DECEMBER 27, 2021 A NEW YEAR

As the New Year approaches most of us make New Year Resolutions. Many will involve food and a new diet. It is common sense that if you take in more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Here in Manhattan where the most efficient mode of transportation is walking, we do not see a large number of obese individuals. But in other areas of the United States, how many overweight people will you see? I can tell you this, there will be NOT one or two, but 20 or 30 in a crowd.

Everyone says decrease the carbohydrates, increase the exercise and drink plenty of water. Then why are some of us still overweight? It is about changing a lifestyle, not just cutting down. I want to educate you about your self -image, self esteem and how psycho-social issues can drive the appetite--usually in the wrong direction. Are you an emotional eater? You have heard this before! When you get upset to you grab the chocolate, the bread or a cookie? Or do you starve yourself?

Are you obese. What is obesity? Obesity is defined as a BMI (Body Mass Index) of greater than 25 kg/m2
Do you know how to calculate your BMI? There are programs on the Internet that do it for you, but here it is: BMI = weight in kg/height in meters, squared. Use the BMI calculator on the Internet. It is far easier.

Have you tried any of the OTC (over the counter) aids to lose weight? Some are high fiber intended to be eaten before meals to decrease the absorption of food and calories. Many try fat burning pills to increase the use of fats. These can lead to irritability and disrupt normal metabolic pathways.

You might have tried the Cabbage Soup Diet, The God Makers Diet, The Blood Typing Diet and hundreds more. I am no expert on diets, but after co-working with founder of the most famous diet, Robert Atkins (The Atkins Diet) I have a few thoughts of my own. I will say time and time again, THERE IS NO ONE DIET FOR EVERYONE. A diet should be a lifestyle change. Again, think 'lifestyle change' instead of 'going on a diet'.


Desperation can make you gullible. This is the number one message for today before embarking on a new dietary lifestyle: DO YOU LOVE YOURSELF?

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBVER 22, 2021 HERBS USED IN PREGNANCY

Every pregnant female wants optimal health to deliver a healthy baby. Today , we live in uncertain times . This is due to the current COVID pandemic, and the toxic environment. Both Raspberry lead ( Rubus idaeus) and Nettle ( Urtica dioica) are high in nutrotional elements that are needed for a healthy uterus. Conventional ( allopathic) obstetricians do not recommend herbs.

Many herbs are safe and used in pregnancy. Nettle builds the blood and supports blood volume changes. It gives plenty of oxygen to the tissues. Many women feel it might cause contractions, but it does NOT.

Nettle strengthens the muscles of the uterus. There are other herbs that have nutritious as Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa) which contains plenty of magnesium and calcium. Some women feel more comfortable with Milky Oats ( Avena sativaDon’t forget Peppermint and Ginger for the upset stomachs during pregnancy

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 21, 2021 MYRRH

This is a herb that I commonly think of during the Holiday/Christmas time. It is commonly mentioned in the Bible. It was one of the gifts the Three Kings brought to Jesus/. It is native to southern Arabia ( Modern Oman and Yemen) as well as East Africa. Many Greek philosophers have written about myrrh. It is from the species Commiphora . The myrrh tree produces a sweet-smelling resin from its bark. In Ancient Greece and Rome it was a valuable and important commodity as was another herb, Frankincense. Myrrh is also commonly used it Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine.

Myrrh has many medicinal and health benefits. The herb has been known to kill bacteria and parasite, combats swelling and great for skin sores. Most commonly used is the oil of Myrrh. Traditionally it has been used for oral health and to decrease oral inflammation. I have seen myrrh used in natural mouthwash and toothpastes. Studies using myrrh were used in patients with Behcet’s disease. The painful mouth lesions associated with this disease were treated with mouthwash containing myrrh. 50% of individuals treated had complete relief from there lesions and 19 % had complete healing of their mouth sores.

Myrrh also supports healthy skin. It is excellent for wound healinng and decreasing skin inflammation

Never miss the opportunity to use Myrrh

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 20, 2021 GLUTEN FREE

"Gluten-Free" is a very real, researched, and scientifically sound lifestyle intervention that can change your life and health. I knew what ‘ gluten free’ was 20 years ago, but didn’t pay attention to it. I learned about gluten fere from my friend,/actress Jennifer Esposito. She has an autoimmune disease called Celiac Disease . It was from her and her book Jennifer’s Jennifer's Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease--What Doctors Don't Tell · which I learned and studied a gluten free lifestyle. She kindly wrote about when we met and what I told her to do about her Celiac Disease

When I went gluten-free over 10 years ago, most people had never heard of that term and had no idea what I was talking about. Now “gluten-free” has become somewhat of a health fad with everyone trying it out just because it’s popular. It is real. It is not a fad. It might be a fad for some people, but for individuals with Celiac Disease or Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity — it is real. Jennifer Esposito even wrote a second book , Jennifer’s Way Kitchen: Easy Allergen-Free, Anti Inflammatory Recipes for a Delicious Life. Gluten is a lectin. Naturally occurring, gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye. An intolerance for gluten can result in medical conditions that need to be managed with changed diets and lifestyle choices. Oat is also a gluten but can be consumed by some individuals. I can only consume oat if stated gluten free and I need to look at the source. Whole wheat bread, white bread, rye bread, sourdough bread and bagels contain gluten as well as noodles, gnocchi, and dumplings. There are more. Even condiments as ketcup, salad dressings, malt vinegar, soy sauce, marinades and certain gravy mixes

It is a dedication to be gluten free but as Jennifer states —it is easy. It is your health we are talking about not a fad

I urge you to read her books. Watch videos that we did through the years. I am proud of my friend Jennifer Esposito for being the first individual who has spoken out about Celiac and done something about it. Many individuals have gotten on the band wagon- but I know and love who started it.

Until tomorrow

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DECEMBER 16, 2021 SAW PALMETTO

Most men know that saw palmetto ( Serenoa repens ) is recognized for use in men’s health issues. Iy has been well studied, but there as always with herbs conflicting reports. It usually included in a herbal blend for prostate issues.

The hexane extracts from Saw palmetto has been studied and its efficacy has been studied in benign prostatic hypertrophy. You should know that hexane extracts has been found in several other fruits and vegetables.

I have used saw palmetto extensively in men’s benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) with much success. It has also been studied in acute and chronic prostatitis as well as androgenic alopecia. There was a 2020 systemic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this herb. The studies compared saw palmetto with an alpha blocker and without an alpha blocker (monotherapy) The saw palmetto with the alpha blocker was more beneficial than the alpha blocker alone for treatment of BPH There are many reviews . Some show no difference, and some show a difference in BPH with and without the alpha blockers. This is the conflict. Since there are no side effects of using saw palmetto I would rather use it to reduce BPH than not use at all I found excellent review summaries in Medicinal Herbs in Primary Care by Dr Bokelmann. I feel these studies should be read by allopathic or conventional urologists before starting conventional medications.

As with many diseases, we need to turn to plants for the answer

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 15, 2021 ADDICTIONS

I speak about addictions very freely and with all of my patients. I do this as I feel that addictions are no more than energy thieves. Whether the addiction is alcohol, drugs, nicotine, iPhone, family drama or perfectionism— they are all energy thieves. There are some foods that contain addictive substances.

One of these is white or milk chocolate. Both of these types of chocolate are chopped full of sugar and fat. These substances provide a dopamine fix, which makes you feel good. Dark chocolate does not have a lot fo sugar. The higher the percentage the less sugar and more bitter. Dark chocolate is beneficial to your health.

Diet soda is also very addictive. All soft drinks have sugar. As we have discussed, sugar triggers that happy feeling but many sodas have another ingredient and that is caffeine. Yes, caffeine can keep you awake but it can also become addictive. There are many substitutes as home made sun tea, herbal teas, and even just plain water flavored with fresh squeezed lemons of limes.

Stop these addictive foods now

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 14, 2021 SEA VEGETABLES

Do you consume any sea vegetables? Sea vegetables have played an important role in human diets for at least 10,000 years And they’re gaining traction around the world, thanks in part to today’s growing popularity of dried seaweed snacks and sushi. I am not a fan of sushi due to possibility of mercury and parasites, but very fond of the different varieties of sea vegetables.

Sea vegetables or most commonly called seaweeds are very popular and very nutritious. They can be considered super foods. They are great source of protein and many nutrients especially iodine. Many individuals are iodine deficient in the United States because they stopped using iodized salt.

One of the best sea weeds that I consume is Nori. Nori s a dried, pressed red seaweed. It has a naturally salty, umami flavor and is low in calories and high in minerals like vitamins B12, A, and C, along with iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Once you acquire the taste you will eat it as a snack instead of chips, cookies, and dried fruit. It is more nutritious than the above snacks. I also use another seaweed called Dulse when cooking. Dulse is also a red seaweed that adds tremendous flavor and nutrition to your food. Another seaweed is Arame.

Arame is a brown seaweed served in long, thin strands, often as part of a Japanese-inspired salad. With a slightly sweet flavor, it is high in fiber, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, and vitamin A. This seaweed is more of a garnish to food than to be tasted. Yet there are some individuals who prefer brown seaweed.

I encourage you to try seaweed as your next snack

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 13, 2021 BUTTERBUR

Butterbur ( Petasites hybridus) is not a commonly used herb among herbalists. I have used it on occasion for migraines. There are human studies on its use for allergic rhinitis, asthma, bladder dysfunction and prevention of gastric ulcers

A lot has been written on butterbur for migraines. There was a published systemic review in 2020 on 19 clinical trials . The studies concluded that several herbal medicines ( butterbur curcumin citron, coriander , methol and chamomile) had multifactorial physiological influence on migraines but more studies were warranted.

There was a study in 2006 using a formulation of butterbur called Petadolex for migraines. This study had statistical significance for use in migraines.

There is a major drawback and caution when using butterbur. The pyrrolizidine alkaloid more in the herbs roots than leaves has been reported to cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Although written I have not seen a case of hepatic veno-occlusive disease when using this herb.

I have used it for migraines with much success.

Until tomorrow…