NOVEMBER 6, 2024 VITAMIN A

Very few of us today take separate Vitamin A. It is commonly in most of our multivitamins  and definitely present in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness and dryness of the eyes. The drying can result in corneal ulcers and infection. 

Also the lack of Vitamin A can result in squamous metaplasia. This is where there is a normal protection that is gone. The protection of these ciliated mucous membranes is absent in certain areas leading to squamous metaplasia which will then lead to cancer,

Vitamin A also has the distinction of being the anti infective vitamin. It is very useful in lung disorders as COPD ( emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia)

As with the other fat soluble vitamins ( D, E and K) over dosage can lead to problems. I know a physician that prescribes it five days on and three days off. This is a good practice. The overdosage of vitamin A ( hypervitaminosis A) can present with band like headaches, nose bleeds, and even chapped lips.

There are some pediatricians who believe that Vitamin A protects children against otitis media ( middle ear infection)

Make sure your multi vitamin has Vitamin A. If not you can take an extra 10,000 IU without any adverse effects.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure, often labeled the “silent killer,” is a pervasive health issue that can stealthily escalate into life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, the power to manage this stealthy adversary might already be in your kitchen Cardiovascular disease is still the number #1 killer among ALL Americans There are some foods that can lower blood pressure

We all to eat leafy greens for many reaons. Rich in potassium, leafy greens such as kale, arugula, and spinach are crucial for maintaining a balanced blood pressure. Potassium helps mitigate the effects of sodium in your body, keeping your blood pressure in check. Regularly incorporating these greens into your meals can support vital bodily functions, including heart health and fluid balance.

If you want to eat a berry here they are. Blueberries are a powerhouse of flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, which have been shown to decrease blood pressure significantly. These small but mighty fruits enhance the elasticity of blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing pressure

These next vegtable might make your urine red or have a false positive on a urine sample for blood. But you need to ingest Beets. Beets are loaded with nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide—a compound that helps relax and dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Consuming beetroot juice, in particular, has been shown to have a rapid and substantial effect on blood pressure control

These are my top 3 choices of foods to lower your blood pressure.

Until tomorrow

NOVEMBER 4, 2024 RAW HONEY

I have been a beekeeper for more than 15 years. I have been a Board member of the American Apitherapy Society for 10 years and current President for 2 years, I regard honey as a medicine All the actual products from the beehive are medicines

Raw  honey, treasured for centuries, offers more than just sweetness. 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, raw honey stands out as a multifaceted food

Scientific studies have shed light on raw honey’s efficacy in treating conditions like acid reflux and gastritis. Its natural thickness coats the lining of the esophagus and stomach, forming a protective barrier against stomach acids.

This year at our Annual Conference in Chicago October 4-6th 2024 we had many lectures about the natural healing with honey. 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. 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, making it a go-to home remedy There was a lecture on honey for wounds and honey for oral health at the CMACC October 4-6, 2024 in Chicago

I get many questions about using honey if the patient has a higher blood sugar level Raw honey, despite its natural sweetness, has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, making it a healthier alternative. Its sugars are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

This year I harvested ore than 200 lbs of raw honey from my 3 hves. I have to thank Ryan G for helping me since I was ill and post surgery and couldn’t lift the boxes. My family will be bottling the honey It will be available at Botanical Bounty in NYC rough Fratellone Medical Associates HONEYBEE MD

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 31, 2024 ARTHRITIS

Arthritis, a term encompassing a variety of joint disorders, affects millions globally. Characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, it significantly impacts the quality of life. As we get older some will experience joint symptoms. I have developed arthritis in both of my hands. After a fall, the arthritis seemed to get worse. While medication is key in managing the condition, diet is equally crucial. Certain foods have been identified to alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation

I consume fish to get my Omega 3 at least three times a week. Regular consumption of fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines can significantly reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. If you do not like fish ten take omega 3 either derived from fish or algae. These fish also contribute to overall heart health, a concern for many with chronic inflammatory conditions. Including fatty fish in one’s diet at least twice a week can yield noticeable improvements in joint pain and stiffness.

There is one herb that all arthritis sufferers should consume. It is Garlic ( Allium sativum) Garlic is part of the Lily Family. Other herbs in this Family are onions and chives Garlic, beyond its culinary appeal, is a potent anti-inflammatory and immune system booster. Its compounds, such as allicin, have been found to possess properties that reduce inflammation markers associated with arthritis. Regular consumption of garlic can not only help in managing arthritis symptoms but also improve overall immune function

The other herb that I feel complements garlic is Ginger (Zingeber officinales )  Ginger, a root known for its distinct flavor, also offers significant benefits as a natural pain reliever for arthritis sufferers. Its compounds, such as gingerol, have properties that mimic the effects of certain anti-inflammatory medications. Consuming  ginger can reduce joint pain and stiffness

Until tomorrow.

OCTOBER 30, 2024 LIVING LONGER

Who doesn’t want to live longer ? I do know a surgery in your 60’s whether hip, neck, abdominal, or even heart decreases your lfe expectancy

Eating too much food high in sodium can have nasty consequences for your body. The most significant of these are potential liver damage. Excessive amounts of sodium can cause an accumulation of fluid in the liver, which in turn leads to inflammation. This leads to obesity which leads to cardiovascular diseases.

Mindful eating encourages a positive relationship with food, reducing emotional eating and bingeing behaviors There is a Netflix series, called HeartThrobs. In the show it has a character with anorexia and OCD. It is excellent to discuss this mental health issue in a television series. We all have done emotional eating and sometimes not eating when problems arise in our lives.

The impact of your sleep is so profound on your longevity. High-quality sleep is linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. Sleep is the time when your body repairs itself ( especially in REM sleep ), and poor sleep habits can disrupt these restorative processes. You need to have good sleep habits- by reducing screen time your devices as well as avoiding eating late. You need a routine. For example, I nake a time to go into bed. Then I read or stitch for 30 minutes. Prior to this 30 minutes, I take an herbal sleep aid and get my eye mask out. When done with reading I put on my sound device to hear waves of the ocean or a babbling brook When you prioritize sleep, you also reduce stress levels, which can lower inflammation in the body

Meaningful social connections can be so helpful/. These social connections are with friends, family and even partners. I love this quote - “ Alone, you are strong, but together, you’ll be stronger than ever. “ Research shows that meaningful social connections are as important to longevity as diet and exercise. Strong relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to better mental health, all of which are key to living longer

Lasty you need a meanbingful purpose. And you need to be driven Studies have shown that people who have a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, healthier lives. This sense of purpose can come from many sources, such as work, hobbies, community involvement or even activism for our planet. Although work can be addictive but if you love it —it has merit. I have been talking about hobbies for years. I do many- card making, quilling, needlepoint, and more.

And lastly have GRATITUDE not ATTITUDE Being grateful can change your life. Forgive as best as you can to move on. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress and better mental health. Make a gratitude list in your journal every night. Be grateful for the same things. Cultivate happiness from within, Do not find happiness in others. Find the person within you

You see we all can live longer

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 29, 2024 PROTECT YOUR LIVER

One of the most vital yet underappreciated needs is a healthy liver. We all have bad habits- alcohol, certain foods, too much Tylenol or Motrin type medications * Non steroidal anti inflammatory ) and even some herbs

Drinking alcohol can quickly lead to damage to your physical and mental health. The most notorious consequence of drinking too much is liver damage caused by long-term alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol consumption impacts the form and action of organs in the body, particularly those responsible for metabolizing toxins like the liver. Being sober 30 years gives me a different perspective and view on alcoholism. I respect the damage of alcohol.

I stopped using excessive salt in my diet. Have you ever seen someone salt their food even before tasting it ? Eating too much food high in sodium can have nasty consequences for your body. The most significant of these are potential liver damage. Excessive amounts of sodium can cause an accumulation of fluid in the liver, which in turn leads to inflammation and scarring

Then you have foods and herbs to protect your liver. These are fruit and vegetables, nut and seeds and water. The herbs that protect your liver are dandelion, milk thistle, globe artichoke, and all the bitter herbs

Keep your liver healthy today

Until tomoorrow.

OCTOBER 28, 2024 AVOCADOS

Do you eat avocados ? Some individuals do not like these creamy fruit. Yes a fruit. It is not a vegetable It has an impact on overall health especially heart well-being, and weight management. It could be considered a super fruit

Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, essential for reducing bad cholesterol levels and improving heart health. Avocados also contain many vitamins, including vitamins K, E, C, and B-6, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. I used to eat 3-4 avocados per week since I got home late from work in NYC. I started to get inflammed in my hands. Once I found out that avocados are inflammatory for Type O blood diet, I stopped and limited them to one per week and my hands are not inflammed now. The heart health benefits of avocados are noteworthy. The monounsaturated fats in avocados reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, thus promoting a healthier heart. This reduction in cholesterol levels is essential in decreasing the risk of heart disease, Avocados also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, These are unique fruits.

Did you ever cons8ider an avocados for weight management and to fill you up/ Incorporating avocados into one’s diet can aid significantly in weight management. Despite being high in fat, the monounsaturated fats in avocados can help reduce body weight by promoting a sense of satiety and reducing the desire to overeat. This is particularly beneficial in a balanced diet where portion control is key to weight management. The same can be said of macadamia nuts—3-4 nuts fill you up quickly.

And then there is the skin health benefits/ Thanks to their high vitamin and healthy fat content, avocados boast numerous skin and hair health benefits. Avocados’ vitamins C and E play a significant role in skin repair and protection. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to reduce the damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation.

So consume an avocados or two per week. It will help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 24, 2024 SORE MUSCLES

Did you work out too much today ? Is your body aching ? The discomfort often manifests as a dull, persistent ache, stiffness, or a burning sensation in the affected muscles. Although this is a common issue, it’s not something one has to endure without relief. Home remedies for alleviating muscle pain are abundant,

We know from our trainers ( or from my Track and Field coach in high school ) that stretching works Gentle stretching plays a pivotal role in alleviating achy muscles by improving flexibility and promoting better blood circulation. Engaging in a series of stretches targets affected muscles, gradually reducing stiffness and discomfort.

There are a variety of herbs that reieve muscle aches. Some herbalists use a poultice or liniment Some of these herbs are turmeric, ginger, and chamomile are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Turmeric, rich in curcumin, offers notable anti-inflammatory effects, helping to ease muscle discomfort. I discussed tumeric yesterday October 23, 2024 I love to make a tumeric, ginger and cayenne pepper drink that great for sore muscles.

Who doesn’t want a soothing bath with salts and herbs. An Epsom salt bath can be a sanctuary for sore, achy muscles. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle function and helps to alleviate soreness and stiffness. Dissolving a generous amount of Epsom salts into a warm bath and soaking for 20-30 minutes can lead to immediate improvements i I might even put lavender oil in the bath Lavender oil, for instance, is renowned for its relaxation and pain relief properties. Applying diluted lavender oil topically to the affected area or inhaling its aroma can promote relaxation of the muscles,

Without discussion, prper hydration and good dietary lifestyle are excellent in reventing the sore muscles after a work out.

Until tomorrow…