MARCH 16, 2023 GREEN TEA

The benefits of green tea are beyond reproach. It is one of the most studied herbs in the world. Recently a study was published in HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council .

We know that Green tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) supplementation can positively affect energy and hormone balance. Green tea contains catechins which have been shown to increase fat oxidation and have anti-obesity effects. In a meta-analysis, green tea improved lipid and glucose metabolism. The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a 60-day dietary supplementation with green tea extract on adipose tissue dysfunction in overweight or class I obese post-menopausal sedentary women.

The authors conclude green tea has significant benefits for lipolysis pathway in women that are post menopause. Green tea was shown to decrease weight and body fat markers. One strength of this study was that the authors analyzed a variety of factors that can determine weight loss and change in body composition. Limitations included not measuring urinary nitrogen excretion, not being able to calculate protein oxidation, using a specific population of overweight and obese individuals, and having a small number of participants. Further research with different populations of individuals and a larger number of participants is needed to verify these results It was also a very small study group 14 participants in each arm of the study The study was originally published in

Rondanelli M, Gasparri C, Perna S, et al. A 60-day green tea extract supplementation counteracts the dysfunction of adipose tissue in overweight post-menopausal and class I obese women. Nutrients. December 2022;14(24):5209. doi:10.3390/nu14245209.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 15, 2023 PEA PROTEIN

There are many protein drinks available to the consumer. I use a variety of prescription based ones from Mutagenic and Orthomolecular. In addition I love Sun Warrior from Whole Foods where it contains pea, hemp and brown rice protein

Pea protein has become one of the most popular protein options in the plant-based world. And for some good reasons: It reduces land use and greenhouse gas emissions, it’s relatively inexpensive, and advocates say that it can provide significant health benefits.

Some states that “ Plant protein are not complete and do not build muscle. I disagree.

Many studies have shown that pea protein produces similar results to an animal-based protein when it comes to athletic performance and fitness results. This finding validates the lived experience of many plant-based athletes as well. Another reason to use pea vs meat protein is that pea protein doesn’t form harmful compounds in your digestive system. Meat — in particular, red meat — promotes the formation of TMAO, a nasty compound associated with the development of multiple inflammatory conditions

Another reason to use pea protein is this. Pea protein is better for gut health and weight management than whey protein. For example, it can support the growth of two types of beneficial gut bacteria: Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria

There are pros and cons to everything in life. Get the facts and make a decision. Pea protein is not right for everyone as whey protein is not right for everyone ( especially for those with dairy sensitivity or Type O blood )

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 14, 2023 AMERICAN APITHERAPY SOCIETY CONFERENCE 2023

As President of the AAS I am cordially inviting yiou to attend our conference May 19- 21, 2023 in beautiful Parsippany, New Jersey at the Embassy Suites by Hilton . I have been a board member of the 501 C for more than 10 years . If you cannot attend please donate

This year we are including our Live Bee Sting Workshop with the two-day registration.

Our speakers are versed, well known, and dynamic! For more information and registration options:

www.apitherapy.org

Speakers:

1.Andrew Cote: President New York City Beekeepers.

2.Dr. Dennison: Beekeeper, Apitherapist and speaker.

3.Dr. Patrick Fratellone: President American Apitherapy Society, Cardiologist.

4. Kristine Jacobson: Beekeeper & apitherapist,

5. Dr. Petrusia Kotlar: Vice President American Apitherapy, Chiropractor, beekeeper.

6. Marina Marchese: International Best-selling author, American honey Tasting Society.

7. Michael Szakacs: Beekeeper & apitherapist.

Keynote Speaker: Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac “The Role of Apitherapy in Integrative Medicine

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 13, 2023 MOLD

. 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).

IF YOU HAVE RECURRENT SINUSITIS YOU MIGHT HAVE MOLD

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?
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?

4. Do you feel sick when around hay or a barn?

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. All mold cause release toxins called mycotoxins. Some of these mycotoxins have been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, neurologic disease, and immunologic disease In our office we test for Mold using a kit from Great Plains Laboratory

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

Beware of mold!

Until tomorrow..

MARCH 9, 2023 THANK YOU

Tomorrow a milestone is achieved. On March 10, 2010 , I started writing this blog. I started writing a daily blog ( 7 days a week) It was in response to another individual writing a blog. I don’t know if their blog still exists. Yet as Bette Midler states and many other, “ I’m still here. “

It is a habit— a reflection of me and my character. I enjoy educating on the blog and teaching students in Naturopathic Medicine and Oriental Medicine.

I have written about diseaes, herbs and many other topics. On Fridays at the beginning of writing the blog I wrote about hobbies. Each of the hobbies I wrote about I have done. I continually do needlepoint. That hobby is now a mini side business where I sell needlepoint at Mongers Market in Bridgeport CT on Sundays as well as on a online store www.oldacquaintances.com

Most of all I want to thank you— the reader . I am deeply grateful and humble for your comments

Until tomorrow

MARCH 8, 2023 PINEAPPLES

Who doesn’t love a piece of pineapple ? Its sweet and has health benefits The pineapple plant, Ananas comosus, is a fairly short shrub, seldom growing as high as five feet. Contrary to popular belief, pineapples don’t grow on trees; they are actually part of the bromeliad family. Who knew !

Pineapples are a type of berry fruit called a collective or multiple fruit. Like most fruits, pineapple is rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phytonutrients — specifically vitamins C and A (the latter as carotene), folate, potassium, and manganese. It’s also a source of simple and complex carbohydrates, in the form of natural sugars and fiber, respectively. While pineapple is fairly high in sugar, it’s also 86% water and low on the glycemic index. So this is what you get in a pineapple: 82.5 kcal calories and the following

• 21.6 g carbohydrates

• 16.3 g sugars

• 2.31 g fiber

• 180 mg potassium

• 78.9 mg vitamin C

Pineapples are anti inflammatory, anti cancer and has good gut benefits If you have a latex allergy there can be a cross reaction with pineapples so please be careful Sometimes a pineapple can irritate the mucous membranes in some patients

All in all this is a beneficial fruit to add to your dietary lifestyle

Until tomorrow…

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…