MARCH 12, 2025 HEART DISEASE

Cardiovascular Disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. While genetics and lifestyle factors like lack of exercise play a role, what you eat can be a significant contributor to heart health. Lifestyle changes are very important in preventing heart Disease and other chronic conditions. Yes we live in an environmentally toxic world. We also live in a world of toxic foods.

One food you must decrease consumption of are fats. Saturated fats and trans fats top the list. Found in foods like fast food, red meat, and dairy products, these fats can significantly elevate your LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for developing heart disease, as it contributes to arterial plaque formation, which can lead to blockages and heart attacks. You must ask your doctor to perform a fractionated lipid panel for particle size. This is vital. Those with a LDL that is small dense and ‘sticky” are at the post risk. these are Pattern B particles.

Then there is the obvious sugar consumption. Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can lead to weight gain, one of the risk factors for heart disease. These simple carbohydrates will increase your blood sugar leading to unstable glucose and eventually type II diabetes . Diabetes is a risk factor for heart Disease. It is the sister and brother relationship Most if not all diabetics will eventually get diabetes if the individual does not manage their glucose levels.

And then there is Salt. Salt is a staple in most kitchens, but its excessive consumption can have dire consequences for heart health. High salt intake is directly linked to elevated blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Processed foods, canned soups, and even some breads can be surprisingly high in salt. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day and an ideal limit of 1,500 milligrams per day for most adults. However using no salt or using ‘ pink’ salt is not the answer. Those individuals that restrict all salt or use pink salt, which has no iodine will cause signs and symptoms of a low thyroid ( Hypothyroidism) As a physician , I have seen many new cases of hypothyroidism when individuals consume no iodine in their dietary lifestyle. If you do not want salt, get your iodine from fish and seaweed.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 11, 2025 AUTOIMMUNE ISSUES

Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, can be debilitating In my practice i usually advocate for a gluten and dairy free lifestyle for an autoimmune patient as well as starting on low dose naltrexone, The dose starts at 1 mg and usually is titrated to 4.5 within 2-3 months.

Autoimmune disorders manifest when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s own cells. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis fall under this category There are 120 plkus autoimmune issues but only 30 + have serum markers. For example hashimoto’s thyroiditis has TPO antobodies ( thyroid peroxoidase) and Rheumatoid arthritis, has rheumatoid factors. Some autoimmune disorders do not have serum marlkers as Psoriasis and Multiple sclerosis.

Foods that fight inflammation can be powerful allies in managing autoimmune disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and mackerel, have been shown to reduce inflammation

There are also foods that have a high antioxidant potential. These foods are blueberries ( and all other purple berries) and other citrus fruit as grapefruits, oranges and amla ark chocolate, for example, is not only a delicious treat but also rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Nuts and seeds like almonds and sunflower seeds are another excellent source of antioxidants, Walnuts provide omega 3 if you not eat fish

Those with autoimmune issues need to avoid caffeine, sugars and, processed foods. Hydrate with waterr throughout the day

Until tomorrow….

MARCH 10, 2025 BRAIN POWER FOODS

If we consume certain foods can significantly impact your brain function and overall mental health The brain, a complex and vital organ, requires various nutrients to operate optimally These foods can be avocados, nuts and seeds and certain berries

Avocados are packed with nutrients essential for brain health. The monounsaturated fats in avocado are heart-healthy fats that contribute to healthy blood flow, a key element in cognitive function. These fats not only enhance overall brain function but can also uplift mood, making one feel energized and ready to tackle the day. Today, we have plenty to tackle

Bueberries are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, these tiny powerhouses help neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to be a significant contributor to age-related cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I try to consume blueberries on a daily basis. If not I try to drink Wymans Blueberry Juice which I get on Amazon

Many nuts and seeds offer health benefits. Walnuts offer a range of nutrients that can positively impact mental health. They are particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain health. ALA has been shown to improve cognitive function and even offer neuroprotective benefits.

Lastly if you have a sweet tooth—consume one piece of Dark Chocolate every day. Dark Chocolate contains moderate amounts of caffeine helps improve focus and concentration. Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which offer a broad range of benefits, from enhancing mood to improving cognitive function.

Growing up, my mother allows served spinach. Popeye the Sailor Man consumed spinach daily for strength This leafy green is rich in vital nutrients like Vitamin K, which plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the nervous system. Moreover, the iron content in spinach helps improve attention, memory, and cognitive function,

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 6, 2025 AN APPLE A DAY

I have loved apples since childhood. It is the most constant fruit in my dietary lifestyle Apples are packed with essential nutrients, rich in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants, apples offer a myriad of health advantages

Apples are excelltn for heart health. Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, apples contain polyphenols, antioxidants that help protect the heart by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

I use a lot of pectin on patients with cancer or immune dysfrunction. Apples also contain a type of fiber called pectin, which helps remove toxins from the body. Pectin also promotes gut health, which is essential for the immune system. As far a gut health, as the pectin feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. These bacteria are essential for many aspects of health, including immune function and digestion So eating an apple a day is beneficial to many aspects of your health.

I remember reading Michael Pollan’s book, “ The Botany of Desire. “ There was a while chapter devoted to apples which was so informative. Apples contain quercetin, a type of flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is used to treat allergies and asthma. I often used quercetin with stinging nettle leaf. One product that combines both is Natural D Hist. The Vitamin C and beta carotene in apples also reduce inflammation.

Apples may help improve brain health. The study found that rats fed a diet containing apples improved performance on memory and learning tests. Additionally, the rats who ate apples had higher levels of a brain-protective antioxidant called glutathione . So gluthathione may help human brains

So Eat an Apple a Day

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 5, 2025 BENEFITS OF BEE POLLEN

What is bee pollen ? Bee pollen is one of the many beehive products from a honeybee hive Bee pollen, a natural substance collected by bees, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This potent mixture of pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions offers a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals

Did you know that every product of the beehive called an apiary product can be used medicinally. There are health benefits for bee pollen, as well as honey, propolis, bee venom, royal jelly and even bee bread. The health benefits of bee pollen include its immune-boosting properties, digestive health support, and energy enhancement capabilities. These are just a few

The benefits from bee pollen is its enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down food and extracting nutrients effectively. Bee pollen also contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining gut health The fiber helps regulate bowel motions and prevent constipation in some individuals. I add bee pollen to my granola/yogurt/berry concoction for breakfast

I use bee pollen to provide me added or needed energy Bee pollen is rich in proteins and carbohydrates, which are essential for sustained energy. Its composition includes B-vitamins, particularly B12 and riboflavin, known for their role in energy metabolism. This unique blend of nutrients provides a steady release of energy Bee pollen is a great antioxidant It can help your skin look beautiful I try to consume it every day

I once heard a an apitherapy conference from a beekeeper/apitherapist that you could survive on bee pollen alone if you needed to

Join the American Apitherapy Society ( wwwe.apitherapy.org )

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 4, 2025 CHOLESTEROL

As I have discussed many times, Americans are obsessed with their cholesterol You should be concerned about the amount of carbohydrates you intake in your daily dietary lifestyle. People eat daily that can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart disease Eating the wrong kinds of food can lead to higher LDL levels– the bad kind There are 2 types of bad cholesterol when discussing particle size. It is not about the number but the type of particles. I would encourage you to ask your physician to draw your blood. This way he/she can send to a lab about particle size. The test is called Cardiac IQ done by Quest, or NMD done by LabCorp.

Do you consume about of red meat . Red meat may be full of flavor and a favorite amongst many, but its high-fat content can do more harm than good to your cholesterol levels. The fats and protein found in red meat are known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol while lowering your HDL (good) cholesterol. Do not worry as fish, poultry, beans, and nuts can also be excellent replacements for unhealthy red meats that raise cholesterol levels.

I love eggs. The prominent nutrient in egg yolks is dietary cholesterol, which can raise your overall blood cholesterol levels Unfortunately, they are also an excellent source of cholesterol, with one jumbo-sized egg containing over 240mg of cholesterol. I do NOT avoid eggs. Eggs are an excellent source of protein The egg yolk ( the yellow part) also contains lots of B vitamins which are healthy for your dietary lifestyle

Do you consume shellfish ? Many Americans during the summer consume more shellfish. Shellfish often appear harmless, they are chock full of cholesterol-raising saturated fat and cholesterol. A 3-ounce serving of jumbo shrimp contains 184 mg of cholesterol, while 4 ounces of oysters contain over 270 ml

As Americans we love the processed baked goods. This I feel is the worst food to raise cholesterol and unhealthy. The carbohydrates raise your triglycerides, which overall then lower your good cholesterol ( HDL ) Store-bought baked goods have high levels of trans fats and saturated fat, which can drastically raise bad cholesterol levels.

So choose your protein wisely Be very concerned about processed food.

Until tomorrow. …

MARCH 3, 2025 FOODS THAT BOOST THE BRAIN

The brain, a complex and vital organ, requires various nutrients to operate optimally.

ONE OF THE BEST FOODS FOR THE BRAIN IF YOU ARE NOT TYPE O BLOOD ARE AVOCADOS. This fruit is packed with nutrients essential for brain health. The monounsaturated fats in avocado are heart-healthy fats that contribute to healthy blood flow, a key element in cognitive function.

When it comes to fruits that are good for your brain, blueberries are among the top contenders. Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, these tiny powerhouses help neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress. If you do not like consuming blueberries you can always drink Weyman’s Blueberry Juice.

The one green you should always have is Spinach. Spinach may not have been your favorite vegetable as a child, but its immense health benefits, especially for the brain, are undeniable. This leafy green is rich in vital nutrients like Vitamin K, which plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the nervous system

Lastly iuf there is one sweet to c9nsume I suggest Dark Chocolate This dark chocolate contains moderate amounts of caffeine helps improve focus and concentration. Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which offer a broad range of benefits, from enhancing mood to improving cognitive function.

So now you have at least 4 foods to boost that brain power Take advantage of these

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 27, 2024 PINEAPPLES

 Pineapples, with their distinctive sweet and tangy flavor, have captivated my taste buds since childhood Pineapples are a treasure trove of essential nutrients, offering a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Rich in Vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber, this fruit stands out for its impressive nutritional profile. The presence of these nutrients ensures that pineapples are not just a tasty treat but also a health-enhancing food.

The enzyme bromelain, found abundantly in pineapples, is another noteworthy component. It breaks down proteins, aiding in digestion and showcasing anti-inflammatory properties.

The enzyme bromelain is a star player when it comes to the digestive benefits of pineapples. It facilitates the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, easing the digestive process and potentially alleviating symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Regular consumption of pineapples may contributw to better digestion I also use bromelain as a natural blood thinner along with nattokinase and Omega 3

It is great to boost the immune system Pineapples are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to the enzyme bromelain. This enzyme has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions. The only disadvantage is that pineapples have a high glycemic index ( means pineapples can elevate blood sugar levels )

There is one ther side effect. Despite the numerous benefits, overconsumption of pineapples may lead to certain risks and discomforts. The fruit’s acidity can cause mouth irritation or exacerbate symptoms in individuals prone to acid reflux and heartburn.

So I am telling you to eat some pineapple in your fruit mixture.

Until tomorrow…