MARCH 14, 2011 TOCOTRIENOLS

"Without the ones who irritate us, we never have a chance to practice"

I find this quote quite funny. We all have irritating individuals in our lives. It might be family members or friends. We all need an irritating individual to push our buttons. How would we learn if we didn't have anyone to push our buttons. Sure, politics, religion, and sexual differences push buttons. Use that irritating button pushing individual in your life as your spring board back to good emotional health. I have no need for any more 'irritating button pushers'. I have plenty in my life. The way I deal with these individuals is far better than it used to be.

Actually some are already eliminated from my life because these individuals are in the 'freezer'. That is my terminology for elimination by cold temperatures. These individuals have less than desirable characteristics and I have frozen them out of my life. I do pray for them. Everyone needs a little prayer now and then. It is good karma for you. You can now practice breathing, visual imagery and meditation before encounters with your button pushers. You can practice patience. You can practice not answering too quickly. No reaction, but new action on your part. The new you will be noticed.

There is clinical evidence indicating that atherosclerosis is caused by chronic low levels of antioxidants, specifically Vitamin C. There is a wide body of evidence advocating the use of Vitamin C for a variety of conditions. Another heavily studied antioxidant is Vitamin E. There are studies indicating Vitamin E benefits for cardiovascular disease and other studies showing no benefit for cardiovascular disease. I think it is equally important to read, study and examine all studies, both pro and con. Evans and Bishop discovered Vitamin E in 1922. Vitamin E is not a single substance and should never be used as a single tocopherol. It should be consumed as tocotrienols. The studies that use a single tocopherol are not valid. The complex tocotrienols should be used. Tocotrienols have a chemical double bond which gives them different properties. The main difference is that the tocotrienols (alpha, beta , gamma, and delta) spread out and disperse within cell membranes instead of clumping like the tocopherols do. I only use tocotrienols.

There has been a three year study using tocotrienols to reduce heart disease. It was a double blind study. It was a small study group, but ultrasound and platelet oxidation was measured. The study did show that tocotrienols help prevent cholesterol molecules sticking to the plaque. This is same mechanism that Linus Pauling proposed for Vitamin C.

I have used both therapies for heart disease. Both Vitamin C and E are antioxidants with Vitamin E being fat soluble, thus able to stay in the body for longer periods of time. I feel from studying research and my clinical experience that these two vitamins work synergistically.

I have seen synergistic action with herbs. I have better results when I used both meadowsweet and marshmellow together for irritable bowel disease then using both alone.

I feel there should be a double blind study of either tocotrienols and/or Vitamin C with conventional treatments for heart disease. It seems there are too few follow up studies once a theory is generally accepted. Likely because the pharmaceutical companies could not make money from results comparing vitamin E or C with a conventional medications. Instead it would result in the loss of billions of dollars in drug sales if Vitamin C and/or tocotrienols had better results.

The NIH is conducting a study, TACT, Trial to Access Chelation Therapy for treatment for cardiovascular disease. A large number of patients are involved and it has been running more than 7 plus years to date. All are waiting for the results of this study later this year.

My message: Use tocotrienols.

Until tomorrow..

MARCH 13, 2011 GUYABANO

"Sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel" - unknown

When I am angry it has to be for a good reason. I seldom am angry. I very rarely raise my voice unless for a good reason. Unfortunately I remember when the children were young and I was newly sober and I was angry. I thought that if I stopped and addressed my addictions all would get better immediately. It has gotten better but it was not instantly. I know today nothing happens in my time--maybe in God's time. I remember my first sponsor telling me, "I wish you a slow long recovery." That did get me angry at the beginning but I fully understand what he meant. I am so grateful that my recovery has been slow. It's a simple program for complicated individuals. I am one of those complicated individuals. I also know today that I was angry when I was young in sobriety because I was not happy in my relationship at that time. It was my first sober relationship. I glance back quickly--never stay too long on the past and never dwell on the past. I made mistakes which I can admit and have made my amends. The good point is that I learned from those mistakes. I know that if I would have dwelled on the past, and not made amends I would not have stayed sober. I made all my financial amends. I know for me that if you do not make your financial amends it is another trigger for not staying sober. I live for each day. I have faith.

Both obesity and diabetes are twin epidemics sweeping across the United States. Both have seriously affected our young teenage population. Dietary and exercise lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment. Of course there are conventional medications for diabetes. Today, there are far to many gastric bandings and bypasses occurring every day. Is this the solution? I think not.

Guyabano belongs to the family of Annonaceae, (A. muricata L.). The flesh of the fruit consists of a white edible pulp that is high in carbohydrates and has considerable amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Potassium and dietary fiber. Guyabano is low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Not only is guyabano a good health food, it also tastes delicious. The tree and fruit is known in various names: Guyabano in Filipino, Soursop in English, Graviola in Brazil, and Guanabana in Spanish. A patient told me about the fruit. When she goes home to her country (in the Philippines) and consumes guyabano her sugar levels are normalized.

I have used many other herbs for diabetes. Rosemary, fenugeek, gymnema, cinnamon and even bitter melon. I have not used Guyabano for sugar management. I have used this fruit for treatment of cancers. There are numerous studies on it for cancer treatment, but few if any for diabetes. I couldn't find any reports on the American Botanical Council web site.

The fruit, seeds, and leaves yield a number of herbal medicinal uses in countries where the plant is common. Very few plants have all parts used as medicine. The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly on pimples to induce suppuration. The sap is also considered parasitical. An alcoholic extract of the leaves, when distilled with steam, yields a small amount of essential oil. The leaves and roots also cure colic and convulsions.

To reduce fever, a decoction of leaves can be taken internally. The crushed fresh leaves are also applied on skin eruptions for faster healing. A poultice of young guyabano leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. Applied during the healing of wounds, this can result in less scarring. The decoction can also be used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations.

Guyabano are also good in checking insect pests. Pulverizing the guyabano seeds and mixing with soap and water creates an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.

The bark of the guyabano tree has been used in tanning. The wood is pale, aromatic, soft, light in weight and not durable.

There are some connections of guyabano and atypical Parkinson's Disease. This is due to the very high concentration of annonacin.

Remember do not eat the seeds. “Guyabano seeds are toxic, and care must be taken to assure that all are removed before the pulp is processed.”

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 12, 2011 PAINT BY NUMBERS

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserves your love and affection"
-Buddha

Love yourself. Increase your self-esteem by starting and most of all completing a hobby project. Not every one is artistic. I never thought I was until I started needle pointing. I soon began to design my own canvases. This hobby continues to delight me.

So what about painting. I do not think I could do that. So I stamp and use water colors. So far that is the extent of my painting. I have suggested Paint By Number to some of my patients. Remember when life was without computers, cell phones and iPads and we actually did Paint by Number? My father had a heart attack in the early 1960's. At that time, doctors and hospitals kept heart patients in the CCU for 3 weeks. When he came home my mother bought him a Paint by Number Kit. He did two dogs. I can see them now. I believe they were Spaniels. I remember finding them in the attic many years later.

Is Paint by Number creating your own piece of art? Of course it is. It is not just about filling in some numbered areas. You use your own hand, hold the brush so delicately and dab the numbered areas so carefully onto the canvas. Try it - it is not as simple and easy as it sounds. The paint by number canvas might look quite abstract at the beginning, but as you finish it all comes together.

Paint by Number might be your first introduction into the world of painting. I have seen Paint by Number wane in popularity over the last 10 years, but it is always a good hobby suggestion for my patients.

Nearly 62 years ago in Detroit, a 24 year old named Dan Robbins produced the first Paint by Number Kit. He was an illustrator and designer of children's books. It was a fun hobby in the 1950's as can be seen in early television shows like Leave it to Beaver, Make Room for Daddy and The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Brushes off to Dan Robbins !!

Until tomorrow... I must search the Internet for a Paint by Number

MARCH 11, 2011 YOUR OPTIMAL HEALTH IN 365 DAYS

"Life isn't always fair, but do not let that stop you from making the world a better place every chance you get."

One year ago, I challenged myself with the advice of a wise, loving man- Rick. Since life is not always fair, the blog is one of my contributions to making the world a better place. I have found 365 days later that I am happier in the knowledge that I might have changed one person's life. I have discussed a variety of topics. For me, the goal is healing of the mind, body and spirit.

Spirituality involves the recognition and acceptance of a Higher Power (you can chose what to call him/her/it) beyond our own intelligence and with whom you can have a relationship. Spiritual healing, prayer healing, and emotional healing have been proven to have a profound effect on our health. As a sober man for nearly seventeen years I began to study life. My spiritual journey has led me to study life.

The herb that opened my eyes and launched my study herbs and botany was Lily of the Valley. It was my mother's favorite flower and I can remember these delicate white flowers growing all around a statue of Mary in the front garden of my childhood home every spring. I have been studying, researching and using herbs for many years. My enlightenment on herbs began in 2005 with Tierna LowDog and continued with 7song. These two herbalists have directly influenced my work with patients.

I must thank you- the reader. I have to acknowledge the Great Tradition, the wisdom of ages and the healing plants that God created.

Happy 1st Anniversary to 'Anything Worth Learning is Self Taught'

So, if you are reading this blog for the first time and you want to start using one herb, then I suggest an herb that most of you know. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea). Most of you thought I might have said Chamomille. I feel every medicine cabinet should have some. Rick and I have a closet full of tinctures and loose herbal teas in jars. Every medical text book at the turn of the century cited the use of echinacea for every disease. To this day I know patients who rely on echinacea and goldenseal for colds and flu.

If you decide to use echinacea, it must be taken at the first sign of a cold, flu or infection. Most individuals take echinacea in capsule or tincture, but it is most effective if used as a tea. I guarantee you will not like the taste. That is why I use wild flower honey in echinacea tea. For acute sinusitis, use one half cup every 3 hours during acute infection. If you use a capsule- use 500mg each hour for 3 hours at the first sign of infection, then decrease the dosage. I would continue to use it for 10 days. Since antibiotics are over prescribed, this is a better treatment and for me more effective. There is some need for oral or intravenous antibiotics for serious infections but I think physicians over prescribe antibiotics and are creating resistant strains of bacteria.

Everyone thinks tinctures should be in alcohol instead of glycerin. I agree. As a sober individual I must be cautious in using alcoholic tinctures in sober individuals. I wouldn't want a tincture to cause anyone to start using alcohol regularly. If you are prescribed a tincture in alcohol and you are sober, please discuss this with your sponsor. Research by the German E Commissions has shown that some herbal constituents soluble in alcohol and not in water are immune stimulating. I have found this is also true of the herbal adaptogens.

Photographs:

Top: T. Low Dog, MD RH

Middle: 7song RH

Bottom: Echinacea

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 10, 2011 SEAWEED:THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

In the Time of your life, Live

Seek goodness everywhere

And when it is found

Bring it out of its hiding place

And let it be free and unashamed

Discover in all things that which shines

and is beyond corruption

Be the inferior of NO man or of any men be superior

Remember that every man is a variation of Yourself

In the time of your life, Live

So in that wonderous time

You shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world

Yet shall smile to the indefinite delight and mystery of it.

--William Saroyan

I am always amazed how music and lyrics can transcend all our differences-language, culture, sexual orientation, and politics- we are not straight or gay, republicans or democrats. Some of us are Americans. I am from the United States . I challenged myself one year ago to write a blog every day. It has been my honor, delight, love and privilege to do this. I sometimes complain of certain things. I have come to look at the glass as half full- maybe just for minutes, seconds or moments. But it is there. I see this in the unconditional love of a pet when Spencer runs to the door, the un-capturable scent of a rose, in a baby's smile, watching Rick's glow as he brings home a new self created flower arrangement, the bees buzzing and now in hearing the voice of my adult children on the phone. It is important for me to find these moments every day and be grateful for them.

For the last two months I have been researching the benefits of seaweed. I have discussed seaweed when discussing the benefits of a source of iodine for the thyroid since most Americans are iodine deficient. I want you to consider improving your diet by ingesting seaweed. When I first read about seaweed and thought of ingesting it, I became nauseous. However, after tasting seaweed and learning about all the health benefits I encourage you to add it in your diet.
Why add seaweed to your diet? Seaweed contains a multitude of minerals and vitamins. It is a powerful antioxidant with benefits to the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems.

For the cardiovascular system , seaweed is high in minerals. The algin in brown seaweed has been shown in some studies to dissolve plaque. Fucoidan has been shown to prevent the formation of clots.

For the endocrine system it is great to support the thyroid if you need more iodine. Each weed is different so be careful. If you are taking any thyroid supplementation , conventional medications , thyrotropin or Iodoral (by Standard Process), or natural thyroid please use caution in taking seaweed.

For the digestive system there is the seaweed species Laminaria also called kombu that can break down indigestable sugars in beans that cause flatulence. So if you are one of these bean 'farters' try this seaweed. Remember beans are an excellent source of protein. I have used kelp for gastric and duodenal ulcers. I have never used kelp alone. I combine it with marshmallow, aloe vera and meadowsweet.

I have one patient who has always told me to eat Nori. She states she cooks it a long long time. She has degenerative disc disease and swears it is relieved and has reversed since she began consuming Nori.

For those patients with heavy metals who do not want to take a 'chelator' as EDTA or DMSA, seaweed is a natural chelator. However, natural chelators like seaweed do not work quickly. Other natural chelators for heavy metals include parsley and cilantro.

Until tomorrow...

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2011 SERENITY AND FRUITS

"PEACE IS THE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT, SERENITY IS THE CALM IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT."

Peace and serenity--two beautiful words. How do you achieve peace and serenity? I do it in the morning with meditation and prayer. I do it while on the subway, bus or tram while engaging with my hobbies. Usually knitting on circular needles or needlepoint on a loop. The ability to be calm in the face of conflict is very helpful in life. But why does there have to be conflict? Who are you in conflict with? Is the conflict within yourself? I sometimes see individuals who have fear of success and fear of failure. I do not think there will be calm in the face of that conflict. I try to avoid conflict. I always avoided physical fighting. I can recall only one fist fight when I was younger. If I had a conflict I usually handled it with a quick wit that could be vicious. I could hurt with words. Today I would rather be kind and pray for those who do harm to me. Sometimes I am cordial and walk away. Sometimes it is difficult. I try to the best of my ability. I do not want to be aggressive nor do I want to be passive. I am assertive.

I have always talked about eating fruit. There are many varieties with glowing vibrant colors and delectable flavors. The real question is, what is the correct portion? I know many patients who eat well but have difficulty with portion control. Is it because the individual did not eat breakfast or lunch, and tripled the portion at dinner? Was the portion too much for the hour of the night ?

It is always better to eat fruit that is fresh, organic (if possible) and in season. I believe it is better to eat fruits that are in season and eat all colors of the rainbow. There are many different benefits of eating fruit.

First of all, fruit provides soluble fiber in the form of pectin. Pectin aids in digestion and is a liver detoxifier. Many fruits contain antioxidants, phytochemicals and beta carotene. The antioxidants in fruits do ease the discomfort of arthritis. Fruits that are better for an anti inflammatory dietary lifestyle include apples, pears, all berries and kiwi. These fruits have a lower glycemic index and are higher in antioxidants. Other fruits that are higher in glycemic index have less antioxidants. These include grapes, watermelons, bananas, mango and pineapple. These fruits are also excellent but if you have an unstable blood sugar you need to limit their portions. Again it comes back to portion control.

FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities

Although Bob Atkins was my mentor, friend and 'father image' in medicine we did argue about the no fruit rule on the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet. Today, there has been a shift in thinking at the Atkins Foundation. The South Beach diet, the zone, sugar busters et al are all derivatives of the low carbohydrate lifestyle. The late Robert Atkins has not been on earth for nearly eight years. I am sure he is smiling from above at some of the validation his lifestyle has achieved. Strawberries cleanse the skin and now a new study suggests cutting a strawberry in half and rubbing it on your teeth to whiten them. Figs have a laxative effect but they are high in sugar.

The important concept is eat in moderation. What is a portion? Some Registered Dietitians suggest five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Examples of a portion of fruit:

1. one medium apple, banana or orange (beware of high sugar content)

2. a wine glass of fresh fruit juice - I do not recommend this, but do recommend a wine glass of fresh berries instead

3. One slice of any type of melon - I recommend honeydew as cantaloupe has an increased amount of yeast

4. Two plums or kiwi - eat the one that is in season

5. About 4 oz or one cup of berries

You know your body. Eat smart. Eat smaller meals and snacks between meals. If you need portion control, start to weigh your food. Keep a diary of all foods.

DO NOT NEGLECT FRUITS IN YOUR DIET!

I love apples. I encourage you to read the first chapter of Michael Pollan's book, The Botany of Desire and learn about apples.

Until tomorrow..

TUESDAY MARCH 8, 2011 LEND YOUR VOICE TO IGLHRC

"A wise old man once said ...There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living. "

I absolutely love this quote. So if you are getting back up and living, I want you to know how privileged you are. Last night Rick and I had the honor to attend an event as guests of a special friend. The event, A Celebration of COURAGE, honored individuals who have changed the world in which we live. The organization, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), http://www.iglhrc.org/ partners with activists and other organizations all over the world to document human rights violations. IGLHRC also builds strong movements and advocates for laws and policies that recognize and values of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Regardless of your age, sexual orientation, political views, or religious beliefs, you in this city and other major cities do not know how fortunate you are to have the rights you have.

Why do I care? I care because I am a gay professional physician who has a voice. I was inspired by what I heard last night. I was surrounded by people who made me laugh, cry and ponder--namely Alan Cumming as Host of the evening. It allowed me to forget my dramas and focus on the good an organization can do in the world. My physician volunteer work for the last five years in Fire Island is nothing compared to what Anaraa Nyamdorj, Munkhzaya Nergui and Jeff Sharlet have done for our fellow gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in other countries. The former women had a three year battle with the Mongolian government over building a safer environment at their LGBT center in Mongolia. The latter, Jeff Sharlet is a journalist who displayed real vigor and guts as he highlighted the link between conservative US political and religious forces and the growing homophobia in Uganda. To this day forces there continue to push to make homosexuality punishable by death. What kind of world do we live in? IGLHRC is an organization that has a voice.

YOU CAN BE PART OF THAT VOICE.

Do you know how fortunate you are? Do you know heterosexuals have more rights than any homosexual individual? I had tears in my eyes last night watching videos from countries where a gay lifestyle can result in death. Death from beatings, life imprisonment or plain cruelty to the human spirit. Just because you do not read about it or see a video about it doesn't mean it isn't happening. It even happens in some of the fifty states within the United States. Remember Mathew Sheppard? It was only months ago when high school teenagers were verbally and physically abused in school for being gay. What about the increased rate of gay teenage suicides! Even on the weekly show, Glee you can see what some teenagers must endure. As a teenager in the 1970's I endured name calling, a bruise now and then and even threats for being 'different' Have I forgotten the words I was called? The answer is NO. Do I dwell on those high school days? NO.

I love the people who treat me right and pray for those who do not. I do not wish harm to those who treat me wrong. I pray and meditate on them. I believe in Karma. I ended this summer of 2010 experiencing mistreatment and disrespect. I am human so I did hold a resentment for a while. After all, my blood color also is red--I am human. What did I do ? I prayed for those individuals.

After this event tonight, Rick and I talked about the award winners, the host, and discussed the videos presented at the ceremony. We were in awe of the award recipients.We pondered why Alan Cumming hosted this event. Alan has a voice as an activist and passion for many civil rights projects. As a teenager he might well have been teased and called various names. I do know those facts, and I do know he has a VOICE. He is not afraid of being married to a man, nor lending his voice to a great cause. There are many gay professionals who can lend their voice. There are also many individuals regardless of sexual orientation who can lend their voice.

Do you have a voice ? Do not forget the herbs, the plants, the environmental toxins, the animals or of course, the honey bees. Do not forget yourself.

Do REMEMBER you can lend your voice by donating as little as $5 /month. Lend your voice to a worthy cause to protect human rights.

http://www.iglhrc.org/

Photographs Top to Bottom:

1. Logo of International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

2. Award recipient Jeff Sharlet

3. Paula Ettelbrick - has an LGBT Internship Fund named for her

4. Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer

Until tomorrow...