NOVEMBER 19-21, 2021 BLOATING

Gastrointestinal health is a major concern. THE GUT IS THE GATEWAY TO ALL DOSEASES. The "gut" is the basis of good health. If we have a clean gut we are healthy. I do not mean a clean large intestine or colon. I mean a clean small intestine. There are many ways to ensure good gut health. First is the dietary lifestyle change you must make. There must be less acidic foods ( as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, high glycemic ( sugar) fruits, less no no cow's dairy and less red meat. Your dietary lifestyle needs to be rich in fruit and vegetables of the season and low glycemic. Some low glycemic fruits include all the berries, apples, kiwi and pears. Your diet needs to be high in green leafy vegetables. This is beyond the salad every day. There needs to be leafy greens in your diet

You must fortify your GI ( gastrointestinal tract) which enhances the ability for nutrients from food and supplements to be optimally absorbed. If you do not have a healthy gut you will not have wellness in other areas of the body. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome. There are many causes of leaky gut the most important being food allergies, especially wheat and dairy. the other causes are yeast, chronic infections and heavy metal intoxication in the body. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms include bloating, cramping, loose stools and flatulence ( gas). Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nervousness, depression, insomnia , foggy thinking, recurrent infections and even skin rashes. This is because the gut produces serotonin ( a happy neurotransmitter) which is sent to the brain. A leaky gut will have less Serotonin thus mood swings, anxiety and insomnia.

I have found the combination of nutrients and botanical help soothe colonic irritation. I utilize the amino acid, L-glutamine as well as the good bacteria, also known as probiotics. Insufficient glutamine can present with atrophy, ulceration and necrosis of the colon lining. It is so important to take sufficient amounts of glutamine. Since absorption is a problem, the L-glutamine must be taken in powdered form
Other nutrients and botanicals I utilize are:

1. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice ( DGL)
2. Marshmallow leaf and root - in tincture 1/2 dropperful 2 x day
3. Meadowsweet leaf and root - in tincture 1/2 dropperful 2 x day
4. Berberine - many plants contain this yellow beneficial compound
5. Cabbage juice - fresh juicing
6. Phosphatidylcholine ( PC) powder or gel caps ( i prefer the powder mixed with the L-glutamine and probioitcs)

Diet is essential. Do not do all of the above herbs if you have no intention to change your dietary lifestyle. CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER ABOUT USE OF HERBS

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 SORE THROATS

When was the last time you had a sore throat? You certainly do not want one now as the winter is approaching. Sure there are preventative remedies, but what happens when you have a sore throat today?

Last week a 33 year old white male presented with a sore throat. There was a mild cough, no sputum production and no shortness of breath. He had his tonsils removed when he was 7 years old for recurrent infections.

The patient felt achy, fatigued and generally 'not well'. On examination his throat was reddened, no exudate and positive mucous. He has a post nasal drip. Sure he must have allergies but he denies any. He has never had allergy testing. He eats dairy and wheat. I didn't prescribe an antibiotic. I wanted the old fashioned hot, salt water gargle. It is the best gargle for whatever ails you. You know that - your mother told you that when you were a kid! As soon as you feel scratchiness or irritation - start the gargle.

There are other astringents you can add to the gargle as a tincture (1/2 dropperful) or essential oil (1 -2 drops maximum). These could be witch hazel, cherry bark, geranium root and bayberry bark. There are culinary herbs that are also great for gargling. These are sage, thyme and rosemary.

Do not swallow the salt alone or with an herb. The only time I recommend swallowing the gargle is if it is a tea tincture only. The deeper you are able to gargle- the better. You must use a good heaping teaspoon of salt with warm/hot water.

Now if you need more throat care and the throat or tonsil areas need to be swabbed you can make a great combination of herbs.

Here is a great blend for swabbing:

1. Usnea lichen 1/4 oz

2. Osha root 1/4 oz.

3. Marshmallow 1/4 oz

4. Slippery Elm 1/4 oz

5. Ginger 1/4 oz

6. Cayenne Pepper 1/4 oz ( OPTIONAL)

Both ginger or cayenne are for the brave adults who love 'hot'

Use a large cotton swab and place mixture on area or better yet 1/2 dropperful every 3 hours for 2 days.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 17, 2021 ANXIETY

ANXIETY disorders are most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults or 18% of the population. When calculating this is a lot of individuals. This means that 1 out of 5 people you know suffer from anxiety. Do you know anyone that has anxiety issues?
The group of anxiety disorders include post traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD), panic disorders, social phobia and generalized anxiety. Sometimes anxiety is also accompanied by depression.

There is a certain criteria that must be met to make a diagnosis of generalized anxiety. This is based on the DSM-IV criteria.
The criteria is:
1. at least six months of excessive anxiety and worry over events or situations
2. difficulty in controlling the anxiety and worry
3. presence for most days over the previous six months or more with the following symptoms
a. feeling wound up, tense or restless
b. easily fatigued or worn out
c. concentration problems
d. irritability
e. tension in muscles
f. difficulty in sleeping

To me this sounds like most of America at this time especially during our recent COVID pandemic

There is a relationship between diet and psychological symptoms. I often describe anxiety and the 'gut' or small intestine, sleep and the 'gut' and lack of focus, concentration and memory loss and the 'gut'
There are studies to prove this theory. In 2012, Jacka et al published a paper in Psychiatry after evaluating 1,046 women age 20-93 years looking at dietary and psychological symptoms. The study revealed that a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, meat , fish and whole grains was associated with a lower incidence of major depression, and anxiety disorders. They demonstrated that a diet of processed or fried foods, refined sugars, sugary products and beer had a higher score of psychological symptoms based on a questionnaire . I observe this in my practice all the time with men and women. I have found that a diet rich in gluten grains and cow's dairy is associated with a low serotonin, thus causing an increase in epinephrine ( thus causing anxiety), an increase in GABA ( thus causing sleep disorders) and a decrease in dopamine ( thus causing memory loss, lack of focus and concentration)
You do not have to be allergic to gluten to have these difficulties. If you are allergic to gluten we then will be discussing Celiac Disease. Most of America has non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance. This can be easily demonstrated on a IgG RAST test for food allergies/sensitivities.
There are numerous studies demonstrating that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids has a less likelihood of developing depression and/or anxiety. The higher intake of omega 3 fatty acids had a risk reduction of depression And anxiety higher than 30%. This type of study has been demonstrated in other studies.

The study that I found most interesting is using the amino acid, tryptophan. Bravo R et al studied the impact of adding this amino acid to cereal twice daily for treatment of sleep disorders. After three weeks the subjects demonstrated improvement in sleep efficacy, as well as improvement in depression and anxiety.

I use another form of tryptophan, called 5-hydroxy tryptophan ( 5 HTP) as it is more potent and biologically more active. Clinically, I get the same results. I use 5HTP in capsule form or liquid form without placing in cereal. I do not use cereal as the cereal if used should be gluten free. The only problem with processed gluten free products is that the amount of sugar is higher. This in itself can cause problems

Diet is extremely important in reducing anxiety and depression. You do not always have to be on a drug. Other treatment I advocate are psychotherapy, change in dietary and exercise lifestyle, meditation, yoga and hobbies. I am also partial to botanical for anxiety as skullcap, passionflower, California poppy, and hops
Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 16, 2021 MUSHROOMS

There are many benefits for mushrooms. Some of the pertinent points are:

1. Valuable mineral content , especially trace minerals

2. Mushrooms are a great slimming food

3. Many mushrooms regulate cholesterol especially Shiitake and Pleurotus

4. Mushrooms are high in fiber as chitin, lignan and cellulose

5. Mushrooms are high is vitamins especially B vitamins

6. There is very little fat in mushrooms ; There is no cholesterol

7. Mushrooms are an excellent source of protein , including all amino acids

8. Some of the species are

   1. Lentitins edodes Skittake

   2. Trametes versicolor Turkey tail

   3. Ganoderma lucidem Reishi

   4. Inonotus obliquus Chaga

   5. Wolfiporia cocos Hoelen, Fuling

   6. Pleurotus spp Oyster Mushroom

   7. Cordyceps militaris Cordyceps

   8. Hericeum erinaceous Lion’s mane

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 GARLIC AND ITS RELATIVES

There is one genus that can make you smile or cry but definitely can make you healthier. It is the Genus Allium. You know the genus by the species in it contains- garlic , leeks, shallots, and onions. There are also scallions and chives. The genus was originally in the Lily Family (Liliaceae) but now it is placed in the Amaryllidaceae Family best known for the amaryllis.

"TOMATOES AND OREGANO MAKE IT ITALIAN; WINE AND TARRAGON MAKE IT FRENCH; SOUR CREAM MAKES IT RUSSIAN; LEMON AND CINNAMON MAKE IT GREEK, SOY SAUCE MAKES IT CHINESE; GARLIC MAKES IT GOOD." - Alice May Brook

Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely known for its medicinal benefits. I published a paper on Garlic 3 years ago which is available at http://www.fratellonemedical.com/ under published papers. I reviewed many other papers and reviewed the benefits of garlic. There are many species of garlic - hard neck and soft neck garlic. Who do you think is the largest producer of garlic? No it is not Italy, but China. There is even an elephant garlic which is not a true garlic but closely related to leeks.

This year in the Black Rock CT gardens I planted many allium species. Onions (Allium cepa) is easy to grow. There is even a tree onion which is a cross between the common onion and the Welsh Onion.

This summer due to the Beekeeping and our 'girls' I planted chives on the patio in clay pots. Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is a perennial that produces pretty violet flowers which attracts bees. The common onion with its white/yellowish flowers attracts bees also (see photograph above - credit R. Byrd).

From growing the allium species before with my Poppy I can tell you you must make sure of one thing. The soil for the allium species has to be weed free. If grown from seedlings you must not let these fragile seedlings compete with the weeds. The weeds will win out.

Once the seedlings are well along you can mulch them with a shallow layer of straw and other leaves to prevent weed growth. I never understood why my Poppy surrounded most vegetable plants with mulch in his garden along the side of the house. Now I understand it was to reduce competition with weeds. Little did I know as a child. I sometimes wander in my thoughts wondering what if my Poppy and I could garden together now- how different would it be!

Many years ago I purchased the book Garlic and Other Alliums. I have read this 454 page book continuously between reading other books. There are 800 species of Allium. I was entertained by the history of garlic and its cultivation. I love the history of different plants. I learn more of the history by reading older herb books. I also found out how Allium has been portrayed in literature, poetry and art. If you are a fan of garlic whether involved in medicine, or a cook, or a garlic lover, I strongly recommend this classic book.

Allium species are mentioned in James Duke's Medicinal Plants of the Bible.

"We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes."

-Numbers 11:5-6 (KJV)

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 B12

What kind of B vitamins do you take? I always recommend a multi B. It is sometimes a B-50 multi or a B-100 multi. There is a problem with this as the B12 and folic acid need to be the methylated form in order to be absorbed.
The methyl form of Vitamin B12 and folic acid have important differences from other forms of the other B vitamins.
The methylated form of B12 called methylcobalamin is the bio active form. The body has to transform B12 from the diet into the methylcobalamin in order to have the best activity. So take the methylated version.

B12 is a very important vitamin for many body systems especially the red blood cells and neurological health. It is also important for a bad amino acid, called homocysteine which is reduced by using higher dosages of B12, especially the methylated form. A high homocysteine can affect the cardiovascular system, the bones and brain health. So ask your doctor to write for the higher dosages of methylated B12

The same is true of folic acid. You need a methylated folic acid. The folic acid needs to be converted to a more bio active form for the body to have the full capacity to use it for the many biochemical pathways. The bio active form is called MTHF. There are many individuals who are placed on folic acid (non methylated) for high homocysteine levels and get no response. One in twenty of these individuals have a genetic metabolic defect.

So it isn't so easy and direct for the physician to just give B12 and folic acid. Some thought process needs to take place on what form to use. I prefer the methylated form of both B12 and folic acid. I also use more than the RDA requirements for both B12 and folic acid- again always the methylated forms.

I usually prescribe 2.5 - 7.5 mg of folic acid (methylated) per day

I formulated a high dose folic acid with a methylated B12 for Botanical Bounty called Methylated B Call 646 723 1823 for your order

Until tomorrow

NOVEMBER 10, 2021 POST COVID SYMPTOMS

I have seen many patients with post COVID symptoms. The symptoms vary from patient to patient. Symptoms are not limited to cough, fever and shortness of breath ( dyspnea) Other symptoms can be neurological, gastrointestinal and even cardiovascular. The most common symptom has been fatigue, followed by fever and then body aches. Headache occurs in about 72 % of post covid patients and brain fog has been seen in 68 % of individuals The gastrointestinal symptoms vary but are seen in about 66 % of patients Your physician should not ignore your post covid symptoms.

There is no magic bullet. I use by functional and integrative background to help these patients. I use high dose intravenous Vitamin C with glutathione IV push after the antioxidant drip. Not every office has this ability. I use many supplements that are high quality as well as research based. Some of these supplements include high quality curcumin ( tumeric) as well as zinc and reduced glutathione .

I also want to balance the clotting mechanisms as clots have been a real issue with acute and post COVID patients. I balance the clotting mechanisms using omega 3 oils, nattokinase, and some herbs as ginkgo and garlic

The last but not forgotten system to balance is the energy system. You must restore the mitochondria ( the powerhouse of the cell) to give the patient energy. You start by restoring sleep using herbs and supplements. You must balance the three hormone systems- thyroid, female or male hormones and the adrenals. This is not a magic bullet . This could take some time. The patient has to understand the importance of balance in the body. This was all disrupted by the COVID virus. The autonomic nervous system needs to be looked at Many patients develop postural orthostatic tachycardia or neural mediated hypotension. This is called POTS. This is also commonly seen in Lyme patients. I can alleviate these symptoms by using compression stockings, adjusting salt intake and using adaptogenic herbs

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 9, 2021 MYCOTOXIN DETOX

Mycotoxins have been linked to a variety of diseases. It depends on the type of mold and the toxin that is associated with that disease. The mycotoxins from the mold Aspergillus are linked to Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer Disease. Many of the mycotoxins are carcinogenic, and decrease your immune system

An effective treatment that I have used is inhalation glutathione via a nebulizer. There are effective treatments using liposomal glutathione. This has been confirmed in published studies . I have read the use of liposomal glutathione cream have a 28 % increase in glutathione levels, a 400 % increase in NK cell function and a 25 % reduction in lipid peroxidation. Other treatment that have been used are charcoal and the medication cholestyramine. From my clinical perspective these last two treatments have side effects and most patients do not tolerate them.

I have used zeolite as a mycotoxin binder with some effectiveness. I have recommended MyoPul by Researched Nutritionals that features in its product two components. One is G-PUR a natural zeolite characterized by higher amounts of silica. This allows it to bind to mycotoxins, the metal aluminum and ammonia. Also in the product is humic acid. Humic acid increases binding.

Until tomorrow…