*HERBALS, ETC.

Bilberry                                        
Citrus Bioflavinoids
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo Biloba
Grape Seed Extract
Green Tea Extract
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Glutamine
Glutathione
Milk Thistle
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC
N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG)
Tumeric
Bifidobacterium bifidum              
Lactobacillus acidophilus     
                                      Cetyl Myristoleate
                                      Methyl Sulfonylmethane(MSM)                                        Soy Extract                                                                    

The statements made here are backed by scientific research.  However, it must be remembered that many of the following statements do not have FDA approval, nor do they necessarily have the support of a consensus of physicians

Your body is a complex organism and requires many nutrients to function properly. In addition to the macronutrients; protein, carbohydrates and fat and the micronutrients; vitamins and minerals, there are other nutrients your body needs. The following are some of the nutrients we recommend to our patients.

Bilberry, also known as blueberry, assists in maintaining the proper insulin levels in the body, may help in preventing macular degeneration and acts as a natural diuretic, which assists in maintaining a healthy urinary tract. Bilberry is a plant and a commonly recommended daily dose is 100 mg of bilberry extract, which may be found in many good multivitamins. Consuming blueberries in your diet is even more beneficial.

Citrus Bioflavinoids      top of page

Bioflavinoids are considered vitamins and are useful in reducing pain, preventing asthma, promoting circulation, lowering cholesterol levels and when taken in conjunction with vitamin C, may decrease the symptoms associated with oral herpes. 400mg daily of citrus bioflavinoids is commonly recommended. Good sources of bioflavinoids include grapes, cherries, apricots, oranges and lemons.

                                  Research Article CoQ10 and LDL (bad cholesterol)

CoQ10 is found naturally in every cell in the body. It is a fat soluble vitamin that is an antioxidant and vital for energy metabolism. Since CoQ10 levels tend to deplete as we get older or we do not get enough of this vitamin from our diets, we strongly encourage our patients to take 50 mg of CoQ10 per day (or higher if directed to do so).  Costco has laboratory tested CoQ-10 which is probably the most cost effective. Adequate levels of CoQ10 can improve cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, boost the immune system, lower high blood pressure and may reverse gum disease.  There is some evidence that people taking cholesterol lowering drugs should be on CoQ10.  It is possible to test CoQ10 blood levels for deficiency and therapeutic replacement.

As far back as biblical times, garlic has been recognized as one of the most useful foods. Garlic can help lower blood pressure, assists in preventing blood clots, lowers cholesterol levels, improves the immune system function, acts as an antibiotic, an anti-fungal and anti-viral agent and helps with the digestive process. 500 mg of garlic daily is a common recommendation.

Small amounts of ginger daily, 200 mg, can help in maintaining a healthy colon. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant and may be used to help wounds and sores heal. Ginger has been used successfully in decreasing or eliminating nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, indigestion and abdominal cramping.

This nutrient comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree. Ginkgo Biloba improves blood circulation and increases the oxygen supply to all parts of the body, especially the brain and the heart. Known as the smart herb, ginkgo biloba may improve memory, reduce blood pressure, improve hearing loss and may slow some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Because of its anti-clotting effects, patients taking anti-coagulant medications, should consult their primary care physician before taking ginkgo biloba. If used, we recommend between 120 mg and 240 mg daily to our patients.

Grape seed oil, which is low in saturated fat, is a natural fatty acid that does not contain cholesterol, sodium or trans fatty acids. We recommend 50 mg daily of this nutrient.  If you are taking this for a particular reason a maintenance dose would be 1/2 mg. per pound per day.

Green tea has antioxidant properties and may help in the prevention of stomach and colon cancer. Green tea has anti-clotting properties that assist in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. There is also some evidence that green tea may be useful in promoting weight loss since it assists in maintaining proper glucose and insulin levels. We recommend 400 mg daily of this nutrient, but not more than 500mg.

Alpha Lipoic Acid      top of page
                                Research Article  ALA and Diabetic Neuropathy

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant. It helps vitamin C and vitamin E with their antioxidant capabilities. This nutrient has been useful in treating patients with iron toxicity, ALS, cataracts, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nerve disease, macular degeneration and multiple sclerosis. We recommend 50 mg daily.

An amino acid found in the muscles of the body, glutamine is mandatory for proper brain function. Glutamine helps the digestive tract stay healthy and it is also necessary for the metabolism of RNA and DNA. Glutamine is needed for nitrogen metabolism. Glutamine has been used in treating patients with arthritis, intestinal disorders and patients with sugar cravings such as alcoholics. Raw parsley and spinach are good sources of glutamine. 1000 mg daily of this amino acid is a common recommendation.

Produced in the liver, glutathione is a strong antioxidant. Glutathione detoxifies harmful substances in the liver and also helps red blood cells stay healthy and protects white blood cells. Glutathione additionally helps to properly metabolize fat. Glutathione levels decrease as a person ages. Low levels of glutathione in the body may cause various mental disorders, a lack of coordination and difficulty in maintaining one's balance. 50 mg of glutathione daily is a common recommendation.

This extract, found in various leaves, fruits and seeds has excellent antioxidant properties. It protects the liver against free radical damage and is also known to protect the kidneys. It may also help in the treatment of psoriasis. When used, we recommend 200 mg daily.

NAC, an amino acid that can break down excessive amounts of mucous and also has antiviral properties, acts as an antioxidant that suppresses free radicals in the liver and the lungs. We recommend 250 mg of NAC daily.

An amino sugar (sugar that is used in the structure of body tissues and not for energy) glucosamine is necessary for the creation of tendons, skin, bones, ligaments, heart valves, eyes and nails. Glucosamine is also involved in the mucous secretions of the urinary tract, the digestive tract and the respiratory system. Glucosamine has proven effective in treating the symptoms of various joint ailments, asthma, vaginitis and certain skin problems. We recommend at least 500 mg of glucosamine three times daily.  It is commonly sold in combination with chondroitin which does not seem to be passing scientific muster.

Tumeric      top of page

It is reported that this nutrient has antioxidant properties and also acts as a natural antibiotic. It helps in preventing blood clots, protects the liver against many toxic substances and has anticancer effects. 300 mg daily has been recommended.  I must say that I am currently having trouble finding supportive scientific research regarding this.

It has been know for years, that the bowel contains many types of bacteria. Some are good and others may contribute to certain disease processes including adult onset diabetes, meningitis, myasthenia gravis, arthritis, Grave's disease and ulcerative colitis. We need the proper type of bacteria in our colons to digest food and assist with various metabolic processes. Fungal infections in the intestinal tract are not uncommon. To prevent fungal/yeast infections in the digestive tract, a proper diet is important and also taking bifido bacteria supplements. Bifo bacteria feed on sugar, which is a primary cause of fungal infections in the digestive tract. A daily dose of 2 billion parts of bifido bacteria is recommended for good intestinal health.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria that helps maintain a normal environment in your digestive tract. This type of bacteria aids in the metabolism of vitamin K and the B vitamins. Lactobacillus acidophilus also helps fight against yeast infections. Having friendly bacteria in your intestinal tract can do much for improving your health. Even if you eat properly, there will still be many byproducts of the food you eat that need to be destroyed by healthy bacteria. We recommend 2 billion parts of lactobacillus acidophilus daily.

This fatty substance acts like an essential fatty acid and helps decrease the pain caused by osteoarthritis, but most especially rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis because it helps lubricate joints and bones. It works by reprogramming harmful T cells that attack the body. Dosage is dependant upon a patient's symptoms.  I have obtained a high quality and balanced blend of this for distribution to my patients.  The best news about it is that if it works you don't have to take it forever.

MSM is a bio-available sulfur that supposedly has many anti inflammatory properties. MSM is also believed to improve the immune system function and provide relief from many allergies. Hard scientific evidence to these effects are lacking.  If you have joint pain it won't hurt to try 1000 - 2000 mg daily of the supplement.