Garlic

Ahh, I can still recall my childhood experience of coming into the house with the aroma of garlic sautéing with some onions in a shallow bath of extra virgin olive oil! It was the base for so many of the dishes being prepared, so, it was commonplace, but never disappointing, whether a red or white sauce was on the evening's menu. Meatballs and Italian sausage, braciola, the white clam sauce; I can sense the Pavlovian effect working right now! Garlic has always been a staple in our household, even today, and the suggested health benefits have been growing.

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years; in addition, it has been believed to ward off evil spirits, and at one time was exchanged as a valuable form of currency.  Hippocrates used garlic to heal many different kinds of infections.  In fact, garlic is often used to kill parasites and pathogenic microbes. 

According to the Journal of National Medical Association (JNMA) study, it is reported that garlic contains thirty-three sulfur compounds, all of the essential amino acids, all major minerals, several trace minerals, and Vitamin A, B, and C.  What makes garlic effective treatment against herpes is allicin-ajoene. 

In 1985, the medical journal, Planta Medica, reported positive results using garlic for treatment of herpes simplex.  The study proved the anti-viral properties of garlic and its success in killing the herpes simplex virus.  

In 1988, researchers studied garlic’s medicinal value and reported that it plays an “invaluable role” in prevention and treatment for major causes of death.  The JNMA reported that researchers considered it to be a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immune booster. 

Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with wide-ranging health benefits including usage in treating infections, reducing blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol.

Some believe that garlic can help prevent colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, although very few studies or research has been conducted into garlic health benefits in treating various cancers.

Like many natural cures, it can be difficult to untangle the real health benefits of garlic from the fiction that is often conjured up to sell products such as garlic pills, tablets, and supplements. Study after study has shown that garlic is most effective when eaten fresh and shortly after being crushed, minced, sliced, or chopped.

The vast majority of pills and tablets have no real effectiveness as allicin, the active ingredient in behind most garlic health benefits– peaks quickly after a fresh clove is prepared and disappears over time.

Other garlic health benefits center around its antimicrobial properties, with garlic showing promise as a treatment for staph and MRSA infections. Studies have been limited but garlic has shown effectiveness against more than 30 strains of MRSAs, including many that now resistant to other chemical agents and treatments. A clove a day should be sufficient and garlic can be eaten raw, sliced up into a salad, or very lightly sautéed, although baked garlic and roasted garlic recipes will have little health impact since the cloves aren’t chopped or crushed. Porcelain varieties are highest in allicin content so look for varieties such as Romanian Red, Georgian Crystal, Music and Northern White if you want to max out allicin consumption in your garlic.

If you do decide to use a garlic pill or supplement, do your homework to ensure that the product you’re buying is prepared using a process that preserves the allicin in active form. Many supplements don’t, rendering the pill or extract useless from the perspective of someone looking to explore garlic health benefits.

So, while the local rain has dampened the outdoor plans for today, it might be a perfect time to prepare that delicious meal that may not only bring a smile to your olfactory and taste senses, but, may give you a health boost as well! 

Call us for your musculo-skeletal  needs from injury, repetitive strain or sedentary-itis (pain from inactivity and poor posturing). Our mission is to treat your cause of pain and to guide you in prevention. Also, please "Like" us on Facebook!

Image courtesy of SOMMAI at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Disclaimer 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Magnesium

Image courtesy of Tuomas_Lehtinen at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I was recently reminded of a dietary deficiency that has occasionally echoed loudly in the form of back and leg cramping. Now, I have had a history of producing and painfully passing three 5mm-10mm kidney stones that one could no doubt hear my wailing clear up to New Jersey! I have since learned that I have fared much better with more adequate hydration, Bragg's apple cider vinegar, lemon juice in my water and, the additional supplementation of magnesium. The added benefit for me was that my leg cramping at night has essentially disappeared, aside from a few days of negligence in these habits. Inadequate hydration and magnesium intake are not strangers to me only, but for many of my patients as well. The results from this awareness has been dramatic! As I started to put together an article this month, I came upon an old issue in my "reading room" and decided that the information on magnesium could not be better stated, thus, I am sharing it with you. There are different forms of magnesium; the glycinate and orotate  forms have different absorption, bioavailability and therapeutic values. Magnesium oxide, and to a lesser extent, citrate, can have a laxative effect, so, are not absorbed as well. 

Early symptoms:

• Anorexia
• Apathy
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Muscle twitching
• Poor memory
• Reduced ability to learn

Moderate deficiency symptoms:

• Heart (cardiovascular) changes
• Rapid heartbeat

Severe deficiency:

• Continued muscle contraction
• Delirium
• Numbness
• Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
• Tingling

According to the U.S Library of Medicine, the RDA is 310-320mg for adult females and 400-420mg for adult males. Food sources are:

• Fruits or vegetables (such as bananas, dried apricots, and avocados)
• Nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
• Peas and beans (legumes), seeds
• Soy products (such as soy flour and tofu)
• Whole grains (such as brown rice and millet)

The problem is making sure one gets an ample supply of these foods; therefore, supplementation is much more convenient.

I hope that this information helps even one person!

http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/12/magnesium-the-missing-link-to-a-healthy-heart/page-01

Disclaimer
 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

How to Treat High Blood Pressure with Diet

Photo courtesy of patrisyu at freedigitalphotos.net

Do you struggle with elevated blood pressure? I have flirted with it during periods of reckless eating, ignoring proper hydration and being too busy to exercise. Generally, however, I keep mine in the normal range and, after coming across this video, thought that it would be a good one to share. We will all have those weeks when stress, poor diet and non-existent exercise will pervade into our schedules, but, if we can remember to keep healthy goals during the better part of our lives, we will not only be healthier, but have a better quality of life.

Please watch the video link below when you have 5 minutes. 

Also, remember that when your body is under duress from physical, chemical or emotional stresses, your musculoskeletal system may need some "tuning up". Have a blessed month and call us if you need help!

Dr. Serra

Gas, gas, gas

Call it whatever you like, gas, toots, breaking wind, flatulence among other popular terms or expressions, but, no one can deny, if they're honest, that somewhere along the way, if not daily, that they have experienced that blasted uncomfortable condition, a bloated feeling in the belly caused by trapped gas, which can also be quite painful! And, let's not forget, there are those sometimes bold and proud, and at other times, sneaky and more reserved "noise makers", which although sometimes entertaining, are typically embarrassing and of course rarely as much a source of relief or enjoyment for anyone in the vicinity as they are for you! Our culture has a certain amount of shame around natural bodily functions, and this can be extreme – for example it is said that in Victorian times passing gas was considered so improper that ladies would suppress it to the point of harming themselves. Just face it, it's better for your health to “let it out” but, of course it’s even more ideal to simply have less flatulence in the first place…

In general, excessive gas is caused by food that is not breaking down efficiently. Did you realize that, on average, you will have about 14 "releases" per day? There might be various causes: eating too much food, eating too much of one thing or the wrong combination of things, i.e. meat and fruit, eating too fast, not chewing properly, and more. Digestion is a highly complex set of chemical and biological reactions and some gas is inevitably produced as a natural byproduct. It’s impossible to prevent intestinal gas completely, however, the good news is that there are a number of natural / simple remedies and preventative measures which may be of assistance!

So, what are some options to help you spell relief?

1. Peppermint tea is very helpful in soothing a "rolling" digestive tract and for easing gas pains. Drink a cup after a meal to allow its essential oil, which contains menthol, act as an anti-spasmodic to the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Steep the tea for 15 min and squeeze the teabag before discarding.

2. Let 'er rip!

Don't make a habit of holding it in. Not that you want to lose friends or keep from making new ones, but just find a place away from others or head to the bathroom, because if you hold it in, it's only going to build up and add to your misery!

3. Ginger can calm an upset stomach via two inherent chemical components, relax the intestinal tract and ease inflammation. You can grate fresh ginger root, take capsules or sip the tea to help with digestion. As with all herbal or natural remedies, be sure to discuss with your doctor; case in point, ginger can lower blood pressure and blood sugar as well as increase the risk of bleeding if one is taking a blood thinner.

4. Caraway seeds can reportedly ease bloating. Just crunch on a pinchful every morning, or as needed.

5. Chamomile tea is another anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory that can be enjoyed for the relaxing effect it has, as well as help with gas due to indigestion.

6. Pumpkin is helpful in that it can reduce the amount of gas created by the intestinal bacteria. One cup of it baked, steamed or whipped may also provide an anti-cancer benefit as well as give you the additional fiber that you may be missing out on.   

7. Chew your food thoroughly! This will provide more surface area in the digestive process, speeding up elimination and preventing your groceries from sitting in your intestines longer, which builds up more gas.

8. Drinking warm lemon water will stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid (HCL), which aids in the protein digestion in the stomach. The added benefit is that this acts like a complete body detoxifier.

9. Exercising will increase the speed of digestion and keep you less grouchy and will provide a regular, gradual release so that you won't manifest a measurement on the Richter Scale!

10. Anise seeds (for those not grossed out by a licorice taste), has anti-spasmodic properties, which will relax your digestive tract and allow you to be able to expel pent up gas. Always check with your doctor first, but water with soaked anise seeds has been shown to provide relief for colicky babies.

11. Essential oils like peppermint and others may likewise be of benefit to ease your digestive maladies. I have been using them to some extent for over a decade for various remedies and the company Young Living has not only individual oils, but blends to make it easier for the consumer. Contact our office for more information.

So, while we may not usually talk about it, and certainly have even less of a desire to hear or experience any other sensory stimulation, gas is here to stay. Hopefully, some of the suggestions I've listed will ease your discomfort and embarrassment. Now, go enjoy a couple slices of pizza; try one of the home remedies above. If all else fails, just blame the dog again!

Photo courtesy of Ohmega1982 at freedigitalphotos.net

Disclaimer  

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Pillows...."Our Similarities Are Different"

This winsome quote by the infamous number 8 for the New York Yankees is actually credited to his father, Dale Berra. But, Yogi, (who lived only about 20 miles from my house where I grew up) had a way with words, even if he didn't say them. Nonetheless, the point was more powerful than the syntax!

I cannot recall (no, not because of failing synapses), how many times I have been asked, "What kind of pillow should I be sleeping on?" It methodically follows the query "What bed should I buy?" (See earlier article "Take it to the mattresses").

While many pillows may resemble each other at first glance, styles and the gamut of pillows have included everything from stone,wood and porcelain in ancient times to a saddle or rolled up blanket in the more recent century, to the contemporary feathers, foam and similar man-made materials, buckwheat hulls and even tiny plastic tubes, resembling a ditalini macaroni, for those of my Italian friends and family. There are similarities in these nocturnal headrests, but the uniqueness of your body type and sleep positioning emphasize the differences. So, what is right for you? That depends on how you sleep. 

First off, stomach sleeping is a position that will assuredly, eventually bring you to my office, mainly because in order to breathe, the neck has to twist to one side or the other for a prolonged time, causing a strain to the surrounding muscles, possibly even a degree of spraining to the involved ligaments of not only the neck, but to the integrated tissues as well. Women have the additional concern with prolonged pulling on the ligaments behind the breast tissue, which can lead to early sagging. Back and side positioning are the preferred sleeping postures, with the OCCASIONALLY recommended temporary stomach sleeping in some lower back situations. But, beyond the posture concern, it's all about the support. Back sleepers need the support to lift the neck and not the head. If the head is lifted, the posture then resembles looking down at a electronic devices or craned forward as when at a work station. Side sleepers need the head to be level to the floor, with the pillow adjacent to the shoulder (think of the neck "sagging" if there is a space between the head and shoulder). It's that simple! Now, what are the choices?

Down pillows: 

These pillows are filled with everything from a mixture of feathers that will provide nightly acupuncture treatments from the quills that will be an ever present reminder that you got the inferior product that you cheaply paid for, to pure eider down taken from the breast of female eider ducks. If you're concerned about pure whiteness, then the Polish-Hungarian version might be for you. My feeling about this type of pillow is "what goes up, must come down". As these pillows look "poofy", they just don't have adequate volume; I remember purchasing a pair of these expensive headrests only to shortly experience buyers remorse. I also remember opening the cases to combine them and get a bit more elevation, which was a regrettable, time consuming mistake (I did eventually get the majority of the contents together). Down, in my professional opinion, is a wonderful insulator as a blanket, vest or coat, but would be best avoided if you are anything more than a back sleeper. Supine sleepers will enjoy the ergonomic support of their cervical spine, unless allergies are an issue, which then down "alternative" may be your best choice. These pillows are filled with cotton, silk, polyester, Dacron or even spun bamboo fibers. Other than the bamboo, which I have yet to experience, my opinion stands in that there is not enough elevation for side sleepers, allowing the head to drop and kink the neck. For those who have a hard time parting ways with their heirloom, or even the guilt of lost Ben Franklins, I have suggested if side sleeping is the predominant posture, fold up a bath towel to the size of the pillow and place it inside the pillowcase under the pillow. Depending on the thickness of your towel, some experimenting may be necessary to get your head level in the recumbent side sleeping posture.

Foam Contoured (sometimes referred to as orthopedic) pillows: 

These are the pillows that have two humps, usually one larger than the other, for individual comfort. The plus side is that they give good support for back sleepers, but create a kink in side-lying. Also, the density of the foam can widely vary; a very thick looking pillow may collapse more than half if the density is low). These pillows definitely need to be replaced approximately every one to five years, depending on the quality. 

Memory Foam pillows:

These pillows are made of polyurethane with additional chemicals to increase its density and viscosity, which gives it that "bounce back" quality.  Unfortunately, there are varying qualities of this material and the collapse for side sleepers is a concern. As with standard foam and down pillows, back sleeping would be the preferred posture with these.  As with any polyurethane products, combustibility is a concern, as is "off gassing" of methylene chloride and other chemicals. Always check the manufacturer's disclosures and warnings, as well as any reliable internet sites for additional safety information.

Buckwheat pillows: 

These pillows are supportive, but heavy, noisy and potentially an allergy risk. They do offer much better side sleeping support than the others, but time and friction do wear the hulls down. Also, some reports of Indian moths, which are remedied by simply contacting the manufacturer for a properly hulled and cleaned one. Another plus is that in the unfortunate case of an unwanted intrusion, you could probably knock the culprit out cold!

Air pillows:

This has actually been my pillow of choice. The ability to adjust the air volume in two separate chambers makes for a more personalized pillow, allowing for better support, comfort (due to the cotton velour cover eliminating the feeling of lying on a raft), and packing-transportation ease with deflation.

My pillow is from a company named "Sleepmatterzz". I do shy away from a complete endorsement due to some issues with valve stem leakage, and, prices nowadays can vary according to where you look on-line. That being said, I have used mine for over a year now and feel comfortable in suggesting it. Bear in mind that I have had a closet full of various pillows that I've ordered and tried, most of which have either been discarded or used for packing stuff away in! 

It has been shown through studies that lack of sound sleep can lead to a number of undesirable issues, not the least being flat out tiredness. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, as well as forgetfulness, weight gain, decreased sex drive, impaired judgement and learning and even skin damage via increased cortisol breaking down proteins that keep skin smooth and elastic. 

So, make a new commitment to improved sleep habits, beginning by checking your pillow and posture. Call our office if you need help with correcting what's gone awry and remember that Yogi said, "If I didn't wake up, I'd still be sleeping!"

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Disclaimer  

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Is The Cure Worse Than the Disease?

Please read this and watch the video pertaining to one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Not only has this become an issue that has grabbed media attention, but a very real dilemma within my patient population.

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s3780256.shtml#.VUeEeI5VhHz

Is It All In Your Head?

Everywhere you turn nowadays, there seems to be an epidemic of varying degrees of cognitive impairment, namely Alzheimer's disease. It may innocently begin with some bizarre forgetfulness that gets dismissed, progressing to a struggle to find the words to complete a thoughtful communication, to outright being unfamiliar with people, places and facts that require recent memory. Mood swings with anxiety, depression, personality changes and aggressive behavior can even progress to apathy, as well as an inability to communicate. In the final stages, these patients are often bedridden, lose urinary and bowel control, in need of constant care and usually pass from complications of pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

The 2010 OPTIMA (Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Aging) study showed "that the accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment could be slowed via supplementation with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins, which included folic acid, B12 and B6". As individuals age, B12 absorption decreases because of declining stomach acid secretion. Poor diet and and increased alcohol consumption, along with decreased stomach acidity can compromise folic acid absorption. Antacid meds taken for digestive complaints or to reduce the intestinal irritation from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage their arthritis or chronic pain. So, in essence, when you take in these meds, the environment of your gut is not very friendly for absorbing vitamins that may protect you from possible declining memory and brain atrophy.True, adding supplements by way of vitamin capsules may help, and could be considered necessary, but also may likened to a "finger in the dike" until a healthy digestive tract can prevail.

What else can one do to delay or possibly prevent brain disease?

1. You might try challenging your brain on a regular basis. We, unfortunately have a tendency toward gravitating to the direction of least resistance and just coast on previously developed abilities. Learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument or doing brain teaser puzzles for an hour each day (uninterrupted by e-mails, Facebook and Twitter!).

2. Do not skimp on sleep! Experts vary in their recommendation as to the specific number of hours needed, but somewhere between six to eight is a great place to start experimenting. During sleep, brain cells (called glia) open passages that flush out the brain's waste products and toxic build-ups, including the proteins that accumulate during dementia.

3. Exercise (I know you were waiting for this point!). Studies have shown that regular exercise activity, such as walking, cycling, circuit training and swimming can  slash your chances of suffering from dementia by as much as 60%! Exercise facilitates the brain's ability to build connections (synapses) between cells when it is learning.

So, there you have it, another reason to watch what goes in your body, as well as re-consider what you do to and for your body, because, you got it, your head is connected!

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Disclaimer  

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.