OCTOBER 13, 2022 ESTROGENS

ESTROGEN is a steroid hormone synthesized from a cholesterol precursor. Cholesterol is the parent molecule for many hormones. This is critical for those taking cholesterol reducing drugs called statins. These statins block HMG co reductase so cholesterol is not made. Cholesterol is needed to make progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA , testosterone and many other hormones.

If you are a man you should continue to read this as estrogen is important for men and women. Estrogen is critical for women for growth and development, reproduction, sex characteristics, fat distribution and libido.

In men testosterone is converted to estrogen via an aromatase enzyme. Thus the more fat a male has may indicate high estrogen levels. Men can use natural aromatase enzyme blockers as chyrsin, pomegranate and quercitin to block this enzyme. This will result in higher natural testosterone levels and less estrogen levels, thus less male fat ( the side fat - all men have no matter how much exercise)

In both sexes, estrogen is important to maintain normal bone mineralization. This will be important so post menopausal women and even men do not develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.

We all should support healthy estrogen balance by optimal gastrointestinal health and balance, taking indole 3 carbinol and exercise. These three can minimize the risks associated with too much estrogen as cancers. I utilize the DUTCH test for hormone levels, I akso use natural hormonal replacement therapy comnpounded from a pharmacy for optimal health

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 12, 2022 SLEEP

Sleep is an important aspect of your life. We all need to get more sleep, including me. Sleep problems are the hallmark symptom of hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction. Yes it comes from the brain. Chronic stress affects the usual rhythm of cortisol and melatonin and we develop problems in getting quality sleep.

Sleep is divided into two categories: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. There are four stages of sleep. While we are sleeping we cycle between REM and NREM sleep throughout the night. Usually individuals begin with a cycle of NREM followed by a very short cycle of REM. Your dreams only occur in the REM stages.You must go through the four stages of non REM before entering a cycle of REM sleep is attained and then the cycle begin all over again. I find this very interesting. I am not going to describe all four stages.

I do want to discuss hormonal issues during sleep. It is during the deep stages (III and IV) of NREM sleep that the pituitary gland secretes growth hormone and the body performs the highest degree of metabolic repair. Human growth hormone stimulates the repair and regeneration of tissues, helps with absorption of minerals and muscles and builds bones. So you need your sleep.

The following conditions can result from loss of sleep:

1. Rise in cortisol levels and increased insulin resistance (after just six days of reduced sleep)

2. It will effect the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (this is the hormone that controls metabolism, body temperature, and hair growth)

3. Growth hormone release is reduced and prolonged

To find out why you have poor sleep you can see your doctor. However I am also confident that he/she will prescribe a sleeping agent, as ambien, trazadone or clonezepam.

I start looking at cortisol levels (baseline bloods) as well as saliva testing. In addition, hormonal testing especially progesterone and I also view the melatonin output and timing. These are done by certain labs and provide excellent input for your doctor to assist you in sleeping better. If I do need a sleep agent prior to getting these results I always prescribe a nervine herb or a homeopathic remedy - I prefer a cup of Skullcap or Lemon Balm tea

There is a great Podcast on sleep - How to Sleep for Peak Mental Performance with Dr Shane Credo. It was informative and easy to listen to I suggest this podcast for you

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 11, 2022 HOMEOPATHIC FLU SHOT

DID YOU GET YOUR FLU SHOT THIS YEAR ? I did, but not the regular flu shot you might consider. I have been getting a homeopathic flu shot every year for more than 20 years.

You an still get sick and the flu, with the regular shot if the strains were not matched well with this years strains that result in the flu. I prefer the homeopathic flu shot as it covers more than the strains in the regular flu shot

The CDC ( Center of Disease Control) does ADMIT that the antibody response is lower in populations over 60, thus reducing the shot's effectiveness. This is what the CDC stated yet we push the older population over 60 years old to get the regular flu shot. Why ?

Recent studies show that obese individuals can't count of the flu shot as there is a significant higher decline in influenza antibodies compared to healthy weight individuals.

In absolute terms, it is estimated that the regular flu shot actually only prevents the flu in 1.5 adults out of a 100.

Since the shot does admit to have neurotoxins and carcinogens ( as mercury and formaldehyde) there is potential for long term accumulation and health consequence.

There is great research that shows that vitamin D supplementation can potentially cut the flu risk by 40%. Are you taking your Vitamin D ? You should be taking higher doses on Vitamin D from the Fall to March. I usually recommend 4,000 - 6,000 mg per day. Sometimes I even use much higher doses.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 5, 2022 VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s a potent antioxidant that’s important to cell division, reproduction, cellular health, immunity, and eyesight.

It is not a vitamin that we discuss a lot. It is a fat soluble vitamin like D, E and K Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and is also important for healthy vision, growth, cell division, reproduction, cellular health, and immunity. It originates in a wide array of plant foods, such as leafy green vegetables and orange and yellow fruits and veggies.

We eat plants that contain vitamin A precursors, which are then converted into one of the three active forms of the vitamin. So you can get already synthesized vitamin A from meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, in the form of retinol and retinyl esters.

The Recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women. Depending on a condition or disease the individual is suffering from I might increase this RDA dose We discuss vitamin A when discussing eyesight and anti-oxidant activity, but we never talk about reproductive health and male health, So here’s the scoop

Vitamin A is essential for both male and female reproductive development. Specifically, it’s needed for healthy sperm production and egg development. Getting enough vitamin A is critical during pregnancy for the health and development of the placenta, as well as fetal tissue development and growth.

So the take away message is - Maske sure you are getting enough Vitamin A

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 4, 2022 THE BRAIN AND MOLD

For years I have discussed the effect of mold on the brain . Your brain is who you are. We must thank our brains for our personalities, our character and our ability to be happy. Unfortunately certain mold and its toxins can affect the performance of your brain. The toxins from mold called mycotoxins can adversely affect the blood brain barrier

There are several mycotoxins that can affect the brain Some of these are satratoxin, gliotoxin T2 toxin and ochratoxin. Gliotoxin and ochratoxin are from the black mold, Aspergillosis

There are universioty studies that have shown a clear lino between onchratoxin and the effects of the brain leading up to autism spectrum disorder. There have also been studies that have shown a clear association between onchratoxin and Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Equally thewre have been links to Multiple Sclerosis and Lou Gehrig’s Disease /Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS)

A study on Alzheimer’s Disease showed that type 3 AZ called cortical is a result of the exposure to mycotoxins Another study showed that onchratoxin A from Aspergillosis resulted in demyelination This same neurotoxin causes neurotoxicity through mitochondria dependent cell death in brain astrocytes ( brain cells)

The question I often ask myself is why neurologists aren’t conducting mold testing .Perhaps neurologists do not believe in the studies or the testing. You cannot do mold testing in NY State ! I utilize mold testing in my office in Connecticut in all patients that present with a history of neurological disorders. In addition, I test heavy metal intoxication

We live in a toxic world. I must to this testing .

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 3, 2022 THE SWEETEST AND THE HEALTHIEST

I can’t speak enough about HONEY. Honey has been around for centuries and is known as one of the oldest sweeteners in the world. It's natural, delicious, and packs a powerful nutritional punch. I harvest my own honey as a beekeeper. I have been a beekeeper for more than 12 years. I have been a member and then Board member of the American Apitherapy Society ( AAS ) . Recenty I became President of the AAS ( www.apitherapy.org )

I promote and use all products of the bee hive. Honey has long been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including coughs. Honey is thought to help suppress coughs by coating the throat and soothing irritation.

Additionally, the antibacterial properties of honey may help to fight off the infection that is causing the cough. Honey is also a natural expectorant, Honey is an antioxidant that can help to protect your body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, and they have been linked to a variety of health problems including cancer and heart disease.

Honey contains a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which have been shown to scavenge free radicals and reduce cell damage There is no downside to consuming honey I consume honey every day Studies show 1 teaspoon of honey increases your own production of melatonin. So have your teaspoon of raw honey at bedtime.

You can get HONEYBEEMD HONEY by purchasing at our office in NYC ( 115 East 57th Street Suite 1510 ) We are not shipping

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 INFLAMMATION

Curcumin is a potent anti-oxidant from tumeric ( Curcuma longa ) , a herb or traditional spice. It is often used in Middle Eastern cooking. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective activities. It is currently being studied by the National Institute of Health ( NIH) Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has strong NFkB inhibiting properties. This NFkB plays a crucial role on many chronic inflammatory conditions, especially the gastrointestinal conditions, as colitis, ulcerative colitis, andf Celiac Disease. The NFkB is strongly associated with cell death and including the expression of other mediators as COX-2 and i NOS. Curcumin does also inhibit growth factor beta and fibrogenisis,. These good benefits have shown to be positive markers and assist in help with Crohn's Disease.
It has been used in studies to heal ulcers while reducing abdominal pain.
There is even a study that curcumin inhibits H. pylori infection and inflammation of the gastric mucosal cells.

The studies on curcumin have proven its benefits. I add it to every patient’s regimen who has inflammation. There are other herbs and supplements I would add including ginger, glutamine quercetin, skullcap root and even green tea.

Seek natural remedies for inflammation instead of always going to the local drug store and buying an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agent as Motrin, Alleve et al. These non-steroidal over the counter class can cause many other problems.

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 HEMORRHOIDS

Hemorrhoids can be particularly painful whether internal or external. Hemorrhoids are nothing more than a dilated vein. Studies show hemorrhoids are common, yet only 4 % will seek medical attention. Some rely on the over-the-counter medications as Preparation H for treatment. There are botanical treatment that are very useful. I have used Butcher’s Broom ( Ruscus aculeatus ) and Horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) for use for internal hemorrhoids. The benefit of both these herbs is in the fact each contain saponins. In the case of Horse Chestnut these are called escins or aescins. These plants also contain flavinoids and tannins. Both are great for inflammation. Most herbal preparations for hemorrhoids contain the ever common Witch Hazel ( Hammamelis virginiana ) The leaves and bark are wildcrafted for medicinal use. Both leaves and bark contain tannins as well as catechins. I know the average patient thinks of this herb as a topical treatment . It can be used as a decoction.

One herb I have never used for hemorrhoids is Stone Root ( Collisonia canadensis) I have seen it used by elder herbalists with more experience than myself. It is a nonaromatic mint family herb. Who knew ! It has been used when a patient has signs of congestion I couldn’t find research on stone root.

Until tomorrow…