FEBRUARY 6, 2024 MEDICATIONS

Are all over the counter medications safe ? Many people assume that because a medicine is available over the counter or a doctor prescribed it, it must be safe.

A simple one is pepcid, prisloec omeprazole and nexium - These are safe but these medications block the absorption of B12— a necessary supplement.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that people commonly use to treat headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis. You can also find it in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications. While acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed, it can be potentially deadly if not used correctly. One of the biggest dangers of acetaminophen is that it can cause liver damage when you take too much of it.

Opioid painkillers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to post-operative pain. However, opioids can also be highly addictive and carry a risk of overdose and death. In fact, according to the CDC, opioids were responsible for more than 17,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2017. We are in opioid epidemic. There is even a Netflix movie called Pain Killers that describes this epidemic .

As a cardiologist I prescribe statins in some cases. Statins are a class of drugs doctors will prescribe to help lower cholesterol levels. Though they are generally safe, there have been some reports of serious side effects, including muscle pain, Memory loss, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In rare cases, statins can also cause liver damage and kidney failure. Recently, there has been growing evidence that statins may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Statins also decrease libido ( sex drive) as they block the formation of cholesterol this blocking the formation of testosterone and other vital hormones.

Also check with your doctor about medication side effects. Also have one doctor look at your list, since other doctors may have prescribed some. There is also serious interactions between medications you must be aware of.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 5, 2024 PROSTATE HEALTH

Prostate health is a vital aspect of men's well-being, often overlooked until issues arise. For myself , I closely watch my prostate due both my father and grandfather having had prostate cancer There are top foods that promote prostate health. From antioxidant-rich tomatoes to Omega-3-packed fatty fish, each food item discussed offers unique benefits

Do you like tomatoes ? Tomatoes are celebrated for their high lycopene content, a potent antioxidant known for its prostate health benefits. Lycopene is particularly effective in combating free radicals that can damage cells, including those in the prostate. Studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene can significantly reduce the risk of developing prostate issues. You get higher lycopene in cooked tomatoes ( with garlic especially) I prefer men using tomatoe paste I ask my patients to buy tomatoe paste ( usually in a can) transfer to a jar and have one teaspoon every day

Then there is broccoli. Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, is a powerhouse of nutrients beneficial for prostate health. It contains compounds like sulforaphane and indoles, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties. These compounds help in detoxifying harmful substances and have been linked to a lower risk of prostate problems.

The last is fish. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for many prostate issues, making omega-3s crucial for prostate health. Regular consumption of fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and potentially lower the risk of prostate problems.

Of course there are berries, dark chocolate and green tea. It is important for every man with or without family history of prostate disease to have their PSA ( prostate specific antigen) should be checked after the age of 50. This is a simple blood test Check earlier if there is a prostate family history.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 CINNAMON

February is Heart Month. There are epidemics in this country - diabetes and obesity Both lead to Cardiovascular Disease. So I wanted to discuss an herb that could be in your kitchen that is used for sugar control—It is cinnamon

Digestion begins in the mouth The mouth is a source of many bacteria . Individuals with gum disease — get heart disease There is a direct correlation with gum disease and heart disease This is why I go to Sandra Senzon, dental hygienist and author for my gum care Cinnamon may improve oral health. Cinnamon is thought to reduce the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Your cholesterol and low density lipoprotein ( bad cholesterol) can be inflammatory especially if your high sensitive CRP is elevated This is also known as the cardiac CRP ( C=- reactive protein ) High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, so this is a major benefit. Additionally, cinnamon also helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is another risk factor for heart disease.

So by reducing inflammation, cinnamon can help to reduce the risk of heart disease significantly. Finally, cinnamon has also been shown to improve blood sugar control. This is important because high blood sugar levels can damage the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease

Cinnamon is a potent source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. In the gut, inflammation can lead to a number of problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome. You must remember the gut is the gateway for all diseases.

So start to use more cinnamon on your food. You can also take cinnamon capsules.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 31, 2024 DIET TO HELP BRAIN AGING

A study published in 2023 found that the Mediterranean diet reduces dementia risk by 23 % ( even if you have the Apo E 4/4- associated with Alzheimer’s

There are 10 food groups to help These include 1. green leafy vegetables, 2. nuts 3. Beans 4. Berries 5. Olive Oil 6. Fish 7. Poultry 8. Grains ( prefer gluten free ) 9. Red wine ( in moderation) and 10. Other vegetables

The foods which I would not take would be 1. red meats, 2. butter 3. pastries/sweets 4. Cheese 5. Fast food and of course any processed foods.

The dietary lifestyle changes above are referred to as the MIND diet. It involves components or the best of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.

Studies have shown that berries reduce dementia risk by 35 %. There are ways to reduce dementia risk other than dietary changes. These include

1. Exercising regularly

2. Get adequate sleep

3. Do NOT smoke

4. Control Blood pressure

5. Stay interested in life

6. Be socially engaged

7. Always learn new things ( get a Hobby )

8. participate in group activities

9. Control blood sugar

10. 10 Treat any underlying heart disease

    Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 30, 2024 NATTOKINASE

There has been a lot of money researching Long COVID. I have seen many patients with Long COVID I utilize many supplements to treat as well as intravenous Vitamin C and glutathione. I haven’t seen any money spent researching vaccine injuries.

There is no Long COVID protocol I want to use a detoxification protocol which involves using Nattokinase. This is over the counter. I am diligent about watching for blood thinning effects as this is a side effects of nattokinase. My regimen for detoxifying is Nattokinase at 2000 unkis twice a day, Bromelain 500 mg per day and curcumin ( tumeric) 500 mg three times a day. For those that many taken the initial vaccine and multiple boosters I would use this protocol for a least one year. I had to have the first vaccine, Moderna due to me being an attending at a New York City Hospital. I got the first Moderna shot. After the second Moderna shot I developed pain in my arm, coldness, and swelling. I went to the hospital and I had an axillary artery clot diagnosed. I was placed on a blood thinner, Eliquis. In my opinion this is a vaccine injury. I reported it. I then went on the protocol above and stopped my Eliquis. After months I had a repeat ultrasound which revealing resolution of the axillary thrombus ( clot ) . The regimen is natural. Nattokinase is an enzyme that’s derived from the fermentation of soy and Brmelain is a set of enzymes derived from pineapples. Bromelain is FDA approved as topical treatment for wounds. In additio curcumin is derived from the herb tumeric.

The Japanese have been using nattokinase for years. They have been eating natto for thousands of years It hass been used in Japan for cardiovascular disease.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 25, 2024 FOODS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States. Diet does play a crucial role in managing and preventing heart disease There are many foods you can incorporate into your dietary lifestyle

One food to start eating is Beet root It is excellent at lowering blood pressure due t its high nitrate content. Nitrates help to dilate blood vessels thus lowering your blood pressure You can consume beetroot in various ways- I low them raw in salads, or roasted as a side dish Some of my patients prefer to have beetroot juiced with other fruits I would just be careful not to put too many glycemic fruits in with the beet juice

I would encourage you to start eating spinach. It is rich in magnesium which also lowers blood pressure Low levels of magnesium re associated with high blood pressure So eat your spinch

Garlic from the Allium family is excellent at lowering blood pressure Garlic is added to every food dish in my household. Garlic is not only an anti microbial agents for viruses, bacteria etc but it supports the cardiovascular system

There are other foods that lower blood pressure as oats, bananas and dark chocolate

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 24, 2024 DETOXIFY WIT NUTRITION

As Hippocrates stated ‘ Food is medicine ‘ Food can also be used as a detoxification of metals. There are many foods and herbs that can be used. The one that most people Cilantro mobilizes mercury and other neurotoxins from the cell membranes but DOES NOT chelate Since this is the case the strategy is to have chlorella on board at the time of mobilization ( taking cilantro ) to more effectively chelate the metals out is Cilantro.

Vitamin C can be used as a chelator if given intravenously (IV) . However, vitamin C will inactivate the action of chlorella and cilantro therefore never do Vitamin C at the same time I prefer you do not use any Vitamin C on that day. You can use it

One herb that is an excellent chelator is Garlic. This is the Lily Family and Allium class- this includes garlic, onions and chives. Another great chelator are any vegetables from the Braccica family such as broccoli, watercress, cabbage and kale. These enhance excretion of metals

Two kitchen spices that chelate are rosemary and curry. Camilla sinensis known as Green tea is a chelator. The fruit I encourage to eat as a chelator is pomegranate. The one drawback is the amount of sugar in this fruit

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 23, 2024 META DETOXIFICATION

To detoxify metals from the body I use a variety of medications and supplements. I do use chelation therapy in the form of oral DMSA and IV EDTA. A chelator is a medicine that binds to the toxic metal and it is excreted from the body through urine. Chelate in Greek means t grab onto. The problem is that there are specific chelators for certain metals. For example EDTA is used for lead, whereas DMSA is used for mercury.

I do utilize supplements in order to detox. These are

1. Liposomal Gluthathioe 1000 mg daily or its precursor N acetyl cysteine 600 mg

2. Alpha Lipoic acid 600 mg

3. EPA/DHA 1 gel casule twice a day

4. Chlorella 1000 mg / day It is best to chew the chlorella as saliva will tag the chlorella naturally and deliver it to the most receptive areas

5. Spirulina - i use raw spirulina powder starting at 1 grams and increasing to 2-3 grams Sometimes depending on the situation or case I increase to 8 grams

   Some of my patients use Quicksilver scientific to detoxify. I recommend taking the supplements separately The only supplements I recommend together are chlorella and spirulina

   Until tomorrow…