APRIL 22, 2024 COPD

What is COPD?  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD: One is chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus and the other is emphysema, which involves destruction of the lungs over time. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. The leading cause of  COPD is smoking . A person who smokes two packs per day is more likely to develop COPD than someone who smokes one pack per day.
Other risk factors for COPD are exposure to second hand smoke, air pollution and certain gases/fumes in the workplace.
One of the first symptoms is a cough with or without mucous, fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and many bouts of respiratory infections. Some other symptoms might be wheezing, and trying to catch one's breath.
The most useful test is for the doctor to listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. I do not think that many doctors have time to listen to their patients’ lungs. In the last years I am getting more involved in the physical diagnosis aspect of my patient’s health. I used to sit behind a desk (which I still do) but now I have an examination table in my office to better assess my patient’s health.

The best test for COPD is a lung function test called spirometry. This involves blowing out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests lung capacity. The results can be checked right away, and the test does not involve exercising, drawing blood, or exposure to radiation.

Many Americans die from emphysema from years of smoking. If not emphysema, then lung cancer. One of those individuals was William Griffith Wilson, also known as Bill W He was he founder of AA.

Years ago in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2012;156:105-114) a study was published involving COPD patients and the supplementation of Vitamin D. The supplementation was 100,000 units every 4 weeks which was equivalent to about 3,600 IU/day.

The data concluded that high dose Vitamin D DID NOT decrease the incidence of exacerbations in patients with COPD. Vitamin D supplementation did decrease the exacerbation in patients with severe Vitamin D deficiency. The definition for severe was less than 10. There was a suggestion that high dose Vitamin D may exacerbate COPD in those without a severe deficiency (less than 10)

My conclusion is that the estimated daily dose is not enough. I do not consider 3,600 IU/day to be a high dose. Most of my patients take an average dose of 5,000 or greater.  The results in this article are basically what has been written before, but I feel more studies need to be done on much higher doses of Vitamin D. I prefer to use Vitamin D3 as a liquid.

Until tomorrow

APRIL 18, 2024 CONSTIPATION

Constipation can often be an uncomfortable and persistent issue for many individuals. It can stem from various causes, including dietary choices, hypothyroidism, stress, or underlying health conditions There are foods to eat to help with your constipation Here are some examples.

Apples are more than just a tasty snack; they are a powerhouse when it comes to promoting digestive health. Rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin, apples not only aid in bowel movements but also enhance overall gut health. Pectin helps increase stool bulk, making it easier to pass, and also balances levels of good bacteria in the large intestine.

Beyond the immediate benefits to bowel health, eating apples with their skin further maximizes the fiber intake.

The other is spinach. I feel I didn’t enough spinach as a child. I certainly eat more now in adulthood. Spinach, often hailed for its impressive nutritional profile, is also an effective food choice for combating constipation. High in both fiber and magnesium, spinach helps soften stools and act as a natural muscle relaxant. The combination of these elements ensures smoother and more regular bowel movements, making spinach a staple for anyone looking to enhance digestive health.

The other foods that help are beans, Kefir and of course, Prunes.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 17, 2024 EYE HEALTH

Good eye health and clear vision are essential to navigating daily life, and the proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in achieving this. There are certain sup0polements and herbs one must take to keep their eyes healthy.

One of the most important vitamins for eyes is Vitamin A is indispensable for vision, particularly in low-light conditions. It is a key component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows you to see in dim light. Without adequate Vitamin A, seeing at night becomes more difficult, and one may suffer from night blindness. Foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, making it easy to incorporate into any meal

It also plays a crucial role in protecting the cornea and the eye’s surface and is essential for preventing conditions such as dry eyes. However, too little Vitamin A can lead to serious eye issues, including xerophthalmia, a condition that can cause blindness.

Vitamin C is also critical for many diseases. Vitamin C is not just for warding off colds; it’s a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals in the eye, potentially reducing the risk of cataract formation and macular degeneration. This vitamin is abundant in the watery portions of the eye, such as the aqueous humor, where it helps maintain ocular health. Citrus fruits, berries, and broccoli are excellent sources of Vitamin C, making it easy to add to your daily diet. I use IV Vitamin C for macular degeneration in helping preventing this disease and supporting the eye in those patients that already have this disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a significant role in eye health, particularly in preventing and managing dry eyes. These fats contribute to the visual development and retinal function, with DHA, a type of Omega-3, being a major structural component of the retina. Omega-3s can be found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, providing a variety of options for dietary inclusion.

There are many other supplements for the eyes. I use Dr Grossman web site, www.naturaleyecare.com

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 16, 2024 LOW PROTEIN

I am constantly asking my patient’s to increase their protein in their diet. I see many vegetarians/vegans who need to increase their protein intake Protein is a long chain of amino acids. As we age we need more protein in our diets. You do not have to eat animal protein, but you need protein. About 50-70 % of all protein is found in the muscles. After the age of 30 there is a muscle loss at the rate of 3-5 % every year,

In active individuals , the higher protein intake is associated with a 35 % reduction in the risk of functional decline.

To live a healthy long life you need these three components

1. drink enough water every day ( half your body weight should be consumed from water)

2. Get enough sleep About 6 hours of continuous sleep every night

3. Increase your muscles mass by exercising and increasing your protein intake

   You can use a healthy protein shake between meals if you need more protein. Consume nut butters appropriate for your blood type. Have more protein snacks throughout the day

   Until tomorrow…

APRIL 15, 2024 AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

We need to support our eye health. I recommend many of my patients consult with Dr Grossman, the founder of the website www.naturaleyecare.com It is a wonderful website with information and natural ways to improve your eyes.

Eyes are continually taking upo lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina and other ocular areas. Carotenois serve many purpooses int he eyes. We know that the macula is the most uimprotant part of the retina. This is where photoreceptors reside and accounts for our crisp clear vision.

If you consume lutein and zeaxanthin in large quantities , can build an effective barrier in the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium This barrier filters out harmful UV light and reduce inflammation. This prevents the development of macular degeneration. It has been found that those consuming high quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin have a 41 % lower risk of developing macular degeneration

So why not take these eye supplements and reduce your risk now

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 11, 2024 TAURINE

I have been using the amino acid, taurine for my entire career of 30 years. I primarily use it for heart disease., I take 1000 mg every day Recently taurine was regarded as the top aging supplement by regenerative medical doctor, Neil Paulvin. It is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is found in most tissues heart, liver.

It promotes healthy heart healing, brain healing, cell membrane stability and a healthy insulin response.

Studies have shown that it promotes vasodilation, which improves blood flow to all tissues ( especially the hear) and thus reduces blood pressure. It helps the powerhouse of the cell—the mitochonidria function properly It does boost brain function, supports healthy muscles and repairs DNA damage.

It has been found that the [people of Okinawa Japan have the highest intake of taurine. Ands guess what -p they have the lowest rate of heart disease.

Take taurine today - I usually recommend 500 to 2000 mg day

Stay healthy Age Well

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 10, 2024 MALE HERBS

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a herb with a wide variety of effects on the body. It does increase the blood flow to the genitals. You must take it daily. However, since most individuals take a baby aspirin or omega 3 oils, there must be caution. The combination of ginkgo with blood thinners can cause bleeding. Muira puama ( Ptychopetalum olacoides) is often discussed in association with the Peruvian Indians. This herb was studied 25 years ago by Dr. Jacques Waynberg in Paris. 51% of men with erectile dysfunction had improvement after ingesting 1.5 grams within two weeks. Does that mean all men should start taking Muira? The answer is no. Most people know this herb as Potency Wood. Perhaps that is where the term "woody" came along!


The most talked about sexual stimulant is Yohimbine, which is also known as Yocon. The bark of this tree can be eaten, smoked, made into a tea and even sniffed. Certainly sounds like cocaine with the exception of the tea properties. The FDA does consider this herb to be unsafe as you cannot regulate the dose. Yohimbine will lower your blood pressure thus dilating your genital organs. It does help men get erections, but those that use it feel so lousy they are incapable of having sex. It sounds like the first time a patient described the feeling of using viagra. Viagra, levitra and cialis are dose-controlled, whereas Yohimbine is not. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea, skin flushing and dizziness make it impractical to use.

There are two herbs that I know of that their effects are strictly superstitious--or what myths and legends are made from:

These two are Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 9, 2024 ANTI -INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect itself against harm, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. We do know there are inflammatory foods for each blood type- - Type O - gluten, cow’s dairy, avocados, peanuts and pork; Type A - red meat, cow’s dairy; Type B - chicken ;

There are many anti-inflammatory foods. One is Kale. Kale stands out as a superfood, primarily due to its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients, especially vitamins K, A, and C, contribute significantly to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the presence of glucosinolates in kale helps in detoxifying the body, further reducing inflammation.

The other are blueberries. Blueberries are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, give blueberries their distinctive color and reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of blueberries has been linked to a decrease in the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions I proportion my intake as blueberries contain calcium oxalate which are responsible for kidney stones

Another one are almonds. Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients and a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are particularly rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps combat inflammation and stress in the body. Almonds also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce inflammation and promote heart health

I try to ask my patients to incorporate these foods into their dietary lifestyle.

Until tomorrow..