FEBRUARY 28, 2022 ATKINS DIET

Recently I read a report about using the Atkins Diet for Infantile Spasms. I was intrigued as I worked for the late Robert Atkins, MD as his director of his center in NYC on East 55th street

The study looked at 91 children ages 9 months to 3 years There were positive results for those consuming the Modified Atkins Diet. We do know that the Atkins diet is used successfully for weight loss as patients achieve a state of ketosis Unlike the ketogenic diet (which has been beneficial in seizure disorder etc) the Atkins diet does not restrict fluid and does not need to be started in a hospital)

The article stated that since the Atkins diet is less restrictive than the ketogenic diet, it may be considered as an alternative to the ketogenic diet in children with infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome)

I want to thank Dr Atkins for giving the chance to work side by side with him many years ago. I highly respected and admired Robert Atkins He was a pioneer The work with him allowed me to explore and study supplements and herbs which I use today in my practice The work with him allowed me to study and complete the Fellowship of Integrative Medicine with Andrew Weil MD

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 24-27, 2022 FIGHT CANCER WITH FOOD

We all must protect ourselves against cancer, whether there is a family history of not. The environment causes cancer. The air we breathe, type food we eat, and the environment are risk factors for cancer. Keep eating fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Please be careful about the fish that contains mercury. This are tuna, sushi and swordfish. See www.vitalchoice.com for a full list of healthy fish. Two superstar heart disease protectors in these foods may also help fight cancer. Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may be more powerful than we knew.

Found in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. Studies show they help maintain brain function. Experts are also looking at how well omega-3 fatty acids can protect against age-related mental decline, eye diseases, arthritis, and other conditions.
Some experts think omega-3s may help protect against cancer. "Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation," says Sarah Rafat, RD, a senior dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I utilize more than 4 grams (4,000 mg) of EPA for most patients.

Cancers with a link to inflammation include:
1. Colorectal
2. Liver
3. Lung
4. Prostate

Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct. Diet and cancer studies show mixed results. Some suggest that a diet that's rich in omega-3s can protect you against certain cancers. Other studies show no benefit.


There's not enough proof to conclude that loading up on fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules will slow down or reverse your condition if you already have cancer. But several studies do suggest that a diet rich in omega-3s helps some cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy better. Fatty acids from fish may also help patients maintain weight and muscle mass. Expert suggestions: The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. If you don't eat fish, you can get omega-3s from canola oil and flax. Talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements. There is a link between high levels of omega-3s in the blood and an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are rich in antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some eye diseases, and various forms of cancer. Getting a single antioxidant from a pill, such as vitamin C or beta carotene, isn’t as protective. Supplements don't seem to protect against cancer or help fight it. Some antioxidants may even increase the risk of certain cancers. Experts also worry that high doses of antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

What we know so far: "We tell our patients to focus on food," says Veronica McLymont, PhD, director of food and nutrition services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Foods contain a mix of many different antioxidants, along with other nutrients and fiber. The more colorful your diet is the better, since antioxidants and other phytochemicals are often what give fruits and vegetables their color."

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 23, 2022 POMEGRANATE

There has recently been a lot of hype about the Acai Berry. A blend of the polyphenols increased antioxidant capacity by three-fold, making this berry more beneficial. The ORAC value for Acai is estimated at 18,400, leading the way with pomegranates and blackberries following. Studies show it can increase your life span and is now being used to treat some types of cancer. It now is being studied for its anti-cholesterol properties. It has been researched that the acai can lower LDL and total cholesterol.

The pomegranate is another fabulous berry. The question is whether there it was an apple in the Garden of Eden ? . Did Adam and Eve eat an apple? There is no indication that it was an apple. It possibly was the pomegranate. Even on Greek and Roman statues, what we think is portrayed as an apple is the pomegranate. There are many uses researched for this fruit. It has been used to reduce the potential of metastatic breast cancer. In other cancers pomegranate has been used in are the prostate, lung and colon. I have seen it being used to treat colitis. In some countries, pomegranate seeds are a delicacy. We are beginning in the United States to appreciate these delicious seeds. The seeds can also be used to increase testosterone levels. The seeds inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen The seeds act as aromatase inhibitors. Eating 1 -2 teaspoons per week can increase a man’s testosterone level.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 22, 2022 GUT MICROBIOME

It is fair to say that 10 years ago no one talked about A Gut Microbiome. It was not a well-studied topic and there was very little research on it., Today when discussing depression, anxiety, irritable bowel, dysbiosis and leaky gut- you must discuss the gut microbiome.

Gut microbiotas play a key role in regulating physiologic, metabolic and immune related processes. This imbalance can affect the symbiotic relationship between the microbiota and the host. This creates an environment susceptible to disease.

Today the current research has identified a possible connection between gut microbial imbalance and certain gastrointestinal disorders. This is very important.

There are GI consequences as bloating, flatulence, abdominal distention and constipation or diarrhea which affects us all. It is important your physician knows about the gut microbiome. It is equally important that you know about this

There are certain websites that can explain this. I feel the best one i have seen on the market is

www.thegutmicrobiome.com

FEBRUARY 21, 2022 BURNS

A burn is an injury to the tissue of the body caused by a chemical, radiation or electricity., Serous burns must always be seen by a doctor. Minor burns can be seen by a nurse or can be treated without medical attention.

There are many treatments some of which you never heard of. I love the folklore remedies like crushed blueberries, honey, or a raw potato applied directly to the burn for instant relief. The most common is to immerse the area in cool water for 10 minutes. You then can use drops of St. John's wort.

The herbs that can be used include aloe vera, marigold tincture (which is calendula) and even echinacea tincture. Some essential oils that may be used are lavender and geranium oil in a liter of cooled water that was first boiled. The homeopathic remedies have the #1 product that most people are used to. This is arnica. Urtica and hypericum and even aconite can be used. The one Bach remedy that should be used to calm the nerves is Rescue Remedy.

I was recently sent an email about using egg whites for burns. In my research I have never seen this in the scientific literature. For me it doesn't have to be in scientific literature, but I found it in no herbal, homeopathic or flower essence textbook either. The directions are to spread the egg white over the burned area after it has been cooled in cold (not freezing) water. This was due to the collagen in the egg whites.

I would rather do the other remedies which I am comfortable with and not try egg whites just yet.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 A BRUISE

It only takes a moment to get a Hamamelis virginia compress. What is that? This is a Witch Hazel compress. I feel witch hazel is underutilized today. It is known for the fragrant yellow flowers grown in the United States. Properties of this herb include anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. I know my dad used it for sprains and soreness after driving his 18 wheeler to Albany for deliveries for Rabinowe & Company. Use it externally for cuts and bruises and as a compress for sprains, phlebitis, sunburn and hot swollen joints.

For a real preparation in the wilderness: put 25 grams of the bark in 1 pint of water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool. Dip a cloth in the cool decoction, wring and apply to area. It is a great soothing agent. Collection and use of the bark on this manner is called wild crafting.

Witch hazel has even been used in hemorrhoid preparations.

Until tomorrow..

FEBRUARY 16, 2022 GROWING HOUSE PLANTS

Do you have house plants? Do you grow a specific species of plants? I know someone in Rhode island who is fascinated and grows Bonsai. Caring for a bonsai is an all -consuming hobby in its own right, but it is a true art form. The same could be said for those who grow orchids. I was a member of the Manhattan Orchid Society when it was on W58 th Street some years ago.

Did you ever think you could have a dangerous or poisonous house plant within your House or apartment? Think again. During the Christmas holiday we are all fascinated by the Poinsettia. When I was a child my mother always cautioned us to watch the dogs as the plant was poisonous. The sap of the plant is mildly irritating.

A House plant that I and many others grow is the Peace Lily. It is a South American plant with simple white flowers. It resembles the Calla lilies. Remember Katharine Hepburn stating: "The calla lilies are in bloom again."

In 2005 and 2007 more people called poison control about the hazards of this plant. Can you imagine that! The plant, like others contains calcium oxalate crystals that can bring on skin irritation, burning of the mouth, nausea and difficulty swallowing. I can't imagine an adult going over to the plant and taking a bite of a leaf. But there are children and animals that might. The other plant that contain calcium oxalates is the Philodendron. Ingestion of the leaves could lead to severe abdominal pain. I highly recommend a book called “ Wicked Plants “by Amy Stewart. It is fascinating and a good read.

Other plants I find interesting which can lead to medical emergencies are the following:

1. Dumb Cane

2. Pencil Cactus

3. Ficus Tree

4. Christmas Cherry

The idea of any hobby is truly getting to know your hobby. I want your hobby to be happy, joyous and free. I never want it to be harmful or deadly.

Until tomorrow…

FEBRUARY 15, 2022 COLLOIDAL SILVER

All living things exist in a colloidal state. An important concept for medicine used as the body must convert it from crystalline form to colloidal form. Have you ever heard of colloidal silver? The chances are good that you haven't. I never heard it discussed in my medical school basic core curriculum nor in any residency including Infectious Disease training. Surely not in Cardiology.

Silver is a powerful antibiotic which has been used for thousands of years. There has never been a harmful side effect, except using too much colloidal silver can change the color of your skin. You might start looking like the Tin Man from the 1939 Wizard of Oz. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew that if their plates, drinking vessels are utensils were made of silver there was a less chance of acquiring an infection. Those individuals that used silver during the 14th century bubonic plague had a higher chance of survival. Thus, the phrase, "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" was used.

Prior to antibiotic discovery, colloidal silver was used to treat many infections. There are reports of its use on the battlefield during the Civil War. The colloidal silver works as a catalyst disabling the enzyme of oxygen metabolism for all viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Once the discovery of antibiotics came along, colloidal silver use diminished and almost disappeared from use. I started to use oral colloidal silver when working the late Robert Atkins, MD for the atypical bacteria. Dr. Atkins and others at that time referred to these bacteria as 'Sleath bacteria.' I used it frequently for infections with the mycoplasma, chlamydia and legionella 'atypical' bacteria.

I have used and continue to use colloidal silver for many infections including parasites, sinus infections, rashes, shingles, Lyme disease, other spirochete disease. HIV and even cancer. I can be given intravenously. It is not the cure all, but neither are antibiotics. We have many resistant strains due to overuse and abuse of the more powerful antibiotics. There are also herbal antibiotics like garlic, chaparral honey, ginger, yarrow and many more.

Until tomorrow…