APRIL 16-18, 2021 LOW DOSE NALTREXONE

I am a proponent of low dose naltrexone( LDN). I have been using LDN for mroe than two decades. I was ahead of the curve on its use for autoimmune diseases as lupus, rheumatoid and hashimoto’s thyroiditis ( autoimmne thyroiditis) I myself used LDN to redcue my need for natural thyroid medications. I stopped using synthetic thyroids decades ago.

I use LDN in patients with cancer, patients with Lyme Disease and opatients with documented mast cell activation syndrome .

From this months Townsend Letter:

There are several gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and disorders for which low dose naltrexone has been applied as a therapeutic agent. The pathological factors that allow for the use of LDN in gut disorders and diseases include uncontrolled inflammation, abnormal immunity, increased intestinal permeability, increased visceral hypersensitivity, abnormal motility, and unregulated cellular growth.

The potential use of LDN or endorphins to treat motility disorders is not well known by clinicians. If LDN does lead to improved motility, then it could be used to treat constipation, abnormal small intestinal motility, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and gastroparesis.

I have used it in documented cases of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. For this disorders since complex it is not the only treatment., The treatment for documented MAST cell activation syndrome is immense.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 15, 2021 ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

Our body has cannabis receptors throughout the body. There are CB1 and CB2 receptors. The cB1 receptors target motor activity, appetite, short term memory, thinking and pain perception. The CB2 receptors are more broader than the CB1 and influence most of the body. Its receptors are in the gut, kidneys, pancreas, bone, eye, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory systems

This system has been discussed more because of the widespread use of the Cannabis plant. The plant itself has mroe than 80 different cannabinoids. The most abundant and nmost frequently discussed is THC. It is known for the psychoactive proerties. The second component Cannanidiol ( CBD) is NOT psychoactive and second most abundant. It is facsinating how many books and articles have been written about Cannabis. Cannabis in ancient times in China was used to treat malaria, menstrual disease, and gout. In medieval times it was used to treat eplipsy and pain. Until 1970, Cannabis was used for a multitude of illnesses. In 1970 after being regulated as a Schedule I, its use stopped. Only now is it becoming more frequent on the minbds of health care practitioners

Health care practitioners need to have an open mind.The published studies from 2012 and current discuss its wide use or rather ranges of diseases, cannabis can be used for. The use of cannabinoids for the meidcinal treatment of pain is widely known.

Be proactive on the use of both THC and CBD.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 14, 2021 VERVAIN

Vervain ( also known as Verbena officinalis) is an herb that has been used for centuries. Interestingly I have heard it mentioned on more than one occasion on the Netflix show, The Originals. Evidently this herb is used against vampires. Who knew ?

The two active ingredients in vervain are two glycosides, verbenalin and verbenine. The herb is used as a nervine . I have seen it used for irregular menses as well as liver disease I have seen it used for nervousness from liver disease. It is combined in equakl parts with skullcap, chamomille,valerian, oregon grape and ginger.

If you add Vitex to the above formula —it can be used for irregular menses.

I feel we do not use this herb enough. I feel it is a great herb for anxiety and sleeplessness.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 13, 2021 GLYPHOSATES

Glyphosates are toxic to our body. These chemicals have been linked to chronic disease.

Glyphosates are the active ingredient in the pesticide , RoundUp. Roundup should NOT be used. In addition to beng toxic to you — it is toxic to honeybess and has been linked to the decline in the bee populations

One study showed that glyphosate exposure can stmullte airway inflammation and promote asthma related cytokines. We take these substances in our body through food and water but also can found in individuals who vape and is found as a residue in biofuels.

For those on the westcoast— it is in the smoke/smog from raging fires

Be proactive in your health Find out about glyphosates

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 12, 2021 CASES RISING

Nearly half of the new cases are in 5 states - New York, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey These states together reported 44% of the nation's new COVID-19 infections, or nearly 197,500 new cases

Why is that ? It varies from state to state. For one not everyone are wearing masks ( especially if they have been vaccinated) and the second problem is the difficulty is getting the vaccines in some states, especially New York. Many of my patients who want to be vaccinated and fit criteria cannot get an apppointment . Why is this? There is a shortage of vaccines. I do not understand this.

The heavy concentration of new cases in states that account for 22% of the U.S. population has prompted some experts and elected officials to call for President Joe Biden’s administration to ship additional vaccine doses to those places. Please ship vaccines.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has publicly harangued the federal government about the need for a bigger vaccine allotment almost daily, a refrain he repeated when speaking to reporters . I do not wanbt to comment of my personal feelinsg of the mayor.

Spring break in states like Florida were laxed and we have had spread of variants. This pandemic is far from over. I expect like what has been written- THERE WILL BE an incerase in cases in the coming weeks. Please be smart- wear your mask, practice social distancing and get vaccinated( if you want to )

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 8, 2021 SKULLCAP

Scutellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin scutella, meaning "a small dish, tray or platter. There are two types of Skullcap- American and Chinese. The American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are used for different types of conditions. I mainly use the Amnerican Skullcap as a herbal nervine fort anxiety, stress , and relaxation.

Chinese skullcap ( SB) was part of a study prublishe din 2019 in a peer review journal. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized clinical study was to investigate whether the combination of Chinese skullcap ( SB) and metformin influenced intestinal microbiota in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

The study was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council.

Shin NR, Gu N, Choi HS, Kim H. Combined effects of Scutellaria baicalensis with metformin on glucose tolerance of patients with type 2 diabetes via gut microbiota modulation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. January 1, 2020;318(1):E52-E61. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00221.2019.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first double-blind, randomized clinical trial evaluating the combined effects of SB and metformin in patients with T2DM. SB treatment was demonstrated to ameliorate glucose intolerance, in part through the modulation of the gut microbiota composition. However, there were no differences in other clinical markers

There are many herbs that can used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Some include cinnamon, bitter melon, and gymnema. Chinese skullcap is another example of a herbal treatment that cna be used in diabetes.

More studies need to be done

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 7, 2021 DO YOU EAT KALE ?

There are super foods you should consume. Kale is considered the king of superfoods . If you didn’t already know it is a member of the Cabbage Family. It is a cruciferous vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and Brussels sprouts.

Kale has many antioxidant as beta caritene and Vitamin C . It also contains bioflavinoid and polphenols. Antioxidants are substrances that counteract free radical int he body. These free radicals can cause aginbg as well as chronic disease and even cancer.

Many individuals consume more spinach than kale. Yet kale is known to have 5 x more vitamin C than spinach. So Popeye was wrong - consume Kale. As a cardiologist I advocate mnroe eatinbg more Kale. Kale actually contains bile acid sequestrants, which can lower cholesterol levels. This might lead to a reduced risk of heart disease over time.

One study found that drinking kale juice every day for 12 weeks increased HDL (the “good”) cholesterol by 27% and lowered LDL levels by 10%, while also improving antioxidant status.

Lastly consuming Kale could be anti caner vegetable. One of its substances or compounds is sulforaphane This is a substance that has been shown to help fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level. Kale also contains indole 3 carbinol also kniown as DIM which is used in patients cancer especially breast cancer.

There is no reason not to conmsume kale.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 6, 2021 LUMBROKINASE

There are natural alternatives to allow the blood to become thinner. Of course there is a role for wafaron and anti platelet drugs in the field of medicine. All medications although are beneficial can have side effects and complications

For years I have recommended nattokinase fromt he fermented plant as well as garlic, ginkgo, and omega 3 fatty acis.

Lumbrokinase, a combo of six enzymes sourced from earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus ) , is known for its ability to support healthy blood flow, and heart and brain health. There are many enzyme in the body that are not just for digestion. I do recommend digestive enzymes as well as Creon .

Fibrinolytic enzymes also help remove fibrin, a clotting material that your body makes that can restrict blood flow in your arteries and connective or muscle tissue.

Fibrin can affect your heart and muscle health, and as you’ll soon see, the general well-being of your entire body.

While there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of lumbrokinase, most manufacturers recommend taking between one to two capsules daily; the dose can vary by brand, ranging from 20 to 40 milligrams (mg) on average.

Consult your health care practitioners about taking this supplement. It should not be taken with any other anti platelet drug or warfarin until consulting your doctor.

Until tomorrow…