JULY 10, 2024 BACK PAIN

The causes of back pain are varied, ranging from muscular strains to more complex issues like degenerative disc disease. Increasingly, attention is turning towards diet as a potential way to mitigate some of the discomfort There are medications t relive back pain I rather do supplements and herbs and foods that are anti inflammatory

Blueberries are celebrated for their high antioxidant content, particularly a group known as anthocyanins, which give them their distinctive color. These antioxidants are potent anti-inflammatory agents, making blueberries a potential ally in combating back pain.

There is one herb that is excellent for inflammation There s Curcuma longa also known as tumeric or curcumin Turmeric, a bright yellow spice, owes its potential pain-relieving properties to curcumin, its active compound. Curcumin is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from back pain. The spice has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern science is beginning to understand its mechanisms. Adding  turmeric to the diet might help mitigate the inflammation contributing to back pain, though it’s important to note that it is most effective when consumed regularly.

However, curcumin is not readily absorbed by the body, which is why it’s often recommended to pair  turmeric with black pepper. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that significantly enhances the absorption of curcumin. Integrating turmeric into daily meals isn’t just beneficial for back pain

I also use herbs as Boswellia, and ginger for inflammation There is also white willow bark There are supplements as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM

Until tomorrow…

JULY 9, 2024 ADAPTOGENIC HERBS

From reducing stress to boosting energy and improving mental focus, adaptogens offer a holistic approach to well-being. These natural substances, primarily herbs and roots, have been used in ancient traditional medicine for centuries but are now gaining traction in modern  health practices for their wide-ranging benefits. From reducing stress to boosting energy and improving mental focus, adaptogens offer a holistic approach to well-being.

I use this class of herbs in helping patient’s stress levels. These herbs include ashwagandha, gota kola, Siberian and American ginseng and many more

Adaptogens’ most celebrated benefit is their ability to aid in stress reduction. Chronic stress, a common ailment in today’s fast-paced world, can lead to a host of  health issues, from hypertension to depression. Adaptogens like  Ashwagandha and Holy Basil have been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. They provide a natural alternative to conventional stress relief methods, often with fewer side effects.

Some herbs as adaptogens enhance mental focus and clarity. Maintaining concentration can be challenging in an age where constant digital stimuli fragment attention. Adaptogens like  Rhodiola Rosea improve cognitive functions, including memory and concentration. They work by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain, enhancing mental performance and focus

Adaptogens are also highly regarded for their ability to naturally boost energy levels. Unlike caffeine and other stimulants that can cause jitters and a crash in energy, adaptogens increase stamina and endurance without these adverse effects. They manage this by optimizing the body’s metabolic processes and improving cellular energy production. For instance, Siberian Ginseng is popular for its energizing properties and is often used by athletes to enhance physical performance.

Until tomorrow…

JULY 8th 2024 NATURAL BLOOD THINNERS

When most people think of blood thinners, they envision a type of medication used to prevent blood clots from forming. These medications work by making it harder for the blood to clot. There are some natural blood thinners as nattokinase, lumbrokinase and even omega 3 There are also some foods that can act as natural blood thinners Sone of these foods are herbs as garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper

Garlic ( Allium sativum) has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. In addition to its distinctive flavor, garlic is prized for its health-promoting properties. Recent research has shown that garlic can act as a natural blood thinner, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Other studies have found that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.

Ginger is a versatile root with a long history of medicinal use. Its most well-known property is its ability to act as a natural blood thinner. Ginger contains antioxidants that can help to prevent blood clots from forming, and it also helps to improve circulation. As a result, ginger can be helpful for those at risk of heart disease or stroke

Cayenne pepper is a plant that belongs to the nightshade family. Cayenne pepper has many medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The fruit of the cayenne pepper plant is used to make Capsicum Annum powder, which is then used in many dishes as a spice. One of the most well-known medicinal uses for cayenne pepper is its ability to thin the blood

Until tomorrow…

JULY 4, 2024 YOUR THYROID AND FOODS

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

ALTHOUGH GREENS ARE GOOD FOR MANY REASONS IT CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR YOUR THYROID. 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

For individuals with hypothyroidism, it’s recommended to limit the intake of these  vegetables, especially in their raw form. Cooking cruciferous  vegetables can significantly reduce their goitrogenic compounds, making them safer for consumption I discuss with my patients whom have a thyroid condition about the intake of green vegeatbles

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 This is especially seen in autoimmune thyroidits, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I recommend a 100 % gluten free lifestyle, one brazil nut per day and low dose naltrexone if a patient has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Until tomorrow..

JULY 3 2024 IVERMECTIN

Ivermectin is an anti parasitic medication. It has been used to treat cancer in Europe and off label in the United States. Many patients take ivermectin daily to prevent COVID since the pandemic started in 2020. Below are some facts about this drug.

Satoshi Omura at the Kitasato Institute discovered Ivermectin in 1979 and was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery in 2015

Ivermectin was FDA Approved for human use in 1987 to orally treat onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, caused by the blackfly-transmitted parasite Onchocerca volvulus

Ivermectin is annually taken by close to 250 million people

Most patients treated with Ivermectin have no side-effects other than those caused by the immune and inflammatory responses against the parasite, such as fever, pruritus, skin rashes and malaise

Maximum concentration in plasma is reached 4-5 h after its oral administration

Its half-life is approximately 19 h and is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome CYP1A and CYP3A4 complexes, generating 10 metabolites, mostly demethylated and hydroxylated.

Its excretion is mainly by feces and only 1% is excreted in the urine

Ivermectin exerts antitumor effects in different types of cancer There are ten or mroe target pathways in cancer that it exerts its effect. This means it can be used to treat various cancers. There have been published reviews about its use in cancers More studies need to be done. There are in vitro studies of its use in these cancers below

breast cancer, ovarian, prostate, colon, pancreas, head and neck, melanoma – inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, autophagy, reversion of tamoxifen resistance, inhibits metastases

glioblastoma – growth inhibition, apoptosis, and anti-angiogenesis

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JULY 2, 2024 WILD BLUEBERRIES AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

The consumption of flavonoid-rich foods has been linked to improved cognitive function and mood. The impact of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium, Ericaceae) on cognitive function has been researched with various populations, intervention types, durations, and cognitive tasks with mixed results. This could be due to the stability and bioavailability of blueberry anthocyanins, and it is possible that the effects of blueberry’s anthocyanin metabolic peaks are time- and dose-dependent. Various tests have shown that cognitive performances worsen at specific timepoints throughout the day due to circadian and homeostatic rhythm changes—specifically two hours after consuming lunch. The authors conducted two studies. The first study (ROAB) was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with four different doses of wild blueberry extract (WBE) to test the dose-responsive efficacy on episodic memory throughout the day, on maintaining executive function and mood, and the cardiovascular effects on adults between the ages of 68–75 years. The second study (BEAT) was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial tested the time-dependent effects of a specific dosage of WBE on cognitive performance and cardiovascular effects on adults between the ages of 68–75 years.

The authors conclude that WBE can improve the reaction times during the post-lunch dip for executive function tasks in adults who are healthy. It was found there was a significant improvement for episodic memory and cognitive performance during post-lunch decline in addition to lowering blood pressure in the ROAB trial but not the BEAT trial. More research is needed to verify these results with individuals who have mild cognitive impairments.

This study was published in the American Botanical Council HerbalGram Originally published Cheng N, Barfoot KL, Le Cozannet R, Fança-Berthon P, Lamport DJ, Williams CM. Wild blueberry extract intervention in healthy older adults: A multi-study, randomised, controlled investigation of acute cognitive and cardiovascular effects. Nutrients. April 2024;16(8):1180. doi:10.3390/nu16081180.

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JULY 1, 2024 FOODS THAT TASTE GREAT

Maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge, but it’s worth it! There are many different types of healthy foods that taste great, so you have plenty of options to choose from

I love nuts and seeds There are many to choose from I prefer almonds Almonds are a great healthy food that also tastes great. Almonds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber. They’re also an excellent source of protein for vegetarians to use when they want to maintain muscle mass while cutting down on meat consumption. Almonds have been known for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease

I grow many berry trees and bushes in my yard. Gooseberries, mulberries, cherries and elderberries. I prefer blueberries for its many health benefits. Blueberries are a great source of Vitamin C and fiber, making them extremely healthy. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against various types of cancer. Blueberries can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which in turn may help protect against heart disease and stroke. Blueberries are also known for delaying the aging of cells, which can help protect against some types of cancer

Lastly, I love avocados. I used to eat 5-6 per week. I was getting inflamed and I realized that Type O blood should not eat them I reduced them to 1-2 per week and the inflammation in my hands subsided. Avocados are a healthy, high-fat food that is delicious and versatile. They work well in a salad or a sandwich, but you can also use them to make guacamole. Avocados contain potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, and fiber. In fact, they contain more fiber than any other fruit – which is good for your digestive system! Avocados also help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

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JUNE 27, 2024 STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns.

I love all berries. Berries have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties. I grow blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries and mulberries in my yard. I even have 3 elderberry trees.

I recently read about where we get our strawberries ! Ninety percent of the strawberries grown in the US come from California, including many varieties that were first cultivated — and then patented — by the University of California at Davis. While most strawberries are consumed in the US or China, a large amount of US-grown berries end up in Canada. The US also imports fresh strawberries from Mexico, with the amount reaching a record high of 431 million pounds in 2020.

So the downside to any produce is the use of pesticides. Pesticides also are dangerous to our honeybees. Honeybees pollinate 1/3 of the foods we eat Strawberries also top the list of pesticide-contaminated produce, which is a problem for consumers as well as farmworkers.

A cup of sliced strawberries will deliver roughly 53 calories, almost all of which come from carbohydrates. You’ll also get a decent 3.3 grams of fiber, a bit of fat, and a tad over a gram of protein.

Strawberries are a good source of folate and vitamin C, as well as essential minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium.

So eat strawberries-just find out about them before you consume any fruit or vegetable.

Until tomorrow…