MARCH 7, 2022 TREES

Trees are sacred you should one day look around at the trees thatr surround you. You will be amazed. Trees are the pillars of the world Trees are the backbone of the plant world and of good use to green witches who use them.

I have read a book of the Sacred Language of Trees The book enlightened me and made me respect trees more than I ever have. Trees have associations with magic and old folklore. For example, the Oak is associated with defense, thunder, strength, courage longevity and healing. The oak tree is very strong and durable. Peter Young wrote Oak which is a comprehensive look at the Oak tree The whole tree is used for various things- home structure, wands, whereas the bark is used to tan leather and as a dye.

Of all 16 trees that green witches use, the oak is used the most. There are maple, pine, cedar , rowan and poplar - to name a few. The poplar tree has magical associations as prosperity, communication, purification and even exorcisim.

Read about trees

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 3, 2022 RHODIOLA

When I think of Rhodiola ( Rhodiola rosea) I think of an adaptogenic herbs . I was introduced a long time ago to adaptogens by David Winston and Donny Yance. I have used this herb many times with effective results. I have used it for depression with moderate success. It has been used traditionally for menorrhagia, amenorrhea, female infertility, and male hypogonadism and male infertility. I have seen it used for burnout, fatigue and athletic stamina. There is some research on its use for cancer.

More interesting for me as a clinical cardiologist is its use for reducing reperfusion arrythmias ( after revascularization). It does this through beta endorphins and enkephalin increase. It also blunts the catecholamine response This is exciting news in the area of cardiology. There are allopathic drugs that can do this but some serious side effects. It addition I use rhodiola to reduce cardiac CRP with ginger and turmeric

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 2, 2022 CHOCOLATE

" What you see before you, my friend, is result of a lifetime of chocolate. " Kate Hepburn

Is a dog man's best friend or is it chocolate? Who doesn't have an infatuation with chocolate? Every holiday especially Valentine's Day, Christmas and Easter promotes chocolate. Chocolate lovers get the last laugh as chocolate is always getting better results on your health, especially cardiovascular and your memory. I wouldn't recommend milk chocolate to anyone as milk or dairy is inflammatory to the body and should be avoided. Dark chocolate is the way to go. I was one of the first physicians to work on the development a dark chocolate. It was called Chocolate Passion and sold at Bergdoff's. Unfortunately, I never signed a contract for my formulas- so the rest is history.

If you didn't know this, chocolate is made from plants. It always comes back to the plants. Chocolate has the same health benefits as eating dark leafy green vegetables. Chocolate has a type of antioxidants called polyphenols which are also found in green tea and red wine. Dark chocolate contains many antioxidants such as flavonoids which protect the body from free radical damage. There are 8 times more antioxidants in dark chocolate than strawberries.

Studies have shown that dark chocolate reduces blood pressure. The polyphenols found in chocolate also inhibit platelets from clumping, thus causing less incidence of atherosclerosis. Yes, there are fats in chocolate, but these fats are good and similar to those found in olive oil. These fats are oleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid.

I would love to eat dark chocolate very day, but there are those calories to watch for. If you eat dark chocolate every day then you must balance out some of the other calories. I like people to enjoy life, so two - three small squares is fine to just help the sweet tooth cravings.

So how much is enough. The Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a report that adding only half an ounce of dark chocolate to the average American diet is enough to increase total antioxidant capacity by 4% and lessen LDL cholesterol.

Do not forget that chocolate does contain a bit of caffeine in the substance theobromine. Some individuals are sensitive to chocolate and have reactions like palpitations or extra heart beats. Theobromine elevates moods as does the other substance in chocolate called phenethylamine. This substance releases endorphins. The last substance I want to discuss found in chocolate is anadamide. This is a fatty substance produced primarily in the brain. It does bind to the same cannabis receptors that marijuana binds to. I find this quite interesting. More study is needed on this topic.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 1, 2022 MOLD, MOLD, MOLD

We are all having allergies earlier this year. Spring came earlier and there was no winter to speak of for the Northeast Region. Mold is everywhere since the weather was not as cold, and even warm some days. Mold allergies are a result of extensive exposure to mold. All mold can affect breathing by either an immunologic reaction or an allergic reaction. Many of my patients suffer from both. The allergic reaction is the same when a person is allergic to dust mites and pollen. This is also a problem this time of the year but it is happening earlier. I utilize sub lingual antibody therapy against the allergens (regardless whether the dog, cat, dust, mold, trees, weeds and grasses) The immunologic reaction to mold occurs similarly to the way the body fights infection. It can be as mild as itching and swelling to severe body anaphylactic shock (which is rare).

Do you think you are allergic to mold?

1. Do you sneeze and get stuffy when you walk into a damp or musty house or basement or even a garage? I know my Rick gets really stuffy. He cannot even walk into an antique store when I shop for old records or books. Cleaning out the garage in Virginia was a task.

2. Raking leaves during and after Autumn creates severe mold allergies from the leaves fallen on the ground

3. Do you feel sick when you return to or clean out a summer home? This will be a problem when opening the house in Fire island as it has been closed since November.

4. Do you feel sick when around hay or a barn? I wish I had a farm with a barn. Sounds crazy, but not to me!

5. Do damp seasons make you feel miserable?

6. Does gardening or planting make you feel stuffy? Often there is a lot of mold in the moist garden soil.

MOLD IS EVERYWHERE! These single cell fungi are all over the world. Fungal spores (the reproductive part of the organism) are airborne. Mold is prevalent in moist warm climates but is also common in cold environments. Environmental mold is of great concern. A book called Fungus Causes Cancer has alarming theories and postulates. Mold is in air conditoning units and ducts, in carpets , in plaster boards and even drywall. It can be hard to eradicate. Sometimes it can be seen in the kitchen or bathroom. Wear a mask if you are attempting to clean up visible mold.

Mold causes disease. This will be discussed at a later date. But you can prevent mold in your home by:

1. Using a ventilation system to bring fresh filtered air

2. Seal air leaks to block entry of microbes and pollen

3. Make sure the walls and attics are insulated

4. Vacuum frequently

5. Take off wet shoes before entering your home

6. Do not leave wet towels lying around

7. Watch for mold in the bathroom

8. Prevent leaks in your roof and in the basement

9. Ventilate all areas of your home

My practices in both NYC and CT test for mold in patients. We utilize the mold kit from Great Plains

Beware of mold!

Until tommorrow

FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATKINS DIET

Recently I read a report about using the Atkins Diet for Infantile Spasms. I was intrigued as I worked for the late Robert Atkins, MD as his director of his center in NYC on East 55th street

The study looked at 91 children ages 9 months to 3 years There were positive results for those consuming the Modified Atkins Diet. We do know that the Atkins diet is used successfully for weight loss as patients achieve a state of ketosis Unlike the ketogenic diet (which has been beneficial in seizure disorder etc) the Atkins diet does not restrict fluid and does not need to be started in a hospital)

The article stated that since the Atkins diet is less restrictive than the ketogenic diet, it may be considered as an alternative to the ketogenic diet in children with infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome)

I want to thank Dr Atkins for giving the chance to work side by side with him many years ago. I highly respected and admired Robert Atkins He was a pioneer The work with him allowed me to explore and study supplements and herbs which I use today in my practice The work with him allowed me to study and complete the Fellowship of Integrative Medicine with Andrew Weil MD

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 24-27, 2022 FIGHT CANCER WITH FOOD

We all must protect ourselves against cancer, whether there is a family history of not. The environment causes cancer. The air we breathe, type food we eat, and the environment are risk factors for cancer. Keep eating fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Please be careful about the fish that contains mercury. This are tuna, sushi and swordfish. See www.vitalchoice.com for a full list of healthy fish. Two superstar heart disease protectors in these foods may also help fight cancer. Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may be more powerful than we knew.

Found in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. Studies show they help maintain brain function. Experts are also looking at how well omega-3 fatty acids can protect against age-related mental decline, eye diseases, arthritis, and other conditions.
Some experts think omega-3s may help protect against cancer. "Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation," says Sarah Rafat, RD, a senior dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I utilize more than 4 grams (4,000 mg) of EPA for most patients.

Cancers with a link to inflammation include:
1. Colorectal
2. Liver
3. Lung
4. Prostate

Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct. Diet and cancer studies show mixed results. Some suggest that a diet that's rich in omega-3s can protect you against certain cancers. Other studies show no benefit.


There's not enough proof to conclude that loading up on fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules will slow down or reverse your condition if you already have cancer. But several studies do suggest that a diet rich in omega-3s helps some cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy better. Fatty acids from fish may also help patients maintain weight and muscle mass. Expert suggestions: The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. If you don't eat fish, you can get omega-3s from canola oil and flax. Talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements. There is a link between high levels of omega-3s in the blood and an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are rich in antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some eye diseases, and various forms of cancer. Getting a single antioxidant from a pill, such as vitamin C or beta carotene, isn’t as protective. Supplements don't seem to protect against cancer or help fight it. Some antioxidants may even increase the risk of certain cancers. Experts also worry that high doses of antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

What we know so far: "We tell our patients to focus on food," says Veronica McLymont, PhD, director of food and nutrition services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Foods contain a mix of many different antioxidants, along with other nutrients and fiber. The more colorful your diet is the better, since antioxidants and other phytochemicals are often what give fruits and vegetables their color."

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 23, 2022 POMEGRANATE

There has recently been a lot of hype about the Acai Berry. A blend of the polyphenols increased antioxidant capacity by three-fold, making this berry more beneficial. The ORAC value for Acai is estimated at 18,400, leading the way with pomegranates and blackberries following. Studies show it can increase your life span and is now being used to treat some types of cancer. It now is being studied for its anti-cholesterol properties. It has been researched that the acai can lower LDL and total cholesterol.

The pomegranate is another fabulous berry. The question is whether there it was an apple in the Garden of Eden ? . Did Adam and Eve eat an apple? There is no indication that it was an apple. It possibly was the pomegranate. Even on Greek and Roman statues, what we think is portrayed as an apple is the pomegranate. There are many uses researched for this fruit. It has been used to reduce the potential of metastatic breast cancer. In other cancers pomegranate has been used in are the prostate, lung and colon. I have seen it being used to treat colitis. In some countries, pomegranate seeds are a delicacy. We are beginning in the United States to appreciate these delicious seeds. The seeds can also be used to increase testosterone levels. The seeds inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen The seeds act as aromatase inhibitors. Eating 1 -2 teaspoons per week can increase a man’s testosterone level.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 22, 2022 GUT MICROBIOME

It is fair to say that 10 years ago no one talked about A Gut Microbiome. It was not a well-studied topic and there was very little research on it., Today when discussing depression, anxiety, irritable bowel, dysbiosis and leaky gut- you must discuss the gut microbiome.

Gut microbiotas play a key role in regulating physiologic, metabolic and immune related processes. This imbalance can affect the symbiotic relationship between the microbiota and the host. This creates an environment susceptible to disease.

Today the current research has identified a possible connection between gut microbial imbalance and certain gastrointestinal disorders. This is very important.

There are GI consequences as bloating, flatulence, abdominal distention and constipation or diarrhea which affects us all. It is important your physician knows about the gut microbiome. It is equally important that you know about this

There are certain websites that can explain this. I feel the best one i have seen on the market is

www.thegutmicrobiome.com