JANUARY 3, 2023 IMPAIRED GLUCOSE AND OYSTER MUSHROOMS

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is characterized by insulin resistance leading to postprandial hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with IGT are commonly overweight or obese and are at significant risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

There are many herbs that have been used and some even clinically studied. These include bitter melon, cinnamon and fenugreek. A double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial aimed to investigate the effects of β-glucan supplementation from whole oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotaceae) fruiting bodies on postprandial glucose, lipids, GI hormones, and appetite. This was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council

The authors conclude that meal fortification with oyster mushroom powder may help attenuate repeated postprandial metabolic deterioration and reduce the associated long-term consequences. Factors such as β-glucans/available CHO ratio, dosage, and preparation, should be a focus in future trials. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Until tomorrow…

Dicks L, Jakobs L, Sari M, et al. Fortifying a meal with oyster mushroom powder beneficially affects postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1, non-esterified free fatty acids and huger sensation in adults with impaired glucose tolerance: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial. Eur J Nutr. Mar 2022;61(2):687-701. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02674-1.

DECEMBER 29, 2022 OSTEOARTHRITIS

Millions of Americans suffer with a form of arthritis called Osteoarthritis (OA). Most of you have tried glucosamine with chondrotin. I find this effective but I have seen glucosamine increase blood sugar. A recent study revealed this is not effective for arthritis. I disagree with that study. I usually see relief from arthritis pain with a high dose MSM (upwards of 9 grams) as well as using tumeric

I believe that hyaluronic acid (also known as hyalurnan or HA) offers better relief from arthritis pain. HA is shock absorbing gel like substance that occurs naturally in our bodies especially in the skin, eyes and ALL JOINTS. The characteristic of HA is that it can attract and absorb 1000 times its weight in water, which makes it the ideal cushion and lubricant for the joints.

There are many roles for HA:

1. promotes cell rejuvenation and growth

2. Balances fluid around the cells

3. Reduces inflammation

4. Provides volume, fullness, and shape to the skin

5. cushions and protects the eyes and joints

6. protects cartilage from injury

When I was young I produced more HA. We all did. As we age we produce less HA. This means less cushioning effect, less firmness and lose joints. Thus if you fall when you are older--injury occurs.

So what kind do you get?

1. First get a liquid form of HA; the wetter the better

2. Only get high molecular weight HA; size does matter

3. Get a plant source of HA, (via microbial fermentation) not animal

Interesting is that more than 83 million Americans use Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to treat pain. The American Pain Foundation more than 10 years ago launched an online educational module focusing on safe use in complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their Pain Safety and Access for Everyone.

Until tomorrow

DECEMBER 28, 2022 MALE LIBIDO

If your dating life is not perfect, there is one common attempt to cure it: the anti depressant or the anti anxiety medication. These psychological medications can really throw off a great date when they affect sexual function. I see this especially in the male population. Factors like alcohol, the wrong foods, caffeine and definitely illicit drugs can also affect your sex drive.

For the male individual there are certain herbal remedies to ward off the problem. DO NOT stop your medications without talking to your doctor and doing it properly. It would be great if men would take the time to read, research and brew a cup of Damiana tea, but in today's ever popular quick fix world this will not happen. If a man cannot take the time to really date what makes him likely to boil water for a cup of tea? The quick fix is in a herbal pill like

1. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) - this herb has been used in Asia for thousands of years with great success. It boosts libido, and even treats erectile dysfunction. Is is easier to get cialis or Viagra? Sure it is but look at the side effect profile and the cost! Horny goat weed dilates blood vessels, increases sensitivity in nerve ending (of the penile vessels) and raises adrenaline levels. This is what one needs. A natural approach...

There are others lik

Tribulus, Panax Ginseng, and Damiana

There is also Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) - this herb is named for the Malaysian god known for sexual prowess. In this culture it is used as a daily tonic and for longevity. Maybe you should find some...

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 27, 2022 OBESITY

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. This is changing in New York City

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 25 kg/m2
Do you knwo 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 , the grapefruit 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'. You MUST STOP simple carbohydrates


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

DECEMBER 22, 2022 ARE YOU ALWAYS HUNGRY ?

Do you ever feel like you're always hungry? Like no matter what you eat, it's never enough? I can tell you this — you are not alone. Many of my patients feel this way. I sometimes, although rarely feel this way. I have learned through my experience to suppress my appetite naturally.

One way is I make sure I eat eat smaller portions, but I eat six meals a day. I have breakfast, then snack, then lunch, then snack and then dinner. I try to eat dinner no later than 7 pm. I drink most of my water during the day and little watyer as possible after 6 pm.

I also make sure I have protein at all of my meals. Even my snacks are p[rotein. This way I do not get highs and lows in my blood sugar. When you get lows in blood sugar you are in H A L T - Hungry, Angry Lonely and Tired. This is not a new concept but a concept from a 12 step program ( for which I have been in for nearly 29 years )

I also take many supplements especially my methylated B vitamins These help naturally suppress my appetite. There are many herbs that balance your sugar levels which suppress your appetite Some of these are bitter melon and cinnamon .

Although it isa the Holidays try to be good on your dietary lifestyle

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 21, 2022 HAIR GROWTH

uniperis communis was used in ancient Greece and Egypt to combat the spread of disease. The common name is Juniper. It is an evergreen shrub with bluish green stiff needles. Even the French used it in WW II for the same purpose of combating the spread of disease. Today I use juniper for those men with prostatitis and women with interstitial cystitis.

for my patients I have been using a variety of remedies for strengthening and growing hair. My favorites are Horsetail with Fennel. I used this before I decided to shave my head. There is a great nutraceutical called NutriFol for Men and Women This product works well. I have seen patients even add Biotin for hair growth

Here is a great hair and scalp tonic using rosemary, cedar wood and juniper.
Use10 drops of juniper essential oil, 8 drops of rosemary and 7 drops of cedarwood added to 1 1/2 fluid ounces (50 ml) or 9 teaspoons of olive oil.
Massage into the scalp before you wash it. Wrap the head in a warm towel for about two hours. Yes, 2 hours. Wash out with a mild shampoo massaging the shampoo into the hair before you wet it to remove all the oil. You will be amazed, refreshed and lively when you come out of the shower.

I also use rosemary and cedar wood with cypress oil for those adults and/or children with dandruff. I use 6 drops of rosemary, 6 drops of cedar wood and 4 drops of cypress oil in 50ml olive oil. Massage in and leave overnight. For the children I use half the amount of essential oils.

One thing to remember: Never use juniper for pregnant women.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 20, 2022 FEEL BETTER LIVE MORE

Every morning I have been listening to Dr Chatterjee in his podcast Live Better Live More It has been refreshing to listen to him and his guests who discuss my ideals, and how I treat patients.

This morning I listened to Episode 220 with Mel Robbins. Mel is a sought after motivational speaker in the world. She discussed how to change or rathe take control of your life. It is simply following the High 5 Habit

While listening to the podcast it made total sense to acknowledge yourself every day

I highly recommend listening to the podcasts by Dr R Chatterjee

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 19, 2022 DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY

Many elderly people feel a sense of worthlessness as they age. I believe it is the younger generation that needs to help them NOW, not later. Older people feel that they no longer matter to others . This is absolutely not true for me. I cherish old people. I have learned a lot from old people. If you start a conversation with them, you will find that older individuals certainly have purpose and/or usefulness.

Do you know any old people? I know plenty ! But truthfully I love old people. I can discuss history, the movies, and the 1939 Worlds Fair. You never want an older person to feel a sense of isolation. Have them participate in as many chores as they can. My grandfather (Poppy) worked until his late 80's traveling to NYC from Westchester taking the subway from the Bronx. He had a purpose to live despite the fact that he no longer had any children alive. He had his tomatoes, his work and he had us.

Sure there are anti depressant for the elderly. I prefer to treat the elderly with other disciplines of medicines like chinese herbalism, aromatherapy, homoeopathy, western herbs, flower essences and vitamins and minerals. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MEDICINE IS TAUGHT AT THE BEDSIDE NOT IN THE CLASSROOM WHEN IT COMES TO THE ELDERLY PATIENT. This translates that doctors should talk to the patient.

I always make sure that the older person has an adequate diet every day. I make sure he/she has enough B12 and folic acid. I check magnesium, potassium and calcium in their diet. I encourage plenty of antioxidants which can help delay some of the effects of aging.

I rely on two flower essences for comfort in the elderly. One is Cherry Plum and the other is Sweet Chestnut. The former is for "fear of the mind being over strained" while the other is for the "person who is anguished and stretched beyond endurance." In the field of homeopathy I prefer Ignatia for depression from a loss. I have seen many older individuals who have lost their spouse and more upsetting is the loss of a child. I know some homeopathic remedies and utilize them as often as I can.

The amount of herbs I use for depression and anxiety vary from individual to individual. I love the nervines in this regard. I use lemon balm (Melissa officiales) borage, limeflower, rosemary and vervain.

Ginseng is an herb I use for depression. It is useful for memory and confusion as well. I am careful not to use too much ginseng in the elderly as I have seen my reverse reactions.

Two remedies I learned from an elderly herbalist include using sage and cloves for lifting the mood. Both can be used as teas or can be added to food. As far as sage, I like the taste. When it comes to drinking clove tea, I usually add some chamomile, wild flower honey and even peppermint to help the taste. I am not fond of plain clove tea.

A gift for an elderly friend: A FRAGRANT POMANDER

1. Push cloves into an Orange or grapefruit

2. Attach a piece of ribbon and hang up for them when you visit.

3. It will freshen anyone's home and senses.

Until tomorrow...