JULY 13, 2022 FOODS THAT LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

As a cardiologist I am always interested in ways to lower blood pressure naturally. I use many herbs and supplements to lower blood pressure as hawthorn, magnesium, globe artichoke, L-carnitine and much more. But there are foods that can also lower your blood pressure.

The herb, Allium sativum known as Garlic from the Lily Family has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure. The mechanism is hypothesized to be by relaxing the smooth muscle that line the blood vessels. By doing this, garlic reduces resistance to blood flow thus lowering blood pressure. Years ago, two dear friends/colleagues’ naturopathic doctors, Dr Peter Bonjourno and Pina LoGuidace published a review article on The Health Benefits of Allium.

In addition to garlic, the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids has been studied to lower blood pressure. For those that do not want to take more supplements, you can eat more fish. These fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. The fatty acids also increase the good cholesterol- the high-density lipoprotein (HDL ) For men, the HDL should be > 40 and for women, > 50

Lastly, the next two can be addictive- red wine and dark chocolate. You must consume these in small- moderate levels. Red wine contains resveratrol which dilates blood vessels thus lowering BP This substance also inhibits the formation of bad cholesterol called the lower density lipoproteins ( LDL). The polyphenols and flavonoids in dark chocolate ( not milk chocolate) have been studied to reduce blood pressure.

So now your diet just changed with the consumption of garlic, red wine, dark chocolate and fish. Sounds like a nice Italian dinner

Until tomorrow…

JULY 12, 2022 MAGNESIUM

This is one supplement that is essential for good health. Magnesium is needed for good sleep, nerve function and even for regulating your own bowel function. There are ways to tell if you are magnesium deficient.

We all feel tired . This could be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Getting more magnesium is easy ( you could always get an intravenous drip at our offices in NYC or CT ) There are many foods that contain magnesium as leafy greens, nuts and seeds and even whole grains

The most common complaint I hear that I hear from patients is leg cramps or leg twitching. Magnesium helps to regulate nerve impulses. It also helps anxiety if the twitching is due to your stress levels. The next most common complaint that points to magnesium deficiency are headaches and migraines. Although there are causes of both—you must think of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is essential in over 200 biochemical reactions in the body and has been linked to both headaches and migraines. Personally, I love herbs for migraines as peppermint, butterbur, and Jamaican dogwood.

Lastly some individuals use magnesium to help get a better night’s sleep. Sleep is very important and underrated We should be discussing sleep more often. Magnesium, calcium and B6 are great for a proper night’s sleep. Of note, 1 teaspoon of raw honey increases one’s own melatonin production—so try honey before bed

Until tomorrow…

JULY 11, 2022 CABBAGE

Cabbage is not talked about a lot Cabbage is an underappreciated vegetable with a reputation for a strong smell and a pedestrian taste. Which is a pity because cabbage has a lot to offer in terms of health, nutrition, and flavor. I was not fond of cabbage as a child. As an adult I am becoming accustomed to having cabbage. I remember many of my patients on the cabbage soup diet to lose weight.

The plant’s scientific name is Brassica oleracea. It’s related to other cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts, that belong to the same Brassica plant species

.I recommend many of these vegetables in patients with cancer as this group of vegetables contain indole 3 carbinol ( DIM) which is used in the treatment of certain cancers

Broth made with cabbage was used to treat various cancers, as well as to alleviate diarrhea, ulcers, gout, and headaches. There are different types of cabbage- green, red, Chinese and savoy cabbage. Red cabbage is also slightly more nutrient-dense — its dark color indicates that it’s full of phytochemicals and antioxidants particularly anthocyanins. Other phytochemicals include flavinoids , indoles, ascorbic acid, carotenes, and tocopherol. So, cabbage is nutritious as well as containing many anti-oxidants.

Think of cabbage as a superfood with all of its antioxidant power

Until tomorrow…

JULY 7, 2022 DECREASE YOIUR APPETITE

We all want to decrease our appetite. When we are stressed with life we either tend to eat more or eat less. I think there are a fair number of individuals who eat more. You can eat health foods, but sometimes the volume is much higher when we are stressed.

There are conventional appetite suppressants or weight loss drugs on the market. I sometimes use them to quick start a new problem or if the individual is obese. Some of these drugs are Qsymia, Belviq and even Contrave. I tend to use Qsymia more frequently. There is also an injectable called Ozempic which is intended for non-insulin dependent or Type 2 diabetics. I also use some supplements to decrease appetite as alpha lipoic acid, gymnema, chromium and vanadyl sulfate. There are some foods that act as natural supplements as apples, oats, chia seeds and even dark chocolate (due its content of polyphenols.)

To aid in helping your body decrease your appetite there are some lifestyle changes that are very important. These are simple changes as eating more protein in your day, drinking more water in your day and even exercise can decrease hunger temporarily .

You must eat more slowly and mindfully. Make sure you get enough sleep. Sleep is vital to healing the body.

Until tomorrow…

JULY 6, 2022 VERBENA

This is not a herb you hear a lot about. Lemon verbena ( Aloysia citriodora) is used as a culinary spice, has an essential oil and used in perfumes. It also has some medical properties which is used for nervous health as a nervine. Immune booster and even weight loss management. I have used it with skullcap, and chamomile for restlessness and anxiety. I find it to be a very calming herb. I plant this herb in my garden to attract beneficial insects to add to my garden ecosystem.

I love this herb as a tea and also added to a salad. I even have tasted lemon verbena cookies and cakes The whole plant can be used but the leaves are used the most. This herb has both internal and external use.

The historical perspective of all herbs has always fascinated me. This herb in the 17th century reached Europe through the Spanish colonies. It Europe I can imagine that royalty used for fragrance for their baths and perfume soaks. From Europe it spread across the world

Until tomorrow…

JULY 5, 2022 LUNGWORT

This two-toned flower changes its color from pink into rose red , violet and blue as it matures, It is beautiful to see. Lungwort ( Pulmonaria officinalis) has dotted leaves which gives a fascinating polka dot look.

Becuase its latin name offcinalis it has medicinal use as well as culinary uses. It goes well in a salad and should be in your edible garden bed

Historically its use goes back to the Bulbonic Plaque in the 1300’s It weas used to treat asthma and respiratory concerns. It is stated in folklore that it can tell who a witch is. It is harvested in spring when the medicinal properties are strong. It is used as a whole died plant or tincture. I use it in a tea blend mixture for lung problems. Itg has been used for skin problems, an eyewash for dry eyes, hemorrhoids, palpitations, and digestiuve problems.

I combine it with elderberry , horehound and elecampane

Call Botanical Bounty for your bag of Lungwort at 646 723 1823

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 30, 2022 DIABETES AND HERBS

We have an obesity epidemic as well as a Diabetes epidemic. These both will lead to Cardiovascular Disease There are many herbs and supplements that can reduce your blood glucose levels. Dietary and exercise lifestyle changes must be implemented and adhered to by the patient if you want to reduce your glucose. In addition there are many herbs that have shown in clinical studies to reduce your glucose thus decreasing your needs for medication and reducing risk of Cardiovascular disease

There are many herbs and supplements that can help., Some of the herbs including cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon and gymnema. Some of the nutraceuticals include alpha lipoic acid, chromium, magnesium and vanadium * vanadyl sulfate ) .

Recently a published study looked at hydro alcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana and pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa These two herbs are formulated into the product GlucoMedix. Although a small patient group this combination as Glucomedix all six patients had a reduction in glucose.

This is another example although small that natural herbs can serve as an alternative to conventional medications.

I LOVE HERBS

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 29, 2022 KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.

Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Passing a kidney stone is one of the most unbearable pains ( per literature and my patients’ comments) I have never had a kidney stones. Most patients ask what the causes are. Symptoms vary The type of stones also vary. There was a recent study ( only 10 patients ) consuming black tea. There is a concern that drinking black tea can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones because black tea contains a large amount of oxalate So do some good foods as leafy greens and blueberries.

You must change your dietary lifestyle if you are at risk for stones

Until tomorrow…