JULY 3 2024 IVERMECTIN

Ivermectin is an anti parasitic medication. It has been used to treat cancer in Europe and off label in the United States. Many patients take ivermectin daily to prevent COVID since the pandemic started in 2020. Below are some facts about this drug.

Satoshi Omura at the Kitasato Institute discovered Ivermectin in 1979 and was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery in 2015

Ivermectin was FDA Approved for human use in 1987 to orally treat onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, caused by the blackfly-transmitted parasite Onchocerca volvulus

Ivermectin is annually taken by close to 250 million people

Most patients treated with Ivermectin have no side-effects other than those caused by the immune and inflammatory responses against the parasite, such as fever, pruritus, skin rashes and malaise

Maximum concentration in plasma is reached 4-5 h after its oral administration

Its half-life is approximately 19 h and is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome CYP1A and CYP3A4 complexes, generating 10 metabolites, mostly demethylated and hydroxylated.

Its excretion is mainly by feces and only 1% is excreted in the urine

Ivermectin exerts antitumor effects in different types of cancer There are ten or mroe target pathways in cancer that it exerts its effect. This means it can be used to treat various cancers. There have been published reviews about its use in cancers More studies need to be done. There are in vitro studies of its use in these cancers below

breast cancer, ovarian, prostate, colon, pancreas, head and neck, melanoma – inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, autophagy, reversion of tamoxifen resistance, inhibits metastases

glioblastoma – growth inhibition, apoptosis, and anti-angiogenesis

Until tomorrow…

JULY 2, 2024 WILD BLUEBERRIES AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

The consumption of flavonoid-rich foods has been linked to improved cognitive function and mood. The impact of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium, Ericaceae) on cognitive function has been researched with various populations, intervention types, durations, and cognitive tasks with mixed results. This could be due to the stability and bioavailability of blueberry anthocyanins, and it is possible that the effects of blueberry’s anthocyanin metabolic peaks are time- and dose-dependent. Various tests have shown that cognitive performances worsen at specific timepoints throughout the day due to circadian and homeostatic rhythm changes—specifically two hours after consuming lunch. The authors conducted two studies. The first study (ROAB) was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with four different doses of wild blueberry extract (WBE) to test the dose-responsive efficacy on episodic memory throughout the day, on maintaining executive function and mood, and the cardiovascular effects on adults between the ages of 68–75 years. The second study (BEAT) was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial tested the time-dependent effects of a specific dosage of WBE on cognitive performance and cardiovascular effects on adults between the ages of 68–75 years.

The authors conclude that WBE can improve the reaction times during the post-lunch dip for executive function tasks in adults who are healthy. It was found there was a significant improvement for episodic memory and cognitive performance during post-lunch decline in addition to lowering blood pressure in the ROAB trial but not the BEAT trial. More research is needed to verify these results with individuals who have mild cognitive impairments.

This study was published in the American Botanical Council HerbalGram Originally published Cheng N, Barfoot KL, Le Cozannet R, Fança-Berthon P, Lamport DJ, Williams CM. Wild blueberry extract intervention in healthy older adults: A multi-study, randomised, controlled investigation of acute cognitive and cardiovascular effects. Nutrients. April 2024;16(8):1180. doi:10.3390/nu16081180.

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JULY 1, 2024 FOODS THAT TASTE GREAT

Maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge, but it’s worth it! There are many different types of healthy foods that taste great, so you have plenty of options to choose from

I love nuts and seeds There are many to choose from I prefer almonds Almonds are a great healthy food that also tastes great. Almonds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber. They’re also an excellent source of protein for vegetarians to use when they want to maintain muscle mass while cutting down on meat consumption. Almonds have been known for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease

I grow many berry trees and bushes in my yard. Gooseberries, mulberries, cherries and elderberries. I prefer blueberries for its many health benefits. Blueberries are a great source of Vitamin C and fiber, making them extremely healthy. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against various types of cancer. Blueberries can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which in turn may help protect against heart disease and stroke. Blueberries are also known for delaying the aging of cells, which can help protect against some types of cancer

Lastly, I love avocados. I used to eat 5-6 per week. I was getting inflamed and I realized that Type O blood should not eat them I reduced them to 1-2 per week and the inflammation in my hands subsided. Avocados are a healthy, high-fat food that is delicious and versatile. They work well in a salad or a sandwich, but you can also use them to make guacamole. Avocados contain potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, and fiber. In fact, they contain more fiber than any other fruit – which is good for your digestive system! Avocados also help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 27, 2024 STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns.

I love all berries. Berries have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties. I grow blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries and mulberries in my yard. I even have 3 elderberry trees.

I recently read about where we get our strawberries ! Ninety percent of the strawberries grown in the US come from California, including many varieties that were first cultivated — and then patented — by the University of California at Davis. While most strawberries are consumed in the US or China, a large amount of US-grown berries end up in Canada. The US also imports fresh strawberries from Mexico, with the amount reaching a record high of 431 million pounds in 2020.

So the downside to any produce is the use of pesticides. Pesticides also are dangerous to our honeybees. Honeybees pollinate 1/3 of the foods we eat Strawberries also top the list of pesticide-contaminated produce, which is a problem for consumers as well as farmworkers.

A cup of sliced strawberries will deliver roughly 53 calories, almost all of which come from carbohydrates. You’ll also get a decent 3.3 grams of fiber, a bit of fat, and a tad over a gram of protein.

Strawberries are a good source of folate and vitamin C, as well as essential minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium.

So eat strawberries-just find out about them before you consume any fruit or vegetable.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 26, 2024 ANTI INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Did you ever think to eat foods that are anti inflammatory ? Most of us do not think of foods in that way 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. Understanding the role of diet in managing inflammation is crucial. Certain foods, rich in specific nutrients, have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

One of these foods 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.

Olive oil, especially extra virgin  olive oil, is renowned for its health benefits. I grew up on olive oil Olive oil has, anti-inflammatory properties. The key compound in olive oil, oleocanthal, has been shown to have similar anti-inflammatory effects as ibuprofen. This makes  olive oil an excellent dietary choice for reducing inflammation. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Lastly are blueberries I eat blueberries every day. 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 associated with inflammation

So it is your responsibility to find out which foods are anti inflammatory. These are other like almonds and using tumeric.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 25 2024 ENOUGH WATER

Do you think you drink enough water. Are you feeling tired and run down? It’s possible that you’re not drinking enough  water. Believe it or not, dehydration can cause many problems, from fatigue to migraines to weight gain. But don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you have to drink gallons of  water every day. Just a few extra glasses can make a big difference I make sure ever day especially in the summer that I drink 5-6 bottled waters per day I try to drink them before I leave work

When your body is properly hydrated, your skin cells can function properly, giving you a radiant complexion. In addition,  water helps to flush out toxins and impurities that can lead to breakouts.

ur joints are what gives our bodies the ability to move. You have joints in your knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows, as well as in your fingers and toes. The points where your bones meet and are held together by ligaments. Cartilage covers the ends of your bones and helps to cushion them, making it easier for us to move. When you don’t drink enough  water, the cartilage in your joints can start to break down. This can lead to pain and stiffness and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. 

When it comes to blood pressure, the most important organ are the kidneys. Your kidneys also do red blood cell production, and calcium metabolism. Kidney damage can be caused by a variety of things, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications.  Drinking plenty of  water is one of the best ways to prevent kidney damage.  Water helps to flush out toxins and keeps the kidneys functioning properly.

The need for water is essential for overall health Please drink enough water today and every day

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JUNE 21, 2024 FOODS THAT DETOXIFY

Incorporating detoxifying foods into your diet can help boost your energy levels, improve digestion, and promote a healthy complexion. Most of my patients start the day with room temperature water and lemon as my suggestion Why do you ask ? Lemons are renowned for their detoxifying properties, largely due to their high vitamin C content and alkalizing effects. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, lemons stimulate the production of bile, which is essential for digestion and the elimination of waste product

There are other foods that detoxify Another food that is a staple to my diet is Garlic ) Allium sativum) Garlic is part of the Lily Family Family. Others in this category are Onions and Chives. Garlic is a powerful detoxifier, thanks to its rich content of sulfur compounds and natural antibiotic properties. These sulfur compounds, such as allicin, boost the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, enhancing its ability to remove toxins from the body. Garlic also has properties of being antibacterial and antiviral

Lastly is the ingestion of Green Tea ( Camilla sinensis ) Green tea is a popular detoxifying beverage, packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. I think more individuals drink coffee than green tea in the United States. Green tea is consumed a lot in China and Japan One of the key antioxidants found in green tea is catechins, which are known to enhance liver function and increase the body’s detoxification abilities. The active ingredient that is the detoxifier is EGCG. Drinking green tea regularly can help flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.

Start with these and start to detoxify

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 20, 2024 IRON DEFICIENCY

Iron deficiency, one of the most common nutritional disorders worldwide, often remains unnoticed until it escalates into a more severe condition like anemia. In my office I routinely check iron levels. It is a sign of fatigue and malaise in an individual There are many other signs of iron deficiency that go unnoticed.

One sign that goes unnoticed are headaches. Headaches, although common and often attributed to stress or other external factors, can sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency. Reduced iron levels can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the brain.

Your cold hands and feet might be a low iron. hen the body’s iron levels dip, it can result in poor blood flow to the extremities, making hands and feet feel colder than usual. This sensation isn’t merely the typical cold one might feel during winter but a persistent coldness that doesn’t seem to go away easily. I usually check thyroid levels also, as cold hands and feet can be a sign of thyroid deficiency ( or hypothyroidism)

Iron is needed for your hair and nails. The health of one’s nails and hair can offer valuable insights into overall well-being. Iron deficiency can manifest itself in the form of brittle nails that crack or break easily. Similarly, hair might start thinning or falling out more than usual.

The above are just a few signs of iron deficiency. Have your doctor check your iron levels.

Until tomorrow,,,