NOVEMBER 30, 2021 MORE ANTI AGING

Yesterday I was sharing tips to slow the aging process. I want to reset your biological clock. I know I have been trying to reset mine for years. Dietary lifestyle and exercise changes have been two of my stepping stones in my 7 steps to a healthy lifestyle. With those two you must drink more water and have your physician discuss your body composition and weight. If your doctor cannot do it, see a nutritionist or nutrition advisor.

The ideal body weight is based on body mass index. Men should have a body fat composition less than 18% and females less than 22%. Did you know that by increasing your muscle mass you help reduce insulin sensitivity (which leads to diabetes) and other hormonal regulation? Another tip to slow aging is to stop nicotine. This is difficult. I should know.

Alcohol is very controversial. We do know that red wines are effective in certain biological processes since they contain resveratrol. Studies indicate 20 grams or a 6 oz glass of red wine is beneficial, however MORE is not better. MORE has detrimental health consequences. I am not an avid proponent of using alcohol to get your resveratrol content. I advocate using resveratrol in capsule form. I also know it is important to realize for yourself if you drink too much. Only you can accept this concept. Friends and family might have spoken those words. Remember the 3 A's: Awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance is the key.


There is no proof that any specific vita nutrient, mineral or supplement can prolong life. But there is no proof that they cannot either. If a nutrient has no harm to you if taken the correct way-then why wouldn't you take it? We do know that diet alone cannot allow you to obtain every mineral and vitamin. Studies indicate that co enzyme Q10, EGCG ( found in green tea) Vitamin C, D and the B can increase life expectancy in rats. What I do caution is that more sometimes is not better, as is the case with iron, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Be informed and be educated.


New studies have shown that increasing blood levels of glutathione, a powerful intracellular anti-oxidant can reduce the complications of heart attacks, strokes and some cancers. I believe in administering glutathione intravenously. During this last year with the COVID pandemic I gave a lot of intravenous glutathione. For those who are not fond of needles, you can take glutathione in powdered form. Some know that the precursor to glutathione is N-acetyl cysteine. Unfortunately you would have to take many 300 or 600 mg capsules to achieve the same effect as powdered or intravenous glutathione.

Personally, having a tablespoon of wildflower honey (raw honey) with its bactericidal effects against many organisms will increase life expectancy. Who could argue with a 2000 year old tradition? Also I have my son sting me with live bees ( BVT ) at least 2-3 times per week. Beekeepers in general have lived longer - some into their 100’s

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 RESVERATROL

One of the most important anti-aging nutrients is resveratrol. It is found in red wine, the skin of unripe young red grapes, grape seeds and even in peanuts.

It is also found in two herbs, one, is Polygonum cuspidatum and the other is Senna quinquangulata. These are Chinese and South American, respectively. Polygonum cuspidatum, is also known as Japanese knot weed The flowers are valued by some beekeepers as an important source of nectar for honeybees, at a time of year when little else is flowering. Japanese knot weed yields a mono floral honey, usually called bamboo honey by northeastern U.S. beekeepers, like a mild-flavored version of buckwheat honey . See everything comes back to the bees.
The young stems of knot weed are edible as a spring vegetable, with a flavor similar to mild rhubarb.If you a history of kidney stones I would caution you since this plant contains oxalates. Oxalates can be a cause of your kidney stones. This plant can also aggravate rheumatism, arthritis, gout, or hyperacidity.

Is your resveratrol from grapes or knotweed. Check the label. Both Japanese knot weed and giant knot weed are important concentrated sources of resveratrol, replacing grape byproducts. Many large supplement sources of resveratrol now use Japanese knot weed and use its scientific name in the supplement labels. The other source, is Senna quinquangulata. Senna is a genus of flowering plants containing at least 260 species, although only about 50 species are commercially important. Most species are native to tropical regions of the world, but a few grow in temperate regions.

Herbalists most often prescribe senna leaf tea as a laxative. S. quinquagulata is the another source of resveratrol. The various research studies on resveratrol are impressive. It is a powerful anti oxidant, anti inflammatory and some have used it against some cancers. Resveratrol even has an anti platelet effect. I have seen other doctors use resveratrol for cholesterol lowering effects. I use plant sterols, guggulipids, policosinol, green tea and red rice yeast for their cholesterol lowering effects. New studies indicate that resveratrol reduces the risk of colorectal cancer . Other studies state resveratrol can slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. More studies need to be completed. What is the correct dose for resveratrol ? Who knows. I suggest doses greater than 250 mg.

Stop aging. Follow the anti aging tips and take one resveratrol per day.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 24, 2021 KEEP OUR GREEN PLANET

This is time where you should be thinking about the planet. As the year ends what has happened to disturb the eco-system of the planet. Plenty has happened. Natural disasters, and man-made disasters ( as oil spills ), global warming, wild fires, bees dying and a world wide pandemic

I want to run away sometimes. Have you ever felt that way. ? As the world' soil crisis spirals out of control, many consumers are trying to help. If you want to take a break ---a vacation otherwise known as a holiday have you ever thought to go to a green environment.

Years ago , I was a co owner in a Green Store called Simply Green in Fire Island , Cherry Grove . I do not think the community was ready for it. Perhaps after the recent pandemic, many people now realized that life is fragile and life is short. You need to support the planet in any way you can There are many ways.

I want to travel to places that are Green Globe 21. This is a world wide benchmarking and certification program for travel and tourism. These hotels and resorts are not everywhere. But those that are Green Globe 21 certified have met a certain number of environmental requirements. Those that are Green Globe 21 certified must be re-certified every year. This program encourages travelers to be environment conscious. I am trying to participate in such programs. I am not an expert. I am trying to be informed. If I am informed you can be informed. There are such eco-destinations. Google it and find out.

1. The Zion Lodge in Utah ( zionlodge.com )
2. 3 Rivers in Dominica (3riversdominica.com)
3. Canada ( canadianmoutainholidays.com)

It depends on the time of the year but option 1 and 2 are enticing. I want to see the diverse plants of each place, but I want the paradise of the island Dominica. ( and Costa Rica )

I count ALL of you reading this in my many many blessings this Thanksgiving 2021
Thank you

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 23, 2021 BRONCHITIS

During the Fall and winter there are increased cases of bronchitis. Most of the time when you go to a doctor with cough, no fever and malaise you will be placed on an antibiotic. As a physician I feel we over prescribe antibiotics during this time of the year. I don’t write for antibiotics as a first choice. I am not opposed to writing prescriptions. There are alternative to antibiotics. There are many herbal antibiotics- yarrow, echinacea, barberry, and many more. A recent study published in the American Botanical Council HerbalGram discussed Germanium as an alternative to antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is a public health crisis that leads to treatment failure, prolonged hospital stays, and increased morbidity and mortality. As a widely used and viable option for treating mild respiratory infections, herbal medicines may reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, helping to reduce antibiotic resistance. Pelargonium sidoides DC (Geraniaceae) root extract has demonstrated efficacy in relieving symptoms of acute bronchitis in adults and children, but the overall quality of evidence remains low. I encourage patients to read Stephen Buehner’s book Herbal Antibiotics”

The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial was to determine the feasibility of examining Pelargonium sidoides (EPs® 7630 – Kaloba®; Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG; Karlsruhe, Germany) as an alternative to antibiotics for acute bronchitis.

The study was a good. Based on the study, the authors conclude that it is feasible and acceptable to recruit and follow up with patients with acute bronchitis to facilitate reduction in antibiotic use. However, the effectiveness of Kaloba for treating acute bronchitis is unknown as the trial was not powered to detect effectiveness

More studies need to be done on this herb and other herbs

This study was published in

Willcox M, Simpson C, Wilding S, et al. Pelargonium sidoides root extract for the treatment of acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection in adults: A feasibility double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. January 29, 2021;21(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03206-4.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 22, 2021 POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring organic compounds characterized by multiples of phenol units. They are abundant in plants and structurally diverse. Polyphenols include flavonoids, tannic acid, and ellagitannin. Polyphenols are available in many drinks and foods.

Human studies suggest that polyphenol (PP)-rich foods and beverages acutely benefit cardiovascular function and cognitive performance. The effects of PPs on brain function may be in part due to their vasodilatory effect from increasing endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production. Evidence of concurrent modulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mood states by PPs is scant.

Recently I read an article published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council. I always recommend naturopathic physicians and herbalists to join the ABC.

There were reported changes as anger in those patients drinking blueberry and apple drinks. I found the study to be confusing and conflicting. I would like to see better clarity regarding drinks with polyphenol content for the future.

So right now we need need more information regarding polyphenols for cognitive function

Jackson PA, Wightman EL, Veasey R, et al. A randomized, crossover study of the acute cognitive and cerebral blood flow effects of phenolic, nitrate, and botanical beverages in young, healthy humans. Nutrients. July 28, 2020;12(8):2254. doi: 10.3390/nu12082254.

*This study was funded by PepsiCo (Purchase, New York [NY], US). Two authors work for Pepsi Nutritional Sciences Global R&D, stated as a potential conflict of interest that did not affect results.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 19-21, 2021 BLOATING

Gastrointestinal health is a major concern. THE GUT IS THE GATEWAY TO ALL DOSEASES. The "gut" is the basis of good health. If we have a clean gut we are healthy. I do not mean a clean large intestine or colon. I mean a clean small intestine. There are many ways to ensure good gut health. First is the dietary lifestyle change you must make. There must be less acidic foods ( as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, high glycemic ( sugar) fruits, less no no cow's dairy and less red meat. Your dietary lifestyle needs to be rich in fruit and vegetables of the season and low glycemic. Some low glycemic fruits include all the berries, apples, kiwi and pears. Your diet needs to be high in green leafy vegetables. This is beyond the salad every day. There needs to be leafy greens in your diet

You must fortify your GI ( gastrointestinal tract) which enhances the ability for nutrients from food and supplements to be optimally absorbed. If you do not have a healthy gut you will not have wellness in other areas of the body. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome. There are many causes of leaky gut the most important being food allergies, especially wheat and dairy. the other causes are yeast, chronic infections and heavy metal intoxication in the body. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms include bloating, cramping, loose stools and flatulence ( gas). Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nervousness, depression, insomnia , foggy thinking, recurrent infections and even skin rashes. This is because the gut produces serotonin ( a happy neurotransmitter) which is sent to the brain. A leaky gut will have less Serotonin thus mood swings, anxiety and insomnia.

I have found the combination of nutrients and botanical help soothe colonic irritation. I utilize the amino acid, L-glutamine as well as the good bacteria, also known as probiotics. Insufficient glutamine can present with atrophy, ulceration and necrosis of the colon lining. It is so important to take sufficient amounts of glutamine. Since absorption is a problem, the L-glutamine must be taken in powdered form
Other nutrients and botanicals I utilize are:

1. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice ( DGL)
2. Marshmallow leaf and root - in tincture 1/2 dropperful 2 x day
3. Meadowsweet leaf and root - in tincture 1/2 dropperful 2 x day
4. Berberine - many plants contain this yellow beneficial compound
5. Cabbage juice - fresh juicing
6. Phosphatidylcholine ( PC) powder or gel caps ( i prefer the powder mixed with the L-glutamine and probioitcs)

Diet is essential. Do not do all of the above herbs if you have no intention to change your dietary lifestyle. CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER ABOUT USE OF HERBS

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 SORE THROATS

When was the last time you had a sore throat? You certainly do not want one now as the winter is approaching. Sure there are preventative remedies, but what happens when you have a sore throat today?

Last week a 33 year old white male presented with a sore throat. There was a mild cough, no sputum production and no shortness of breath. He had his tonsils removed when he was 7 years old for recurrent infections.

The patient felt achy, fatigued and generally 'not well'. On examination his throat was reddened, no exudate and positive mucous. He has a post nasal drip. Sure he must have allergies but he denies any. He has never had allergy testing. He eats dairy and wheat. I didn't prescribe an antibiotic. I wanted the old fashioned hot, salt water gargle. It is the best gargle for whatever ails you. You know that - your mother told you that when you were a kid! As soon as you feel scratchiness or irritation - start the gargle.

There are other astringents you can add to the gargle as a tincture (1/2 dropperful) or essential oil (1 -2 drops maximum). These could be witch hazel, cherry bark, geranium root and bayberry bark. There are culinary herbs that are also great for gargling. These are sage, thyme and rosemary.

Do not swallow the salt alone or with an herb. The only time I recommend swallowing the gargle is if it is a tea tincture only. The deeper you are able to gargle- the better. You must use a good heaping teaspoon of salt with warm/hot water.

Now if you need more throat care and the throat or tonsil areas need to be swabbed you can make a great combination of herbs.

Here is a great blend for swabbing:

1. Usnea lichen 1/4 oz

2. Osha root 1/4 oz.

3. Marshmallow 1/4 oz

4. Slippery Elm 1/4 oz

5. Ginger 1/4 oz

6. Cayenne Pepper 1/4 oz ( OPTIONAL)

Both ginger or cayenne are for the brave adults who love 'hot'

Use a large cotton swab and place mixture on area or better yet 1/2 dropperful every 3 hours for 2 days.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 17, 2021 ANXIETY

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 especially during our recent COVID pandemic

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 as skullcap, passionflower, California poppy, and hops
Until tomorrow...