It is important to discuss dietary concerns when discussing thyroid function. The autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroiditis or Hashimoto's is linked to gluten sensitivity. I do think endocrinologists even discuss this when telling a patient he/she has Hashimoto's thyroidits. Is this autoimmune disease common? It occurs in 90% of all cases diagnosed with low thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism. The protein portion of gluten, called gliadin closely resembles the structure of the thyroid. When gliadin protein leaves the gut and enters the bloodstream it is then recognized as a foreign protein that stimulates antibodies. These antibodies tag the gliadin and at the same time attack the thyroid, thus making thyroid antibodies, TPO and thyroglobulin. The thyroid peroxidase antiodies (TPO) are more significant in Hashimoto's . Thus you must eliminate gluten (think 'BROW' - barley, rye, oats and wheat) from the diet. Healing the intestinal lining of the small intestines is critical to feeling better.
JANUARY 15-17, 2021 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR GOUT
Here are natural Remedy for Gout . I do not recommend all four herbs together I prefer both Devil's Claw and Celery Seed.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
This herb is well known as a herbal remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is also well indicated as a treatment for gout as it works as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory with a secondary action as a mild diuretic. Note that devil’s claw is not indicated if there are gastric ulcers or hyperchlorhydria (over production of digestive juices).
Celery Seed (Apium graveolins)
Celery seed has been used traditionally for the clearance of acidic metabolites via the kidneys, and traditional sources recommend its use for rheumatism, arthritis and gout. This herb has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity against chronic inflammation during an Australian open, pre-clinical trial of 12-weeks duration. People prone to gout may reduce the frequency and severity of their episodes by using celery Seed as a preventative measure. Do not take celery seed on your own. The doses must be changed if the patient has any sort of renal insufficiency.
These last two herbs I have discussed at other times as the great anti-inflammatory herbs/ I would also put Ginger in this group.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Tumeric is a member of the ginger family and has a distinctive yellow colour; and is often used as a spice and colouring agent. Curcumin, found in tumeric, which gives Tumeric’s bright colour, is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent. In two studies tumeric has shown to have similar efficacy to cortisone when taken at the tested dose of 6-12 grams. This high dose of tumeric may casue soime gastrointestinal upset. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Boswellia resin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The active constituents, boswellic acids, reduce the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes, which is a principle characteristic of gout. Improvement in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was observed in open trials for both boswellic acid and Boswellia. For gout, boswellia works well in combination with celery seed and ginger.
I have seen other herbalists use both rosemary and nettles for gout. I have used dandelion to decrease the fluid retention that sometimes occurs in gout. I have never used Juniper or Mugwort for Gout, but there is literature regarding these herbs.
While reading and studying for herbs I came across the Autumn Crocus also called the Meadow Saffron being used to treat gout. I will blog about this flower at another time.
Natural gout treatment is also aimed at treating the cause of gout, including dietary habits that have contributed to this condition and foods that help to relieve gout. Combining diet with a herbal and nutritional approach is the best way to proceed. If you want to improve elimination via the kidneys and liver, and reducing foods known to aggravate gout, is a sensible approach to an easily prevented condition.
Historically gout played a role in the American Revolution as well as the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson both signers suffered from severe gout. It has been said that Benjamin was carried to the Constitutional Convention due to his gouty symptoms.
Since gout was once considered the rich man disease you can see why King Henry VIII suffered from gout. Maybe it was his many wives that predisposed him. But then again he disposed of his wives rather quickly.
Uuntil tomorrow…
JANUARY 14, 2021 A CUP OF TEA
On a cold day who doesn't want a cup of tea ? Last night I felt stuffy so I had a cup of nettles tea. It was delicious with a 1/4 tsp of wild flower honey. This morning I have no stuffiness. I gain much information when I use a botancial for a patient for a specific condition. One herb, Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylancium ) has been used for centuries as a culinary herb, as well as for gastrointestinal disease. The conventional or allopathic community always wants studies, research and even sometimes double blind studies to show the efficacy and health benefits of an herb. While I find this important and necessary, I also feel that a health care practitioner clinical experience is important as well. Cinnamon has been one of the herbs that has recently been used more and more for diabetes. Although there are few human trials to study its efficacy, I have found it useful in controlling blood sugar levels as well as exerting a hypoglycemic control. I have relied on cinnamon alone to control blood sugar or glucose levels. I usually combine cinnamon with two or three other herbs, including fenugeek, rosemary and gymnena. I also have had much success with three vita-nutrients in high doses. These are chromium, alpha lipoic acid and vanadium. I always get asked how much cinnamon should I ingest on a daily basis? There are studies with ineffective blood sugar control at doses of 1 to 1.5 grams daily, with positive or beneficial effects at dosages of 6 grams daily. I do not know if I like cinnamon that much to ingest 6 grams unless I am using the method of delivery in capsules.
I also get asked , "Is cinnamon only used for sugar control" The answer is NO. There are other studies to support the anti-inflammatory effects of certain Cinnamon plant species, especially C. cassia. There are also anti-bacterial effects against some species of bacteria. Since some studies also support the anti oxidant effect of cinnamon I use Cinnamon as a supportive treatments for patients with cancer and other infectious diseases, as Lyme and HIV.
I have had success treating fungal infections with three herbs: Cinnamon, Thyme and Cloves. Oral thrush has been eliminated in 3 out of 5 patients using cinnamon in a small study. I have seen some herbalist using cinnamon for the eradication of H. pylori. I have never had success with cinnamon with H pylori. I prefer to use Mastica if the patient cannot tolerate the conventional oral antibiotics.
In children, the use of warming spices as cinnamon , ginger and cloves are an important treatment for chronic catarrh ( excessive mucous production) I do find that not every child will like the taste of some of these herbs. In children, I encourage elimination of wheat and dairy to eliminate catarrh.
Until tomorrow…
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.