APRIL 2, 2025 LION'S MANE

Some of us like mushrooms. There are ,any mushrooms to consume. Some have major health benefits. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, have garnered attention for their distinctive appearance and remarkable health benefits. Resembling a cascading white mane, these mushrooms are not only a culinary delight but also a treasure trove of medicinal properties. Of course many mushrooms have a great taste. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are celebrated for their versatile use in dishes. Their meaty texture and flavor make them a popular choice among chefs and home cooks

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are renowned for their positive effects on cognitive health. Studies suggest that compounds found in these mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines, can stimulate the growth of brain cells. This stimulation is believed to enhance memory and focus The potential benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms extend to neurodegenerative diseases as well. Preliminary studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in these mushrooms may slow the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

You cannot say that mushrooms do not have immune system protection. Every mushrooms contains a beta glucan The immune-boosting properties of Lion’s Mane mushrooms are attributed to their rich content of beta-glucans, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. These compounds are known to enhance the body’s immune response, making it more efficient in warding off infections and diseases

More studies needs to be done on every mushroom including Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane mushrooms are packed with compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds, including terpenoids and phenols, work synergistically to reduce inflammation in the body.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 1, 2025 GOOD FRUITS and BAD FRUITS

Do you think all fruits are healthy? Absolutely not. I do not think I could argue that berries are not healthy. All the berries offer 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 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 vitamins like folate and niacin. And many fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. I am not saying do not eat fruits. We all have our favorite fruit. I gravitate towards apples, tangerines, and all berries What are your favorites ?

What do bananas offer ? Bananas offer no real benefits for your health and well-being. Not only are bananas seemingly low in nutritional value, but many studies suggest that including them as a regular part of your diet can even be detrimental to good health. For instance, bananas contain large amounts of fructose, which is linked to increased inflammation and weight gain when consumed in excess. It does contain potassium but you can get potassium from other sources of vegetables

I love dates. But I now know better. Dates are sweet and succulent. 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 Pick your fruit wisely

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 31, 2025 YOUR KIDNEYS

As a whole we don’t pay much attention to our kidneys, until the doctor states your kidney are a little slow, or the creatinine is becoming elevated. The kidneys, essential organs in the body, play a crucial role in filtering waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the bloodstream, which are then excreted as urine. They maintain the body’s electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones essential for red blood cell production, bone health, and the regulation of blood pressure.

What you eat can affectr kidney function. As a cardiologist the kidneys are essential to control blood pressure. Most of the blood pressure medications protect the kidneys.

The modern diet often includes a considerable amount of processed food These processed foods are high in sodium High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, putting additional strain on the kidneys and impairing their ability to remove excess water and waste from the body. I have to discuss high sodium with many of my cardiac and renal [patients. These processed foods also contain additives, dyes and chermicals which are determental to our bodies, especially the kidneys. There are many provessed snacks that are bad.

The intake of soda is crucial to your health. Stop drinking soda. Sugary beverages, such as sodas and sweetened juices, are a common part of many people’s diets. However, excessive sugar consumption is linked to health issues that indirectly affect the kidneys. High sugar intake can lead to the development of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

If you have renal * kidney ) impairment, the physician will ask you to reduce protein. A diet rich in red meat can sometimes pose challenges to optimal kidney health. Red meat is high in protein, and while protein is a vital macronutrient necessary for building and repairing tissues, excessive amounts can strain the kidneys

Protect your kidneys. Drink enough of water. Always ask your doctor how much water you should consume Coffee, tea , and other beverages do not count. I mean ONLY WATER. Eat properly

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 27, 2025 SUPPLEMENTS for MEMORY

Memory, and cognitive function are integral to our day-to-day activities, professional tasks, and personal life. My own personal medical fear is not heart disease or cancer. It is developing a decline in memory and cognitive function/. I myself take supplements for memory as Lion’s Mane, Bacopa and a periwinkle plant product.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is the foundation for good brain health. The nutrients we consume aid various brain functions, such as the formation of neurotransmitters, maintenance of brain cells, and protection against oxidative stress. Our brain, although a small part of our body mass, consumes an enormous amount of energy

There are certain vitamins we need for good brain health. We could get these from certain foods. These supplements are B Vitamins, particularly B-12 and B-6, Vitamin E, and antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin C.

These vitamins play a crucial role in synthesizing and functioning neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine significantly influence our mood, sleep, concentration, and memory. A deficiency in these essential vitamins can lead to a decline in our cognitive functions, including memory, and impact our overall well-being. A lot of these vitamins are in protein, certain vegetables and fruits

A good diettarty lifestyle has these vitamins You could take extra Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E. The one supplement I feel is essential is Omega 3 either from fish or algae.Omega-3 fatty acids are vital not only for heart health but also for the optimal functioning of the brain. These essential fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are crucial for cognitive functions, including memory. DHA is a major structural component of the brain and plays a significant role in learning and memory functions.

Evidence from various research studies suggests that individuals who consume more omega-3 fatty acids or take omega-3 supplements tend to have better memory and cognitive function

Until tomorrow…

March 26, 2025 LEMON BALM

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a well-known calming herb used to treat various brain disorders. It is a mild sedative beneficial in maintaining blood pressure and proper blood circulation. This is a Mint Family iike mint, spearmint motherwort and bugleweed

Lemon Balm also offers antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) effects. It is a restorative herb that helps to soothe stress, supporting you to align to a calm state while at the same time improving alertness, focus, and mood.

A small study was done lkooking at it seffect of mood. A clinical trial of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced cross-over experiment on 18 volunteers suggests that participants’ cognitive performance increased at a 600 mg dose of lemon balm. The study further suggests the potential of lemon balm in mitigating the effects of stress.

I also use Lemon Bam for managing an overactive thyroid ( Hyperthyroidism/Graves) In conventional medicine, the drug Tapazole is used. I use Lemon Balm with Motherwort and Bugleweed to help the effects of an over active thyroid and the thyroid levels , as TSH, free T3 and free T4

I find this herb just as effective as Tapazole. Lemon balm makes a relaxing tea with Skullcap to relax and sleep.

\Until tomorrow…

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MARCH 25, 2025 NATURAL SEDATIVE ASHWAGANDHA

If you are constantly battling sleep problems, anxiety, or tension, natural products like herbal sedatives There are many herbal sedatives as ashwagandha, scutelllaria, chamomille, valerian, and St John’s wort. Many herbal sedatives are well-researched for their efficacy, side effects, and interactions

One herb I use a lot is Ashwagandha. It is an adaptogenic herb— One of the best herbs that restores balance .Indian ginseng, or Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is widely used in Ayurvedic medicinal practices for its wide range of therapeutic properties. Ashwaganbdha contains phytochemicals like withanolides that act as steroidal lactones. These give it its sedating, rejuvenating and adaptogenic properties. Ashwagandha extract may counteract stress and chronic fatigue, decrease muscle tension and calm brain activities. Ashwagandha is often used as a natural way to improve physical performance, endurance, and recovery

Ashwagandha extract may counteract stress and chronic fatigue, decrease muscle tension and calm brain activities

It can interfere with the thyroid So consult your health care practitioner

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 24, 2025 BEETS

Beets, those vibrant, earthy root  vegetables, are often overlooked in grocery stores, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrients and  health benefits I love beets, especially with goat or feta cheese. I love them alonbe or in a salad. There are many cardiac benefits to eating beets. Beets come loaded with essential nutrients like fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C

You can get a vegetable packed with such nutrition. Fiber is known for its digestive benefits; folate is essential for cellular function and tissue growth, manganese is good for the bones, potassium regulates blood pressure, iron is crucial for healthy blood, and Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system

Regarding heart health, beets offer significant benefits, primarily through their high content of dietary nitrates. These nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps in dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. As a result, beets can effectively lower high blood pressure Now you can understand why so many individuals drink beet juice. The other reason individuals use beets is the benefits to exercise and well being. The dietary nitrates present in beets have been shown to improve the efficiency of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of the cell. This leads to better energy utilization during physical activities, potentially enhancing athletic performance. The nitrates in beets also increase the blood flow to the muscles, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients crucial for performance. This is particularly beneficial for endurance sports

These two reasons are good enough for me. There are digestive benefits as well as boosting brain function Of course with elevated nitric oxide there is better blood flow to the brain boosting memory and cognitive function There needs to be more studies on these benefits

So add beets to your dietary regimen every day

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 20, 2025 HAIR LOSS

Hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can result from various factors, ranging from genetics to environmental factors and lifestyle choice. I see many individuals with hair loss. Most of these patients have an underactive thyroid, autoimmune disease and not eating enough protein.

There are many other causes of hair koss. One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. It is caused by a combination of hormones and genetics. For this type of hair loss a doctor may prescribe medications as minoxidil or finesteride. In many types of hair loss I use supplements and herbs. There is NutriFol for men and women. I also prescribe rosemary oil and Horsetail tea,

Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss. This is particularly common in women and can result from pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems Menopause can also cause hair loss due to a decrease in estrogen levels I do utilize natural hormonal therapy with cream made from yams.

I have seen anxiety and depression cause hair loss as well as trauma related incidences. Other causes include poor nutrition ( usually not enough protein ), conventional medications and environmental factors.

For those with autoimmune issues, as alopecia I use low dose naltrexone. I also use a gluten and dairy free lifestyle I have seen heavy metals and mold intoxication as environmental factors that cause hair loss.

I use natural remedies and even use platelet reacted plasma ( PRP) injections to grow hair. There are also new and innovative lasers that do work Find out the cause.

Until tomorrow…