NOVEMBER 29, 2012 EPA/DHA

The process of becoming changed begins with awareness. "

There are the 3 big A's in life - awareness- the first; then acknowledgment and finally the hardest of all three in my opinion is acceptance. For me, some 19 years ago --to accept that I had a problem with alcohol and substances was difficult. I rationalized- I should have known better.  I would say , " There is no alcoholic in my family or I do not drink all the time."
With the help assistance of the founder of AA's principles, Bill W. and his large heavy blue book, Alcoholics Anonymous, I slowly began to change.
Today, I have no troubles...NOT-- We all living on this Earth have some type of problem whether small, large or huge. But I will say this- my worst day today in 2012 is better than any day prior to doing the step work in AA.

The need for omega 3 fatty acids in human health is well understood. You must realize that your diet is deficient in omega 3 while not in omega 6 fatty acids.

You must supplement fish oils in an effort to boost omega 3 fatty acid intake The supplementation must come from a fish source. This has clearly been demonstrated. Sure you have the tuna ( it might contain mercury) the halibut and the mackerel. Squid is another source. But lately there are studies on krill oil from these shrimp like crustaceans. There are high amounts of EPA and DHA in krill oil.

If you are one of these individuals who cannot use fish oil, you have a problem. You might say to the doctor that you use Flaxseed Oil. I think this is terrific but flax contains 52 - 55% omega3's as alpha linolenic acid ( ALA) not EPA / DHA. Also do not confuse the abbreviation ALA to stand for alpha lipoic acid.  It does not.

Medical conditions that may be treated or prevented with fish oil.
1. High triglycerides
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Heart Failure
4. Asthma
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
6. Bipolar disorder
7. Inflammatory bowel disease
8. Depression

If this isn't enough there is
1. Muscle sorness after exercise
2. Raynaud's phenomena
3. Dysmenorrhea
4. Dementia
5. Renal disease in IgA nephropathy

The take home message: Take some fish oils today

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 28, 2012 LOW MAGNESIUM

' GRATITUDE CONSISTS OF BEING MORE AWARE OF WHAT YOU HAVE THAN WHAT YOU DON'T.'

What you do have ? You hopefully have your health. You have the ability to read this blog. You hopefully have some sense of serenity . So YOU DON'T have the winning lottery ticket .. so what; So YOU DON'T have the dream house you always wanted.. so what; It is not about materialistic things you do and don;t have. It is about GRATITUDE NOT ATTITUDE!!!

Colo rectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.The lifetime risk in developing colon cancer is 1 in 20 or 5.1 %
There are many causes of developing colon cancer. There will be reports of a high red meat diet to a diet high in fat. Whatever you know, there is something you do not know

Recently published in August 2012 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition an inverse relationship was studied and investigated on low magnesium to higher risk of Colo rectal carcinoma.

It was a large study population. The conclusion supports the hypothesis that higher intakes of dietary magnesium are associated with a lower risk of Colo rectal tumors.

We need to explore the magnesium rich foods that may be cancer preventing. I do know there is a current study in a New York City Hospital using green tea in patients with Colo rectal cancer 

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 27, 2012 VITAMIN A

" Seventy percent in life is showing up" - Woody Allen

You get an " A" for that. Honestly, there was a time I said I would show up and if I did it was by luck. I had no sense of responsibility. That changed almost 19 years ago. I show up today. I am there when I am asked to be there. Sometimes I am just there. I am a responsible human being, That is the way I conduct my life. That is one of the secrets of success. Be present for yourself and for others.

Very few of us today take separate Vitamin A. It is commonly in most of our multivitamins  and definitely present in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness and dryness of the eyes. The drying can result in corneal ulcers and infection. 

Also the lack of Vitamin A can result in squamous metaplasia. This is where there is a normal protection that is gone. The protection of these ciliated mucous membranes is absent in certain areas leading to squamous metaplasia which will then lead to cancer,

Vitamin A also has the distinction of being the anti infective vitamin. It is very useful in lung disorders as COPD ( emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia)

As with the other fat soluble vitamins ( D, E and K) over dosage can lead to problems. I know a physician that prescribes it five days on and three days off. This is a good practice. The overdosage of vitamin A ( hypervitaminosis A) can present with band like headaches, nose bleeds, and even chapped lips.

There are some pediatricians who believe that Vitamin A protects children against otitis media ( middle ear infection)

Make sure your multi vitamin has Vitamin A. If not you can take an extra 10,000 IU without any adverse effects.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 26, 2012 OLIVE OIL

" One of the most important things on any spiritual journey is our environment."

We as individuals must take care of our own environment. We need it more now than ever. If the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy was not an indication, then YOU SHOULD WAKE UP. Earth Mother needs to be cared for and saved. If not more and more natural disasters will destroy our beautiful planet.


Did you have your olive oil today? I was probably bathed in olive oil as a child. The vegetable oils that predominantly monounsatured lead to a less cardiovascular risk than polyunsaturated. It was long ago that physicians did recommend those polyunsaturated oils to protect your heart. But as it turns out- That was WRONG. Margarine took the place of butter at that time. That was a big mistake. From research we know better today.

Do they still sell margarine ? I hope not.

The following oils do not pose a threat to the cardiovascular system
1. OLIVE
2. CANOLA
3. PEANUT
4. AVOCADO
There are differences in all four, and the one I prefer and highly recommend above all is OLIVE OIL. Due to the generosity of two friends, Carol and Aldo, we have a olive tree in Italy on a Olive Farm. During the year Rick and I receive olive oil from our own tree. It is the best

By replacing saturated fat in the diet with olive oil will reduce your LDL ( bad cholesterol). Who can argue with an oil that has been around for thousands of years. Our Italian olive oil from our tree is Extra-virgin.
This is extracted with gentle pressure rather than with heat or solvents. There are no pesticides strayed on our olive trees.

No matter what you decide , Olive Oil has the best correlation with health. The populations that use olive oil solely and mainly as their cooking fat oil have lower reductions in degenerative disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

If you replace butter ( and for those unfortunate that still use margarine) with olive oil you are making the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

So imagine this: combine olive oil in your diet daily with omega 3 fatty acids from good quality fish--and you will have longevity

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 23, 2012 ONE MAN WITH FOUR FREEDOMS

This October 2012, The Four Freedoms Park was officially opened on the northern most point of Roosevelt Island. I would encourage all to visit this park for its beauty, Louis Kahn's innovation and for freedom.

Those that remember the 1950's will tell you of the elation that was felt when a successful vaccine for polio was founded. Not yet installed at the entrance of the Four Freedoms Park is a bronze statue of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his wheelchair with a girl approaching him. Rarely if any are there photo's of FDR in his wheelchair. He had suffered from polio. Roosevelt became fascinated and intrigued with the soothing waters of  Warm Springs, Georgia. The warm. hot springs are known for their healing potential from Hippocrates, Artistole and others.

There are many warm springs in the United States - White Sulphur Springs of West Virginia, the Saratoga Springs and the Hot Springs in Arkansas. But FDR did go the Warm Springs of Georgia. He already had used water therapy for his polio at the pool of Vincent Astor in the Hudson Valley area. He arrived in Warm Springs in 1924 and stayed for weeks. He continued this until his death in 1945. He died there from a stroke on April 15, 1945.  One thing consistent about Warm Springs was the consistent temperature of the water and its high calcium, and magnesium content

From the countless biographies written about FDR and the few I have read --he had one consistent spirit. Warm Springs started to have other polio victims traveling there. He was a big supporter of Warm Springs and set up a Foundation for donations. It became his 'little White House' He inspired others FDR could be himself there and be among the other afflicted American people.

His treatment became interrupted as he ran for Governor of New York in 1928 which sprang to the winning the 1932 Presidential Election. He would be the only President in history to run and win 4 times as the United States President.

He wasn't going to run in 1932 for President He was concerned with Warm Springs and its financial struggles., But when a donation of $250,000 came from the Democratic Party chairman, John Raskob--FDR ran and the rest is history

For peace, serenity and to glance at a piece of history , I highly recommend the Four Freedoms Park.

Be thankful today and every day

Until tomorrow

NOVEMBER 21, 2012 CANCER PREVENTION AND IMMUNE SUPPORT

"DISCIPLINE means learning to wait for what we want."
Having a schedule and discipline makes it easier. It allows you to wait while the miracles happen. Miracles do happen in life, when you least expect them. For what has been given to me, I try to the best of my ability to " Pay It Foward" or " Pass it On" I do this in many ways. I do this because it is the right thing to do in life. It brings me happiness, joy ,comfort and most of all, serenity.



To reduce inflammation and support the immune system I recommend the following:

1.  High doses of Vitamin D- I usually recommend 5,000 to 10,000 per day depending on the level measured

2. Try to get more sleep. The body regenerates itself especialy during REM

3. Exercise more

4. Cut back on simple refined carbohydrates

5. Consider starting some medicinal mushrooms as Coriolus versicolor, Cordyceps sinensis and Ganoderma lucidum. A good blend of mushrooms totaling 1.6 grams is suggested. I woudl suggest you read ' Mycelium Running." by Paul Staments. - He is in my mind the Mushroom Man

6. There are excellent herbs as anti inflammatory - these are ginger, tumeric and boswellia. I utilize fresh ginger and tumeric. If you like boswellia use 750mg - 1500mg/day

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 20, 2012 NATURAL SWEETENERS

"Happiness is a by product of living the right kind of life."

Everyone deserves happiness. At times you might think so. I didn't for a time period in my life.
It is just when you think you don't deserve happiness, is that you really do.



There are many natural sweeteners on the market today. Which natural sweetener do you use? We are NOT talking about the pink packet ( Sweet n Low),  blue packet ( Equal) and even the yellow packet ( Splenda).

You ave seen on the back of labels of some products, sugar alcohols. These are plenty in the protein bars. Some of these are maltitol, xylitol and erythriol. The side effects of these sugar alcohols are digestive in nature mainly diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. This is mainly due to the slow and incomplete absorption in the small intestines. The small intestines is the 'shag rug' of absorbtion.

Today more of my patients are using stevia. There are studies supporting the use of Stevia. The studies have revealed that Stevia may low blood sugar and triglyceride levels. There is even studies stating that stevia can act as free radical scavenger antoxidants.

I do recommend one natural sweeteners. It is high quality raw honey. As a backyard beekeeper I am passionate about bees and their honey. Raw honey furnishes the body with a number of critical vitamins as B2, B6, iron and manganese. The multitude of studies on honey reveal that honey is a natural weapon against free radicals. It is also a natural antibiotic. Support beekeepers and honey bee associations.  Do not forget Blackstrap molasses as this a more concentrated amount of vitamins, minerals and the trace minerals. I utilize black strap for those patients that are iron deficient..

I cannot end without mentioning agave syrup. It contains 97% of fructose. This is the very type of sugar when isolated from its fruit based origins has been implicated in the rapid rising rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases..  So agave in my opinion might not be the best natural sweetener.

My choice is honey..

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 19, 2012 UNDERSTANDING THYROID

" To make gains in this life we must venture forth to new places, contact new people, and chance new experiences."

This makes it all worth while . You have truly given it the best you can give. I love new places, new people and new experience. Yesterday was a new experience. We met Braco.  Words cannot express the feeling. Hundreds of people gathered at specific times of the day, to have him gaze upon the crowds. Rick and I have never experienced him . I met an author, Angelica  who has written about him in a book entitled " 21 Days with Braco" Read about him on www.braco.net

I was not fatigued after the encounter

There are many causes of fatigue, but the one most commonly seen in my practice is an under active thyroid also called hypothyroidism. It is often the culprit of low energy levels, hair loss, cold hands/feet and constipation. It can also account for depression.

As a cardiologist, I am interested in the hypothyroid patient. It has been studied that hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The reason is that hypothyroid patients have a higher cardiac C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels. These two are independent risk factors for heart disease.

Not every physician tests for all of the thyroid function. Some do TSH, total T4 , Total T3 and T3 uptake. Over the years I have found the following tests to be the most useful:
1. TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone)
2. free T3
3. free T4
4. reverse T3 (rT3)
5. Thyroid antibodies ( TPO) and thyroglobulins

There are many factors that inhibit proper production of thyroid function including stress, environmental toxins as mercury and arsenic, celiac disease, and chronic infections as candadiasis and Epstein barr infections. There are also the goitrogenic foods

In order to balance the thyroid, there are other trace minerals that need to be balanced which are usually the culprit. Not all physicians look at these trace minerals as selenium, copper and zinc. The thyroid craves balanced levels of Vitamin D, iodine, tyrosine and Vitamin C.

In this last year I have seen a higher number of thyroid carcinomas. Of these 5 patients, all were females. There are some studies that have proposed that sex hormones play a role in the development of this type of cancer.

Get your thyroid checked. Balance your body

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 17, 2012 FOX NEWS: A TRUE CELIAC STORY

On Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 9PM watch Fox News.
There are millions of individuals with Celiac Disease. There are those who think they have celiac disease, those that have gluten sensitivity ( now called Non Celiac Gluten Intolerance) and then there is
Jennifer Esposito.

When Jennifer Esposito was diagnosed with celiac disease three years ago, the actress was shocked and relieved. "It was hard, but it was also the day I realized the person I once knew as 'me' was gone," says Esposito, who plays detective Jackie Curatola on the CBS hit police drama Blue Bloods.


Misleading advice and a delayed diagnosis cost Esposito precious "life" time as she searched for the reasons behind a litany of unexplained ailments, she says. Now she's determined to save others from the same pain and frustration by raising awareness of celiac disease -- also the goal during May, National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.

It is not just about not eating gluten. It is about a new way of life. It is about other allergies that need to be diagnosed. It is about gluten and autoimmune diseases. It is about how anxietry and depression can be relieved if you consider your dietary lifestyle. It is about unnecessary hospital admissions if the doctors woudl only listen to you.

Listen to Jennifer Espoisito's story on Fox News,November 18, 2012 at 9PM

Shortly after learning she had celiac disease, Esposito launched Jennifer's Way, a web site and blog to help others "learn to live again, gluten-free." She has nearly 6,500 followers on Twitter (@JennifersWayJE), and a cookbook, food product line, and bakery in New York City in the works. "This is so rewarding, the second chapter of my life," she says. "I'm grateful to be able to give something back."

The condition isn't a food allergy; eating gluten causes the body's immune system to damage the fingerlike villi lining the small intestine that allow nutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, the body is not able to take in nutrients effectively. The body is not able to make a neurotransmitter called serotonin, thus causing other areas of the brain to incerase epinephrine, and GABA. These latter two cxause insomnia and anxiety. The neurotransmitter, dopamine starts to decrease and memory fades, concentration wanders and the focus is out the door.


Listen to Jennifer's Esposito's story. With a new upcoming book and a bakery in the works, she is the REAL face of Celiac Disease.

Oh yes, I get to talk also about Celiac Disease on the show. I hope there is television in Heaven--my mom would be so proud of me !

Watch it...

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 16, 2012 ME AND MY GRACIE

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones- the ones at home." Mother Teresa


I take care of the closest ones and then some. It is my G.O.D. chosen profession and I must say honestly - I love medicine and people. I might not always like the day to day aspects of business, insurance and medication prescriptions, but helping people is great.

I sometimes forget to check on those who are at home. I feel it is because I have to take so many other people home in my mind. But over the years I have definitely gotten better at this. If not for the people at home in my case, I would never be able to do what I do. For one there is love, respect and major support from home- namely Rick. I couldn't do this without him.


Birding is a nature loving, animal loving. meditative hobby that is done outdoors. The question is - Do you love nature? Do you appreciate life around you? The trees, plants, flowers, sky... all the animals, and especially the birds. When you think of birding, what do you think of? I think of John James Audubon. He is probably the most well known man associated with bird watching. It started when he moved from Haiti to Philadelphia and started to watch the nesting and habitat patterns of the birds of that area. His first bird book was called Birds of America. I am fascinated with nature.

For those who do not know me - I love birds. I have an Amazon Green Parrot named Gracie It all started when I was about 9 years old. I loved watching the activities of the robins in our backyard. I had my first bird feeder on the back porch. I would watch for hours the different birds that came to feed. The sparrows, the blue jays and the cardinals to name a few. One Sunday dinner, the usual 15 plus people were at the dinner table. The food was endless and the laughter was contagious. My cousin, Dr Jim came by. His parents my great Uncle Jim and Aunt Sadie were there. He carried in a cage with a black bird squawking. It was a Mynah Bird. I named him Charlie. Dr Jim had a parrot himself, named Agnes.  From that point on I have had talking birds and non talking birds.

Today in addition to Gracie , Rick and I  have 4 additionsl birds - 2 parakeets, and 2 - Love Birds - The parakeets are Alice and Gertrude, and the LoveBirds are Lucy and Ricky.

Birding is a quiet and serene hobby. Rick bought me binoculars about 8 years ago. I get to bird watch in Fire Island and in Roosevelt Island. Of course there are more interesting birds in Fire Island. More than 330 species of birds have been recorded on Fire Island, more than 1/3 of all species found in North America. Fire Island is without a doubt one of the best birding locations in the New York area, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. The piping plover is an endangered species that nests on Fire Island.

During this nice warm weather, you should get started early as dawn to mid -morning is the best time to see different bird species. The wetlands, the edges of streams, woods and lakes make for grand birding adventures.
These are the aspects I was taught to watch for:

1. Look for color and different markings. Try to identify the bird.
2. Note how big the bird is
3. Watch the bird's actions such as where it flys to and notice the types of trees it visits.
4. Bring a small Bird Guide for the Region you are in. Try to find the bird in the book and then begin some basic researching about the bird.

You can buy a beginner's Bird Watching Guide and look up different resources at http://www.americanbirding.org/ or http://www.audubon.org/

NOVEMBER 15, 2012 THE ROLE OF DIETARY CHANGES IN ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

ACCEPTING the here and now is what ensures our sanity and our serentiy.
Acceptance of what goes on with life is the key to survival. It does ensure our sanity, peace, quietness and our serenity.  I want those quiety moments when my thoughts are still. I want those peaceful times when I just can meditate and sit still. Can you sit still ? Can you meditate?
It takes time but the reward is beyond reproach !


ANXIETY disorders are most common mental illness in  the United States, affecting 40 million adults or 18% of the population. When calculating this is a lot of individuals. This means that 1 out of 5 people you know suffer from anxiety. Do you know anyone that has anxiety issues?
The group of anxiety disorders  include post traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD), panic disorders, social phobia and generalized anxiety. Sometimes anxiety is also accompanied by depression.
There is a certain criteria that must be met to make a diagnosis of generalized anxiety. This is based on the DSM-IV criteria.
The criteria is:
1. at least six months of excessive anxiety and worry over events or situations
2. difficulty in controlling the anxiety and worry
3. presence for most days over the previous six months or more with the following symptoms
       a. feeling wound up, tense or restless
       b. easily fatigued or worn out
       c. concentration problems
       d. irritability
       e.tension in muscles
       f. difficulty in sleeping

To me this sounds like most of America at this time.
There is a relationship between diet and psychological symptoms. I often describe anxiety and the 'gut' or small intestine, sleep and the 'gut' and lack of focus, concentration and memory loss and the 'gut'
There are studies to prove this theory. In 2012, Jacka et al published a paper in Psychiatry after evaluating 1,046 women age 20-93 years looking at dietary and psychological symptoms. The study revealed that a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, meat , fish and whole grains was associated with a lower incidence of major depression, and anxiety disorders.  They demonstrated that a diet of processed or fried foods, refined sugars, sugary products and beer had a higher score of psychological symptoms based on a questionnaire . I observe this in my practice all the time with men and women. I have found that a diet rich in gluten grains and cow's dairy is associated with a low serotonin, thus causing an increase in epinephrine ( thus causing anxiety), an increase in GABA ( thus causing sleep disorders) and a decrease in dopamine ( thus causing memory loss, lack of focus and concentration)
You do not have to be allergic to gluten to have these difficulties. If you are allergic to gluten we then will be discussing Celiac Disease. Most of America has non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance. This can be easily demonstrated on a IgG RAST test for food allergies/sensitivities.
There are numerous studies demonstrating that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids has a less likelihood of developing depression and/or anxiety. The higher intake of omega 3 fatty acids had a risk reduction  of depression And anxiety higher than 30%. This type of study has been demonstrated in other studies.

The study that I found most interesting is using the amino acid, tryptophan. Bravo R et al studied the impact of adding this amino acid to cereal twice daily for treatment of sleep disorders. After three weeks the subjects demonstrated improvement in sleep efficacy,as well as improvement in depression and anxiety.

I use another form of tryptophan, called 5-hydroxy tryptophan ( 5 HTP) as it is more potent and biologically more active. Clinically, I get the same results. I use 5HTP in capsule form or liquid form without placing in cereal. I do not use cereal as the cereal if used should be gluten free. The only problem with processed gluten free products is that the amount of sugar is higher. This in itself can cause problems

Diet is extremely important in reducing anxiety and depression. You do not always have to be on a drug. Other treatment I advocate are psychotherapy, change in dietary and exercise lifestyle, meditation, yoga and hobbies. I am also partial to botanical for anxiety.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 14, 2012 CONSTIPATION

" SILENCE is the ultimate in letting go and letting be."

My mother used to say this, be silent after an argument. It is the best way to get your point across. It creates less confrontation. Silence is golden. Have patience with life. No matter what you do in life, the river of life will continue to flow. Flow with the stream, not against the stream.



I do not know one patient that has not been constipated at least once in their life. There are many causes. Perhaps you do not drink enough water.  Maybe it is your DIET. Now there is a thought you might not consider or you did not  consider but do  not want to change to a DIETARY LIFESTYLE

Constipation in children is common due to their diet- too much white bread, candy and sweets
It is also common in adults whom do not drink enough water, take iron or are hypothyroid.
Laxatives for constipated adults, even herbal ones are generally too strong and do not taste well

For Adults

1. 1 cup of boiling water
2. 1/2 teaspoon licorice root
3. 1/4 teaspoon of ginger root or fennel seed
4. 1/4 cup of prune juice ( which is optional)


Pour the boiling water over the herbs and steep for 10 minutes
Strain out the herbs and then add the optional prune or apple juice

There is one more good remedy - elderberry jam is great for constipation. I prefer to combine it with wild flower honey. And when all fails, you can always have a cup of catnip tea.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 13, 2012 SKIN AND HERBS

IT IS SARSAPARILLA ---

" There is a gift for us in each relationshiop that comes our way"

Whether this is a relationship with a dog, a human being, or with the G.O.D. of your understanding, it is a gift. Relationships with people whether good or bad are there as lessons for us to learn something from. I have learned so much in the last decade from living with my husband. It has been a gift and the gift gets stronger day by day.
If you treat every relationship as a gift, the potential of the relationship working will likely be the result. If it is not the result you want, do not fret. You have learned something. It is still a gift. A gift of humblness, gratitude and life.



When it comes to a skin problem you cannot ignore it because it is visible. The skin is endangered by cuts, scrapes, bruises and even some disease like psoriasis and eczema.
The exact cause of a skin cause is sometimes difficult to determine. During the history a cut/bruise sustained by kickboxing would be a cause of an infection or cellulitis. We are more prone to cuts bruises etc if you have dry skin. It can result in a dermatitis which is inflamed , red skin that is often itchy and may develop into lesions. Eczema can include crusty sores, scabs, thickened skin, pimple lik eruptions and even lesions, The skin can be either oozing or crusty and can easily become infected.

Sometimes these lesions are not related to an injury but instead an allergy. This can be a IgE immediate allergy to a antigen or substance ( dust, trees, dogs, cats and even foods) The IgG is a delayed reaction which may or may not result in a skin problem Usually these types of allergies are symptomatic in the small intestine or " gut" The symptoms may be bloating, gas and change in bowel habits.

One herb that has been discussed for some time is Sarsaparilla. It has been used since the 1940's. There was even an article in a peer review journal, NEJM - The New England Journal of Medicine describing its success in helping  cure psoriasis. It is still used today.

The Textbook of Natural Medicine ( with Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND) believe that this herb aids people with psoriasis by binding toxins in the intestines and stopping production of polyamines.

The history behind this herb Sarsaparilla ( Simlac regelii or officinalis ) acts as an anti inflammatory and cleansing agent. It was once said to be the " blood purifier" It gives relief for itchy skin as described above and can be used for rheumatoid complaints and gout. It is also believed to help the impotent male and can act to increase testosterone and bulk muscle. In the US Pharmacopeia , sarsaparilla was used to treat the great masquerader disease, Syphilis. The plant was exported to Europe before 1530 from Mexico. The Aztecs used this herb for putrid lesions especially of the bone.

Before artifical agents replaced it, sarsaparilla was thew original flavoring for Root Beer. Although I was born during this television series, Sugar Foot ( 1957-1961) , had its hero always ordering a non alcoholic sarsaparilla when entering the bar to get rid of the villains.,

Culpepper called ' these are all plants of Mars; of a healing quality however used. "

Dioscorides says  ' that both the leaves and berries, drunk before and after any deadly poison, are an excellent antidote. It is also said, that if some of the juice of the berries are given to a new born, it shall never be hurt by poison. It is good against all sorts of venomous things. It is also said that 12 or 16 of the berries , beaten to powder, and given in wine, procure urine when it is stopped."
So make this:

Dermatitis Tea:

1/2 tsp of sarsaparilla root, licorce root, burdock root and paul d arco
3 cups of water
Simemr herbs in water for 10 minutes. Steep for another 10 mniutes. Drain and drink a cup 3 to 4 times a day.

You can take them in tincture form
If you do you must do 1/2 dropperful of each 3 - 4 ytimes a day for 10 days.

Until tomorrow..

NOVEMBER 12, 2012 MULTIVITAMINS

" We need silence to be able to touch souls" - Mother Teresa

Have you ever just sat in silence ? Have you ever meditated on your life?  Last night while sitting in the living room as the snow fell from the sky, we listened to sounds, played the singing bowl and sat in silence. It was a moment we haven't had in a long time. I usually like the den, but there was something peaceful about the living room.
Try sitting in silence. We all need a bit of silence every once in a while


Multivitamin consumption is practiced by a large portion of US adults, and although vitamins are taken to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency, there is a perception that daily usage may prevent the development of major morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). I have been using a multivitamin myself for years. I also prescribe a multi vitamin to my patients. There have been studies on mutli vitamins in the past. While some studies have produced inconsistent evidence of the effects of daily multivitamin use, there are no long-term clinical trials that have provided conclusive evidence regarding the long term effects of daily multivitamin usage on cardiovascular health.

Finally a large study was published in JAMA - Journal American Medical Association. This study, The Physicians’ Health Study II,  enlisted 14,641 male physicians in the United States who were age 50 years or older, is the largest scale clinical trial to date examining the daily use of multivitamins and cardiovascular disease. Most of the patients were Caucasian, and half of them took a daily multivitamin. The other half took placebo daily. Think about this -- What is the multi vitamin used ? I DO NOT KNOW. I would like to know which multi vitamin the AMA considers adequate. Is it the Vitamin Shop brand, GNC, Dr Weil's multivitamin, or Solgar VM ? Would they consider a multi vitamin that has been recommended by Dr Oz, Dr. Jonathan Wright or Dr Weil ? The study states Centrum Silver. I was shocked. Then I read thatr Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company produced this multivitamin. To me, this is nto an adequate vitamin.

I have never prescribed a multi based on prevention of cardiovascular disease. There are many other nutraceuticals/ supplements/vitamins/herbs  that have benefit for prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Dr Howard Sesso, MPH, lead researcher and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, stated this

“Multivitamins are the most common supplements taken by at least one-third of all US adults, and while they are typically used to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency, there is an unproven belief that they may have benefits on other chronic diseases, including heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death”, 


The physician participants in the study were followed for an average of 11.2 years to determine if the daily consumption of multivitamins affected the occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular events. Study participants experienced more than 1,700 major cardiovascular disease events during trial follow up, leading investigators to conclude that taking a daily vitamin did not reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Again what other vitamins, what was their diet, and WHAT IS THE MULTI VITAMIN USED ?  I read it was CENTRUM SILVER

According to Dr Michael Graziano,  MPH, chief of the Division of Aging at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the co-author of this study stated this :


“The majority of the men in our trial appeared to have, on average, good dietary habits. It’s not certain whether the findings would extend to younger men, women, and other racial and ethnic groups"

Again I have no problems with the number and follow-up. I have a problem with " Good dietary habits." in most men, but more so among physicians. I see as patients other physicians. Physicians are unique as patients. We all give great advice, but do we follow our own advice ? I think not. I know personally I sometimes want what I want - a good piece of bread etc. We are humans after all.

I want to know the details of this study before stating a Multi Vitamin is useless.

Until tomorrow....

NOVEMBER 9, 2012 MAGIC AS A HOBBY

“Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.” 
---- Mark Twain





Magic is the art o fstaging optical ullusions to entertain audiences. It be done on a small or large scale. I always think of magicians pulling rabbits out of top hats and card tricks. This could be a real fun hobby.
I always wanted to a real good card trick

Depending on your age you can think of some magician names you recognize. David Copperfield, Doug Henning  and the most common these days is David Blaine.

I do not keep on the current magicians.

I still love to wtch actor, Orson Wells cut in half his assistant, the stunningly beautiful Rita Hayworth.

Perhaps the most well known magician/illusionist is Erich Weisz--better known as Harry Houdini. He changed his name to Houdini to honor the first ,magician, Frenchman Jean-Eugene Robert Houdin

Mr Houdini is well known as the iconic escape artist. He has been talked about in books, and of course in film as Tony Curtis portrays this complex man in Houdini.

I am going to try to learn a coin or card trick. There is even the Society of American Magicians. I am going to start by reading a good Magic Book.

Until tomorrow...

Weekends are short for me, maybe I should stick to jigsaw puzzles this weekend !

NOVEMBER 8, 2012 BITTER ORANGE

Of what significance is one's one existence, one is basically unaware. What does a fish know about the water in which he swims all his life The bitter and the sweet come from outside. The hard from within, from one's own efforts. For the most part I do what my own nature drives me to do. It is embarrassing to earn such respect and love for it.
 -Albert Einstein

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.- Aristotle

Bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium) peel and fruit has a variety of traditional uses, including for the treatment of insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and as an expectorant. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as "Chih-shih" or "Zhi shi." The extract has been found to activate metabolism and suppress the appetite; it is thus used in supplements for weight loss. The safety of bitter orange has been confounded by the confusion between the bitter orange compound p-synephrine and a structurally different synthetic compound, m-synephrine

It i also known as Seville orange, sour orange, bigarade orange, and marmalade orange, refers to a citrus tree (Citrus × aurantium) and its fruit. It is hybrid between Citrus maxima and Citrus reticulata. Many varieties of bitter orange are used for their essential oil, which is used in perfume, as a flavoring and as a solvent. The Seville orange variety is used in the production of marmalade.

Like green coffee extract ( discussed by Dr Oz) , bitter orange is used as an appetite suppressant.  However, it also has a stimulant effect  The active ingredient, synephrine, has been linked to a number of deaths, and consumer groups advocate avoiding medicinal use of the fruit. It reminds of the deaths by the use of ephedra in the past.

A recent study published by the ABC ( American Botanical Council) had mixed reviews on Bitter Orange. I feel more studies need to be published and researched. In their current issue, the study reviewed had some flaws. These were that
too many products used in these studies contained other compounds or plant materials with known bio activity, such as caffeine. The reviewers feels this confounds any observed effects on metabolism. Also, many of the studies reviewed failed to mention any adverse effects. This is a key point.

More needs to be researched...

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 7, 2012 MELATONIN

Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of care
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast.
     ~William Shakespeare, Macbeth

And if tonight my soul may find her peace
in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,
and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower
then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.
   ~D.H. Lawrence

Two prodound  literary quotes on sleep.




 By far, melatonin is one of nature's remarkable substances. It is made in response  by the pineal gland. I use melatonin for patients that are traveling and have jet lag or work shift changes. You need adequate melatonin availability as it enables our bodies to be correctly in time with our circadian rhythms. What are circadian rhythms ? These rhythms dictate our hormonal cycles and this cycling determines our aging and our level of iimmunity. This alone is why melatonin is so important.

Do you take melatonin ? One individual that has written and discussed melatonin widely through these years has been Professor  Pierpaoli. Professor Pierpaoli advocates 3 mg of melatonin to put " the pineal gland to sleep." These are exactly his words.
His formula which is trademarked MZS ( melatonin zinc selenium) formula mimics the night peak of melatonin. I have advocated his formula for years. I was side-tracked by a sub lingual melatonin. In retrospect I have seen the sublingual melatonin peak too soon and the long acting melatonin products peak too late.

The Professor's formula produces a night peak of melatonin that is the same as the pineal gland- not too soon and not too late.

We all need melatonin even if you sleep well. You must understand this -- Melatonin secretions decline with aging.

1.Improved fertility

2.Enhanced immunity

3. Easier travel by removal of jet-lag

4. Easier adaptability to shift/ night work

5. Alleviation of menopause symptoms

6. Advantages to those suffering from senility and dementia  

7. Sleep disorder remedy

8. Improved/ deeper sleep patterns

9. Normalisation of circadian rhythms

10.Improvements to Syndrome X

11. More well being



These are the reasons to take this product


Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 6, 2012 BOOST NATURAL TESTOSTERONE ?

Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom. ~Plato, The Republic



  As it appeared on the Internet - a rare new plant - Fenugreek to boost natural testosterone levels at www.nugenix.com  I am totally confused. THIS IS WHY !!!

Yes we do know that testosterone levels decline or decrease as we get older. Not only does libido get less, but there is gradual decrease in muscle density and strength. Also the lower the testosterone the lower the energy. There is also an important caveat. As we get older there is an increase in the activity of the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to the female hormones ( estrogens, progesterone and lutenizing hormone).  If youy want to boost natural testosterone you need to start with a natural aromatase inhibitor ( not chemical) as bioflavinoids especially querecitin and chyrsin. Also pomegranate seeds are another natural aromatase inhibitor.

I researched the herbal data base on Fenugreek (Trigonella sp) Most of the data is on the species
Trigonella foenum graecum. The research on this species is its use in diabetes and insulin resistance. I found NO data on boosting testosterone. I would have never questioned this before before, but when a plant is involved my radar is keen and perceptive.

The other ingredients have some energy boosting properties and useful for sperm counts ( as B vitamins and zinc). The amino acid citrulline has some 'testosteroine boosting properties, but the review discussed fenuside from the fenugreek plant. There was no data on fenuside from the American Botanical Council.

So what is a man to do to boost testosterone. Eat and exercise well. Consider natural aromatase inhibitors.
There is one remedy that is rarely discussed. As a bee keeper and herbalist the answer is found in ROYAL JELLY

It has been used for centuries for its rejuvenating properties. It does not only contain the male hormone testosterone but is a prime source of fatty acids. It also contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is great for a number of autoimmune diseases, and useful in arthritis.  It is said to increase alertness.
For your info--it is secreted by the salivary glands of the worker bees to feed and stimulate the growth and development of new queen bees.

ROYAL JELLY IS MY CHOICE.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 2, 2012 GINGIVITIS

" Grasp, it cannot bve held--it is intangible."  Lao Tsu

There is always a need to let go, or to surrender to an issue or a situation. This usually has to happen in order to make progress.  Try never to surrender is despair, but rather to relieve yourself of the burden of an unproductive effort.  It is not easy, and be difficult to surrender. Letting go creates fear. Personally, surrendering for me in many different aspects of my life, helped me move on. It released the blockage and stagnation that has been built up around me on that paparticular issue. I am grateful and blessed to be able to do this work. If you ask who do I surrender to ...? I surrender to the Great Spirit, the Mystery of Life , Earth Mother and even the Universe. For some they surrender to their  G. O.D. If you have trust and have faith and love, you will be able to surrender easier. Find the way !~



Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. In Latin, 'itis' means inflammation. It could be result of an infection, ill-fitting denture or dental apparatus. In most cases it is caused by accumulation of plaque and impacted food around and under the gums.

As in my case, I see a dental hygienist regularly, but the most important advice is to Waterpik. I am not against flossing, but for ME, I get most of the food and debris out from under my gums by waterpiking after all meals. In addition I add some peppermint or lavender oil to my waterpik base fluid jar. I also use my hygienist herbal formula sprays for my gums- either lavender and/or peppermint.

Two supplements known to help with gingivitis are Vitamin C and Co enzyme Q10.
I know two homeopaths that treat gingivitis with homeopathy. These remedies include mercurius, phosphorus, silicea and kreosotum. I have used two of these remedies and it has relieved the inflamed gum area.

Left untreated, gingivitis might lead to loosening of the tooth, called periodontitis. Bad breath, also known as halitosis can be an issue with infected gums and teeth.

Goldenseal is excellent a poultice against the sore gums. I have seen an older herbalist use comfrey as a mouthwash. I would not suggest to swallow the comfrey mouthwash.

As a cardiologist I am concerned about gum disease. There are studies published linking gum disease and heart disease. This has been known for years. More physicians and even dentists should be well aware of this association.  I recommend one specific excellent integrative dental hygienist, Sandra Senzon and a few integrative dentists in the New York City area as well as other areas.

Protect your gums !!

Until tomorrow...