OCTOBER 8, 2024 LEMON WATER

We all know that  drinking water is vital for your health, but what about adding some  lemon to the mix? Drinking lemon water is a great way to start your day. It is refreshing and provides some health benefits. Do you drink lemon water ?

Lemons are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, making them one of the best foods you can eat to boost your immune system. Vitamin C is perhaps the most well-known immune-boosting nutrient, and lemons are an excellent source of this vitamin. Just one lemon provides over 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Who would ever think that leon waer is beneficial for sleep and better energy levels. According to a recent study, lemon water may promote better sleep. The study found that participants who drank lemon water before bed fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who did not drink lemon water. In addition, the participants who drank lemon water reported higher energy levels and overall well-being

Lemon water is also god as a poultice or put on a rag and place an affected area with acne One of these is lemon water. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for skin health. Additionally, they contain citric acid, which has natural exfoliating properties. When applied to the skin, lemon juice can help gently remove dead skin cells

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 7, 2024 BLOATING

Bloating, a common digestive issue, affects many people worldwide, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness, swelling in the abdominal area, and sometimes pain Most of the gastrointestinal complaints in my office is for bloating. It occurs sometimes when individuals eat certain foods, or happens when the patient eats very little The gateway to inflammation is ‘ the gut’ or the gastrointestinal tract

The triggers of bloating are diverse, ranging from the consumption of high-FODMAP foods to stress-related gastrointestinal responses. Identifying personal triggers is a crucial step in managing bloating effectively. For this reason we do in the office extensive IgG Food allergy testing This is different than IgE which is for immediate sensitivity after eating a food- like a rash or getting red. Some of these foods include certain fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.I also ask the individuals blood type. I often incorporate reducing inflammatory foods for their blood type

After food allergy testing if there is still bloating i would do some stool testing. I utilize stool kits as GI Map which tests for good, and bad bacteria, parasites, and yeast ad much more. Even more important is to test for small intestinal bacteria overgrowth ( SIBO) This is where there are too many good bacteria producing wither methane or hydrogen gas thus causing bloating We can do SIBO testing in our office. We even do a breath test for Helicobacter pylori.

Once we find the reason for your bloating , we start t treat with herbs and supplements There are many good gastrontestnal herbs as Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, Meadowsweet and Catnip. There are other herbs for SIBO as horse chestnut and Peppermint We make sure the bloating is not caused by a disorder in your thyroid or is it your hormones. as estrogens and progesterone.

Find out the cause of your boating..

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 3, 2024 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple Cider Vinegar, a household name, has been a health and wellness staple for generations Derived from fermented  apple juice, it’s both accessible and affordable. I rotate three different remedies for my mornings- One teaspoon of apple cidar vinegar with water, lime juice with water or lemon juice with water

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been lauded for centuries for its role in enhancing digestive health. Its natural acidity, primarily due to the presence of acetic acid, can help to balance the pH level in your stomach. It is great for reflux esophagitis, and gastritis As we age we lose enzymes in our stomach. his is why I sometimes prescribe digestive enzymes to the older population .

High cholesterol levels and unregulated blood pressure are two major risk factors for heart disease, and ACV may play a role in managing both I don’t use apple cidar as my first natural remedy for high cholesterol and blood pressure

Lasttly , Apple Cider Vinegar has been recognized for its potent antimicrobial properties It can help with dysbiosis, opportunistic infection and even Helicobacter pylori

You must acquire the taste for apple cider vinegar Try it and see if you ike

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 2, 2024 CABBAGE

From being a rich source of essential  vitamins and minerals to offering a range of medicinal properties, cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can uplift your health in numerous ways.

Cabbage is a nutrient-dense food that packs a punch when it comes to vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it’s rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for skin health and immune function, and Vitamin B6, which plays a key role in brain development and function. The mineral content is equally impressive, boasting calcium for strong bones, potassium for blood pressure regulation, and magnesium for nerve function.

It is low in calories -only 22 calories Cabbage is rich in a variety of antioxidants, including glucosinolates, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds. But the digestive benefits of cabbage don’t stop at fiber. Fermented forms of cabbage, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, are rich in probiotics. Potassium is another nutrient in cabbage that deserves attention for its role in heart health. It helps to balance the levels of sodium in your body, effectively regulating blood pressure.

So eat cabbage every chance you get. It will benefit yur health

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 1, 2024 NUTMEG

The Nutmeg State is applied to the state I live in- Connecticut. The reason is that the early inhabitants had a reputation of being ingenious and shrewd that they were able to make and sell nutmeg, The botanical name for nutmeg is Myristica fragrans

I feel most of s think of nutmeg as a sice for cooking and baking, but it is ore than that. The Arabs used nutmeg for various digestive ailments. It was used for kidney ailments and lymphatic support

The Hindus used nutmeg for bad breath ( halitosis) , headaches, and colds It has even been used for anxiety and relieving stress. Recent research has focused on the oil from nutmeg as an anti microbial for bacteria and viruses.

I used to obtain lots of nutmeg from The Spice Island, —Grenada. I used to transport it home between school semesters

I have seen nutmeg used in combination with cloves to enhance male libido

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 DANDELION

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been used for centuries in herbal remedies and is FULL of health benefits:

• Supports healthy digestion

• Detoxifies the liver

• Boosts immunity

• Rich in vitamins like A, C, K, and minerals like iron and potassium

As a young child I remember my grandparents picking dandelion leaves. I recall saying why are they picking these leaves. It is a weed. Yes that may be true, but it i a herb that medicinal benefits These leaves were cut up and added to the salad. The salad growing up was Iceberg Lettuce which I hardly eat these days

Historically dandelion was used to treat anemia to warts. In traditional Chinese medicine the root and leaves are used in a tonic to eliminate toxins and enhance digestion ( as dandelion is a bitter)

It may have an anti cancer effect. Herbal books discuss its blood thinning effect but I have never seen that as a side effect

I usually combine dandelion with milk thiste to imprve sugar sensitivity

Until tomorrow.

SEPTEMBER 26 , 2024 FRUITS

I especially enjoy summer fruits . I do not eat many fruits in the winter months Fruits are beneficial to your health. It’s no secret that fruits are a key part of a healthy diet. They’re full of  vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and provide various health benefits. However, not all fruits are created equal. In fact, some fruits out there offer no real health benefits or, at the very least, don’t provide much nutritional value

There are many fruits with benefits Most fruits are a good source of fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion. They also contain many key vitamins, including  vitamin A and B-complex and vitamins like folate and niacin. And many fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

Yesterday while food shopping I bought fruits .I added all different berries to my cart- blueberries, raspberries and strawberries I usually buy more in the summer I then added bananas . Bananas, one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, offer no real benefits for your health and well-being. Not only are bananas seemingly low in nutritional value, but hig in sugar

I love dates Are dates beneficial ? Dates certainly shouldn’t be the first choice that comes to mind. Although sweet and succulent, dates are deceiving as although they may look like fruit; they offer little vitamins and minerals. Sure, they provide dietary fiber, potassium, and some B vitamins like thiamin and riboflavin, but they also contain a whopping 66 grams of sugar per 100 grams I rather have fresh figs I tried growing a turkey fig tree in Black Rock CT with much difficulty

I hope you all enjoyed my first week back

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 25 2024 MORE IN HONEY

As the American Apitherapy Society conference is approaching this weekend in Chicago , I wanted to discuss honey. Honey is packed with an array of health benefits that is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and healing compounds It is not only to sweeten your herbal teas

Honey is used to aid in the digestive process Raw honey’s impact on digestive health is noteworthy. Its  prebiotic nature nurtures beneficial bacteria in the gut, essential for healthy digestion and overall well-being. These prebiotics in raw honey not only aid in digestion but also help in the absorption of nutrients, Honey forms a protective barrier against stomach acids. Therefore can be used as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

There are many peer review journal articles on the benefit of honey for wound healing 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, making raw honey an excellent natural option for treating minor wounds and infections.

We all need a good imune system to fight off free radical damage to our bodies whic cause chronic disease. 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

Until tomorrow…