A = Anatomy of a Kitchen Aprodisiacs

April 30, 2010 Friday

"Fine friendship requires duration rather than fitful intensity."-Aristotle

What is a fine friendship? Is there such a entity? Sometimes friendships cannot endure--it is a two way street. However, if one is willing to work with the other and there is resistance, you either move on or endure with acceptance.


Yesterday, I blogged for the first time about the aphrodisiacs. I want to continue with those that must be taken prior to the love-making. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a herb with a wide variety of effects on the body. It does increase the blood flow to the genitals. You must take it daily. However, since most individuals take a baby aspirin or omega 3 oils, there must be caution. The combination of ginkgo with blood thinners can cause bleeding. Muira puama ( Ptychopetalum olacoides) is often discussed in association with the Peruvian Indians. This herb was studied 15 years ago by Dr. Jacques Waynberg in Paris. 51% of men with erectile dysfunction had improvement after ingesting 1.5 grams within two weeks. Does that mean all men should start taking Muira? The answer is no. Most people know this herb as Potency Wood. Perhaps that is where the term "woody" came along!


The most talked about sexual stimulant is Yohimbine, which is also known as Yocon. The bark of this tree can be eaten, smoked, made into a tea and even sniffed. Certainly sounds like cocaine with the exception of the tea properties. The FDA does consider this herb to be unsafe as you cannot regulate the dose. Yohimbine will lower your blood pressure thus dilating your genital organs. It does help men get erections, but those that use it feel so lousy they are incapable of having sex. It sounds like the first time a patient described the feeling of using viagra. Viagra, levitra and cialis are dose-controlled, whereas Yohimbine is not. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea, skin flushing and dizziness make it impractical to use.

There are two herbs that I know of that their effects are strictly superstitious--or what myths and legends are made from:

These two are Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)


The work above if you haven't noticed is NOT a needle work. It is an exhibit photograph series called "An Anatomy of a Kitchen". I chose the pots with the steam for the effect of boiling herbs. However, I wanted to find the chocolate photograph. The restaurant is Le Bernadin. Le Bernardin is the finest restaurant in New York City. Yes, the chef is a Frenchman, the famous Eric Ripert. The owner is Maguy Le Coze. Maguy Le Coze and her brother, Gilbert, opened the original Le Bernardin in Paris in 1972 and won their first Michelin star in 1976. In New York, Le Bernardin opened in 1986. It quickly won a Michelin star. Eric became master chef in 1991. Besides the exquisite food, the staff is exceptional. I know because I have dined there on many occasions.
I should say we dined there. The photographer, Rick Byrd and I cannot say enough about this #1 restaurant.

A = APHRODISIACS, B = BODY

April 29, 2010 Thursday

Someone whom I adore sent this to me this morning: "It is a great relief to know yourself rather than FEAR what others think of you."

I used to worry what others thought of me. It was self-sabotage. It creeps in every once in a while, but for the most part on a given day, I do not think much about what others may think. I sometimes need reminders from friends who in reality have become my extended family. It is so important to know what makes one happy. It can take a lifetime for one to realize it. I didn't want to be one of those individuals. I have no regrets, or rather "No MORE Regrets" - best to hear in French by Edith Piaf. This blog makes me happy, so let's get started...

Reducing inflammation is the key to better health. Inflammation in the small intestines can lead to inflammation of the thyroid, heart, arteries and so much more. It can also lead to inflammation of the sexual organs. In 1966, William Masters and Virginia Johnson published the Human Sexual Response. This book researched and discussed how both men and women respond to sexual stimulation. I feel that was the beginning of the sexual revolution. Some may disagree. It discussed excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Perhaps just these four words are making you tingle in your chair! I know Gypsy Rose Lee used the term aphrodisiac in "Gypsy" as a one-liner.

It is known that an aphrodisiac can stimulate all four of these responses. It also increases one's desire. We especially need this as we get older. Some herbs are used for cleansing or as a decongestant for the pelvis area of both men and women. An example is red root (aka wild lilac). I will discuss these herbs in a future blog. Some of the herbal aphrodisiacs are taken before the actual love-making. It is important that you do not read this and start buying these herbs. Remember always to consult your health care practitioner. Herbs are drugs. I want you to understand the maximum effectiveness and safety of these herbs. When I was younger, I would see horny goat weed being sold as an aphrodisiac. In my wildest dreams I never thought one day I would be reading, writing and studying herbs. When you decide to start an herb, you start slow. If you can see a beneficial effect, the old adage that more is better is not applied here. Actually, it shouldn't be applied to any situation.

Herbs for the physical effect

1. Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) - from the root of the plant; this herb stirs the sexual sensation in both men and women. You can get it fresh at your local farmer's market. Some people prefer capsules or tinctures. Use the fresh ginger root for maximum benefit. Be careful if taking blood thinners.

2. Damiana ( Turnera aphrodisiaca ) Love this herb - it is from a shrub and used for both sexes. See, I am not being partial to the men reading this blog. I have used it in tea form. Women use it for low libido, urinary and vaginal infection and menstrual difficulty. Men use it for impotence (totally another story), premature ejaculation and prostate complaints.

I think it is important to discuss prostate inflammation (prostatitis) in a separate blog. The damiana contains alkaloids, which work in a manner similar to caffeine in stimulating the body. These stimulate the blood flow in the genital region (below the waist). Some use damiana to calm their nerves.

The needle work or simple stitching above will be used as a coaster. I displayed it in another blog. There are actually 4 to be finished.

Until tomorrow...

FRUIT RECIPES

April 28, 2010 Wednesday

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless" Thanks KM

Last night, I had to say a prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference". This hangs in my office, in needle point of course. It has gotten me through the hardest of times.

"THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO EXERT ONE'S STRENGTH: ONE IS PUSHING DOWN, THE OTHER IS PULLING UP." Thanks EL

I wanted today's blog to be simple. For me, a recipe is simple. Life should be simple, but we often make it difficult. First, you will need to buy gluten-free chips or corn chips. Then you must NOT buy a salsa. It is time to make your own:

PAPAYA SALSA

You will need:

1. 1/4 cubed fresh papaya

2. 2 tablespoons of diced red or white onions

3. 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro leaves

4. 1/2 small fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped

5. 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

6. Pinch of sea salt (can omit if have high blood pressure)

You are now going to put the papaya, onion, cilantro and jalapeno in a food processor (it is in the last cabinet to the left) and pulse until finely chopped, NOT PUREE. Take this mixture to a small bowl and stir in the lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt. By the way, the cilantro is a fantastic herb to rid the body of toxins, especially heavy metals like mercury (from all the crustaceans and sushi you eat!). Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before the company arrives.

The picture above (credit by Rick Byrd) will be transferred to canvas. It is for EL as she provided the great quote in capital letters. Although black cats are supposed to be unlucky, I might change it when I start either cross stitching it or needle pointing it. The folklore surrounding black cats varies from culture to culture. In Great Britain, black cats are a symbol of good luck. The Scottish believe that a strange black cat's arrival to the home signifies prosperity. Furthermore, it is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors.

Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), born Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was an Albanian Catholic nun with Indian citizenship who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India in 1950. For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. Following her death, she was beautified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. I would definitely buy a book of her most beautiful speeches and quotes. It will fill your heart with love, serenity and happiness

Until tomorrow...

A MEDICINAL HERBAL BREAKFAST

April 27, 2010 Tuesday

"Being happy does not mean everything's perfect. It just means, we have decided to see beyond the imperfections."

Who doesn't want to be happy. I certainly want happiness every single day. I once thought that happiness was the smell and sound of the first morning rain of spring. Today, to be happy we must create our own happiness. All of us can sit in our own self-pity, but that doesn't seem to create happiness. It creates havoc, fear, anger, loneliness and boredom. Why are we unhappy?

Do not be unhappy today. Think of what you have learned. Let's start this morning with a good breakfast. Remember, breakfast should be like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. This morning I had gluten-free, egg-free and yeast-free pancakes bought from Trader Joe. It is a weekday, so it is either a shake, appropriate cereal, or quick pancakes. If I had a weekend, I would like to try to make my own pancakes. So here it goes:

Recipe# 3 Breakfast Pancakes

A gluten-free all purpose flour mix can replace rice flour, millet flour or even tapioca flour. Use 1 1/2 cups of this all purpose blend. If you feel the batter is too thick, add rice milk

1. 1 cup of brown rice flour 2. 1/2 cup of millet flour 3. 1 T tapioca flour 4. 2 tsp of baking powder; 5. 2 T olive oil; 6. 1 1/2 tsp egg replacer (or real eggs if not allergic) plus 2 Tablespoons of warm water; 7. 1 1/2 cup of rice milk (makes it thinner); 8. 1/2 tsp of lemon juice 9. 3/4 cup of blueberries 9 fresh or frozen)

Whisk all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Put in the egg, rice milk and lemon juice, then whisk to blend. Add the type of berries, if desired.

Spray olive oil on the griddle or in a large nonstick skillet. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle and quickly spread with the back of the spoon into 3 to 4 inch rounds. Cook until brown and cooked through, estimated 2 minutes or less per side. Repeat until all batter is gone. Serve not with syrup, but with wild flower honey. If you didn't add the berries, you can mix in blender and serve on top of the pancakes with the raw wild flower honey (not clove honey in the bear shape)

Recipe #4 BREAKFAST :TOFU SCRAMBLE

Instead of a traditional breakfast, let's try the tofu scramble (for Gregory and Ryan)

Ingredients: 1. 1 T olive oil; 2. 6 green onions, cut into 1/4 inch slices let sit for 5 minutes; 3. 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced without the seeds; 4. 2 minced cloves of garlic (again let sit for 5 minutes - in the same family as onions, allium) 5. 1 piece of fresh minced ginger; 6. 1 package of extra firm tofu diced into 1/2 cubes. 7. 1 T gluten free tamari sauce or Braggs Amino Acids (can be bought in Trader Joe's or Whole Foods)

Heat 1 T of olive oil over high heat in a large skillet. Saute the peppers for 7 - 8 minutes. Add the ginger. The last to add is the garlic and onions, as they needed to air or oxidize to get the most medicinal use of the allium family. Add the tofu and sauce, mix thoroughly and heat through. You can serve with quinoa or brown rice.

The second breakfast involves Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, and the White globe onion . Unlike allium sativum (garlic), the onion does contain a variety of sulfur compounds. Each of these herbs can be used medicinally. As a group , alliums- both garlic and onions - have antimicrobial activity and cardiovascular effects . There are many more uses. The Zingiber is ginger, which has anti -inflammatory effects plus other activities. Just as there are Healing Powers of Herbs, there are the Healing Power of Flowers. I hope to talk about that one day.

Enjoy the medicinal herbs today

The above is a cross stitch of a bird. I haven't researched the bird yet with its chicks but will do so. It has been started but not completed as of yet. You see I work with many canvases at once.

Until tomorrow...

FLY,FLY AWAY- HERB PROPERTIES CONCLUSION

April 26, 2010 Monday

" The essence of all growth is a willingness to transform and then a willingness to accept whatever responsibility this requires" Thanks KM

Who doesn't want to transform? Certainly the caterpillar wants to transform into the butterfly. Does the addict want to transform? It is one thing to be willing to transform, yet it is another to accept the responsibilities it will require. Are you ready to accept this challenge? I was willing, able and ready . I have been told an important three words--awareness, acknowledgement, and acceptance. Although willingness and acceptance are two different words, they are sometimes confused and used interchangeable. They should not be. Think about it!

On the blog April 22nd, we ended with the herbal property of nervines. I promised I would finish this area. Oxytocics: These herbs stimulate uterine contractions (this cannot happen in a male subject) to assist and induce labor. Most of us think of magnesium for inducing labor. The herbs that do this are angelica, black cohash, juniper berries, wild ginger and squaw vine. I have never heard of squaw vine so I have a homework assignment tonight.

Parasiticides: These are substances that destroy parasites in the digestive tract. I have used cloves, black walnut, and artemesia (wormwood). Others are garlic, thyme oil, chaparral and rue. I will have to research if placing thyme oil on your skin will distract ticks. This could be a great help to those in Fire Island.

Rubefacients: these are substances that increase the flow of blood at the surface of the skin and produce a redness when they are applied. These draw out inflammation. For the last few years I have worked with a healer from Transylvania. He actually asked a patient to apply cabbage to a infected wound. Instead of soaking in the usual Epsom salts, the patient applied cabbage leaves. The pus filled infection opened, drained and healed after 3-4 applications. This is different than the rubefacients which are used to draw inflammation in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, joint problems and spurs. These herbs include mustard oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus oil and pine oil. My own father used to rub vinegar on his joints and soak them in vinegar. He once purchased a book from the TV Guide, "All that Vinegar Cures". I only remember it was a yellow, soft-covered book. The vinegar worked.

Sedatives: These herbs quiet the nervous system. These include valerian, kava kava, catnip, skullcap and hops. Do not forget the chamomile tea before bedtime.

Sialagogues: these stimulate the flow of saliva. They also aid in the digestion of starch. Well, for those of you who consume high quantities of bread--do not take this literally. The herbs used here are ginger, black pepper, and echinacea.

Stimulants: These herbs increase the energy of the body. We all use coffee or some caffenated drink as a stimulant. The stimulants I include here are cayenne, ginseng, ginger, anise, garlic, astragalus, and sage. There are others that I have not used. Tonics: This is the largest group since these herbs promote the functions of the system of the body. There can be heart tonics, as well as the nervines already discussed. There are also urinary tonics, as parsley, and gravel root. There are biliary tonics that stimulate the production of bile as rhubarb, wild yam and goldenseal. There are liver tonics as dandelion, stone root, and mandrake.

As a child I often wondered why I saw so many people picking dandelion in fields of upstate New York. My grandfather explained the use of dandelion. It is now used in many salads.

Of course, there are even sexual tonics. These are damiana, ginseng, dong quai, and burdock.

I think I have covered most if not all of the herbal properties. I hope you learned something.

ATTENTION: For blog followers, if you pick a topic related to dietary lifestyle or a disease that diet can affect, I will blog about it.

The needle point above is not completed. It is a painted canvas of a simple butterfly. I wanted to show you how simple a canvas can be. I will change the colors, add maybe beads or feathers, and even buttons. I will have Rick photograph it when completed.

Until tomorrow...

"G" is for GREEN

APRIL 25, 2010 SUNDAY

"Never lose sight of your goal" was the introductory remark by William Osler, MD to his students. I can say today with certainty that I feel no one should lose sight of their life. For a doctor, my life is always in a constant warfare against the common enemy, a disease. Any disease spares neither age, nor sex, neither religion nor sexual orientation. Yes we have drugs, new technologies, but the key is prevention. And also education.

It is intriguing how anyone becomes interested in plants. I've always loved gardening and planting as a child. I do remember one flowering plant that my mother loved. She claimed never to have planted it, but it grew every year (like so many other plants). It was Lily of the Valley, the white variety. It was so delicate with upside-down bell shaped blossoms. Maybe this was my beginning, maybe not. The study of botany is not new. You clearly knew this.

In 1597, John Gerard published a catalogue of the plants in his garden. There were wood-cut images of the plants with descriptions. His text included a description of 'Digitalis purpurea', the foxglove plant. I cannot understand from his English text what the benefits of foxglove were to him.

But two hundred years later, in 1785, William Withering published an account of foxglove and its medical uses. He never wanted to study plants but he became intrigued because of a love interest. How many of us become interested in something because of a partner, or even a spouse? As I stated, he never liked botany until 10 years earlier he became smitten with Helen Cookes. She was an artist who liked to paint flowers. So what does any young man do for his young lady? He collected plants for her to paint. During this very romantic courtship, he became fascinated with botany. This began his study of botany.

Today I didn't want to get lost in the world of herbs. I might have turned some of you off by the last week of blogging. I know I will finish properties of herbs in the next day. I will turn my attention to using herbs in the kitchen.
This way you can may add ginger, thyme, rosemary and fenugreek to your food but this time you will know the medicinal benefits of these herbs.

The metal needle point bookmark was done while on the beach last summer. G is for Green. G is for Giving. G is for my son, Gregory. G is for Ginger, Grapeseed, Green Tea and Garlic.
G is for Gay. I stitched the rainbow flag above G is for "a Boxed Green"

The rainbow flag is a multi-colored flag consisting of stripes in the colors of the rainbow . The actual colors used to differ, but many of the designs are based on the traditional scheme of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, or some more modern division of the rainbow spectrum (often excluding indigo) What is indigo anyway? What color is indigo? The use of rainbow flags is a long tradition. They are displayed in many cultures around the world as a sign of diversity and inclusiveness, of hope and of yearning. There are several unrelated rainbow flags in use today. The most widely known is perhaps the pride flag representing gay pride.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd
Until tomorrow...

PLANTS RULE BY SAMURAI

April 24, 2010 Saturday

"No progress can compare with the relief of suffering"

and

"Don't stay in the same pasture too long"

I like these two quotes together. No one individual should stay in the same position for too long. It perhaps creates boredom and unhappiness. This is not true of everyone but an observation. My new pasture or calling is the earth and the plants. It has always been from a child. The relief of suffering can be from other sources other than medications. It can be from laughing, meditation, prayer, companionship and herbs/plants.

I should start in the basics. The last week of blogging I have been 'hooked' on the dirt and the plants/herbs. I needed to discuss the basic properties of herbs for which I have not finished. Yesterday, with all the allergy sufferers, I wanted to make some suggestions. I mentioned Vitamin C on yesterday's blog. We do know that vitamins do enhance resistance, especially Linus Pauling's discovery of mega doses of Vitamin C. Lemon juice is the best known source of vitamin C. Lemons also contain citrin and hesperidin. Paprika (Capsicum) is also rich in Vitamin C. Rosa canina (dog rose and other rose species) contain plenty of the vitamin also. Rosehips are the most commonly used. Rosehip tea is used for colds, allergies and even influenza. It does have a mild diuretic property so be prepared to go to the toilet more often. I like cold rosehip tea as it is a thrist-quencher. It is a lot better than Gatorade since there is no artificial sugars. You can obtain rose water and rose oil from the petals. I mentioned how sipping that tea can help hemorrhages. The blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum) also contains plenty of Vitamin C. The redcurrant has a lower Vitamin C quantity so it is better to eat than to use it medicinally.

Okay, now there are a variety of herbal formulations. I want to mention them in case I talk and talk. I do not want you to get lost in the blog.

There are:

1. Infusions - flowers, leaves and seeds infused in hot water

2. Decoctions - harder plant issues used as wood and bark and extracted from boiling

3. Maceration - extracts made from cold water

You can combine any of the above

4. Extracts and fluid extracts

5. Aromatic waters

6. Syrups

7. Spirits - not alcohol, these are used externally

8. Suppositories

9. Ointments

I cannot think of any other formulations at this time. Well, I guess a liniment can be called a formulation, although I think it is considered an ointment

The needle point above it the "Samurai". I completed it at the end of last year. I made the tiny squares more noticeable with a different, uplifting stitch. I love this pillow. He will protect me in my new ventures to come in the next half of a century. Life will get interesting after 50. I am truly getting anxious and nervous about this number. I do not know why, but I had to stay that. Possibly by saying it, I will be relieved.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Pillow design: Deb and Vasilika

Stitcher: ME

Until tomorrow...

AT THE MOVIES: Do Not Sneeze during the Movies

April 23, 2010

"When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die."

Eleanor Roosevelt

A remarkable woman in her own right; not because she was the First Lady but because she was who she was--she believed in causes. She always made a contribution to the world.

In a way, I am trying to make a contribution. The contribution is to you, the blog follower. Remember medicine is a calling according to Sir William Osler but it has to more than that. I easily get stagnant...not bored, but always eager to continue to test myself by learning. Learning to knit, to identify plants and herbs and to communicate better. These are just some of my contributions.

I do want to finish the Herbal properties, but we need to discuss a common problem right now. ALLERGIES!!!

The rise in the numbers of people complaining about allergies this season is astonishing. It has multiplied by last year. I could discuss how the Traditional Chinese medicine views allergies. It is assault by various evils, imbalance of fluid leading to dampness or some sort of weakness or deficiency. The external evil is the wind, which does make sense to me. Dampness makes me think of fungal infections (spores from different plants, which also makes sense). I do know the deficiency in Chinese medicine is the Qi, blood. This is a concept I honestly do not know much about. I rely on colleagues that deal with Traditional Chinese medicine.

As previously discussed, allergies can be food or environmental. I spent some time blogging in early March about allergies, especially to yeast. The herbs are used to nourish the body, particularly the immune system. The immune system needs a boosting when you have environmental allergies. You know the symptoms--itchy, watery eyes, rashes, puffy eyes, sore throat (from nasal dripping) and general fatigue. A combination of echinacea and liquorice is often used to treat hay fever. If you have high blood pressure, you must be careful using liquorice.

Chamomile and yarrow can be given daily as a tea for allergies. They soothe the allergic response.

Stinging Neetles ( fresh tea is the best) provide immediate relief for hay fever. It acts like the standard conventional antihistamines (except without the drowsiness)

. The best is always Vitamin C to decrease the inflammatory response. You can use it through eating more citrus fruits, which contain bioflavinoids. The bioflavinoid is quercetin, which helps decrease the release of histamine. Histamine causes the allergic response. How much Vitamin

Some use essential oils of lemon balm, yarrow and chamomile, which can used in a bath, for a massage and an inhalant.

This weekend, we will discuss more herbs and diseases. I will get back to the herbal properties on Monday.

The needle point above is entitled "At the Movies". It was given to the most loving, generous, considerate and caring man I have ever known--his name is Frederick Elias Byrd, my Rick. I am glad he hung it in the den. It was given to him for his 50th birthday.

Until tomorrow...

AN ARTFUL DAY

April 22, 2010

"Spiritual growth results from absorbing and digesting truth and putting it to practice in your daily life" Thanks KM

In yesterday's blog, I was discussing more herbal properties. I must finish this as I will be discussing herbs throught the blog. We ended with Emetic properties.

Emollients: These are substances that soften, sooth and protect the skin. There are many herbs in this category. Some are oils of almond, marshmellow, slippery elm and chickweed.

Expertorants: These are herbs that assist in getting rid of mucous from the lungs and throat. This is especially important during a flu or bronchitis and is now useful during allergy season. Some expectorants include wild cherry bark, ginger, elderberry (mainly used for coughs), anise and the old time vaporizer. I remember my loving mom putting Vicks in the vaporizer and letting me inhale the steam. Some mothers did it when their babies had whooping cough. I used to laugh when my mother rubbed Vicks on my chest. You could inhale steam from boiled water with eucalyptus or sage.

Hemostatics: These substances arrest hemorrhaging. These herbs affect the coagulation of blood. I heard a story from a famous herbalist that after a woman delivered a baby, the mother was hemorrhaging. The midwife/healer told her to boil rose petals and leaves and give them to the woman. The bleeding stopped in six minutes. Other hemostatic herbs used are mullein, goldenseal, blackberry, white oak bark and yellow dock.

Laxatives: Of course, we all know what these do--they allow us to have a bowel movement. As I have been reading and learning every day, I sometimes see herbalists refer to this group as purgatives.

Nervines: These are herbs that calm the nervous tension and nourish our nervous system. These are also called tonics to the nervous system. Tonics can be applied to any system of the body. For example, there are heart tonics that I utilize often. I use the nerve tonics (nervines) especially valerian. Others are skull cap, St. Johns wort, lobelia, and even lady slipper.

I am trying to be as simple as possible. I know it is an overwhelming learning experience.

The needle point above in reality is a Pablo Picasso. It was originally painted in 1936 and titled Lady on a Cushion. Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born October 25, 1881. He was a genius. He once wrote this (reworded) "Unlike music, there are no child prodigies in painting. What people regard as a premature genius is the genius of childhood. It gradually disappears as they get older. It is possible for such a child to become a real painter one day, perhaps even a great painter."

He then went on to say "As far as I am concerned, I did not have that genius"

I disagree. It is my version of a Picasso with added colors and borders. It is a pillow. Thanks Vasilika!! I love the work I have done on this needle work. I love Salvador Dali, Al Hirshfeld and even Jean Louis Toutain hanging on our walls. We do not have a Picasso...but now we do.

Photo credit: The best -0 Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

SEEING THE WORLD ANEW- THROUGH PLANTS

April 21, 2010 "See the beautiful horizons ahead on the upward way. Keep going forward to the abundant life" Thanks KM I have tried to do this on every given day. No one is perfect so why try so hard? Just know that you try your best every single day.

Yesterday, the blog was about some of the properties of herbs. The last property was herbs as aphrodisiacs. How wonderful! Let's continue. Carminatives: These are herbs that relieve gas. I use an amino acid called L-glutamine and probiotics to do this but herbs are more soothing. Some of these include fennel, dill, ginger anise and caraway.

Demulcents: These are soothing herbs taken internally to protect damaged tissue. Sometimes used with a diuretic herb such as dandelion or astragalus, the herbs that are demulcents are marshmellow, comfrey, slippery elm and aloe vera. I love using aloe to relieve gas, bloating and reflux. I happen to use an Aloe from Father Romano Zago, born in Brazil on August 11, 1932. He was ordained a Friar in 1958. While in Pouso Novo Brazil, he learned from the locals about using an all potent aloe arborescens. The locals used it for treating cancer. I read his book and bought his aloe. I like the taste of this aloe. Remember all aloe is not the same aloe. I prefer the gel over the juice as the juice has more sugar. The best is to break a piece of the plant, squeeze out the aloe and taste it. Yummy!! Many herbalists classify aloe as a cholagogue. Cholagogues are herbs to promote the flow of bile.

Diaphoretics are herbs to induce sweating. I have seen some herbalists combine yarrow or elder flowers with ginger or cayenne pepper.

Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine. In allopathic medicine, doctors use furosemide (lasix) or hydrochlorothiazides. As a supplement, I utilize an amino acid called taurine. I am now using parsley, uva iursi, dandelion, juniper and horsetail. I am using horsetail for my hair, but now I know why I am urinating more. It must have something to do with the 1 gallon of water I consume every day in my office, but I bet the horsetail plays a role.

The last property of herbs to be discussed today are the Emetics. Every good mother knows to use syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting for poisoning of a child. It is important to know what substance was ingested before giving it to a child. Other emetic herbs are bayberry, mustard seed and lobelia. I just learned that blessed thistle has the same effect.

I am looking forward to studying in Ithaca next month thanks to the support and love from Rick. Otherwise, I would not be able to attend. I am sure he would consider me taking a sabbatical when I go abroad to investigate herbs/plants with the bushmen. Time will tell. Tomorrow will be more herbal properties. The quote above is something a dear, dear friend EL gave to me. Rick actually put it to canvas. I haven't had time to needle point it. For those who read the blog, give me suggestions for the lettering and the background.

Until tomorrow...

HERBAL PROPERTIES -

April 20, 2010 Tuesday

"As God is my witness, as God is my witness, they're not going to lick me! I'm going to live through this, and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again - no, nor any of my folks! If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill! As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."

--Vivien Leigh as Scarlett Ohara in Gone With the Wind

We would never have to be hungry again if we turn to mother nature. Plants are a great food source. Many plants, flowers and shrubs have medicinal properties. In yesterday's blog I mentioned ginger, tumeric and Indian Gooseberry. I have decided for many reasons to discuss herbs under dietary lifestyle changes. Start adding herbs as part of your new dietary lifestyle. I will selectively discuss various herbs.

As an introduction, I will share some of the various properties of herbs. The remarkable aspect of herbs is their combination of several healing properties. Each herb or a combination of herbs can have specific effects on the body. In a daily blog I cannot discuss all the properties of herbs. I will try to cover as many as I can and will continue daily.

Alternatives: These are known as the blood purifiers. These tend to alter the condition of the body. They treat toxicity of the blood. Some of these assimilate nutrients and help with elimination. An example is dandelion, which combines its liver tonic effects with its diuretic effects.

Analgesics: These do what they say--they relieve pain. Many of us use aspirin. Did you know that aspirin is derived from the herb, white willow bark? Some herbs relieve pain by reducing cramping in the body. Another herb, kava kava, reduces pain by directly affecting the nervous system.

Antacids: These neutralize excess acid in the body, especially the stomach and small intestines. Peppermint, slippery elm, aloe, fennel and dandelion are all used. While sitting in the

Antiasthmatics: These are herbs that relieve asthma. When I was an emergency room attending, I used to use magnesium to relieve asthma attacks. An herb, yerba santa, helps break down mucous production. I haven't used many in this property but literature states comfrey and white cherry bark are also used.

Antibiotics: This is a large property of many herbs. There was a book I read years ago, The Ten Herbal Antibiotics. Of course, we need to use herbs as antibiotics because antibiotics are used too frequently and too excessively. Some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, especially when we use the "high gun" ones like a Z pack or levaquin. Important herbs in this class are aloe vera, wild flower honey, echinacea, golden seal, garlic, grape seed extract and myrrh. I have never used juniper berries, but some say they are effective.

Antipyretics: These are the cooling herbs to reduce fevers. If they have strong cooling properties, these are called refrigerants (like refrigerator). Some of the herbs used here are basil, gota kola (I used this herb in an autistic child), skullcap and alfalfa.

Antiseptic: These herbs are applied to the skin to prevent growth of bacteria. My favorite herb in this class is calendula. Some other herbs are myrrh, thyme, pine and garlic.

Antispasmodics: Who doesn't need an herb to prevent muscle spasm, especially in the colon? If you follow a yeast-free diet, you will not need these herbs. The best is lobelia, which is also used to help a smoker quit. Other herbs are black cohash (used also for peri menopausal flashes), valerian (also used for anxiety), kava kava and even raspberry leaves.

Aphrodisiacs: You were waiting for this last category. What individual would not want to improve sexual energy or libido? These include damiana, tribulus, ashwaganda, angelica and ginseng. I have also seen horny goat weed advertised as well as burdock root.

Remember these herbs are drugs. Although you can go to your local health food store and obtain these, I caution against this. Herbs can interact with conventional medications. Always consult your doctor.

The needle point bookmark is of catching a 'fish'. It was a delicate pattern to complete and was given to Michael Byrd as a Christmas gift some years ago. I decided to put it here because the next blogs are like catching a big fish--herbs. This is a passion. I feel it is my calling. Not that medicine is not, but herbs need to be understood and used by more conventionally trained MDs.

Photo credit: Michael Byrd

Until tomorrow...

The Inflammatory Marker: CRP

April 19, 2010 Monday

"Let's take care of ourselves and live with passion, compassion and an open heart"

Most of us do not take care of ourselves. We do not eat well nor do we exercise. We all have stress. How we deal with our stress does make a difference in our lives.

In recent blogs, we have discussed the marker for inflammation called the C-reactive protein (CRP). As a cardiologist, I am concerned about the cardiac or high sensitive CRP. Although I was discussing this with patients ten years ago, it was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 that HS-CRP can be a marker for cardiac disease. As I stated yesterday, some doctors prescribe statin drugs for elevated HS-CRP.

In my opinion, to lower the CRP, use herbs such as tumeric, ginger, Indian Gooseberry, and grape seed extract with enzymes such as bromelain, nattokinase and lumbrokinase. You also must utilize the above with strong anti-oxidants as Vitamin C, fish oils and even pine seed oil. The herb rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to reduce CRP. We also need to measure your DHEA level because low levels are associated with a higher CRP. We know from an earlier blog the benefits of certain fish. To maintain a normal CRP, do the following:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

2. Eat healthy

3. Do not smoke

4. Take botanical herbs and anti-oxidants

5. Reduce stress

The needle point above is of a crane. These birds are magestic. Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds of the order Gruiformes and family Gruidae. There are fifteen species. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Cranes live on all continents except Antarctica and South America.

Most species of cranes are at least threatened, if not critically endangered, within their range. The plight of the Whooping Cranes of North America inspired some of the first US legislation to protect endangered species.

Herbs are my passion - great blogs ahead

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

THE BAND-AID BUTTERFLY

April 18, 2010 SUNDAY

"See with your heart not with your eyes for beauty lies everywhere. The mind reasons BUT the heart knows."

My heart certainly knows. I love the emotional heart. When we discuss the lifestyle of self-esteem (the fifth lifestyle change), you will see how a low self-esteem can affect your heart chakra. Everyone, including myself, has our emotional heart hurt at one time or another. The "art of letting go" is the answer as is prayer.

For the last seven days, I have concentrated on how a dietary lifestyle change can positively affect cardiovascular disease. Let's take it one step further. I concentrated on cholesterol, its effect, its treatment and even points about the Mediterranean Diet.

For most people, the plaque can develop in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply the heart. You may slowly develop symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD) such as chest pain, dizziness, angina, left arm pain and even nausea. Your medical options for treatment can include drugs, stents, angioplasty, drug-eluding stents and even a coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). From reading the blog, I hope you have learned that there are other options, which include dietary and exercise changes, supplements, herbs and even meditation.

Meditation is the fourth lifestyle change to be discussed in the blog in the next few months. Studies reveal that transcendental meditation provides a 50% reduction in heart attacks, strokes and death. This study was done at the Medical College of Wisconsin and presented at the annual American Heart Association meeting. You can learn to meditate before we discuss it in the coming months at http://www.tm.org/ It is a shame there is no prescription for meditation...except on this blog.

You can refer back to an earlier blog called 4-7-8. When you have an abnormal nuclear stress test, you doctor will consider only one next option. This is the invasive angiogram or catheterization. This is the gold standard in cardiology. There is also a non-invasive angiogram called a CTA with a calcium score. I use http://www.mdr.com/ facilities for all my testing. Even after either of these two procedures, the physician must decide what to do next. Will it be a stent or angioplasty, which might lead to a bypass? Does he consider Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)? Although this will be discussed in future blogs, check out http://www.fratellonemedical.com/ for more information.

I believe that bypass grafting or surgery is a band-aid approach. If it truly works, then why did former president Clinton need to re-admit this past February for chest pain. His bypass grafts were clogging up. Did he change his dietary lifestyle? I think not. Did he reduce his stress by using meditation? I think not. Bob Atkins would make me laugh when he said that angioplasty or stents are like a Lays Potato Chip. He would say, "Once you have one stent, you can't have just one." He was correct in his assumption.

You may think I do not use invasive angiograms, considering the bypass surgery and utilization of the Cardiothoracic surgeons for valve replacements. If you think I DO NOT use these medical modalities, you are totally wrong. I bridge the gap between conventional(allopathic medicine) and integrative medicine. Those of you who know me know that I myself have had valves replaced. I was born with a congenital heart disease that did require surgical intervention. If not, then I would not be here writing this blog tonight.

The needlepoint canvas below is a painted canvas. It might look plain and simple, but when different threads--cotton floss, braided thread and even wool--are added, it will turn magically into a beautiful swallow butterfly.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd


Until tomorrow...

HYPERTENSION MODEL - B sideways

MAY 6, 2010

"Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm. Remind yourself, 'This too shall pass'!" - TD Jakes

How true is this statement for you? It certainly is for me. I must say 'this too shall pass' a hundred times a day. In my opinion, I do not think a higher power would put in front of me anything I could not handle. He or she knows how much I can handle.

For the last few blogs, I have concentrated on herbs for sexual stamina. It certainly was useful information. Usually, I know what I want to write about. I am not at home in my own environment for the next few days so my ideas and thoughts are fleeting. I do know that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer among men and women. A component of CVD is high blood pressure, hypertension (HTN). The classification of hypertension has changed over the years based on medical classification JNC. It will soon change again according to JNC VIII. Most of us know that when taking the blood pressure with a cuff, there is a top number and a bottom number, systolic and diastolic respectively. The systolic blood pressure measures the contraction of the heart during the systolic phase while the diastolic blod pressure is when the heart is relaxing. Blood pressure differs from individual to individual, from morning to evening, from rest to exercise and from sitting to standing. Blood pressure should be taken in both arms in a sitting, standing and lying position. In the past, if the diastolic number was 100, it was considered hypertension. Then the number was lowered to 90 mmHg diastolic and now, in 2010, it is 85 mmHg. As we change the guidelines, more and more people have hypertension. Doctors should be in the practice of preventive care, not only during treatment when the disease entity has already occurred. Preventive care for HTN does fit the 7 lifestyle pyramid I am trying to teach. It involves a dietary lifestyle change as well as an exercise change. Number studies have concluded that a better diet rich in vegetables/fruits will decrease blood pressure. Exercise goes without discussing (until the blog turns to one month of exercise blogging). Both addictions and meditation can effect blood presure. Unfortunately, addictions such as smoking, drinking, coffee and use of illicit drugs adversely affect HTN whereas an addiction to yoga would benefit blood pressure. Meditation has been proven to be an effective measure to decrease HTN. This is one of the relaxation techniques. Acupunture and massage therapy also can be effective. The fifth lifestyle change of self-esteem can decrease blood pressure. This involves finding a hobby. This blog for me not only relaxes me but allows me, for better or worse, to show you my hobbyy. For those of you that are new, needle craft is my hobby. Anger and resentment, the sixth lifestyle change is most often overlooked. Any anger and resentment will lead to our body becoming toxic. It can cause a variety of disease from cardiovasular disease (CVD) to cancer. And finally, self-love is the premier of all lifestyle changes.
I know you have heard this over and over again. It never hurts to hear it again.

Millions of people have HTN. It is the usual medical practice to start the patient on a medication without even discussing dietary and exercise regimens. Your physician can give you a prescription for dietary changes and an exercise prescription. I do utilize conventional blood pressure medications but I also include dietary changes, supplementation with vitamins and nutrients as well as herbal therapies. I educate the patient. This is what I am trying to do each and every day.

Tomorrow I will blog about some supplemnents to decrease hypertension as magnesium, coenzyme Q 10 and arginine. I will also discuss a new study on hibiscus and hypertension. Did you know that artichoke bulb can lower blood pressure?

Who is TD Jakes? Thomas Dexter "T. D." Jakes Sr. (born June 9, 1957) is an American entrepreneur and chief pastor of the The Potter's House, a non-denominational mega church, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas. T.D. Jakes' church services and evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potter's Touch. His sermons are available on both CD and DVD. I encourage you to listen to one of his sermons. There are many televison stations that show his sermons.

The needle craft is another one of the B series. I think they will finally be coasters but I have been undecided. The B is sideways as blood pressure is always uncertain, ever changing and sideways. The sample was shown in other blogs in other colors. By the way, it is an example of embriodery.

UP, UP AND AWAY

April 17, 2010

"Self care means learning to love the person you're responsible for taking care of--yourself."

It is difficult to say we should let go of feeling excessively responsible for those around us. I find this especially difficult as a health care practitioner, but I must also take care of myself and be appropriately responsible to others but not solely responsible--the doctor-patient relationship should be a partnership. The doctors provide the tools, the advice and sometimes medications, yet the patient is responsible for themselves (if they want to stay healthy). Self-care should mean "you first".

This blog has enhanced my daily life. It is pleasurable, not a duty. Although I feel responsible to you, the follower, it is not time-consuming. We keep talking about heart disease... we always should keep CVD in our minds, not in our hearts. To keep CVD away from our hearts is to find the suitable diet for us. We know it should be low in simple carbohydrates, and even possibly gluten free. A diet that is rich in organic, un-denatured and vitalizing foods is an excellent way to start. The lifestyle should be rich in fruits and vegetables, properly washed even if organic. Eat the vegetables and fruits as they are in season and choose colors of the rainbow. If you have a sugar imbalance, fruits that are high glycemic and acidic like watermelon, pineapple, grapes and oranges should be limited but not altogether avoided. You can have a mixed fresh fruit bowl with more alkaline, less glycemic fruits such as apples, pears, kiwi and all the berries.

Grains are important as well, possibly more of the gluten free grains (millet, brown rice) and less wheat. You need a balanced intake of organic protein rich foods as well as those foods that provide Omega 3, 6, and 9. Try organic free range meat, but you do not have to either. In the summer, you should consume a larger intake of fruit and in the winter larger amounts of vegetables and omega 3 and 6 (consumed in nuts and flax seeds). If you take one thing away from today's blog, it is to consume more fruits and vegetables. I really like the Mediterranean diet or a modified version of it. A Mediterranean style, low glycemic diet with mild soy protein had more of an impact on cardio vascular disease than the American Heart Association diet. That says it all!!

There is new data (scientific for those who need studies to confirm) that nuts have the ability to lower cholesterol and LDL. Also, the flavinoids found in the rinds of citrus fruits have the potential to lower cholesterol and LDL. Carotenoids found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon may reduce the risk of heart disease, but watermelons are high in sugar, and tomatoes are night shade (acidic). It sounds conflicting--AND IT IS. You must decide what is energetically right for your body. You must eat in moderation and eat a balanced diet. The needlepoint above is a combination of petit point, needlepoint in wool, and the black wings of the butterfly are in beading. The beading was given to me by a friend, still in the original box from Macy's. I haven't finished it. I will make it into a pillow. I am grateful today for the ability to teach and the ability to once again learn. I will be visiting Ithaca monthly to study more herbology.

Thank you, Rick

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

THERE IS PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION

April 16, 2010 Friday

Two different quotes :
"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect; It just means you have decided to see beyond the perfections" Unknown

"It's not true that life is one damn thing after another-it's one damn thing over and over" Edna St. Vincent Millay







Another cardiac risk factor for heart disease is Lipo@. This glue like substance is inherited. It is likely that 50% of children will have it if one of their parents have it. It is just another lipoprotein that causes heart disease. It is like the bad cholesterol (LDL). There are small, medium and large variations. You know by now that the small ones will cause problems. We do know that African Americans have the medium size which puts them at a reduced risk. We also know, from the 1970's American Journal of Medicine, that statin drugs do not have any effect on lowering this risk factor. How many of you have asked your doctor to perform this simple blood test?

Lipo@ (Lp(a)) is tightly linked to the clotting system, so if you already have high fibrinogen or C-reactive protein, then your risk to develop heart disease is even higher. How do you lower this cardiac risk factor? I have had great results by using niacin in high doses. We do know that niacin in high doses can increase your good cholesterol (HDL) but I have also found it beneficial in lowering Lp(a). In men, I have seen testosterone lower Lp(a) levels. This is especially important because men have a higher risk of heart disease if they have low testosterone levels. I also have found the combination of lysine, proline, niacin and Coenzyme Q10 to be efficacious.

I know all of this cardiology talk may make you nervous, especially if your doctor hasn't tested all these different risk factors--so let's change gears and give you a recipe for the weekend for your loved one. How about a White Bean Pasta?

The trick in cooking the gluten free pasta is stirring constantly. Also, cooking it al dente gives it a better taste.
1. 1/4 pound Escarole (about 1/2 of a small bunch) or 2 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves chopped
2. 1 can of diced pasta ready tomatoes with Italian spices
3. 1 can of white beans, rinsed and divided
4. 2/3 cup of vegetable stock
5. 1/4 cup of fresh basil
6. 3/4 pound of gluten free pasta (quinoah or corn or a mixture of both)

Heat oil in a sauce pan. Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped escarole and stir fry for 1 minute. Smash a 1/4 cup of beans. Add the tomatoes, the whole beans left and the vegetable stock. Simmer for 5 minutes. Finish with fresh basil and serve over the cooked pasta.
Your loved one will be so happy.

The needle work above is a cross stitch (ready to be stitched) of a Kingfish. I love the design as I love birds. It is almost done.

Photo Credit: Rick Byrd


Until tomorrow...

OTHER CARDIAC RISK FACTORS

April 15, 2010 Thursday

"Not passive, not aggressive, but be assertive. Today, I will try to communicate clearly and directly in all conversations. I will avoid manipulative, indirect and guilt-producing statements. I will be tactful, direct and gentle to whomever I speak to."

Much easier written than done. Sure, we all would like to be assertive, but feelings are feelings and people are people. In my humble opinion, the above is a suggestion.

In the last few blogs, we have discussed cholesterol and statin therapy. Today, I want to tell you it is not only about cholesterol. Ten years ago, I was using high dose vitamin D when others thought I was 'not all there'. Today, the vitamin D requirement is higher and most Americans are vitamin D deficient. When I was discussing inflammation of the arteries along with cholesterol as a cause of blocked arteries, others were still fixated on cholesterol.

Today, from research, we do know that inflammation/infection is just as important a risk factor for heart disease as the LDL cholesterol. This risk factor is called the high sensitive or cardiac C-reactive protein. This is a simple blood test your doctor can order. The problem is if the level is high (above 3.0), then most doctors do not know how to treat the high CRP. They still prescribe statins, becasue they have been shown to decrease inflammation but did one ever think that an exposure to a virus, parasite, bacteria or fungus could be the cause?

In 1969, a Harvard physician postulated that high levels of homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease. Dr. McCully researched this amino acid as a cause of premature vascular damage. He prescribed higher doses of B12, B6 and folic acid. In 1971, the esteemed Harvard Medical School forced Dr. McCully from their institution. Didn't they feel bad when in the 1990's he won a Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work with this important cardiac factor, homocysteine?

Another risk factor is fibrinogen. This is a simple blood test (in a blue tube not a red one) that determines whether your blood is too thick or too thin. If the level is greater than 350, your blood is thick and flowing like ketchup. If your level is less than 350, we know your blood is flowing like water, not ketchup. If your level is greater than 350, you must consume more omega 3 fish oils, vitamin E (although controversial) and bromelin.

We will finish the cardiovascular topics on Sunday, but we will revisit this topic in the future. I must constantly return to CVD as this is my profession. It is not my passion. My passion is to educate you on herbs and supplements--the natural approach to the treatment of diseases.

The needle point above is a pillow of a butterfly. It was given as one of a pair to Nancy and sits on her living room couch. It is upside down, not on her couch but on this blog. Why, you may ask? Well, of course it is because it is April 15. Is it because it is income tax day? The answer is NO. It is because 98 years ago today, 1,517 people died. It does not matter whether you knew their names, but men, women and children died. Pray for them.

The RMS Titanic was a passenger liner owned by the White Star Line and built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast Northern Ireland. At the time of her construction, she was the largest passenger steamship in the world. Four days into the Titanic's maiden voyage on April 14, 1912 shortly before midnight, the ship struck an iceberg, sinking early on April 15, 1912, two hours and forty minutes later. The sinking resulted in the deaths of 1,517 of the 2,223 people on board, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. There were not enough lifeboats for all the passengers. The butterfly is upside down in memory of those who died that night.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow....

OTHER STATIN EFFECTS

April 14, 2010

"Letting go of the way things are, anticipating instead what they may become, frees us to live each moment fully"

This year is especially important for me to not only state the above but do the above. There is not anyone without issues out there. We all have something to think about or worry about. I am not an exception. I must let go of issues this summer. I must let go of the fact that I am going to be fifty - better to write the number rather than the numerals. I recommend the The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie.

Yes, we are still discussing cholesterol. I need to mention other side effects of the statin drugs. These are the drugs that lower cholesterol. No one will deny that statin drugs do lower cholesterol, both total and bad (LDL), yet if it blocks the enzyme to produce cholesterol it is also compromising the other derivative hormones that cholesterol makes. For example: testosterone, the body's natural steroids, and female hormones will not be made if we are blocking the cholesterol pathway. It throws off the body's physiology.

All clinical trials do not pay attention to this fact, but are only concerned that the cholesterol numbers go down. When they approved Zetia and Vytorin (a combination of Zetia with a statin), they were concerned with the reduction in LDL. Two years later, the ENHANCE trial proved there was no change in mortality due to these drugs. A better study showed the effects of statins versus exercise and dietary lifestyle. I was particularly interested in this trial. The statin group did lower cholesterol significantly more than the exercise/diet group. However there was the SAME, yes the same, rates of death and heart disease in both groups.

Statins do cause muscle weakness (called statin myopathy) where muscles, especially in the legs feel weak. This is reversible with the supplement CoEnzyme Q 10, other mitochondrial supplements and plant botanicals. In the 1970's it was published that statin drugs deplete CoEnzyme Q 10. You must be careful when your doctor prescribes a statin drug with another lipid lowering drug like fibrate. It is good that both of these drugs alter fats in different ways but both can seriously effect the kidneys, which is called rhabdomyolysis. Did you know that a statin drug was taken off the market years ago for 31 deaths related to this? Do you think it was just the side effect of this one drug or the class of statin drugs?

Other serious side effects may be new to the general public. It has been postulated and shown that statin drugs stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, which could be a risk of an increase in cancer. Another less known side effect is that statins reduce cognitive function of the brain. All doctors should be aware of the cognitive impairment and the dementia as potential side effects with statin drugs. I am sure they are not! A study of 283 individuals were either given placebo or a low dose statin. The statin group was associated with minor changes in memory, test performance and overall mental efficacy. I wonder how many doctors actually prescribe statins for themselves? Surely not I.

Other risk factors for heart disease beyond cholesterol include homocysteine, CRP HS, fibrinogen, testosterone, iron and stress. I called these risk factors the Millennium Risk Factors ten years ago. No one paid attention to these at that time, but surely now people are writing, researching and reading about them.

The needle canvas above is of a Roadrunner. Remember Wiley Coyote and the Roadrunner from Warner Brothers? The roadrunner always said, "beep beep." This canvas was painted after spending time in Arizona studying Integrative Medicine.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

EGGS- WHY THE BAD REPUTATION?

April 13, 2010
"Be a blessing to someone today. Either your kind smile or a tap on the shoulder can make a difference. It may pull someone back from the edge."

I try on a daily basis to do this when I meet a new patient. Anyone who sees a new doctor is anxious and sometimes doubtful. The individual may have been recommended to come, but reservations and fear delayed their making an appointment. Finally they did. I smile. It makes a difference.

For the last three blogs, I have concentrated on cholesterol. Who knows that eggs and butter will increase cholesterol? True or False, Myth or Evidence? Both eggs and butter are thought to be major contributors to heart disease, but multiple studies have shown that a balanced diet with eggs will not increase your blood cholesterol level. The eggs produced from chickens consuming organic grains contain high amounts of lecithin. You must eat the whole egg--the yolk as well as the white. Lecithin emulsifies or breaks down other fats and improves the ability of the liver to break down and absorb fat properly. A whole egg!! A recent Korean study found that eating eggs that are DHA enriched reduced total cholesterol, platelets sticking, LDL and triglycerides.

The real deal: your body mass index (BMI) is far more important than your cholesterol panel. Today, we also should be measuring your sagittal abdominal diameter or SAD. This is better than waist measurement. It is the distance from the back to the upper abdomen midway between the top of the pelvis and the bottom of the ribs. It is estimated that 42% of men are more likely to develop heart disease with a large SAD.

There is no one diet for all. You CANNOT read a book about diet and decide this is the diet for you. A diet must be customized, based on food allergies, sugar consumption and the amount of fat and protein you should have.

Tomorrow, I will blog on alternatives to statin and 'what a diet should be'.

The needle work above is not needle point, petit point nor bargello. It is simple embroidery. Delicate, flowing and gentle is the canvas. This is a coaster. Of course, I wasn't satisfied without adding a letter (which still must be sewn).

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...