AUGUST 18, 2025 Ayurvedic Herbs for BLOOD PRESSURE

Mukta Vati is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). It's also believed to offer several additional benefits: 

• Blood pressure regulation: Mukta Vati helps in managing high blood pressure by promoting relaxation of blood vessels and supporting healthy circulation, according to Ayurvedabay.com. Some of its ingredients, like Centella asiatica and Terminalia arjuna, have demonstrated antihypertensive properties.

• Stress and anxiety reduction: Several ingredients in Mukta Vati, including Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, and Ashwagandha, are considered adaptogens, helping to calm the nervous system and alleviate stress and anxiety.

• Improved sleep quality: Mukta Vati may help improve sleep quality, which is often affected by high blood pressure, according to The Desi Food.

• Cardiovascular support: Ingredients like Arjuna are believed to enhance heart function and improve circulation, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. It may also help reduce cholesterol levels, further supporting heart health.

• Potential antioxidant effects: Mukta Vati may help protect the heart from oxidative damage due to its antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as Jatamansi. Research suggests it may also help maintain the balance of natural antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione. 

In addition to these benefits, Mukta Vati may also help reduce inflammation, purify the blood, and support liver function. It may be particularly helpful in addressing the complications often associated with high blood pressure, such as uneasiness, insomnia, palpitations, and chest and headaches, according to ayurmedinfo.com I also use Western herbs for hypertension - combination of hawthorne, globe artchoke, snakeroot and garlic to lower BP

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AUGUST 13, 2025 BEE BREAD

What is Bee Bread ? By definition Bee bread is a natural product obtained from the fermentation of bee pollen mixed with bee saliva and flower nectar inside the honeycomb cells of a hive. Bee bread is considered a functional product, having several nutritional virtues and various bioactive molecules with curative or preventive effects.

For those familar or for bee keepers it is…
Bee bread or ‘perga’ isn't bread at all but a nutritious food made by bees for their young. In fact, it’s bee pollen that bees transform as a stable protein and vitamin-rich source of nutrition. Bee bread also has a positive effect on the immune system of healthy people. It also has antibiotic and antioxidant properties! Perhaps this is why myths that claim the Greek Gods consumed bee products for longevity and immortality

Not every beekeeper uses all the apitherapy products from his/her hive., For example I use propolis, honey, bees wax and bee venom . Some of other beekeepers will use all the above except bee venom but add royal jelly and add bee pollen/ bee bread

Besides the nutritional value of bee bread there has been extensive research and studies. Studies have identified over 300 components, including amino acids, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, minerals, and vitamins. Research has shown that bee bread extracts have antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and even antitumoral properties. Additionally, they may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress, making it a powerful ally for overall well-being.

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AUGUST 12, 2025 PROTEIN in FRUIT

While meat, fish, and eggs are certainly a wellspring of protein, and legumes provide loads of plant-based protein, other protein-packed foods abound—including fruit

This is something you didn’t know - A key rule of thumb is that fruits with edible seeds, such as passion fruit and berries, can contain more protein. An Avocado is a fruit. Avocados are unique because it is packed with healthy fats (unusual in the plant world), and it also has a significant amount of protein—4 grams in an average whole avocado

Even berries contain protein For each cup of raw fruit, blackberries provide 2 grams of protein, and raspberries provide 1.5 grams of protein. "These berries are also rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants offering anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for brain and heart health

A medium grapefruit contains approximately 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber It's also a vitamin C superstar, exceeding the daily recommendation for this antioxidant, and a good source of potassium. You must ask your doctor as this fruit has interaction with some cardiac medication.

And lastly, Two kiwis provide 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of gut-healthy fiber. . Sweet, tangy, and acidic, this fuzzy-skinned fruit exceeds the daily recommendation for vitamin C. "Kiwis are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health

So you see certain fruit has protein.

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AUGUST 11,2025 PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is a very tasty herb for most individuals. It can be used for headaches , anxiety and soothing the stomach. It is part of the Mint Family along with Spearmint, Lemon Balm, Bugleweed and Motherwort

Commonly called peppermint, M. piperita is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and M. aquatica (watermint), and is a low-growing, perennial aromatic in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Peppermint grows wild throughout Europe and North America in moist areas and is thought to be of Mediterranean origin. There are records of the plant being cultivated by ancient Egyptians. The leaves and stems of peppermint contain volatile oils that give the plant its pungent fragrance and taste. One of the naturally occurring chemicals in peppermint oil is menthol, which is responsible for the sensation of coolness that is characteristic of peppermint. Used for gastrointestinal and neurological conditions such as indigestion and tension headaches (oil used topically), peppermint’s antispasmodic and antidiarrheal effects are topics of continued research. Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs for use in teas, flavorings, and confections (e.g., chewing gum and candies).

I grow Peppermint in my yard. It grows very quickly as with most Mint Family herbs.

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AUGUSAT 5, 2025 METHYTLATED VITAMINS

For years I have been discussing methylation. I remember hearing a lecture about methylation and I started reading I went to a website ww.mthfr.net If you’ve ever taken a B complex and still felt fatigued, or been told you have elevated homocysteine levels, it may be time to look into methylated B vitamins.

Methylation is a biochemical process that occurs billions of times a day in your body. It’s how your cells perform essential tasks like:

• Producing neurotransmitters for mood and focus

• Regulating gene expression

• Processing toxins in the liver

• Creating energy (ATP) at the cellular level

• Converting homocysteine into methionine for heart health
  

For methylation to occur efficiently, your body requires specific methyl donors, primarily from B vitamins — including methylated folate (5-MTHF) and methylcobalamin (B12) If you feel tired even after a good night’s sleep, a deficiency or impaired usage of B vitamins may be contributing. Methylated B12 (methylcobalamin) and methylated folate (5-MTHF) are essential for converting food into energy and fueling your cells.They also help maintain the health of your nervous system and support the production of red blood cells — both key components in sustained energy.Many patients feel a significant difference in their focus and vitality when they switch to a high-quality formula with methylated B vitamins.

Methylati9on is imnportant for cardiovascular support We do know that homocysteine is a risk factor for premature vascular damage 40 % of people cannot bring down homocysteine with a regular B12 and folate This 40 % of indi8viduals have a MTHFR gene whether MTHFR 677 or MTHFR 1298 Methylated forms of B6, B12, and folate are critical for converting homocysteine into methionine, an amino acid needed for healthy cardiovascular function. Without this conversion, homocysteine builds up and damages blood vessels over time We also need methylation for detoxification Methylation also supports phase II liver detoxification, where your body neutralizes toxins so they can be safely eliminated. This includes everything from heavy metals and hormones to environmental chemicals. There are many individuals who cannot detox mycotoxins, metals, and other toxins fro their bodies. This is because they have a MTHFR gene

Ask your doctor to check for MTHFR genes

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AUGUST 4, 2025 AKKERMANSIA

Akkermansia muciniphila (sometimes misspelled “Akkamensia”) is a beneficial gut bacterium that has drawn increasing scientific interest for its role in immune regulation, gut health, and metabolic balance. More recently, it has been linked to cancer research, especially in relation to the immune system’s response to cancer therapies.

As far as the gut microbiome and tumor progression -

Akkermansia helps maintain the gut barrier, preventing systemic inflammation, which can promote tumor growth It may modulate inflammatory cytokines and impact T-cell infiltration into tumors, enhancing the body’s natural anti-tumor response.

For cxolon and gastric cancers it has been found that Because A. muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium, it interacts directly with the intestinal lining. While beneficial in healthy individuals, in some cases (e.g., with a compromised mucosal barrier), the role of Akkermansia is still under investigation. Some studies suggest it may protect against colon cancer by strengthening the gut lining and reducing chronic inflammation.

In summary Akkermnansia has three importantr points

1. Promising as a cancer immunotherapy enhancer

2. Supports gut and immune health, reducing inflammation

3 More research is needed for direct anti-cancer applications, but early findings are very encouraging

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JULY 30, 2025 PEPTIDES

What are ppetides ? Peptides are short protein chains of about 2-100 amino acids. Your body makes peptides that serve important functions in some of your body's most necessary processes, including how you digest and use energy from the food you eat, how hungry you feel, how your hormones work, and cell movement

Peptide therapeutics are peptides or polypeptides (oligomers or short polymers of amino acids) which are used to for the treatment of diseases. Naturally occurring peptides may serve as hormones, growth factors, neurotransmitters, ion channel ligands, and anti-infectives; peptide therapeutics mimic such functions.

At Fratellone Medical we consider new therapies all the time with our team researching , discussing and meeting about different treatment strategies

Individuals who should exercise caution or avoid peptide use include pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with autoimmune conditions, those with severe allergies, and individuals with underlying organ issues

While many peptides are no longer FDA-approved for compounding, some are still available through: FDA-approved pharmaceutical versions (e.g., Tesamorelin for HIV-related fat loss

We as practitioners are being well informed about peptides through various conferences. We have been on a peptide journey I am proud to say that associates/colleague Dr Hannibal Miles and myself are using peptides for a variety of health conditions. in our patient population

Have a consult with Dr Hannibal Miles for peptides Call 212 421 3202

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JULY 29, 2025 SUMMER FRUIT

There are many summer fruits to eat which are super foods. One is Watermelon You don’t have to ditch the juicy red part of the watermelon – but don’t sleep on the seeds or rind. “Both can support circulation and hydration,” Dr. Wu notes. “And the rind has lots of fiber and amino acids.” Simply roast the seeds for a crunchy, protein-packed snack, or toss the rind into a stir-fry. It is high is sugar but a few pieces with your berries cannot hurt.

There are tart cherries. Whether you’re sore from a workout or just want a good night’s sleep, these might be for you. “Tart cherries, or tart cherry juice, are loaded with antioxidants. They’re great for reducing inflammation or speeding up recovery,” Dr. Wu notes. Bonus: they naturally contain melatonin, which may help you sleep better, too.

Have you heard about the benefits of papaya “Papaya is full of potassium and has enzymes which help with digestion and preventing bloating, while guava is absolutely packed with vitamin C. It has even more than an orange,” says Dr. Wu. Both are refreshing and flavorful, and make a perfect addition to your next smoothie or salsa.

So the next time you’re at the farmer’s market or planning your next backyard barbecue, throw a few of these unexpected superfoods into the mix. You’ll feel better, eat better — and maybe even impress your guests while you’re at it.

Thank you Ulysses Wu, MD

Until tomorrow…