JANUARY 12, 2012 G-L-U-T-E-N

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverb

I believe this is true that where there is no vision of joy, the inner spirit begins to wither and die. There is no perfection. Our world is not all good nor all bad. Life is a mixture of different colored yarns. As anyone starts to examine their life there are the positives and the negatives. You need to examine the negatives, decide how to deal with them, and put them on the shelf until you can deal with them one at a time. I didn't say ignore them. Your main goal is to concentrate on life's joys because it is from that joy that you will draw your spirituality and wisdom.

One of my favorite movie quotes, "Life's a banquet but most poor bastards are starving"

Is it Mame Dennis (Rosaline Russell from Mame/Lucille Ball from Aunt Mame) or Dolly Levy
(Barbara Streisand or Carol Channing from Hello Dolly.)

Gluten is a hot topic. Practically every store now has a gluten free section. The common gluten grains are in the majority of today's food. The ones that you may know are Barley, Rye, Oats and Wheat (B-R-O-W). Many fast food restaurants use these in addition to corn syrup and spelt. There are many other gluten grains.

There are many challenges about grains especially with an overcrowded gluten free market. What is gluten? It is a term that gets thrown around too easily today. It is a mixture of particular protein's found in all grains but primarily wheat. The studies about gluten are found in every major journal. Gluten sensitivity has been linked to many autoimmune disorders as Hashimoto's thyroidits, systemic lupus, scleroderma, myasthenia gravis, and of course the obvious Celiac Disease.

'The View' discusses gluten a lot these days as one of their 'tribe' has Celiac disease. It is great to discuss this hot topic but you should be well versed in all aspects especially the other linked disorders.

Even if you are not gluten free you should decrease the total amount of grains you consume. I know that these grains whether sensitive or not overwhelm the small intestine causing an interruption in the production of Vitamin D as well as the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Also under scrutiny is the use of genetically modified grains, and the processing that must take place to make grains have a longer shelf life. Also if you are gluten sensitive or not, you should try to consume as little as possible of gluten free processed products. I know the ginger snap gluten free cookies taste good, but each cookie is loaded with sugar.

I have seen many a gluten free patient start to develop high serum blood sugar levels as well as insulin resistance/pre-diabetes due to the amount of processed gluten free products he/she is consuming.

I would suggest trying a 'Reduced Grain' or gluten free New Year. I know this is a smart idea. You might even try to consume less cow's dairy. Your weight loss resistance, stubbornness, skin problems, water retention, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, and even muscle aches will be reduced. What is more amazing is that the bloating , gas and change in bowels will slowly disappear.

Be wise and gluten free !

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 11, 2012 IS TRAVELING ENDANGERING YOUR HEALTH?

"Allow love to flood into your life today and if you give love, you will receive love."


L.O.V.E. is the most used 4 letter word. Many of us say it too much. Regardless, accept love into your life on every level. Accept love from the blue sky, the cold air, and the leafless trees. Put yourself out there and give love. You will do this so you will be able to accept and receive love.

Without giving from the heart, there is no receiving.

You are leaving on your honeymoon, a planned family holiday or a quick getaway. Are you endangering your health by flying? I never have been fond of flying , but I do what I must do. I fly not only for pleasure (which has been a long time) but for speaking engagements and medical/herbal conferences. I tend to go to the herbal conferences these days.

Nothing in life is guaranteed, even with flying. We do what we have to do. Yet, you can decrease the risk of health conditions when you fly by following these simple steps.

1. You need to get rest. Three days before flying try to get as much sleep as you can.

2. You need to be well hydrated, with at least 64 fluid ounces of water. Try to avoid caffeine as much as you can prior to your flight, as caffeine tends to dehydrate you. Also, try to avoid alcohol as it also dehydrates you.

3. It is critical to get up and move around while flying, especially on long flights. I know the airline staff does not like this, but you must move your legs. Blood tends to pool in the legs and can cause blood clots. Depending on the flight, get up at least once every hour to stretch. Also move your legs while in your seat. If there is a problem, get a note from your doctor that you must get up at least once per hour for long flights.

4. I also recommend building up some anti-oxidants three to four weeks before traveling. I recommend an intravenous anti oxidant drip or high dose resveratrol or alpha lipoic acid. I would do this at least three weeks prior to travel for flights up to 5 hours. If the flight is longer I would suggest starting this 6 weeks in advance.

5. I recommend also going to either Brookstone, or Shaper Image to purchase your own air purifier . This device goes around the neck and you get to breathe your own air. Clever device...

Until tomorrow...

JANAURY 10, 2012 WINTER SQUASH

"WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE I'VE HAD. I ONLY WISH I HAD REALIZED IT SOONER." - colette

I have a wonderful life. So do you if you think about it. It is not the materialistic items, but the love, peace and serenity you have in your life that counts. I wish I had realized all of what I know now--then. By then, I mean years ago before I followed a twelve step program. I have also taken very seriously the prayer and meditation in my life. I believe this more than anything has helped me move forward spiritually and emotionally.

I do not know enough about winter squash, so I did some reading. The gourd family is a large clan of vegetables. I thought I knew a lot of them, but after reading I know very few. Winter squash have hard shells, inedible skins and large seeds. You know some of them--pumpkin, butternut and acorn. Some you might not know are kabocha , spaghetti squash, golden nugget and turban squash. You must choose squash that are firm, heavy for their size and have dull skins as opposed to shiny ones. They should be hard without cracks or soft spots. You can store the uncut squash in a dark cool place. You can keep one for up to 3-4 months.

Once you cut the squash, you can keep it for one week. A paring knife can be used for thin shelled winter squash like acorn , but a larger knife will be needed for the hard skinned ones.

A recipe:

1. Select any squash above

2. Scrub with a brush

3. Drain or pat dry

4. Cut large pieces in chunks. I would peel them, Put the chunks in a steamer basket and steam until tender ( about 12-15 minutes)

5. You can serve as they are and sprinkle some spices and oil on them

You can always bake the squash on a cookie sheet for about 50 -75 minutes depending on the size.

Now to be unique what about stuffing a whole squash. Cut the top off and remove the large seeds. Also you have to remove the strings. Stuff with something like quinoa, brown rice or even buckwheat. I have tasted squash stuffed with chicken and quinoa. You can stuff with other vegetables if you wish.

Bake for 30 - 40 minutes

A great winter dish! Try it!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 9, 2012 AMARANTH SODA BREAD

"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of LOVE that is put into them that matters." - Mother Teresa

Today, I make sure my actions are for the right reasons. Not to get people to like me, not for my own selfish reasons, but I do what I do for who I want to, when I want to do it, and for the right reasons. In my many hobbies, especially needle crafting and knitting, the magnitude of work that it takes means nothing to me. It is the amount of LOVE that I put into my hobbies. The LOVE is because I always try to give the finished crafts away.

Remember this: Your self image and your self love determines what is possible and impossible in your life.

So, you are avoiding grains these days, especially the gluten grains. The basic gluten grains are Barley, Rye, Oats and Wheat (B-R-O-W) There are many other gluten grains. I wanted to share a recipe with you that I think is easy. I say easy because I could do it and I AM NOT A COOK, nor a BAKER. I know I sometimes want to eat a piece of bread, but I can't because I avoid gluten. So here is a recipe for gluten free AMARANTH SODA BREAD.

Ingredients:

1. 3/4 cup warm water or coconut milk

2. 3/4 tsp of unbuffered Vitamin C crystals, also corn free

3. 2 3/4 cups of amaranth flour

4. 3/4 tsp arrowroot powder

5. 1/2 packet of ginger crystals (available at http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/ )

6. 1 tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds

7. 2 tablespoons of boiling water

8. 2 teaspoons baking soda

9. 2-3 tablespoons of oil (your choice - I like almond oil)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine water and Vitamin C /and ginger crystals. Stir and let dissolve. Add flour and fennel seeds and whisk together. Add oil to mixture. With remaining flour pour on wax paper. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, add to the dough and stir. Now put the dough on the wax paper. Roll the dough with flour. Kneed for 2-4 minutes. Gather it in a ball and put on floured baking sheet. Make a 8 inch smooth ball. Put an 'x' on top of the dough ball you have just made. Put in oven reduce to 325 degrees

Bake for 55 minutes. You must make sure you know that uncooked dough is darker in color. Continue to bake until uniformly pale tan

Your bread is done

CONGRATULATIONS!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 7-8, 2012 A PAIN IN THE SIDE

"PEACE STARTS WITHIN US- WE CANNOT BRING TO THE WORLD WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO OFFER."

Peace. Serenity. Happiness. Silence. We are not all at peace with every one we know or have met in our lives. Some of us are not at peace with ourselves. Are you at peace with yourself for today? Just for today. Think about that! I have come to realize that peace is always within me whenever I want to have it. Lately, I want inner peace all the time. I try to make the time to have inner peace. Prayer and meditation are KEY to PEACE.

There is one disease entity which will not allow you to be at peace- it is the passing of a kidney stone. If you have had one you know what I am talking about. It is about the worst pain there is, with the exception of childbirth. It is estimated that about 10% of men and 3% of women in the US have kidney stones. There are many types of stones. The most common is made up of crystals of calcium oxalate or uric acid. 80% of the stones are mainly made of calcium. You can prevent recurrent stones by analyzing the stone and tailoring your new lifestyle so as not to form stones. This means changing your dietary lifestyle and using other disciplines of medicine, especially herbal, homeopathic and aromatic therapies.

Dehydration alone will not form a kidney stone. There is usually another cause such as recurrent urinary tract infections, foods high in oxalate, certain drugs (like the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide) and bodily disturbance.

The passing of a stone usually requires medical intervention. This usually involves a pain killer like morphine as the stone passing is unbearable. I personally have never had a kidney stone but have treated many a 'stone' in my clinical years. An old folklore remedy is drinking 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil every day. Another one is fresh lemon juice in lukewarm water every morning. I recommend this for everyone regardless if you have a stone or not, as this remedy alkalizes the body. The Chinese use ginseng and plantain to alleviate formation of stones.

As an herbalist I have been using celery seed, parsley and gravel root. The latter is not that tasty, but I always say the worst the herb tastes the better it is. For acute passage of a stone I use lots and lots of yarrow. The essential oils I have been using for patients with a history of kidney stones are fennel, juniper and of course, lemon. I ask massage therapists to use this during massage in the area of the bladder and flanks of the body where the kidneys are located.

Yes, it is painful to pass a stone, but these remedies can help. The most important aspect is plenty of water and any necessary changes in dietary lifestyle. A diet rich in animal meat can form uric acid stones. Get a list of foods that are high in oxalate. Some of these foods are beneficial, like berries and greens but contain high amounts of oxalate.

Learn to eat better.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 6, 2012 AN EDIBLE EVERGREEN : NEW HOBBY

"When you are content to BE simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you.' - Lao Tzu

I strive on a daily basis to be completely myself - happy, joyous and free. I stopped comparing myself to others - years ago. Sure I would like to have been on Oprah, but it just never happened. I was on other shows,and loved my talk in radio shows for the years I did it. I look back on those days and say, "...wow, I have the life today I always wanted to have." I asked myself, "Am I competitive?" I know I love to win at Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Other than that, I am just me. I am not quiet, but not loud. I am not meek but sometimes I now know when to be quiet. I am just ME. I used to just like me, but now I love me.

I am a healer. For me to be a healer is as demanding as knowing all the plants/herbs. Any healer must have a firm foundation of the basic truths common to all man. This is a tough harsh statement but I have found it true .

This hobby of finding, studying and collecting Edible Plants can be challenging. Some examples of wild edible plants that you might know would be Amaranth, Chicory, Mulberry, Plantain and Yucca. I think these are fairly common to most people. Other common ones would be elderberry, mint and mustard.

To identify a plant or tree in the wild, on a city block or in a field is quite exciting. I am in awe that as we drive out to Long Island I can name trees and plants. The Sunken Forest (a National Preservation on Fire island) is an excellent place to start. Some of the trees, bushes and plants have names on them to help you identify them.

Between the various Fire Island communities, the woods and fields have many species that are known to the area from years gone by. The area between the Pines and Cherry Grove is a combination of woodlands, fields, dunes and swamp/bog.There have been various names given to this area like The Judy Garland Memorial Park and the Meat Rack. I do not know what is harder to avoid, the poison ivy or free spirited nudists among nature. (That is a nice way of saying men having outdoor sex).

Regardless, find an area to discover trees and plants as a hobby. So to pick a plant/tree that I have found in the wild that could be interesting to you is difficult, but I have thought of two. The first one is Gaultheria procumbens. This plants grows in poor soil it the woods. Leaves are oval, a little toothed. It is an evergreen with tiny white flowers that dangle. This is WINTERGREEN. I love wintergreen. I love this plant for its uses in medicine, and to nourish our bodies. It stays close to the ground. I have an affinity for plants that stay close to the ground. I feel these are Earth Mother's tiny children. Wintergreen tea is delicious and you need not use a lot. When I see individuals make tea, I am always in awe of how much they use. You need not use a lot of wintergreen at all. The berries are edible. The new leaves are edible in salads.

This herb is great for headaches, aches and pains of the body as well as oral cavity (mouth) ulcers and gum ailments. You can make a strong cold tea and use it as a mouthwash. It is better than some of the chemical ones the drug stores.

So, to start- pick a plant/tree or bush you want to identify this spring. Research it now and set a date to find your plant. It will be rewarding I promise...

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 5, 2012 EYE STYE

"STOP RESISTING WHAT IS. EITHER CHANGE IT OR FIND A WAY TO MOVE WITH THE FLOW." - Oprah Winfrey

My father's version would be, "SH*t or get off the pot." Not exactly elegant, but to the point. As my G.O.D given profession allows me I sit and listen to patients. I listen attentively before making any comments. I feel some patients are straddled across a stream with one foot on each bank not knowing what to do. You can straddle only for so much time and then a decision must be made. Jump in the water and take a chance. Life is a chance. If you never take a chance in life you will never know what lies ahead. I have taken chances in life. I decided at a much later age to do another medicine fellowship. This one in Arizona with Dr. Andrew Weil. It was a challenge as it occurred near an operation , but I continued to finish that goal. There are goals in life which we ponder. Should I start my own business? Do I do a start-up? Can I manage alone?

Take the chance !

Yesterday I saw a patient with a stye. A stye is an abscess occurring around the root of an eyelash. It is an infection usually caused by a staphylococcal species. You will see a characteristic small head of yellow pus. They usually last about 7 days and usually require no intervention. However I have seen a stye spread to other hair follicles. Do not "POP" the pimple as you might pop other acne pimples. For one, it hurts and secondly you probably will spread infection.

There is a simple treatment for my patient with the stye. An old folklore remedy is a warm bread poultice applied directly to the stye. I am not fond of a 'bread ball' on an eye.

Since styes are usually present when the immune system is low I might start some astrgalus tincture as well as echinacea. These both will boost the immune system. A great remedy is a tea bag (made by yourself with linen tea bags) filled with chamomille and calendula (pot marigold) Both of these herbs are soothing and stop the swelling.

There is an essential oil remedy of one drop of lavender on a cotton swab to dab the base of the follicle. I wouldn't do this by yourself.

Until tomorrow...