JUNE 18, 2021 ARE HUMANS CAUSING PANDEMICS

Are humans causing pandemics? I recently read an article that not only made sense but is true. Thnink about it - we are depleting the Earth, we are destroying nature, we are killings bees, we are fracking, we are using pesticides, we are depleting our oceans and the list goes on and on.

“ydney School of Veterinary Science suggests pressure on ecosystems, climate change, and economic development are key factors associated with the diversification of pathogens (disease-causing agents, like viruses and bacteria).

This has the potential to lead to disease outbreaks The study also confirms increasing population growth and density are major drivers in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. The global human population has increased from about 1.6 billion in 1900 to about 7.8 billion today, putting pressure on ecosystems “

“As the human population increases, so does the demand for housing. To meet this demand, humans are encroaching on wild habitats. This increases interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and human beings which increases the potential for bugs to jump from animals to humans.”

After I finished reading the article I began to think. We as individuals can do something. You can be an advocate or activist for a cause. Celebrity individuals give donations. You do not have to give a donation but be part of. You can be part of a community garden in your neighborhood, or you can support you local beekeeper. Support your local farmer.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 17, 2021 MILK THISTLE

When you think of a herb that detoxifies the liver , most likely you will say Milk Thistle or even Dandelion. While Milk Thistle is good for the liver it has other benefits, I have never been a one herb- one disease practitioner. I feel this is due to my extensive career as a trained herbalist with the best of the best throughout my career. I owe this to Andrew Weil, Tierona Lowdog, Sevensong, David Winston , and many many more. I also have applied what I have learned in my practice through the years

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. Estmates of diabetes prevalence in people over age 64 are 50 % higher than those aged 45-64. It is also 6.3 times higher than those aged 18-44. So as we get older we must be aware of our sugar intake and must see a health care practitioner yearly.

Recent studies have shown that Milk Thistle helps support a healthy glucose balance and insulin sensitivity. In our Connecticut Integrative Medical Center we have a naturopathic doctor with insight into diabetes unlike no other. His name is Ryan Attar ND. His insight is astute, clever, research based and personal. It is personal as Dr Attar is a Type I diabetic. I encourage anyone with sugar imbalance to see Dr Attar

Milk Thistle reduced fasting glucose by 11 % and insulin sensitivity by 14 % . Do you think there will ever be a double blind study of a conventional glucose medication and milk thistle ? I doubt it. You don’t need one with the studies and research already done on Milk Thistle

In addition to diet lifestyle changes, other supplements like chromium, vanadium and herbs like fenugreek, bitter melon etc. and an appointment with myself and Dr Miles in NYC, or Dr Cooke and Dr Attar in Connecticut- try Milk Thistle

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 16, 2021 AMUR CORK TREE

How do I feel good ? At my age of 61 today I have used many supplements throughout my late 30’s to current. I want a supplement that will motivate me, put me in a good mood and always keep my cognition at its highest. Who doesn’t want this . So I found what I needed in a vegetarian capsule by Life Extension. I have been on the advisory board for this wonderful company for greater than 20 years.

I use a formula called Dopamine Advantage . It contains the Phellodendron bark also called Amur Cork Tree. In China, it has been used for the treatment of meningitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. In addition, the bark of the tree has compounds that may protect cartilage against arthritis, act as a chemopreventive agent for those with lung cancer, and prevent the growth of prostate tumors

As we age we know the neurotransmitter, dopamine will start to decline. This is due to the increase in the MAO- B enzyme. This is part of the aging process. It has been studied and the bark of this tree can preserve dopamine by inhibiting MAO-B activity. This allows me to feel sharper, more on target and in a good mood. So if you want some of the feel good neurotransmitter called Dopamine consider taking this bark. Consult your health care practitioner

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 15, 2021 NASTURTIUM OFFICINALES

Nasturtium officinales is better known as watercress or yellowcress. It is very edible. This year I planted seeds in pots in my small but practical greenhouse. To my excitement they start to grow. I repotted them this past weekend in a pot on the patio.

Their leaves are edible and full of vitamins and minerals. The leaves contain vitamin C and E . It is a tonic , stimulant and a blood purifier. The leaves are great in a salad. They have a peppery taste unlike mustard greens and arugula.

Try them I promise you will like them

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 14, 2021 EDIBLE PLANTS

Last week I received my copy of The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods by Dr Nicole Apelian. You must get a copy of this book. It discusses all edible plants, lichens, mushrooms and seaweeds. It is comprehensive and easy to read. It made me think how lucky I am that I have planted many small fruit trees on my property. This weekend I picked strawberries from my strawbverry ‘ field’ or rather patch. I also picked a Gooseberry off my bush

There are more than 50 species in the Ribes genus and all are edible. If you plant a Gooseberry bush you should be aware of its fine hairs and thorns at the bases of these plant. Its flower its green to purplish starting in April to June and then the picking begins of the gooseberry. You can start picking in June

The unripe ones are used for jams , pies and sauces. I found out if you want to see if ripe, give the berry a little squeeze. I picked one over the weekend that was unripe and tasted. It was very tart

In my new book which I love there is a recipe for Mackerel with Gooseberry sauce. You will not regret getting this book

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 10, 2021 EAT YOUR VEGETABLES AND FRUIT

Who doesn’t want to slow the aging process. You can feel better if you eat better You are what you eat. Consume more vegetables and fruit and slow the aging process. There are many superfood concentrates out there in powder form and capsule form. There are always promotional advertising for the best superfood supplement on the market I am not saying that the one you are taking isn’t good. I just want to see the contents

We do know that less than 1 in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables. This means that these individuals are on a fast track to decreased survival and longevity. In addition if he / she does survive- they will not be healthy.

Do you consume:

1. Broccoli

2. Blueberries

3. Green tea

4. Dark Chocolate

5. Apples

6. Tomatoes

7. Camu camu

8. Elderberries

9. Chokeberries

10. Spinach

There are superfood supplements that contain the above and more. Search them out. I prefer to eat some if not all of them fresh.

My breakfast is either a protein shake with almond butter, a gluten free cereal with different types of berries every third day, a hot gluten free cereal with raw honey and even can be 2 scoops of a nut butter. Change your diet today

Until tomorrow

JUNE 9, 2021 SULPORAPHANES

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, and cabbage. It has been shown to provide powerful health benefits. This is a natural health boosting compound. Research has shown that sulforaphanes are 105 x more potent than the antioxidant resveratrol ( found in grapes and red wine ) as well as 13 x more potent than curcumin ( tumeric )

So why use this natural compound ? Sulforaphane is a powerful phytochemical and research is starting to show it may help protect your body against cancer. I have used and recommended it in many of my cancer patients

When you think of its benefits you think of

It neutralizes toxins. Phytochemicals like sulforaphane are antioxidants  that cancel out free radicals. Free radical are tiny particles that weaken and damage healthy cells. They form in your body because of pollution, UV rays, food additives and preservatives, and even through natural processes like digestion.

It reduces inflammation. Because sulforaphane neutralizes toxins, it also calms inflammation in your body. Inflammation has been linked to several kinds of cancer.

It may protect your DNA. Some studies have shown that sulforaphane blocks mutations in DNA that lead to cancer.

It may slow tumor growth. Sulforaphane has been shown to reduce the ability of cancerous cells to multiply. That means it may slow tumor growth or reduce its ability to spread to other parts of your body.

I have no reason not to try these compounds. I would prefer taking it in a capsule form than consuming more broccoli or other greens than I already do consume

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 8, 2021 GLUCOSAMINE

When you hear the supplement name , glucosamine you think of bone and muscle diseases. It has traditionally been used for joint issues and usually combined with chondroitin and even MSM There was a significant study published that glucosamine reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It was a large study group of nearly 470,000 individuals who did not have CV disease and these individuals were followed for 7 years

The conclusion was surprising even to me. Glucosamine use was associated with a 22 % lower risk of cardiovascular death- which 18% lower risk of coronary artery disease and 9% lower risk of stroke. There are many reasons for this Glucosamine has been shown in several years to increase one’s lifespan. It is a potent activator of autophagy, This is a normal process which cells rid themselves of toxic metabolic waste.

I find the process of autophagy to be fascinating. More research needs to be done on herbs and supplements that are activators of autophagy It could be the way we can live and healthier and longer life

Until tomorrow…