JUNE 19, 2024 YOUR HAIR

While most people focus on skincare and other aspects of health, the state of your hair often goes unnoticed as a health indicator. You need to take care of your hair while consuming certain supplements and eating certain foods. Hair is not merely strands of keratin; it’s a complex structure made up of various components, each serving a unique function. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, form the core structure of hair. These amino acids are crucial for hair strength and elasticity. Melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of your hair, is another key component.

Thinning hair is often dismissed as a natural part of aging, but it could be indicative of underlying health issues. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in thyroid hormones or sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, can lead to hair thinning. Stress is another significant factor; high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss There also is a thyroid cause of hair thinning. This could be an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. You might have a subclinical hypothyroid where the TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone) is not greater than 4.0. Instead the TSH is in the normal range but the free t3 and free t4 are low

Dandruff isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can be a sign of underlying scalp health problems. The white flakes you see could be due to a variety of factors, including fungal infections or seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes the skin to become oily and irritated

You also could not be getting enough protein Pay attention to your hair

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 18, 2024 THE THYROID GLAND

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and even mood. A well-functioning thyroid is instrumental for optimal health. .Incorporating specific foods into the diet can provide essential nutrients to support and enhance thyroid function One of these foods that help thyroid are walnuts

Walnuts are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, particularly selenium, that are integral for optimal thyroid function. Selenium acts as a catalyst in the production of thyroid hormones and helps protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress. Rich in antioxidants, walnuts mitigate the damage caused by free radicals, promoting the overall health of the gland. Including a moderate amount of these nuts in the daily diet can offer a natural way to enhance thyroid function and ensure that it operates efficiently.

Another food is seaweed. It is not for everyone Seaweed, a natural source of iodine, is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is a common issue, especially in areas where the natural iodine content in food is low. Seaweed offers a rich, natural source of this essential element, supporting the thyroid in hormone production and regulation I used to get my fresh seaweed from the Seaweed Man located ion Maine., Now I eat Nouri crackers to get my iodine Most individuals do not use salt any longer but instead P{ink salt which lacks iodine

Lastly you need to consume fish Fish, particularly those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are instrumental in enhancing thyroid function. These essential fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation in the body, including the thyroid gland, promoting its optimal function. Varieties such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are abundant in these nutrients.

Keep your thyroid functioning normal

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 17, 2024 HONEY

This natural wonder, derived from the hard work of bees, is packed with an array of health benefits. Rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and healing compounds it’s a potent natural remedy with uses ranging from enhancing digestive health to boosting the immune system. There is NO wonder why I became a beekeeper. I hgave beekeeping for more than 15 years. I am a apitherapist.

Raw honey is a natural guardian against bacteria and fungi, owing to its unique composition. The secret lies in its ability to produce hydrogen peroxide through an enzymatic process. This component acts as a mild antiseptic. I have used raw honey on diabetic wounds, and even to heal a wound on my 34 year old A,mazon Green Yellow double Nape Parrot.

Raw honey is a powerhouse for enhancing the immune system. Its rich array of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, plays a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in immune health. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases

When my childrten were young I used raw honey for their colds and flus Raw honey is widely recognized for its soothing effects on sore throats and coughs. Its thick, smooth texture coats the throat, providing immediate relief from irritation and dryness. The natural antibacterial properties also help in reducing throat infections. It is great when combined with other herbs like elderberry, elecampane and even horehound.

And for the beauty industrry , raw honey is essential for your skin. The benefits of raw honey extend to skincare, where its hydrating and nourishing properties are highly valued. Its natural humectant qualities help retain moisture, making it a superb ingredient in natural moisturizers and face masks.

These are just a few of the benefits of raw honey.

I harvest my honey at the end of the summer . You can order from Botanical Bounty in NYC

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 13, 2024 METHYLENE BLUE

Methylene blue, a compound used to treat a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, has a reputation for being a cognitive and mitochondrial enhancer. It is now being used to support patient’s with Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and in addition to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and even Lyme Disease. It can be given as a sublingual lozenger, liquid and intravenously administered

Some researchers believe that it can directly improve cellular and mitochondrial function and decrease the production of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. It is also being studied for its potential to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and guanylate cyclase

At low doses, methylene blue (MB) has been shown to protect the brain from disease by acting as an electron donor to complex I-IV of the mitochondria which increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is the currency of life and the energy that powers humans. If our production of ATP declines, our physical and mental performance declines. Even healthy individuals can benefit from a boost in ATP production The MB is picked up by the mitochondria. Where are mitochondria present ? Mitochondria are present in every cell of the body. These organelles are called the Powerhouse of the Cell. The brain and heart contain the abundance of mitochondria

It should be carefully monitored as high concentrations, MB can promote oxidative stress. Therefore, it is expected that low MB doses or concentrations will be, in general, more effective than large ones at facilitating physiological effects within mitochondria

Methylene blue has not been approved by the FDA for the purpose of cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, or any medical purpose other than methemoglobinemia. Methylene blue was used in the 1800’s to treat malaria

The dose varies from 1 - 4 mg/kg/ I usually recommend starting at 1 mg/ kg and titrating the dose up. Various studies have used between 1 and 4 mg/kg, depending on the sourceMost side effects of MB appear to be dose-dependent and have not occurred with doses of less than 2 mg/ kg, a dose range that is widely used in clinical trials

You cannot be on an SSRI drug if you are to start methylene blue It is relatively contraindicated in G6PD deficient patients as it can cause severe hemolysis ( breakdown or bursting of cells )

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 12, 2024 HONEYBEES

Why do we have bees ? For many reasons. For the dying honeybee populations and to help the environment. And to feed us every day It is my contribution to saving Earth Mother. I also do it for the honey, the wax, the bee pollen. and the bee venom I also do it because I love it !

Honeybees collect nectar and store it as honey in their hives. Nectar and honey provide the energy for the bees’ flight muscles and for heating the hive during the winter period. Honeybees also collect pollen which supplies protein for bee brood to grow. Honey bees live in colonies that are often maintained, fed, and transported by beekeepers. Centuries of selective breeding by humans have created honey bees that produce far more honey than the colony needs. Beekeepers harvest the honey. Beekeepers provide a place for the colony to live and to store honey in. The modern beehive is made up of a series of square or rectangular boxes without tops or bottoms placed one on top of another. Inside the boxes, frames are hung in parallel, in which bees build up the wax honeycomb in which they both raise brood and store honey. Modern hives enable beekeepers to transport bees, moving from field to field as the crop needs pollinating and allowing the beekeeper to charge for the pollination services they provide.

I will teach you some Basic Beekeeping to you There are some basic questions that are always asked. The most commonly asked questions are:

1.How many flowers must honey bees tap to make one pound of honey? About two million flowers, give or take.

2.How far does a hive of bees fly to bring you one pound of honey?  More than 55,000 miles.

3.How much honey does the average worker honey bee make in her lifetime? About 1/12 of a teaspoon.

4.How fast does a honey bee fly? About 15 miles per hour.
5.How many sides does each honeycomb cell have?  Each cell is a six-sided hexagon.

6.What state is known as the  beehive state?  Utah. 

7.How many wings does a honey bee have? Each honey bee has four wings.

Join the AAS. ( www.apitherapy.org )

On Juy 14 th 2024 from 9 am- 12 am Learn about Medicinal Beekeeping FREE LECTURE by a leading bee expert Dr Stefan Stangaciu ( President of the Romanian Bee Society )and Dr Petriusia Kotlar ( Vice President of the American Apitherapy Society )

Until tomorrow.

JUNE 11, 2024 AD

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease that most commonly appears after the age of 50. Currently, Alzheimer’s afflicts approximately 40 percent of all individuals over the age of 85, for a total of 4 million people in the U.S. alone. When symptoms occur before the age of 65 the disease is designated Presenile Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type (PDAT). When symptoms occur after age 65 the syndrome is referred to as Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type (SDAT). Symptoms include a gradual yet inexorable loss of memory, mental performance, communication skills, abstract thinking and personality. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s ends in the death of the patient, with a mean life expectancy of 8 years.

As well as being a profound personal tragedy for afflicted individuals and their loved ones, the financial costs of caring for victims of the disease exceed $80 billion per year. To see a patient for years and see their decline from AD is difficult for me as their physician. There is limited conventional treatment for AD. The current trend towards longer life expectancy, combined with the increased incidence of senile dementia with age, means that cases of Alzheimer’s increase alarmingly as the median age of the population grows, underscoring the urgency for finding an effective treatment for this disorder.

I turn to the Herbal World for help in AD.

The brain's cholinergic system has been the focus of many attempts at pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's Disease (AZ) for the last twenty years. The drug on the market today as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChE) is tacrine.Tacrineis a centrally acting anticholinesterase and indirect cholinergic agonist (parasympathomimetic). It was the first centrally-acting cholinesterase inhibitor approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and was marketed under the trade nameCognex. Tacrine was first synthesised by Adrien Albert at the University of Sydney. It also acts as a histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor

Tacrine was the prototypical cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Studies found that it may have a small beneficial effect on cognition and other clinical measures, though study data was limited and the clinical relevance of these findings was unclear.

The use of tacrine is limited by poor oral bioavailability, the necessity for four-times daily dosing, and considerable adverse drug reactions (including nausea, diarrhea, urinary incontinence and hepatotoxicity) such that few patients could tolerate therapeutic doses.

Newer cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil (Aricept), are now preferred over tacrine. I do see gastrointestinal side effects with Aricept in the elderly. I usually do a combination therapy or Aricept withNamendia.
However there are herbs which have been studied with good results for AD. Huperzine is used in Chinese medicine for AD. The club moss, Huperzia serrata is a component of a tea administered to the elderly in China. It has been found that Huperzine A is a selective AChE inhibitor.

Huperzine-Ais NOT a new supplement. It is derived from an ancient traditional Chinese herbal medicine that offers hope to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related mental conditions. In addition to benefiting patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, Huperzine’s memory-enhancing properties suggest that it may be an effective agent for improving memory and learning in healthy humans as well.

The studies from Wang since 1986 have found good evidence to use this herb. I use it extensively with patients with AD. Hup-A has undergone double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in China in patients suffering from various memory disorders, including AD. In fact, it is estimated that in the past few years 100,000 people have been treated in China with Hup-A. Researchers in China claim that it helps normal elderly with memory problems as well as people with AD.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in China have demonstrated that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and various other memory disorders gain significant benefit, both in terms of memory and life quality. Xu et al. conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in which subjects with AD were given 200 mcg/day Hup-A or placebo for 8 weeks. Statistically significant improvement was achieved in 58 percent of the treated group with respect to cognitive function and their ability to retrieve past memories.

I also use Bacopa, Prevagen and Lion’s Mane for AD

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 10, 2024 COFFEE AGAIN

I wrote about coffee at the end of last month Coffee is consumed more than tea in this country. Coffee has health benefits Some people enjoy its taste, some like how it makes them feel, and others need it to function daily. I drink coffee every morning I enjoy the taste

Coffee is a great way to improve cognitive function and memory and reduce the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Coffee isn’t just good for your physical energy levels – it’s also great for your brain health! A study showed that coffee drinkers had a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Another study showed that caffeine could improve long-term memory performance

One study showed that people who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were less likely to develop depression than those who didn’t drink any coffee. The researchers believe that this is because caffeine has antidepressant effects.

Coffee may be able to help prevent diabetes. One study showed that people who drank six or more cups of coffee per day were 30% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who didn’t drink any coffee. The researchers believe that caffeine increases the amount of glucose that the body burns for energy. It also increases the amount of insulin that the body produces.

So here are 3 good reasons to drink coffee

Just don’t do too much

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 6, 2024 ALKALINE WATER

 Water is a vital necessity for life, and in recent years, a particular type of water known as ‘alkaline water’ has garnered significant attention. Some proponents suggest it can provide numerous health benefits, from superior hydration to better bone health. Alkaline water differentiates itself by having a higher pH than regular drinking water

Alkaline water is often credited with a variety of health benefits. Among these, improved hydration is often the most cited. Alkaline water contains mineral ions like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, which could aid in better hydration as compared to regular water.

The theory that alkaline water can benefit bone health is largely based on the acid-ash hypothesis. This proposes that consuming certain foods can influence the acidity of your urine and blood and, over time, may lead to conditions like osteoporosis. As alkaline water has a higher pH, it’s hypothesized that it could help balance the body’s pH, supporting bone health. So with all these positive benefits- there is no reason not to drink alkaline water

Buy your alkaline water today

Until tomorrow…