DECEMBER 18, 2023 VITAMIN A

Very few of us today take separate Vitamin A. It is commonly in most of our multivitamins  and definitely present in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness and dryness of the eyes. The drying can result in corneal ulcers and infection. 

Also the lack of Vitamin A can result in squamous metaplasia. This is where there is a normal protection that is gone. The protection of these ciliated mucous membranes is absent in certain areas leading to squamous metaplasia which will then lead to cancer,

Vitamin A also has the distinction of being the anti infective vitamin. It is very useful in lung disorders as COPD ( emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia)

As with the other fat soluble vitamins ( D, E and K) over dosage can lead to problems. I know a physician that prescribes it five days on and three days off. This is a good practice. The overdosage of vitamin A ( hypervitaminosis A) can present with band like headaches, nose bleeds, and even chapped lips.

There are some pediatricians who believe that Vitamin A protects children against otitis media ( middle ear infection)

Make sure your multi vitamin has Vitamin A. If not you can take an extra 10,000 IU without any adverse effects.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 14 2023 NUTS NUTS NUTS

So before the cheese dishes and before the main entree you might put a bowl of nuts before your guests. I remember the nut platters out for the holidays Which types of nuts do you use ? Do you think it makes a difference? Well, there should be no peanuts. Nuts are an excellent source of B complex vitamins and Vitamin E. Although Vitamin E can be controversial, it is a very potent anti oxidant. Nuts are also a useful source of protein, but can be high is calories. This means you cannot eat a bagful or handful(s) in one sitting.
Here are some nut facts:
1. Brazil nuts - high in saturated fat, but low in cholesterol. Rich source of selenium Essential for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
2. Chestnuts - usually seen at this time of the year- Holidays; very little fat but high in potassium.
3. Pecan nuts - high in fat; I prefer you do not eat a lot Not great for blood Type O
4. Walnuts - great source of omega 3 fatty acids ( better than almonds) They are also useful for inflammation especially of the joints. Walnuts are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc , copper and selenium

In my childhood after the main dinner came the nut and fruit platters. The nut crackers were put on the table. Then the espresso pot went on the stove and the pastries. It was a wonderful time of my life when 30 people gathered around the table. I truly miss those days
NEVER eat a rancid nut as they are linked to formation of free radicals.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 13, 2023 NECK PROBLEMS

Who doesn’t have a neck problem ? We sit at a desk on the computer or we might be on or iPhone. Or driving
The neck is particularly vulnerable to problems which can include but are not limited to cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, neck rigidity, locked or stiff neck and neck swelling.

I do see many older patients with degenerative arthritis of the spine especially the neck and lower back . In the younger patient I usually see a locked neck which is over strain of ligaments or muscle spasms caused by an awkward or sudden movement. It can be caused by an unusual position while sleeping

Some of us can take an aspirin, anti inflammatory, or a pain killers for the pain. Local heat does help tense muscles. If the pain is associated with nerves I usually ask the patient to drink celery juice. If I use an essential oil to be massaged into the area to ease the discomfort, I recommend rosemary.

There is one herb you may not think of using for pain as it has been associated with depression. This is St. Johns Wort . I feel this herb has been given a 'bad rap'. It has sedative and painkilling properties and can be drunk as an infusion or even applied to the area. To reduce inflammation I love ginger, white willow and vervain.

My homeopathic friends/colleagues usually recommend the fresh black root from the plant Cimicifuga racemosa. (see photo above)

You may seek a chiropractor, pain management or even a massage therapist. You may consider PRP injections ( Plasma reacted platelets) You may even consider Bee venom There are many options for neck pain .

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 12, 2023 LAPIS LAZULI

Gemstones and rocks are amazing I have been collecting certain ones for years I admire my collection daily and use some of them for spiritual support. One of the best stones I have is Lapiz Lazuli It is known for its ability to awaken inner intuitive powers and deepen your connection with a higher self. It enables access to hidden abilities in you like accessing altered states of consciousness and lucid dreaming Sounds wonderful I have used it with much success.,

It also boosts mental clarity and clears that mental fog that so many of us have from many reasons. It even attracts meaningful coincidences - there is logical reason this happens. This stone has a strong spiritual vibration that align the body mind and spirit with the universe. It makes it easier to attract these coincidences.

You can connect with your higher self by having this stone It can empower to unlock inner wisdom and intuition.

Get this stone !!!

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 11, 2023 WHEATGRASS

Do you drink wheatgrass ? I did many years ago and then I stopped. I thought it was a fad/ It is not Some people still drink wheatgrass. I will start again I need a juicer

Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich type of young grass in the wheat family, touted for its concentrated vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Its rise to fame in health and wellness circles is attributed to its purported health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to detoxification. This vibrant green ingredient, often consumed as a fresh juice or dry powder, has roots in health movements dating back to the 1930s and remains a staple in modern diets

The role of wheatgrass in immune function is often celebrated thanks to its high concentrations of vitamin C and E, both of which are known to fortify the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production and function of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

I love wheatgrass for digestion It aids in digestion as it contains many enzymes It also contains amino acids. This means that they can help to regulate the immune response, ensuring that it is neither too aggressive nor too weak. I love wheatgrass for autoimmune disease and allergies.

There are so many other benefits. Try wheatgass

DECEMBER 7, 2023 NETTLES

I love the plant, Urtica dioica. It is known by many names . Some names are common nettles, stinging nettles, or greater nettle. These plants are weedy perennials and are common in North America, Europe Asia and even Africa. These plants are from the family Urticaceae. The Latin word for nettle is urtica. The medical term for painful or intense hives is called Urticaria.

The tiny fine hairs on some of the nettle plants deliver a sting. Thus, the name Stinging Nettles. These hairs are like fine hypodermic needle injections. Ouch!!!

Two compounds that are delivered with its sting are tartaric acid and oxalic acid. Both are irritating to the skin. These compounds are also found in some fruits and vegetables. There is a tiny amount of formic acid which is found in bee and ant venom.

What I find odd is that the relief for the stings comes from the sap of the crushed leaves. In the United States we have it easy with the stinging nettles. One of the most potent nettle plants are the Tree Nettles from Australia and New Zealand. This plant also called Ongaonga, can cause blistering, a severe rash and intense stings. Animals that come in contact with this plant often die.

I use this plant for many ailments The leaf I use for upper respiratory problems, cough and allergies. The root for men with prostate disease and other genitourinary problems

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 6, 2023 COLORECTAL CARCINOMA

Colo rectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.The lifetime risk in developing colon cancer is 1 in 20 or 5.1 %
There are many causes of developing colon cancer. There will be reports of a high red meat diet to a diet high in fat. Whatever you know, there is something you do not know

a published in August 2012 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition an inverse relationship was studied and investigated on low magnesium to higher risk of Colo rectal carcinoma.

It was a large study population. The conclusion supports the hypothesis that higher intakes of dietary magnesium are associated with a lower risk of Colo rectal tumors.

In the last year i have seen younger patients getting colorectal cancer. It is not genetic. I believe it is from the environment. It is from the food they eat, the water they drink and the air they breathe It is toxicity from mold, plastics , pesticides and chemicals. We test for these environmental factors in our practices

We need to explore the magnesium rich foods that may be cancer preventing

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 5, 2023 BLADDER ISSUES

As I get older, my patients get older. One common complaint of the older female patient is frequent urination. In medicine since the 19th century this is termed interstitial cystitis. Most of the time there is no underlying pathology ( disease) and NO urinary tract infection detectable. I have had a pleasant woman describe her condition as 'the nervous bladder' condition. Psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression do play a role. There are signs and symptoms:

1. no evidence of urinary tract infection
2. frequent urination; progressive as the years go on
3. suprapubic pain
4. chronic pelvic pain
5. blood in the urine ( hematuria) sometimes
6. pain in the urethra, relieved when competed urination

I have not seen any conventional treatment work completely. Whether you try amitriptyline ( an anti depressant), intravescicular treatment with DMSO or even have a surgical treatment ( hydrodistention) , I do not see significant improvement in all patients. So what do you do ? Some women seek other forms of medical treatment. Some try acupuncture, massage, and herbal or botanical treatment. I feel if conventional medicine does not offer a solid treatment, or the treatment does not agree with you --you have the right to seek other means. After all this is your body. Let's go back to Mother Earth.
The botanical treatment for interstitial cystitis is beyond my wildest dreams. There are five or six therapeutic goals for treating IC with herbs or botanicals

1. Soothe the inflammation
2. Relieve pain
3. Relieve inflammation
4. Relieve stress
5. Improve bladder circulation
6. Improve bladder tone
For each of the above, there is a botanical activity. Respectively, these are
1. mucilage for soothing
2. spasmolytic or analgesic for pain
3. anti inflammatory for inflammation
4. anxiolytic for anxiety
5. lymphagogue for bladder circulation and
6. astringent tonics for bladder tone

Until tomorrow…