MAY 1, 2024 ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux, medically termed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that affects many worldwide. It’s characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, and can be exacerbated by certain foods Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, irritating. The most common symptom is heartburn, which can also lead to a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and even regurgitation. Obesity, pregnancy, certain medications, and foods can trigger this condition.

Most rely on over the counter medications as tums and mylanta These are full of aluminum Others go for the pepcid, prilosec and many more These medications block the absorption of the essential vitamin, B12. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, irritating. The most common symptom is heartburn, which can also lead to a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and even regurgitation. Obesity, pregnancy, certain medications, and foods can trigger this condition.

There are many herbs I utilize for reflux. Slippery Elm, Marshmallow , Meadowsweet and Raspberry I use these frequently together in a tea called GUTSY Available at www.botanicalbounty.org Use gutsy tea daily

The foods that I use to help reflux are steel cut oatmeal. . Rich in fiber, it aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight, both essential for preventing acid reflux. The other herbs I use are ginger, aloe vera and deglycherrized licorice ( DGL) Additionally, ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, a common symptom associated with acid reflux. By incorporating ginger into one’s diet, either as a spice in meals or as a tea Do not forget to stop those aggravating foods as caffeina, chocolate and dairy

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 30, 2024 FOODS FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

There are top foods proven to aid in managing autoimmune disorders effectively. From anti-inflammatory fruits to nutrient-rich vegetables- you need to eat these foods. Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, can be debilitating and life-altering. While medication and therapy are common routes of treatment, dietary choices can also make a significant difference. The only medication I use frequently is low dose naltrexone The dose is from 1.0 to 4.5. Sometimes I go highly than 4.5 mg.

Inflammation is a common thread that ties together most autoimmune disorders. When the immune system is in overdrive, it can lead to chronic inflammation, which exacerbates symptoms. This inflammation can affect various parts of the body, from joints and muscles to internal organs. Therefore, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods becomes essential in managing these conditions. You must know and start to eat anti-inflammatory foods.

When I think of the best anti inflammatory foods I think of berries. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, another contributor to inflammation. Green tea is another excellent choice; it’s rich in polyphenols and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

You must avoid processed foods. You must avoid ‘ white’ carbohydrates. These are loaded with sugar. Eat less sugar Eat more fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Eat some non-gluten grains as quinoa, millet and amaranth.

Until tomorrow….

APRIL 29, 2024 HAIR AND YOUR DIET

When it comes to your skin hair and nails you need to look at what you are eating and what vitamin you are deficient in ! Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of hair and nails, as these parts of the body often reflect the internal state of the body's nourishment

Zinc is a very important mineral. Pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse of zinc, an essential mineral known for boosting hair growth and maintaining the health of the scalp. Zinc not only aids in hair tissue growth and repair but also ensures the proper functioning of the oil glands connected to hair follicle

You need a powerful antioxidant and lots of Vitamin C Raspberries are a delicious source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with vitamin C standing out as a key contributor to healthy hair and nails. Vitamin C is pivotal in the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to hair and nails.

You also need omega 3 oils. Salmon is celebrated for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, a nutrient essential for scalp health and hair hydration. These fatty acids nourish the scalp by reducing inflammation and providing the oils necessary to keep hair soft and lustrous.

Finally you need beta carotene Sweet potatoes are an exceptional source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by hair follicles that acts as a natural conditioner for scalp and hair. A lack of vitamin A can lead to a dry scalp, which often results in dandruff and dry hair.

So eat properly and you will have beautiful hair , nails and skin

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 25, 2024 YOUR NATURAL MEDICINE CABINET

Some of us want to have antibiotics in the medicine cabinet--just in case. I feel everyone should have a home healing medicine cabinet. There can be an Ayurvedic medicine cabinet, a Chinese herbal medicine cabinet, an aromatherapy medicine cabinet and finally, my expertise, a western herbal medicine cabinet. There are two shelves in my hall closet filled with tinctures and dried herbs. My herbal closet has the following herbs (and a lot more):

1. Elder - for cough/sore throats

2. Meadowsweet - for indigestion

3. Stinging nettles - for sinus congestion

4. Valerian - for stress

5. Skullcap - for tension

6. Echinacea - for cold/flu and congestion

7. Chamomile - for nervous stomach and sleep

Check out www.botanicalbounty.org

There is anoher type of medicine cabinet that has passed on from generation to generation even within your family. This is the traditional home or Folklore Remedy Medicine cabinet or "Kitchen cabinet

1. Garlic - fresh garlic should be in every household. This is great for intestinal infections

2. Wild flower honey - As a beekeeper I find this essential. It is great for the flu. Great for sore throats, and can be applied to cuts and scrapes.

3. Celery - For those individuals with always feeling he/she has to go to urinate. This is called cystitis. You can use fresh celery or celery seeds. A colleague uses celery for headaches.

4. Cabbage leaves - great to apply to infected hair follicles, boils or carbuncles. The cabbage draws out the infection. Place a gauze pad over the fresh cabbage leaves over the wound. Cabbage can be crushed and applied as poultice to a hot swollen joint. Useful for the gouty joints too.

5. Cinnamon sticks - It is very useful for the patient with an unstable blood sugar . It is also used for colds and indigestion.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 24, 2024 BAD BREATH

There is nothing more embarrassing than bad breath especially if you are a hygiene perfectionist. Experiencing bad breath can be a distressing and often embarrassing hurdle in social situations. It's a widespread issue that many face

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once is essential in removing the food particles and plaque that can harbor bacteria, the primary culprits of bad breath. It’s not just about the frequency but also the technique; spending a full two minute brushing and not neglecting the back teeth can make a significant difference. I prefer the Water pik experience with essential oils. This is better as it gets into ‘ the pockets’ and remove food particles. It is refreshing If you brush regularly then you must replace your toothbrush. I tend to get a new toothbrush every two months

Hydration plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy mouth and fresh breath. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bad breath, as it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases, leading to a dry mouth, which is a fertile ground for the bacteria that cause bad breath. Sometimes regularly taken conventional medications tends to dehydrate as diuretics and many psychiatric drugs.

Then you must be awre of the foods you eat that cause bad breath . The one that many know about is the Allium plant ( part of the Lily Family) These are garlic , onions and chives. The onions, garlic, and spices can linger on your breath long after your meal is over. These foods are absorbed into the bloodstream, transferred to the lungs, and affect the air you exhale

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 23, 2024 FOODS THAT ARE BAD FOR YOUR THYROID

The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall health. However, certain foods can negatively impact its functioning, leading to health issues like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens, substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. When these vegetables are consumed in large amounts, particularly in their raw form, they can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, a condition known as goiter. It’s important to note that these vegetables are also packed with essential nutrients, so they shouldn’t be entirely eliminated from the diet. I always caution my thyroid patients about eating large quantities of cruciferous vegetables. I even have to mention about these when patients are juicing raw greens

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has been linked to thyroid disorders, particularly in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Research suggests that gluten can trigger an autoimmune response in susceptible individuals, potentially leading to conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism Any patient with Hashimoto’s should eliminate gluten from their diet to reduce the TPO ( thyroid peroxidase antibodies ) In addition their physician should recommend LDN ( low dose naltrexone) to further decrease the TPO antibodies.

Lastly let’s discuss coffee. Coffee, especially when consumed in large quantities, can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Caffeine has a stimulant effect that can exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia. When taking thyroid medications - it should be done first in the morning and not ingest coffee or food for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 22, 2024 COPD

What is COPD?  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD: One is chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus and the other is emphysema, which involves destruction of the lungs over time. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. The leading cause of  COPD is smoking . A person who smokes two packs per day is more likely to develop COPD than someone who smokes one pack per day.
Other risk factors for COPD are exposure to second hand smoke, air pollution and certain gases/fumes in the workplace.
One of the first symptoms is a cough with or without mucous, fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and many bouts of respiratory infections. Some other symptoms might be wheezing, and trying to catch one's breath.
The most useful test is for the doctor to listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. I do not think that many doctors have time to listen to their patients’ lungs. In the last years I am getting more involved in the physical diagnosis aspect of my patient’s health. I used to sit behind a desk (which I still do) but now I have an examination table in my office to better assess my patient’s health.

The best test for COPD is a lung function test called spirometry. This involves blowing out as hard as possible into a small machine that tests lung capacity. The results can be checked right away, and the test does not involve exercising, drawing blood, or exposure to radiation.

Many Americans die from emphysema from years of smoking. If not emphysema, then lung cancer. One of those individuals was William Griffith Wilson, also known as Bill W He was he founder of AA.

Years ago in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2012;156:105-114) a study was published involving COPD patients and the supplementation of Vitamin D. The supplementation was 100,000 units every 4 weeks which was equivalent to about 3,600 IU/day.

The data concluded that high dose Vitamin D DID NOT decrease the incidence of exacerbations in patients with COPD. Vitamin D supplementation did decrease the exacerbation in patients with severe Vitamin D deficiency. The definition for severe was less than 10. There was a suggestion that high dose Vitamin D may exacerbate COPD in those without a severe deficiency (less than 10)

My conclusion is that the estimated daily dose is not enough. I do not consider 3,600 IU/day to be a high dose. Most of my patients take an average dose of 5,000 or greater.  The results in this article are basically what has been written before, but I feel more studies need to be done on much higher doses of Vitamin D. I prefer to use Vitamin D3 as a liquid.

Until tomorrow

APRIL 18, 2024 CONSTIPATION

Constipation can often be an uncomfortable and persistent issue for many individuals. It can stem from various causes, including dietary choices, hypothyroidism, stress, or underlying health conditions There are foods to eat to help with your constipation Here are some examples.

Apples are more than just a tasty snack; they are a powerhouse when it comes to promoting digestive health. Rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin, apples not only aid in bowel movements but also enhance overall gut health. Pectin helps increase stool bulk, making it easier to pass, and also balances levels of good bacteria in the large intestine.

Beyond the immediate benefits to bowel health, eating apples with their skin further maximizes the fiber intake.

The other is spinach. I feel I didn’t enough spinach as a child. I certainly eat more now in adulthood. Spinach, often hailed for its impressive nutritional profile, is also an effective food choice for combating constipation. High in both fiber and magnesium, spinach helps soften stools and act as a natural muscle relaxant. The combination of these elements ensures smoother and more regular bowel movements, making spinach a staple for anyone looking to enhance digestive health.

The other foods that help are beans, Kefir and of course, Prunes.

Until tomorrow…