FEBRUARY 20, 2024 SULFORAPHANE
This nutrient, sulforaphane found in broccoli has shown protection against a variety of illnesses and diseases including cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, detoxifying agents for chemicals, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease.
So why wouldn’t you eat broccoli. We do know that cooking of broccoli reduces the ability of sulforaphane.The best source of this nutrient is eating chopped raw broccoli sprouts. The cooking of cruciferoius vegetables inactivates the plant enzyme, myrosinase which is required for activity sulforaphane.
Studies have revealed the many benefits of sulforaphane as a true detoxification nutrient. Studies have also shown that eating broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk of certain cancers as breast, kung,m colorectal and bladder cancers.
So you release the power of consuming broccoli by taking a Life Extension product called Broccoli and Myrosinase/ The product by Life Extension contains Glucoraphanin. This is a sulforaphane precursor found in broccoli as well as Vitamin C and the enzyme myrosinase. This enzyme found in mustard seed that converts glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. It is that simple
This is an excellent product to prevent cancer and also detoxify chemicals from the body
Until tomorrow…
FEBRUARY 14, 2024 AN ENVIRONMENTAL KILLER
Lets face it …we live in a toxic world. I have been concerned for years about the toxic environment. I have been testing individuals using Great Plains Toxicity kit for toxic chemicals and mycotoxins as well as Doctor’s Data for metals for many years.
Benzene is toxic which is found gasoline and from fuel burning . This invisible gas is what we breath and has been linked to leukemias as well as other cancers. I often find this gas in patients Great Plains results. It is frightening. Benzene is used in the production of plastics, pesticides, and lubricants. Even cigarette smoke accounts for half of the US populations exposure to benzene. The CDC has cited that benzene is a known human carcinogen.
There is good news about how to detoxify benzene from your body. It is simple, quick and easy to do - Start eating broccoli . The nutrient found in broccoli called sulforaphane is a potent detoxifiers of benzene. The clinical trials have shown that the nutrients in broccoli extends to detoxification of dangerous chemicals including benzene. It has been known for years that the consumption of the cruciferous vegetables can reduce the risk of several forms of cancer
So eat your broccoli today…
FEBRUARY 12, 2024 STINGING 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. One of the courses I took at the New York Botanical Gardens after I finished my Botanical Medicine Program was Botanical Latin. In college I not only studied Latin, but was a teaching assistant for first and second year Latin students. The botanical Latin course at the NY Botanical Gardens (http://www.nybg.org) was great. 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.
I use the leaf of the plant for allergies and respiratory issues while I use the root of this plant for prostate disease
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.
Until tomorrow…
FEBRUARY 8, 2024 SUGAR
WHO DOESN’T LOVE SUGAR . We all do As a child OI ate sugar— I am from an Italian family - I ate pasta, bread and cakes. It was a staple for my Italian-American household. But in reality sugar is bad for us.
We have two epidemics - Obesity and Diabetes. Both lead to Cardiovascular Diusease Sugar is a key player in the global obesity epidemic. Its high caloric content, combined with its prevalence in diets, contributes significantly to weight gain. Consuming sugar in excess leads to a caloric surplus, which the body stores as fat. This process is exacerbated by sugar’s ability to stimulate appetite, often leading to overeating. The link between high sugar intake and increased body weight is clear
Dental health is very important. Digestion begins in the mouth There is an association between oral health and heart disease. The connection between sugar and dental health is well-established. When sugar is consumed, it interacts with bacteria in the mouth, leading to the production of acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, causing decay and cavities I notice that individuals born in the 1950’s and 1960’s have more cavities than children born in the 1980’s and now. Possibly parents are now understanding the association between sugar and cavities
As a cardiologist I worry about sugar for good reasons. Sugar can cause diabetes and obesity. As I stated These cause Heart Disease. But how ? High sugar consumption can lead to increased levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, sugar can cause inflammation and high blood pressure, both of which are harmful to heart health. The impact of sugar on cholesterol levels is also significant, as it can increase harmful LDL cholesterol while decreasing beneficial HDL
Be careful with sugar
Until tomorrow…
FEBRUARY 7, 2024 SLEEP
The biggest drawback of not getting enough sleep is feeling exhausted and sluggish all day. In the last five years I have been focusing on three important factors to help me stay young, vital, and live to an old age. The first is to drink enough water all day. I stop at about 6 pm but get 64 fluid ounces/day . The next is to keep to exercise- I do not want to lose muscle mass. Perhaps the hardest for me as a physician is enough sleep. From years from medical school, to residency I never got enough sleep. I was one of those individuals who went to bed at at midnight and later and got up at 6 am. I was not getting enough sleep. In the last couple of years I get into bed at 8:30 and am sleeping by 9 am as I get up every day at 5 am. I feel great.
Many who have sleep issues turn to natural agents like melatonin Melatonin is a chemical naturally produced by the body during our wake cycle. When we have good dietary and lifestyle habits, our bodies make ample amounts of this chemical during the day and release it at night when it’s time to rest. For some we do not make enough melatoin. There is research to show that one teaspoon of honey makes our own melatonin increase. I have personally never felt taking melatonin helped me.
I rather use herbs, CBD and meditation to help me sleep. I now wear a sleep mask to make the room darker. I play water sounds to help me relax. I keep my cell phone away from me as I sleep. For me I use California Poppy, Lemon Balm, and Passion flower at bedtime The California poppy is a poppy with gentle sedative properties. It’s not a heavy hitter like its cousin, the Opium Poppy, which is used to make strong pain medicines like morphine. This poppy contains zero opium. But it does contain many of the same calming properties without the dangerous and mind-altering chemicals. I like Passionflower . It is also a natural sedative that can help with nighttime anxiety, increases GABA, and has been shown to help alleviate insomnia. Lastly I can turn to Lemon Balm- Melissa which is a mint herb Lemon balm, in conjunction with the other herbs in this blend, helps improve stress and mood while soothing the central nervous system and helping to improve the quality of sleep.
Please get enough sleep
Until tomorrow…
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…