anti fungal, antiseptic and also aids in digestion. Lemons are great for cuts and scrapes. It also con control bladder and kidney infections.

In Fire Island it is great as an insect repellent for mosquitoes, flies and spiders. I encourage people to drink warm water and lemon juice first thing in the morning . It is great to detoxify the liver.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is though that there is either too much Cold or Hot in the system. I have a friend who practices homeopathy who swears by Nux Vomica for hiccups as well as Arsenicum. He also states that if the hiccups are emotional another remedy is Igatia.

Until tomorrow

JANUARY 12, 2020 SPORE BASED PROBIOTICS

Did you that the bacteria in your provide the brain with an abundance of neurotransmitters ? The ‘gut’ is often called the second brain. In recent years the information of the bacteria in the gut also known as the microbiome has provided much insight into disease states.

The World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology recently published a study regarding ‘ Oral based probiotics supplementation was associated with reduced incidence of post prandial dietary endotoxins and triglycerides.”

This is especially important as our ‘guts’ are constantly insulted by highly processed and calorie dense foods. If you couple this with one’s inability to exercise ( especially at this time of the Corona pandemic) has lead to the leading epidemic of obesity and diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are linked to the number one killer—Cardiovascular Diseases. There are also ads stated improved GI health with their probiotics. Yes there is improved ‘ GI health’ but what does that actually mean. Probiotic supplementation does not yield consistant results.

I have been reading articles published in many journals posted on the web site , “ Microbiome Labs.” I would suggest all practitioners pay attention to these studies

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 11, 2021 SWEET ANNIE

Although you might have an Aunt Annie who is sweet — I am talking about the plant Sweet Annie also known as Artemisia annua . Plants for centuries have been used against parasites and even tumors. So it is no surprise to me about this plant. So this antimalarial treatment is now being seriously considered and evaluated for its efficacy against COVID-19. The treatment is made from the plant Artemisia annua, which most people know as Sweet Wormwood Other names for this plant include Annual Sagewort

In a recent in vitro study, both pretreatment and treatment with artemisinin extracts, synthetic artemisinin and the drug artesunate were able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, artesunate was the most potent in terms of treatment, and from a clinical perspective may be the only one worth pursuing

• Artesunate’s mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 is as yet unknown, but artemisinin does have confirmed antiviral activity

This was published on Dr Mercola’s website .

There is more news The World Health Organization has come out in opposition to artemisinin-based products, warning their use can bolster drug-resistant strains of malaria parasites. For this reason, people living in malaria-prone areas should be cautious about using this plant remedy

In addition to the above I have discussed my patients to use zinc, vitamin C, Vitamin D and NAC. Personally I have found that low dose naltrexone ( LDN) has prevented COPVID in my patients who take LDN for autoimmune disease, cancer, chronic fatigue and Lyme. For myself I have been getting 8-10 bee stings with live bees at least two to three times a week. I believe this has prevented me from acquiring COVID.

Until tomorrow

JANUARY 9-10, 2021 VACCINE DILEMNA

Do I take the vaccine ? Do I not take the vaccine ? I thought I share with you observations from a microbiologist

Thai-German microbiologist Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi discussed the vaccine risks

The first striking observation made by Dr. Bhakdi was that the vaccine, “developed in partnership with US pharma giant Pfizer” was not tested on individuals that are most likely to die of the coronavirus: elderly people with pre-existing conditions. In fact, Dr. Bhakdi specifically points out that the test subjects were “young, healthy people”. Still, “half of them had fever, chills, muscle aches, aching limbs, headaches, and they felt sick,” said the doctor.

Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi explains that the second “major risk” is the fact that the gene-altering Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination “can cause very serious allergic reactions.” There have been reports of allergic reactions in patients receiving the vaccine

The third risk from the coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Bhakdi explains, is that it can “contribute an adverse overreaction to subsequent naturally occurring infections.” Bhakdi continues to say that the potential overreaction can also affect “other viruses” as well.

Reports from Pfizer and Moderna are conflicting from what this microbiologist states. Discuss receiving the vaccine with your health care professional.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 8, 2021 THEOBROMA COOCOA

You know it as Cocoa or Chocolate, but it actually comes from a plant. Theobroma cacao, also called the cacao tree and the cocoa tree, is a small (4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall) Evergreen tree in the family Malvacea native to the deep tropical regions of Mesoamerica Its seeds, cocoa beans, are used to make chocolate and its derivatives. There are many health benefits to consuming cocoa. There is a high amount of polyphenols in cocoa .

Among those benefits are modulation of peripheral and cerebral blood flow, insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism, immune response, decreased cancer risk, anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of gut microbiota, neuroprotection, and improved cognitive function

An article was published by the American Botanical Council and published in its HerbalGram. It was titled Systematic Review of Studies Suggests a Positive Effect of Cocoa Polyphenols on Memory and Executive Function

Barrera-Reyes PK, de Lara JC, González-Soto M, Tejero ME. Effects of cocoa-derived polyphenols on cognitive function in humans. Systematic review and analysis of methodological aspects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr.  March 2020;75(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s11130-019-00779-x.

It was an interesting study reviewing 271 patients. "Overall, this set of studies suggest a positive effect of cocoa polyphenols on memory and executive function. However, the available evidence is very diverse and future studies may address the identified sources of variation to strengthen current evidence on this promising field," write the authors.

So eat more high phenol dark chocolate

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 7, 2021 POMEGRANATE

I always question whether it was an apple or a pomegranate in the Garden of Eden. There have been many studies on the benefit of this fruit, its juice and its seeds.

Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices. It also has three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. We also know that the polyphenols in pomegranates exhibit antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycemic effects. The authors conducted a controlled clinical trial to study the effects of fresh PGJ on levels of insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and melatonin in adults with impaired fasting glucose

While reviewing my HerbalGram by the American Botanical Council on line in December 2020. The article was titled

Pomegranate Juice Produces Antihyperglycemic Response in Adults with Impaired Fasting Glucose

Banihani SA, Fashtaky RA, Makahleh SM, El-Akawi ZJ, Khabour OF, Saadeh NA. Effect of fresh pomegranate juice on the level of melatonin, insulin, and fasting serum glucose in healthy individuals and people with impaired fasting glucose. Food Sci Nutr. 2020;8(1):567-574. doi:10.1002/fsn3.1344.

In this study, fresh PGJ produced an antihyperglycemic response and a decrease in insulin resistance three hours after consumption in participants with IFG. All study participants experienced lower melatonin levels and higher insulin levels one hour after drinking PGJ. "These results provide some encouragement for people with prediabetes regarding fresh PGJ consumption as an alternative and safe-dietary contribution for blood glucose homeostasis," write the authors. This article is a nice, promising preliminary study of the antihyperglycemic effect of pomegranate juice in humans with IFG

I found this study to be useful and beneficial in my clinical practice.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 4, 2021 FIGHT CANCER WITH FOOD

We all musty protect ourselves against cancer, whether there is a family history of not. The environment causes cancer. The air we breathe, the food we eat and the environment are risk factors for cancer. Keep eating fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Please be careful for the fish that contains mercury. This are tuna, sushi and swordfish. See www.vitalchoice.com for a full list of healthy fish. Two superstar heart disease protectors in these foods may also help fight cancer. Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may be more powerful than we knew.

Found in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. Studies show they help maintain brain function. Experts are also looking at how well omega-3 fatty acids can protect against age-related mental decline, eye diseases, arthritis, and others conditions.
Some experts think omega-3s may help protect against cancer. "Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation," says Sarah Rafat, RD, a senior dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I utilize more than 4 grams ( 4,000 mg ) of EPA for most patients.

Cancers with a link to inflammation include:
1. Colorectal
2. Liver
3. Lung
4. Prostate

Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth, and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct. Diet and cancer studies show mixed results. Some suggest that a diet that's rich in omega-3s can protect you against certain cancers. Other studies show no benefit.



There's not enough proof to conclude that loading up on fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules will slow down or reverse your condition if you already have cancer. But several studies do suggest that a diet rich in omega-3s helps some cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy better. Fatty acids from fish may also help patients maintain weight and muscle mass. Expert suggestions: The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. If you don't eat fish, you can get omega-3s from canola oil and flax. Talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements. There is a link between high levels of omega-3s in the blood and an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are rich in antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some eye diseases, and various forms of cancer. Getting a single antioxidant from a pill, such as vitamin C or beta carotene, isn’t as protective. Supplements don't seem to protect against cancer or help fight it. If you want a regimen of supplements you need to see a Naturopathic Physician . Some antioxidants may even increase the risk of certain cancers. Experts also worry that high doses of antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

What we know so far: "We tell our patients to focus on food," says Veronica McLymont, PhD, director of food and nutrition services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Foods contain a mix of many different antioxidants, along with other nutrients and fiber. The more colorful your diet is the better, since antioxidants and other phytochemicals are often what give fruits and vegetables their color.

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 31, 2020 THERMOGRAPHY

Yesterday was the last moon of the decade. For those that do not follow the moons— here is what it tell us . "Consider the next two days as a sort of spiritual incubation period for heading into the new year, to be used to suss out conditions, behaviors, or relationships that do or do not provide you a sense of safety, protection, and emotional equilibrium. The Cancer moon is highly instinctual and witchy, and can therefore be used to banish what is weighing you down; the energies that you do not want to make space for in 2021!"

Thermography is not a new science. The latest and newest book THERMOGRAPHY The Fibrocystic and Dense Breast by Patricia Bowen-Luccardi is now available. I read this book in its manuscript form months ago and was impressed I even wrote a recommendation for the book which appears on the inside cover.

Not only do I believe in the Science of thermography but have been an advocate for its use as it is a radiation free. I have known the author as a friend and colleague for many years. We have collaborated on many patient cases over the years

Through Amanda’s Story in the book you become engaged in her struggle and that of other countless women. You will this book insightful, enlightening, and educational . The book’s author is beyond reproach and I am proud to know her

Until tomorrow…