MARCH 13, 2024 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, as well as fatigue, pain, stiffness, and impaired physical functioning.

Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids are often used for treatment. The contributing facto4rs to the development of RA depends on genetics, infections and the balance within your gut also called the microbiome There are about 1.3 million Americans suffering with RA Patients with RA can suffer from fatigue, pain, stiffness, and impaired physical function, all of which can lead to severe disability.

There are many conventional drugs that can treat RA. I start with a change in one’s dietary lifestyle And that’s good news because it turns out that nutritional therapy can be a powerful tool for managing RA. According to a 2017 study in Frontiers in Nutrition, dietary changes can reduce RA flare-ups. In the same study, scientists found that nutritional interventions can also delay RA progression. The researchers drew a direct connection between gut health, diet, and the symptoms and development of RA. I believe dietary changes can have a positive affect in most if not all diseases. The problem is that not many individuals want to change their bad dietary habits On Netflix currently there is a Identical Twin study,. I would encourage you watch this . This shows that a plant based diet has better results than a carnivore based diet for most diseases Let’s talk about fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables may be protective against the development of RA. Specifically, a higher intake of certain carotenoids from fresh produce, as well as foods containing beta-cryptoxanthin from citrus and zeaxanthin from leafy greens, have been linked to lower rates of RA. One study involving more than 25,000 people found that the people who ate the most carotenoids had half the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis, compared with the people who ate the least. Less red meat is the way to go for some individuals.

I do not or never have thought one diet fits all. Each individual knows their own body and each must navigate which dietary pattern or lifestyle is right for them

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 7, 2024 MOLD

We are all having allergies earlier this year. Spring came earlier and there was no winter to speak of for the Northeast Region. 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).

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? I wish I had a farm with a barn. Sounds crazy, but not to me!

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. WE TEST YOU FOR MOLD. In our evaluation of the patient, we ask certain questions about your health and your home. If we feel you need to have a mold test, the office will give you a test which evaluates you for mold in your system How did you get mold- you inhaled the spores, . But you can prevent mold in your home by:

1. Using a ventilation system to bring fresh filtered air

2. Seal air leaks to lock 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! There are special mold doctors

Until tomorrow..

MARCH 6, 2024 ALCOHOL

This is odd that I am writing about alcohol. In June 2024 I will celebrating 30 ( thirty ) years of continuous sobriety. I discuss the amount and type of alcohol a patient drinks during each history and physical. Navigating the world of alcoholic beverages can be a daunting task for those keen on maintaining their caloric intake. The right drink can be the difference between staying on track with dietary goals and tipping the balance

For those that have celiac or non celiac gluten sensitivity many alcohol beverages are not good as beer, and grain alcohol. I usually advocate Potatoe vodka or Tequilla for these individual. For those that want beer there are gluten free beers.

For those that consume wine there are some important points. For one diabetic patients should avoid certain wines. Dry wines, both red and white, are typically less calorific than their sweeter counterparts. The primary reason lies in the reduced amount of residual sugar present in dry varieties. A standard serving of dry wine can contain anywhere from 100 to 150 calorie Red wine contains an antioxidant called Resveratrrol which is excellent to prevent heart disease. However that doesn’t mean you need a bottle of red wine every night !!

Although I haven’t tasted tequilla since my early 20’s it seems to be the best choice. Tequila, derived from the blue agave plant, can be a surprisingly low-calorie option when consumed without sugary mixers. A standard shot of tequila typically contains around 60 to 70 calories Another good choice is Ultra Brut. ultra brut champagne stands out as the least sugary and, consequently, the least caloric. By definition, “ultra brut” means that the champagne has very little or no dosage This has less than 100 calories

Pick wisely …

Until tomorrow

MARCH 5, 2024 ALZHEIMER'S

Alzheimer's is a progressive disorder that affects the brain. It is characterized by memory loss, difficulty with thinking and reasoning, and changes in mood and behavior

 The cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. For this disease I decrease inflammatory foods, test for heavy metals and mycotoxins from various mold species

Berries are among the most nutritious fruits you can eat. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in various ways. For example, blueberries are a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immunity. And raspberries contain ellagitannins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help to protect against disease. I encourage patients to eat a variety of berries- blueberries, mulberries, black berries, goji berries, wolf berries and many more Recent research has also shown that berries may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

In addition I encourage nuts and seeds in one’s dietary lifestyle changes. walnuts are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Similarly, flaxseeds contain lignans, plant-based compounds linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. So, not only are nuts and seeds nutritious, but they may also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Consume leafyu greens for their vitamin content, and minerals. Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in leafy greens have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who do not. The exact mechanism by which leafy greens protect against Alzheimer’s is not yet known, but it is thought that the antioxidants and other nutrients in these greens

Get genetic testing for the Apo E gene. Change your dietary lifestyle

Until tomorrow

MARCH 4, 2024 CURCUMA LONGA

Derived from the Curcuma longa plant, this spice has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Its active compound, curcumin, is credited with a range of therapeutic properties, from anti-inflammatory effects to antioxidant activities. It is known as Tumeric. This is a common herb found in your kitchen cabinet

It is great for a variety of illnesses. Curcumin, the primary compound in turmeric, plays a significant role in alleviating joint pain and reducing inflammation, making it a popular supplement for those suffering from arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties are comparable to over-the-counter medications but without the side effects

It is even great for digestive health . Turmeric’s impact on digestive health is profound, offering relief for various gastrointestinal issues. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties aid in soothing the lining of the digestive tract, providing relief from discomfort caused by conditions like gastritis and peptic ulcers. Curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, a key component in the digestive process, thus enhancing the digestion of fats

Turmeric’s positive impact on liver health is significant, attributed mainly to its antioxidative properties. The liver, being a vital organ for detoxification, benefits immensely from turmeric’s ability to enhance the production of vital enzymes

There is no reason NOT to take curcumin

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AVOCADOS

Without a doubt avocados are special .From heart health to cancer prevention, the avocado is a powerhouse fruit. On average I was eating 5-6 avocados per week. Due to these being inflammatory for Type O blood , I curbed eating them—but didn’t stop

High in monosaturated fats, which have shown to good for decreasing cholesterol and preventing heart disease. In addition , avocados are a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium which are all excellent for a healthy heart. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, avocados are beneficial for those with depressive tendency. Also high in folate which is essential for the heart and the brain. Folate has been shown to lower the risk of depressive disorders

The fiber is food for good gut health The prebiotic nutrients in avocados are needed to support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut These gut bacteria break down food, absorb nutrients and even fight harmful microbes ( bacteria )

So start eating avocados

Until tomorrow

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 PLANT BASED DIETARY LIFESTYLE

A plant-based diet, characterized by a focus on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruits, is gaining traction globally. This dietary approach is not only recognized for its potential health benefits but also for its positive environmental impact. The shift towards plant-based eating is driven by a growing body of scientific research highlighting its role in improving overall health, and managing chronic diseases,

A plant based dietary lifestyle is NOT for everyone. A series Twin Studies on Netflix examines a plant-based diet and a carnivore diet in twins. The twin who ate a plant-based diet did better in many respects

Such a diet typically includes lower levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, commonly found in animal products, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the abundance of fiber, essential nutrients, and antioxidants in plant-based foods aids in regulating blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, two critical factors in heart health maintenance.

Adopting a plant-based diet can have a remarkable impact on mental well-being and energy levels. This diet is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for brain health and emotional balance I did feel in better spirits and mood when I tried a plant-based diet, despite the fact that I am a carnivore by Blood Type Diet.

A plant-based diet is not only beneficial for physical health but also plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which are abundant in a plant-based diet, help in protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, factors that contribute to cognitive decline. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds, for instance, are associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Try a plant based diet for one month- See if you notice the difference.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 27, 2024 OBSESSED WITH CHOLESTEROL

Americans are obsessed with cholesterol . We want to lower cholesterol and bad cholesterol with and without medications. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death worldwide. Diet plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. Foods rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL)

THERE ARE CERTAIN FOODS THAT CAN LOWER CHOLESTEROL.

One food are avocados. Avocados are renowned for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats aid in lowering LDL cholesterol while maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, avocados are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps in regulating blood pressure, Patients with Type O blood can not have avocados

The second is oatmeal. I prefer McMann’s steel cut oatmeal as it is gluten free. Oatmeal is a powerhouse of soluble fiber, which plays a key role in cholesterol management. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream, thereby lowering LDL levels. Oats also contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to effectively reduce cholesterol levels.

Although high in sugar the third food that lowers cholesterol are grapes. Grapes, especially the darker varieties, are a rich source of antioxidants, including resveratrol, which is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. These antioxidants help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process that contributes to plaque formation in arteries. Grapes also contain fiber and other compounds that support heart health

The other foods that lower cholesterol are white beans, carrots and salmon

Until tomorrow…