JANUARY 9, 2024 ARTHRITIS

Do you have any aches and pains ? I know I do. It probably is arthritis. My father suffered with arthritis in his late fifties from years as a truck driver. Arthritis, a condition characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, affects millions worldwide The foods you eat can affect arthritis Understanding the role of diet in managing arthritis is crucial, as certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. This post delves into specific foods known to worsen arthritis My self taught clinical nutrition experience ( as I didn’t have a nutrition course in Medical School) is that night shade vegetables affect arthritis- these are peppers, eggplants and tomatoes.

There is something more common than nightshades which we as Americans consume every day - It is SUGAR. Foods high in sugar are notorious for their role in increasing inflammation, a key factor in arthritis pain. When sugar is consumed, the body experiences a spike in insulin and inflammatory markers, which can exacerbate joint pain and swelling

We do know that red meat affects arthritis. Historically we know that gout is affected by the intake of red meat- just take a look at British History and Henry VIII

Dairy products, although a key source of calcium and protein, can be problematic for some individuals with arthritis. They contain certain types of proteins, such as casein, which may trigger inflammation in people who are sensitive to these proteins. This is the reasn I do Ig G food allergy testing . Dairy and gluten are the most inflammatory food for many individuals.

Eat better for your arthritis… Get some food allergy testing done

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 8, 2024 ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS

WE all have consumed ultra processed foods You might be eating less of them these days with current studies linking processed foods to many chronic diseases. Ultra processed foods is our food culture and for many people it is the only available and affordable food

In this great detailed book, UPF by Chris van Tulleken you can read all about ultra processed foods.

There is not a diet plan in this book. I love that He studied himself with colleagues at University of London. He ate for one month a diet consuming 80 %of Ultra processed foods.

You MUST read this book I guarantee when you finish this food you will think twice about grabbing those chips, cookies, canned soups and much more

This is a great book Tell your friends. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 4, 2024 ASTHMA

With breathing being such an integral part of life -and indeed health- it’s essential to find ways to effectively manage its effects whenever possible. For those who have asthma, managing symptoms can be difficult and troublesome. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that you can use There are many natural remedies I utilize to help my patients with asthma or breathing problems.

If the outdoor air quality isn’t great or you’re in a situation where there are a lot of airborne particles (construction), wearing a mask may benefit your sensitive lungs. We all did use masks for the last 3 years during COVID It was not ideal in some cases but it did help some patients

Although asthma often requires medication to prevent and manage symptoms, certain herbal remedies can relieve shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and other asthma-related issues. Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and eucalyptus contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the airways. The most common ways people use these herbs to relieve their asthma symptoms are by drinking herbal teas In this department I excel in giving you the right herbs for your lungs. It is not always Elderberry which many of us think of when we have lung problems.

I use Horehound, Lungwort and Elecampane. I always use raw honey in these teas as honey is excellent for the lungs.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 3, 2023 MAINTAINING A GOOD BLOOD PRESSURE

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall well-being, yet many are unaware of how certain foods can subtly influence it. Today blood pressure classifications have changed If your diastolic blood pressure reading ( the bottom number ) is 85, you are considered hypertensive. Certain foods can influence your blood pressure

You need to avoid processed meats. Processed meats are a staple in many diets, but they’re also a significant source of hidden sodium, a known contributor to high blood pressure. Items such as ham, sausages, and bacon are not just rich in flavor; they’re packed with salt to enhance taste and preserve the product. This high sodium content can increase blood pressure, posing a risk to heart health. I can recall eating these processed meats as a child Regular consumption of these meats has been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s not just the amount of sodium that’s concerning but also the frequency of consumption

It would be nice to have a warm soup on these upcoming cold days Canned soups, often perceived as a convenient and healthy meal option, can be surprisingly high in sodium. This hidden sodium turns a seemingly wholesome choice into a potential risk for those monitoring their blood pressure. The contrast is stark when comparing homemade soups to their canned counterparts I rather prefer a good homemade soup over any canned soup.

Lastly you would think sugar substitutes are better than white sugar. These are even worse at times. In addition to the growing cancer concern with these substitutes , you must watch for potential risks of increasing your blood pressure. Artificial sweeteners, often found in foods and beverages, are marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but their impact on blood pressure is a subject of growing concern. These sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, are prevalent in many ‘diet’ or ‘light’ products, offering sweetness without the calories. However, recent studies suggest that these substitutes may have their own health implications, including potential effects on blood pressure.

So what I am saying, Eat wisely…

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 2, 2024 A NEW YEAR ... NEW STUDIES

In 2022, Robert Krikorian, PhD, and his team published research that found adding blueberries to the daily diets of certain middle-aged populations may lower the chances of developing late-life dementia. He said the current research into strawberries is an extension to the blueberry research. The addition of blueberries into your dietary lifestyle decreases the probability of dementia The same can be said of ‘ strawberries ‘ “Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements

While more research is needed, Krikorian said the strawberry treatment may have improved cognitive function by reducing inflammation in the brain. The study groups need to be larger and more studies small and large need to be published.

We know that anthocyanins do play a pivotal role in the health of the human body. The studies are there. I would rather you get the anthocyanins from food as in blueberries and strawberries rather than take a supplement.

So when you thinking about a snack THINK BERRIES

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 28, 2023 MEMORY

I do not mind growing old as long as I have my memory. I do many things to keep my memory as sharp as I need it. I constantly am learning new things

Studies have shown that patients on the conventional drug, Aricept (Donepezil) scored higher on the Mini Mental State Examiantion than did patients who discontinued the drug. In addition those taking Aricepot scored lower on the Activities of Daily Living Scale which means they had less impairment. I use this drug in combination with herbs/supplements. I do find that older patients sometimes get gastrointestinal upset from Aricept. This is why I utilize an integrative approach to memory loss.

It is not easy to find studies on botanicals for memory loss. It is easier to find studies of vitamin/supplements like acetyl L carnitine, phosphotidylserine, phosphotidylcholine and omega 3, 6 9 fish oils. I use an herb called Bacopa often at 300mg twice a day.

Culpepper referred to this plant as 'a great binder' In older times, herbalists used to believe that the planets of our solar system governed the plants. Periwinkle (Vinca major and Vinca minor) were said to be governed by the planet Venus. Both have similar herbal properties. These plants have helped cancer patients with two medicines, vinblastine and vincristine. One of the other major uses of vinpocetine is for memory. According to Matthew Wood in Earthwise Herbal, Lord Bacon  believed that a cramp in the leg could be cured by wrapping periwinkle vine around the leg. I have seen herbalists use periwinkle for heavy menstrual bleeding, ulcers, skin disorders, and even vertigo. I have not used Periwinkle species as much as I should with the exception of the substance vinpocetine being present in many memory formulas. I use 20 mg capsules twice a day.

The other herbs in Memory formulas include ginkgo, garlic and huperzine.

Even the glowing jellyfish has a substance called Prevagen which has gained popularity in helping memory. Many of my patients have used Prevagen with success. In addition to constantly learning I do word games constantly. I do Luminosity everyday . I stitch everyday and I read something new everyday

For the New Year 2024, I want to continually learn to increase my memory

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 27, 2023 HERBAL ANTIBIOTICS IN MEMORY OF

It is the second edition of Buhner's Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug Resistant Bacteria that you must read . For most, you never consider a herb as an alternative for an antibiotic. Well, if you have not thought of this, you better start. The conventional antibiotics are dwindling in number, and the number of resistant bacteria are getting overwhelming.

We need to make friends with bacteria because as Buhner states, "bacteria play an integral role in supporting, maintaining and rebuilding health." I feel and know it is unhealthy thinking to make enemies of bacteria as well as the plants, the honeybees, the ants, and all forms of life. You must realize that these life forms were here well before man. This is wonderfully demonstrated in his book. It also has been well demonstrated when listening or reading Paul Stamen's " Mycelium Running" This is a book about the intricate life of mushrooms and their use in the world. There is so much we do not know about life at this time.

We are in a world of antibioticc overuse  which generates new pathogenic and resistant strains. You read about MRSA, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is not the only bacterium that has developed resistance. There are more than we know.


Herbal Antibiotics 2nd edition explores different herbs than the first edition  and utilizes the terms systemic, non systemic and synergistic herbs.

I am a lover of books, and this book is no exception. He is also the author of another favorite, " Healing Lyme"

In memory of Stepehen Buehner- a mentor, friend and colleague May his teachings never be forgotten

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 26, 2023 HERPES

The Holiday times creates stress for many individuals As people start to get stressed their lips quiver and the residing dormant virus on the nerve endings occurs. It is the painful fever blister known as Herpes I. These fever blisters are agitated by stress, tension, a lowered immune system ( in my case lack of sleep ) and sometimes even a diet rich in sugar and nuts. Nuts contain arginine which is the herpes virus fuel source.

I have learned to prevent outbreaks. I know when they start to happen as I get a sensation in my lower lips The following are steps to prevent the outbreak
1. I start to drink bitter teas to cool of my liver. I will tell you straight out that they do not taste well. These are Oregon Root, Dandelion and Yellow Dock
2. I add some Reishi mushrooms to my diet
3. I take echinacea tincture 1/2 dropperful twice to three times a day
4. I immediately start the two amino acids, lysine and proline in high doses
Lysine 500mg (6-8/day ) and Proline 500mg ( 6-8/day)

I have listened to many other herbalists regarding Licorice ( Glycyhhriza glabra) for the treatment of Herpes simplex I and II. It is the genus of the pea family. There are many medicinal uses for Licorice. I have used it in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, but in the deglycerized version

In addition to starting some or all of 1-4 above, start applying licorice tincture to the affected area. I have seen others talk about adding lemon balm in the essential oil form. I like the combination of three tinctures St John's Wort, Licorice and calendula. Mix and dab throughout the day. I prefer due to work situation to drink the maximal dose of 1 teaspoon three times a day. Lemon Balm is great for the Herpes viruses. Lemon Balm can affect the thyroid ( so consult a health care [practitioner first )



Until tomorrow...