MARCH 7, 2023 REMOVE THE FOOD --MAYBE ?

The removal of inflaming or offending foods is the key in patients who are allergic, but this is one approach. My other approach is to take the HERBAL approach.

Two MUSTS are probiotcs (friendly bacteria) and glutamine. I prefer powder form as the irritated gut needs soft repair and restoring abilities. It is a lot easier with a powder versus capsules or tablets.

I have been taught to use an antimicrobial tea (per many conferences at either Southwest Botanical Conference in Tempe AZ or the Medicine of the Earth conference in Asheville NC)

This tea consists of :

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice )

2. Matricaria recutia (Chamomile)

3. Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

4. Organum vulgare (Majoram)

I would mix equal parts of the above herbs (about 2-4 oz) and drink 1-2 cups per /day. The first two herbs, chamomile and licorice help rebuild the digestive mucosa and reduce the frequency and intensity of the GERD. There is an herb called Hamamelis that tightens the lower esophageal sphincter. This is one of the digestive barks. Of all the major systems in the body, I feel there are more herbs that can alleviate problems of the digestive system. I often utilize Weiss's Herbal Medicine text among others to mix/match herbs that I frequently use. There are simple demulcents for esophagitis (a precursor to GERD). These herbs can be used as teas or syrups. These are Althea, Ulmus and Symphytum.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 6,2023 BEAR ROOT

This American native herb is found in upland meadows in the south Rocky Mountains It has been used for a variety of purposes. Some burned it as an incense against evil spirits and dangerous pathogens. The native Americans chewed it for endurance

It is used specifically against viral infections, colds sore throat and upper congestion Its botanical name is Ligusticum porter It is called Osha Root I feel that Osha root is the best herbs for the lungs I love to use it with Horehound and Elecampne

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 2, 2023 ST JOHNS WORT

The herb St Johns Wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) is used in many clinical herbalists practice. It is used for depression. I use the homeopathic Hypericum for neuropathy in patients with diabetes or in a patient having post neuralgia symptoms from herpes or shingles. It also has a long history of traditional use to treat bacterial and viral infections, respiratory distress, skin wounds, peptic ulcers, and inflammation.

Of note there are many warnings in using St. Johns Wort when a patienmt is on some conventional medication. As an integrative physician/herbalist I know many herb-interactions but I rarely see them. An article appeared int he American Botanical Council HerbalGram which peaked my interest The active ingredients of St Johns Wort are hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. I was interested in the study to determine which active ingredient interacts with pharmaceutical drugs. Hyperforin was identified as the major compound in SJW interacting with pharmaceuticals. The interaction had to do with the enzyme CYP3A4. I determine which medication a patient can take based on doing a genetic test called Kashi. This test is a cheek swab to determine a patient’s Apo E gene, MTHFR genes and 7 CYP genes. The CYP genes can be fast, normal, intermediate or rapid metabolizers.

The authors conclude that SJW extracts with low hyperforin content (≤ 1 mg of hyperforin daily) are safe and recommended It was stated more studies need to be conducted. I would like to see more studies. I would also like to see herbs that interact with coumadin ( warfarin )

Original article published in : Nicolussi S, Drewe J, Butterweck V, Meyer zu Schwabedissen HE. Clinical relevance of St. John's wort drug interactions revisited. Br J Pharmacol. March 2020;177(6):1212-1226. doi: 10.111/bph.14936

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 1, 2023 DIABETES AND RESVERATROL

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder marked by ineffective insulin production by pancreatic beta cells or by the presence of increased insulin resistance to glucose. We have two epidemics in the United States- Diabetes and Obesity—both of which lead to heart disease.

Recently , the anti-oxidant Resveratrol has been studied for its effectiveness on glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Resveratrol is a nonflavonoid stilbene derivative polyphenol found in grapes (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae) and other fruits, peanuts (Arachis hypogaea, Fabaceae), and cocoa (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae)

An abstract of the study was published in the American Botanical Council’s HerbalGram -Mahjabeen W, Khan DA, Mirza SA. Role of resveratrol supplementation in regulation of glucose hemostasis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. June 2022;66:102819. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102819.

The study concluded that resveratrol supplementation improves glycemic control by reducing insulin resistance and significantly benefits chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and associated micro-RNA expression in patients with T2DM. Typically I add many anti oxidant to a diabetic patient’s vitamin list. I will be sure to include resveratrol in the future

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 28, 2023 LYCOPENE

LYCOPENE is an excellent antioxidant. It could protect against a staggering array of chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, male infertility, and cognitive decline. Any of us can eat lycopene rich foods or you can a supplement. Lycopene is present in the tomato

The tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, or “wolf-peach of the nightshade family,” was regarded by Linneaus as a dangerous group that included poisonous and hallucinogenic species long associated with witchcraft and the occult. As you know this is not true today. I love the description of plants from centuries ago It sheds light on many aspects of the plant/herb/fruit

Lycopene is also known as a non-provitamin A carotenoid (that is, unlike most carotenoids, your body doesn’t convert it to vitamin A). Instead, lycopene benefits your health by protecting fats, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage. I have lycopene for cancer as prostate, stomach and breast.

I have used Lycopene for male fertility problems. I use it with Coenzyme Q 10, zinc and selenium. Lycopene is excellent for sperm motility problems

As a cardiologist I use lycopene to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol ( HDL) It works through the same pathway as angiotension converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) thereby increasing nitric oxide which is a vasodilator. Thus lycopene can lower blood pressure

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 27, 2023 YOUR BLOOD TYPE

Knowing your blood type not only can be lifesaving in an emergency but it could shed light into your health. “ Eat Right for Your Blood Type by Dr Peter D’Adamo , ND was written more than decades ago. The letters A B and O represent various forms of the ABO gene which programs blood cells differently to form the different blood types, A, B, AB and O We do know Blood type O is the universal donor .It is also the blood type that would be affected by cholera where as blood type A and B are more prone to blood clot .

As far as foods there are good, neutral and avoid foods for each blood type I am a Blood Type O and I must avoid dairy, gluten, and peanuts Type O blood does well with all meats except pork. Type O does do well with avocados which is too bad as Ilove avocados. Each blood type in Dr D’Adamo’s book is carefully written, consie and well understood.

This past weekend I attended the Integrative Health Symposium in New York. I was more than proud to be present while David Brady ND handed Dr Petrer D’Adamo an award of excellence in the field of medicine foir his work of more than 25 years of service. It was not only for his NY Times best selling books for more than two decades, but for him as an example of what a doctor should be

Dr Peter D’Adamo is a friend/colleague who touches hearts and changes lives I am proud to know him

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 22, 2023 UVA URSI

I see many patients with urinary tract infections that have repeated UTI’s . These are females with either bladder incompetency as they age or interstitial cystitis and men with prostate issues. Antibiotics are effective but many organisms become resistant to the antibiotics after repeated use. I rather prefer botanical for urinary tract issues. There are many herbal antibiotics.

The botanical, Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) is used primarily to treat urinary tract infections. It acts as an antiseptic and is most effective in an alkaline environment. Although capsules are effective, I prefer the tincture. I use 1 teaspoon two to three times a day during acute UTI's. After the symptoms subside I use D-mannose (active ingredient: cranberry). There are many active ingredients in this botanical. Some are ursolic acid (which acts like a diuretic), tannins, resins and phenolic acid.

The class of berberines can be used for urinary tract infections. These include Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifolium). Both are antibacterial and inhibit bacteria from adhering. The main constituent for both is berberine. I feel that Goldenseal is overused. Most individuals when they feel ill will go a local health food store and buy echinacea and goldenseal. I use more Oregon grape root in lung, sinus and mouth infections rather than for urinary tract infections. I prefer adding the Oregon grape tincture 1 dropperful to a cup of simmering ginger tea

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 21, 2023 GENIUS FOODS

“We deserve better brains and the secret lies in our food. “ - Max Lugavere

Nearly 41 years ago, my mother died at age 51 from a brain aneurysm At that time giving her CPR I didn’t know that. I blamed myself as CPR failed and I went done a road of despair and addiction. Thirteen after that event, I entered a world of sobriety and for the last 28 1/2 years I have used that event to change my life and the lives of others. I look now at the positive aspects of my past, not the negative There are no coincidences. There are no mistakes—only lessons. Through medicine, diet, education, herbs and knowledge I am fulfilling my destiny.

This is not unlike Max Lugavere, a science journalist and best-selling author. He has his drive from the death of his mother to the devastating disease, Lewy Body dementia. His books Genius Foods, The Genius Life and his cookbook Genius Kitchen shares evidence-based principles that will help anyone. Whether you are a vegan or a carnivore. We all should know this - THERE IS NO ONE DIET FOR ALL I believe in looking at all aspects of many different dietary lifestyles. I do like the Mediterranean Diet. I do know this from working with the late Robert Atkins MD . It is all about refined carbohydrates which in is sugar and processed foods.

I relate to Max in many respects… especially his passion to help others and to communicate healthy lifestyles to others. He talks about science to others in the best way he can He does a brilliant job. Listen to his podcast. He was on Dr Chatterjee’s podcast Live More, Feel Better earlier this year.

Until tomorrow…