Regardless of where you stand on the vaccine debate, my goal is to provide reliable, fact-based information on current vaccine trends and to share the good news about the powerful role herbal medicine, nutrition, and diet play in building a healthy immune system. There is undoubtedly a great deal of conflicting misinformation circulating in the public amidst a high degree of vaccine skepticism. On a positive note, the latest scientific consensus is now confirming a reduced rate of severe illness and death from COVID-19, including the Delta variant, in vaccinated individuals, especially for high-risk populations, including the elderly and those with underlying conditions. A recent meta-analysis on Vitamin D is also garnering attention on the critical importance of this nutrient. However, with vaccine effectiveness waning[1],[2] amidst rising numbers of breakthrough infections, the continued transmissibility of infection despite vaccination[3], and new variants of concern continuing to emerge[4], the challenge of relying exclusively on immunizations to move past the pandemic underscores the importance of being ever more vigilant in optimizing our health.
Continue reading “Synthesizing the Latest on Covid-19 Science on Vaccines, Variants, Natural Immunity and Essential Nutrients for Immune Enhancement”Statin-Associated Myopathy and Mitochondrial Impairment
“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” Albert Einstein
Part One
I’m often asked if I think statin drugs are useful. Of course it’s important first to address the issue of cholesterol levels which statin drugs are used to control. I recently wrote a blog entitled “What can Centenarians teach us about cholesterol levels and longevity – It isn’t what you think” in which I provided substantial evidence questioning the current guidelines regarding what is actually a healthy total cholesterol level.
As far as statins go, my opinion is that if people are willing to be involved in their own healthcare by adopting a comprehensive approach to health optimization—which includes a healthy diet and lifestyle, the support of appropriate botanical and nutritional medicines, and a positive attitude—then I see little to no need for statin drugs.
However, if you do feel the need to take a statin, then I will provide you with essential supportive care to both mitigate the adverse effects of statins and to potentiate them, so that a reduced amount might be sufficient.
Continue reading “Statin-Associated Myopathy and Mitochondrial Impairment”The Covaxin Vaccine, a Medscape Review of Ivermectin, and Herbal Medicine Bias
Several people have recently asked me about the Covaxin vaccine. Before I share my opinion and review of the research, I want to emphasize the utmost faith I have in botanical and nutritional medicine as the foundation for health and for supporting our innate capacity to live in harmony with our ever-evolving environment. This includes the viruses and other microbes we come into contact with.
In my opinion, the most important aspect of maintaining health is to support our innate immune function. Vaccines can potentially provide additional support, but we should not rely solely on vaccines for protection.
Continue reading “The Covaxin Vaccine, a Medscape Review of Ivermectin, and Herbal Medicine Bias”Antidepressants May Be No More Effective Than Placebo: But What About St. John’s Wort and Other Herbal Medicines?
“When going thru hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses and can affect anyone at any age. Characterized by anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure), despair, and pessimism, depression has high morbidity and recurrence.[1] Overall, more than 50% of the general population in middle- and high-income countries will suffer from at least one mental disorder at some point in their lives. This is obviously a major public health problem with significant consequences for society.[2] We need clear guidelines as to what does and doesn’t work for treating depression.
Continue reading “Antidepressants May Be No More Effective Than Placebo: But What About St. John’s Wort and Other Herbal Medicines?”Two New COVID-19 Vaccines on the Horizon – They’re Different and Appear to be Safer
The mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna have been heavily promoted for ending the Covid-19 pandemic. With claims that they are ‘extraordinary’ and ‘revolutionary,’ these vaccines have occupied center stage for more than a year.
The CDC is not accounting for COVID-19 risk factors or natural immunity. It is hard to believe that the risk benefit balance favors a 15-year-old young man who has recovered from COVID-19, and who has detectable antibodies, getting two doses of an mRNA vaccine. Such an individual is accepting a non-negligible risk of myocarditis, with limited upside in terms of decreased risk of severe infection.[1]
Outdoors vs. Indoors: Where is it Safe and Where Should you Avoid Gathering?
I have always been a proponent of spending time outdoors in the fresh air, including the practice of forest bathing therapy for physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Unfortunately, most people spend almost 90% of their time in indoor environments,[1] much to the detriment of their health.
Continue reading “Outdoors vs. Indoors: Where is it Safe and Where Should you Avoid Gathering?”