As I get older, my patients get older. One common complaint of the older female patient is frequent urination. In medicine since the 19th century this is termed interstitial cystitis. Most of the time there is no underlying pathology ( disease) and NO urinary tract infection detectable. I have had a pleasant woman describe her condition as 'the nervous bladder' condition. Psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression do play a role. There are signs and symptoms:
I have not seen any conventional treatment work completely. Whether you try amitriptyline ( an anti depressant), intravescicular treatment with DMSO or even have a surgical treatment ( hydrodistention) , I do not see significant improvement in all patients. So what do you do ? Some women seek other forms of medical treatment. Some try acupuncture, massage, and herbal or botanical treatment. I feel if conventional medicine does not offer a solid treatment, or the treatment does not agree with you --you have the right to seek other means. After all this is your body. Let's go back to Mother Earth.
DECEMBNER 6, 2021 UTERINE FIBROIDS
A common female problem is fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb), a female reproductive organ.
Other names for fibroids are : Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids; Here are some statistics abouit fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor. As many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause).
Fibroids usually affect women over age 30. They are rare in women under 20, and often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. They are more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
The cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. However, fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.
Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus:
1. Myometrial -- in the muscle wall of the uterus
2. Submucosal -- just under the surface of the uterine lining
3. Subserosal -- just under the outside covering of the uterus
4. Pendunculated -- occurring on a long stalk on the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterus
I have found that the symptoms vary from female to female. I am not a gynecologist, but as a general internist or integrative physician, I get asked is there something to shrink my fibroids. The more common symptoms of uterine fibroids are the following:
1. Abdominal fullness, gas, or constipation
2. Bleeding between periods
3. Increase in urinary frequency
4. Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), sometimes with the passage of blood clots
5. Menstrual periods that may last longer than normal
6. Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
7. Sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen
8. Pain during intercourse
9. There are often no symptoms.
To make a diagnosis of a fibroid, a pelvic examination may show an irregularly shaped, lumpy, or enlarged uterus. Frequently, this diagnosis is reliable. Since you do not want to confuse or misdiagnose a fibroid, a transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis of fibroids. Sometimes, a pelvic MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis. An endometrial biopsy (biopsy of the uterine lining) or laparoscopy may be needed to rule out cancer.
I am not a gynecologist, but as a general internist or integrative physician, I get asked is there something to shrink my fibroids.
Treatment
Treatment depends on various factors, including:
The common treatments include 1. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) to help control heavy periods; 2. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release the hormone progestin to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain; 3. Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periods; 4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naprosyn for cramps or pain; 5. Hormonal therapy (gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or Depo Leuprolide injections) may be used to help shrink the fibroids.
Then there is the dreaded surgery or resection.
There is the hysteroscopic resection of fibroids: These are for women who have fibroids growing inside the uterine cavity may need this outpatient procedure. In this procedure, a small camera and instruments are inserted through the cervix into the uterus to remove the fibroid tumors. The second procedure is Uterine artery embolization: This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to die and shrink. Uterine artery embolization is not used to treat large fibroids. Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should NOT have this procedure.
Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids. It is often the chosen treatment for women who want to have children, because it usually can preserve fertility. The third is a surgical procedure called a myomectomy. This is just removing the fibroid. An advantage of a myomectomy is that it controls pain or excessive bleeding that occurs in some women with uterine fibroids. More fibroids can develop after a myomectomy.
The most invasive surgery is the Total Hysterectomy: This invasive surgery may be an option if medicines do not work and other surgeries and procedures are not an option.
I have seen other non traditional treatments help with fibroids. The first one is acupuncture by a health care practitioner who works with acupuncture needles for the treatment of fibroids. These same practitioners have used acupuncture for fertility. I feel this is a sub specialty of accupuncture.
I always read what naturopathic doctor Tori Hudson has written She is an expert in this field.
I always turn to Tori for the answers to the herbs for .... in a woman.
The remedy I used to shrink the fibroids are the following:
Treatment protocol:
For promoting hormonal regulation : Chasteberry Vitex agnus
2.5 ml morning and evening
As a uterine tonic
Lady's mantle Alchemilla vulgaris 25 mL
Raspberry Rubus idaeus 30 mL
Nettles Urtica dioica) 20 mL
White peony Paeonia lactiflora 15 mL
Ginger Zingiber officinalis 10 mL
TOTAL 100 mL
I would be taking 3 mL twice a day for 3 months
I would try this before any procedure. I think it will slow down the bleeding and shrink the uterine fibroids.
I might add False unicorn ( Chamaelirium luteum) - 15mL in 2 months if you do not notice significant changes. You should see an overall reduction in symptom recurrence within two menstrual cycles. Reduction in the size of the fibroids 3-6 months. The fibroids might not be gone completely but enough of the symptoms as you might mitigate the need for surgical and any pharmaceutical treatment
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 2, 2021 THE PLANNT HUNTER
There are no coincidences in life. I recently purchased “ The Plant Hunter” - A Scientist Quest for Natural Medicines by Dr Casandra Quave. I started reading the book over the Thanksgiving Holiday on Monday after Thanksgiving , a dear patient, Marge D drops off an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal about the book.
A review reflected this —- “ No one understands this better than Dr. Cassandra Quave, whose groundbreaking research as a leading medical ethnobotanist--someone who identifies and studies plants that may be able to treat antimicrobial resistance and other threatening illnesses--is helping to provide clues for the next generation of advanced medicines. In The Plant Hunter, Dr. Quave weaves together science, botany, and memoir to tell us the extraordinary story of her own journey. Traveling by canoe, ATV, mule, airboat, and on foot, she has conducted field research in the flooded forests of the remote Amazon, the murky swamps of southern Florida, the rolling hills of central Italy, isolated mountaintops in Albania and Kosovo, and volcanic isles arising out of the Mediterranean—all in search of natural compounds, long-known to traditional healers, that could help save us all from the looming crisis of untreatable superbugs. “
The article in the Wall Street Journal on Saturday Sunday Review was very informative , accurate and keenly written to peek anyone’s interest who love plants. This book is needed at this time when infections are rampant throughout the world. We need plants for medicines. We need to save Mother Earth
I can’t stress enough how accurate and informative Dr Quave’s book is. This will make a perfect Christmas gift for any reader. You will understand the limits of synthetic medications and that we must tuurn to the plant kingdom once again.
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 1, 2021 PLANT BASED DIETARY LIFESTYLE
There is a misconception about the dietary lifestyle I use for my patients. I DO NOT stick to or am I ‘ stuck’ on a particularly dietary lifestyle. I say this as I worked for the late Robert Atkins MD of Atkins Diet fame. I am not advocating any particular dietary lifestyle as the Atkins Diet to a patient. I utilize a number of tests including blood typing to determine the affinity of the right dietary plan. I want a dietary lifestyle change NOT a diet . I utilize blood typing ( per my friend/colleague Peter D’adamo - Eat Right for Your Blood Type ), Ig G allergy testing from various companies, autoimmune testing, metal testing and general blood panels. From all of these I determine a patient’s dietary lifestyle plan. I do know that I do advocate a decrease or elimination of simple sugars as in simple carbohydrates.
Let’s talk about plant based dietary lifestyle changes. While a plant-based diet contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals, there are some nutrients missing or hard-to-get in the right dosages. This also be said of patient’s following an Atkins Diet or a Keto Diet ( which are basically meat eaters )
Vitamins such as B12 and D aren’t abundantly available from plant sources, while other nutrients, like zinc, magnesium, and selenium, are found in plant foods, but in increasingly less reliable quantities This doesn’t have to be so, yet we must then talk to the agricultural farmers in using better soil to grow plants
And nutrients like iodine, vitamin K2, and DHA/EPA omega-3s, are not commonly consumed by everyone who eats plant-based. (Those who eat lots of seaweed might get iodine there, for example, but many people don't eat any seaweed at all So what am I saying?
I am saying that whatever dietary lifestyle you are following you might be missing key essential nutrients. At our practice we offer personalized nutritional supplements using a unique lab. We use Integrated Genetic Solutions to determine what you need by conventional testing and genetic swab testing ( for certain genes) Call 212 421 3202 to schedule your visit to get IGS/Kashi Genetics to determine what vitamins/nutrients you need
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 30, 2021 MORE ANTI AGING
Yesterday I was sharing tips to slow the aging process. I want to reset your biological clock. I know I have been trying to reset mine for years. Dietary lifestyle and exercise changes have been two of my stepping stones in my 7 steps to a healthy lifestyle. With those two you must drink more water and have your physician discuss your body composition and weight. If your doctor cannot do it, see a nutritionist or nutrition advisor.
The ideal body weight is based on body mass index. Men should have a body fat composition less than 18% and females less than 22%. Did you know that by increasing your muscle mass you help reduce insulin sensitivity (which leads to diabetes) and other hormonal regulation? Another tip to slow aging is to stop nicotine. This is difficult. I should know.
Alcohol is very controversial. We do know that red wines are effective in certain biological processes since they contain resveratrol. Studies indicate 20 grams or a 6 oz glass of red wine is beneficial, however MORE is not better. MORE has detrimental health consequences. I am not an avid proponent of using alcohol to get your resveratrol content. I advocate using resveratrol in capsule form. I also know it is important to realize for yourself if you drink too much. Only you can accept this concept. Friends and family might have spoken those words. Remember the 3 A's: Awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance is the key.
There is no proof that any specific vita nutrient, mineral or supplement can prolong life. But there is no proof that they cannot either. If a nutrient has no harm to you if taken the correct way-then why wouldn't you take it? We do know that diet alone cannot allow you to obtain every mineral and vitamin. Studies indicate that co enzyme Q10, EGCG ( found in green tea) Vitamin C, D and the B can increase life expectancy in rats. What I do caution is that more sometimes is not better, as is the case with iron, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Be informed and be educated.
New studies have shown that increasing blood levels of glutathione, a powerful intracellular anti-oxidant can reduce the complications of heart attacks, strokes and some cancers. I believe in administering glutathione intravenously. During this last year with the COVID pandemic I gave a lot of intravenous glutathione. For those who are not fond of needles, you can take glutathione in powdered form. Some know that the precursor to glutathione is N-acetyl cysteine. Unfortunately you would have to take many 300 or 600 mg capsules to achieve the same effect as powdered or intravenous glutathione.
Personally, having a tablespoon of wildflower honey (raw honey) with its bactericidal effects against many organisms will increase life expectancy. Who could argue with a 2000 year old tradition? Also I have my son sting me with live bees ( BVT ) at least 2-3 times per week. Beekeepers in general have lived longer - some into their 100’s
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 29, 2021 RESVERATROL
One of the most important anti-aging nutrients is resveratrol. It is found in red wine, the skin of unripe young red grapes, grape seeds and even in peanuts.
It is also found in two herbs, one, is Polygonum cuspidatum and the other is Senna quinquangulata. These are Chinese and South American, respectively. Polygonum cuspidatum, is also known as Japanese knot weed The flowers are valued by some beekeepers as an important source of nectar for honeybees, at a time of year when little else is flowering. Japanese knot weed yields a mono floral honey, usually called bamboo honey by northeastern U.S. beekeepers, like a mild-flavored version of buckwheat honey . See everything comes back to the bees.
The young stems of knot weed are edible as a spring vegetable, with a flavor similar to mild rhubarb.If you a history of kidney stones I would caution you since this plant contains oxalates. Oxalates can be a cause of your kidney stones. This plant can also aggravate rheumatism, arthritis, gout, or hyperacidity.
Is your resveratrol from grapes or knotweed. Check the label. Both Japanese knot weed and giant knot weed are important concentrated sources of resveratrol, replacing grape byproducts. Many large supplement sources of resveratrol now use Japanese knot weed and use its scientific name in the supplement labels. The other source, is Senna quinquangulata. Senna is a genus of flowering plants containing at least 260 species, although only about 50 species are commercially important. Most species are native to tropical regions of the world, but a few grow in temperate regions.
Herbalists most often prescribe senna leaf tea as a laxative. S. quinquagulata is the another source of resveratrol. The various research studies on resveratrol are impressive. It is a powerful anti oxidant, anti inflammatory and some have used it against some cancers. Resveratrol even has an anti platelet effect. I have seen other doctors use resveratrol for cholesterol lowering effects. I use plant sterols, guggulipids, policosinol, green tea and red rice yeast for their cholesterol lowering effects. New studies indicate that resveratrol reduces the risk of colorectal cancer . Other studies state resveratrol can slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. More studies need to be completed. What is the correct dose for resveratrol ? Who knows. I suggest doses greater than 250 mg.
Stop aging. Follow the anti aging tips and take one resveratrol per day.
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 24, 2021 KEEP OUR GREEN PLANET
This is time where you should be thinking about the planet. As the year ends what has happened to disturb the eco-system of the planet. Plenty has happened. Natural disasters, and man-made disasters ( as oil spills ), global warming, wild fires, bees dying and a world wide pandemic
I want to run away sometimes. Have you ever felt that way. ? As the world' soil crisis spirals out of control, many consumers are trying to help. If you want to take a break ---a vacation otherwise known as a holiday have you ever thought to go to a green environment.
Years ago , I was a co owner in a Green Store called Simply Green in Fire Island , Cherry Grove . I do not think the community was ready for it. Perhaps after the recent pandemic, many people now realized that life is fragile and life is short. You need to support the planet in any way you can There are many ways.
I want to travel to places that are Green Globe 21. This is a world wide benchmarking and certification program for travel and tourism. These hotels and resorts are not everywhere. But those that are Green Globe 21 certified have met a certain number of environmental requirements. Those that are Green Globe 21 certified must be re-certified every year. This program encourages travelers to be environment conscious. I am trying to participate in such programs. I am not an expert. I am trying to be informed. If I am informed you can be informed. There are such eco-destinations. Google it and find out.
1. The Zion Lodge in Utah ( zionlodge.com )
2. 3 Rivers in Dominica (3riversdominica.com)
3. Canada ( canadianmoutainholidays.com)
It depends on the time of the year but option 1 and 2 are enticing. I want to see the diverse plants of each place, but I want the paradise of the island Dominica. ( and Costa Rica )
I count ALL of you reading this in my many many blessings this Thanksgiving 2021
Thank you
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 23, 2021 BRONCHITIS
During the Fall and winter there are increased cases of bronchitis. Most of the time when you go to a doctor with cough, no fever and malaise you will be placed on an antibiotic. As a physician I feel we over prescribe antibiotics during this time of the year. I don’t write for antibiotics as a first choice. I am not opposed to writing prescriptions. There are alternative to antibiotics. There are many herbal antibiotics- yarrow, echinacea, barberry, and many more. A recent study published in the American Botanical Council HerbalGram discussed Germanium as an alternative to antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance is a public health crisis that leads to treatment failure, prolonged hospital stays, and increased morbidity and mortality. As a widely used and viable option for treating mild respiratory infections, herbal medicines may reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, helping to reduce antibiotic resistance. Pelargonium sidoides DC (Geraniaceae) root extract has demonstrated efficacy in relieving symptoms of acute bronchitis in adults and children, but the overall quality of evidence remains low. I encourage patients to read Stephen Buehner’s book Herbal Antibiotics”
The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial was to determine the feasibility of examining Pelargonium sidoides (EPs® 7630 – Kaloba®; Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG; Karlsruhe, Germany) as an alternative to antibiotics for acute bronchitis.
The study was a good. Based on the study, the authors conclude that it is feasible and acceptable to recruit and follow up with patients with acute bronchitis to facilitate reduction in antibiotic use. However, the effectiveness of Kaloba for treating acute bronchitis is unknown as the trial was not powered to detect effectiveness
More studies need to be done on this herb and other herbs
This study was published in
Willcox M, Simpson C, Wilding S, et al. Pelargonium sidoides root extract for the treatment of acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection in adults: A feasibility double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. January 29, 2021;21(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03206-4.