JULY 8th 2024 NATURAL BLOOD THINNERS

When most people think of blood thinners, they envision a type of medication used to prevent blood clots from forming. These medications work by making it harder for the blood to clot. There are some natural blood thinners as nattokinase, lumbrokinase and even omega 3 There are also some foods that can act as natural blood thinners Sone of these foods are herbs as garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper

Garlic ( Allium sativum) has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. In addition to its distinctive flavor, garlic is prized for its health-promoting properties. Recent research has shown that garlic can act as a natural blood thinner, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Other studies have found that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.

Ginger is a versatile root with a long history of medicinal use. Its most well-known property is its ability to act as a natural blood thinner. Ginger contains antioxidants that can help to prevent blood clots from forming, and it also helps to improve circulation. As a result, ginger can be helpful for those at risk of heart disease or stroke

Cayenne pepper is a plant that belongs to the nightshade family. Cayenne pepper has many medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The fruit of the cayenne pepper plant is used to make Capsicum Annum powder, which is then used in many dishes as a spice. One of the most well-known medicinal uses for cayenne pepper is its ability to thin the blood

Until tomorrow…

JULY 4, 2024 YOUR THYROID AND FOODS

The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall health. However, certain foods can negatively impact its functioning, leading to health issues like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

ALTHOUGH GREENS ARE GOOD FOR MANY REASONS IT CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR YOUR THYROID. Cruciferous  vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens, substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. When these  vegetables are consumed in large amounts, particularly in their raw form, they can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, a condition known as goiter

For individuals with hypothyroidism, it’s recommended to limit the intake of these  vegetables, especially in their raw form. Cooking cruciferous  vegetables can significantly reduce their goitrogenic compounds, making them safer for consumption I discuss with my patients whom have a thyroid condition about the intake of green vegeatbles

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has been linked to thyroid disorders, particularly in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity This is especially seen in autoimmune thyroidits, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I recommend a 100 % gluten free lifestyle, one brazil nut per day and low dose naltrexone if a patient has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

Until tomorrow…