Doctor Madrid briefly discusses the importance of not only having a healthy body but making smart diet decisions and the impact this will have on our brain health and thinking. "Keeping the body in good shape keeps the mind strong and clear" Instagram: @ericmadridmd Twitter: @ericmadridmd Facebook: facebook.com/ericmadridmd DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended to provide a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Opinions by Dr. Madrid are for INFORMATIONAL purposes only. Please consult with your physician regarding your situation as each person is unique.

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Dr. Madrid discusses Natural Approaches and treatment of Arthritis pain and inflammation,  He discusses both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  He also discusses the side effects of pharmaceutical medications (NSAIDs, Opiates, Biologics) which are usually prescribed for arthritis   and the  more natural safer alternatives which may be beneficial. He discusses:

-Diet's role in arthritis

-Lifestyle Changes 

-Supplements

-Exercise

Turmeric

Boswellia

Fish Oil

GLA

Ginger

Glucosamine-Chondroitin

Listen to Heal Thyself Podcasts (Available on Apple and Android Platforms)

https://anchor.fm/ericmadridmd

Read Dr. Madrid's Arthritis Article on  iherb.com

Also read . his article  about Turmeric and Boswellia on iherb.com

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9 Fruits you CAN eat on the KETO Diet 

Avocados- 2 net carbs (15 total carbs) Here are over 50 recipes that include avocados.  https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/40-avocado-recipes-so-you-can-eat-as-much-avocado-as-possible

Tomatoes- 2.5 grams of net carbs per serving.

Raspberries- 5 grams of net carbs per serving (15 total carbs)

Strawberries - 6 net carbs per serving

Blackberries - 6 net carbs per serving (14 total carbs)

Clementines - 7.5 net carbs (8.5 Total Carbs)

Starfruit- 5.5 net carbs (9 Total Carbs)

Blueberries - 9 net carbs per 1/2 cup  

Plums- 7 net carbs per plum plus!

Lemon- not included in video but also kept friendly.

Dr. Madrid on social media

Heal Thyself Podcast: anchor.fm/ericmadridmd
Instagram: @ericmadridmd
Twitter @ericmadridmd
Facebook @ericmadridmd

DISCLAIMER: The material I cover in this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice for your unique situation. Consult with your own personal physician if you have questions. Never stop taking medications without first consulting with your physician.

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Eric Madrid MD shares his story of how he lost 30 pounds in 90 days without exercising and then went on to lose another 30  pounds while gaining at least 10 to 15 pounds of muscle.   He did this by doing Intermittent Fasting (IF) and a Ketogenic diet.

Over the last 15 years, he has tried any other diets but this one finally did it!  

Dr. Madrid is a Board Certified Family Physician who also practices medicine using an integrative approach. He  helps empower patients to ultimately heal themselves.    

Heal Thyself Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ericmadridmd 

Instagram:  @ericmadridmd 

Twitter @ericmadridmd 

Facebook  @ericmadridmd   

DISCLAIMER: The material I cover in this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice for your unique situation. Consult with your own personal physician if you have questions. Never stop taking medications without first consulting with your physician.

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Welcome to today's episode of Heal Thyself Radio, this is Dr. Eric Madrid. Today we are going to talk about acid reducers and how they may rob your body of essential vitamins and minerals.  

DISCLAIMER: The material I cover in this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice for your unique situation. Consult with your own personal physician if you have questions. 

As you know, prescription medications and many over-the-counter drugs, that is those medicines which can be purchased without a prescription, can play an important role in symptom management and treatment of chronic health conditions. However, they are not without potential side effects. 

While the U.S. population accounts for only 4.3 percent of the world’s 7.5 billion people, Americans consume 25 percent of the world’s pharmaceutical drugs. No bueno!  This does not mean we are the healthiest! Far from it.  

Despite the high use of pharmaceutical prescription drugs, citizens of the United States rank 31st in the world with an average lifespan of 79.3 years according to Wikipedia. Costa Rica is #30 and Cuba #32. Japan is at the top of the list, with a lifespan of 83.7 years, while Japanese women live for an average of almost 87 years.

Minimizing one’s need for both prescription and non-prescription drugs and choosing better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle should be the goal for all people who want to improve health.

Depending on your current health status, acid reducers may be absolutely needed. However, lifestyle changes, diet modification and routine exercise may improve one's acid reflux and overall digestive issues. 

Lets talk about  Acid Reducers-

A poor diet is the main reason many develop acid reflux symptoms. Acid reflux is also referred to by some as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) or heartburn. 

Both refer to the same condition.  

Sometimes, a person may have a hiatl hernia, which results in acid reflux, no matter how clean their diet is. Again, this can be very troubling if present. If you have persistent acid reflux, consulting with a gastroenterologists should be done. Ask your family doctor for a referral.

The sale of acid-reducing medications has become a billion dollar market industry worldwide. In 2013, prescription acid reducers generated over 10 billion U.S. dollars in sales. 

Unfortunately, these medications give people “permission” to eat foods they should not eat. These medications frequently block the symptoms which would otherwise notify a person to avoid this food or that food.

The FDA originally approved these medications to treat stomach ulcers and symptoms of occasional acid reflux. However, they are supposed to be given for only 4 to 8 weeks. This is all the time it takes to heal a bleeding stomach ulcer, in most cases.

Despite this, Many take acid reducers for many months, years and possibly even decades, unnecessarily.

Let me be honest, There is sometimes a good reason to take the medications. Those with precancerous changes in the esophagus, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, should take the medication as long as advised by the specialist.  Also, there is a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison where excess acid is secreted. When present, long term acid reducers are advised. 

In these situation, the benefits outweigh the risk in these situations. However, I assume in time, even those with Barretts will be told otherwise. 

There are Two Main Classes of Acid Reducers 

First, there are Histamine (H2) b

Can birth control pills deplete nutrients?   The answer is yes.   Watch this podcast on YouTube.com

Birth control pills  are made of synthetic hormones, were first approved in 1960 as a means of preventing pregnancy. When used appropriately, they are 99.7 percent effective.   Worldwide, over 100 million women take them.   

These pills can deplete B vitamins and magnesium, so if they are prescribed to you, consider taking a daily prenatal vitamin at a minimum.   

Most women on birth control pills will also need to supplement with magnesium, especially if muscle cramps, headaches, and heart palpitations occur.  

Nutrients depleted by birth control pills include the following:  

Calcium 

Magnesium 

Vitamin C 

Zinc 

Folic Acid 

Vitamin B2 

Vitamin B6 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin D  

Ideally, a well balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and  vegetables can help one get most of these nutrients.  Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D may need to be taken separately.   

If you choose to Supplement, here are the doses to consider:

 -Calcium 500 mg daily (one needs adequate vitamin D to ensure absorption of calcium) 

-Magnesium chelate -125 mg to 500 mg daily 

- B-Complex multivitamin 

- Vitamin C-500 mg daily minimum 

- Zinc-10 mg to 25 mg (also present in a quality multivitamin) 

- Vitamin D-2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily  

Lastly, If you have any concerns about whether your medication is affecting your nutritional status, consult with your physician.  Remember, this information is not routinely taught to us physicians in Medical School.      

Also, realize that there are other side effects to birth control pills.  These increase high blood pressure, blood clots to name a few. 

Sources: 

Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients--and Natural Ways to Restore Them by Suzy Cohen.  

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is for informational purposes only. Consult with your own personal physician before stopping any medications. 

Find me on instagram and twitter @ericmadridmd

In this podcast,  we  discuss  a common blood pressure medication class  and it's  affect on your vitamin and mineral levels.  Watch on youtube

The blood pressure class to which I refer are Diuretic  Medications.   A diuretic is a type of medications that helps one eliminate excess sodium and ultimately water, from their kidneys.   Diuretics are frequently used as first-line therapy for the treatment of high blood pressure.   These medications do a great job for most in lowering blood pressure values.  I frequently prescribe them to patients when diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to lower their blood pressure.  

It is important if you are on this type of medication, do not stop taking it.  High blood pressure is also a dangerous condition which can increase  your risk for a heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.  

Diuretic blood pressure medications include:  

-Hydrochlorothiazide  

-Triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide) 

-Chlorthalidone  

-Spironolactone (aldactone) and   

sometimes furosemide  also known as lasix.    

Fortunately, these medications do a great job for most and lower blood pressure to safe levels.  

However, regular use can result in low blood levels of sodium, potassium and magnesium.  In addition, they may caused dehydration in some if water intake is inadequate.  

Other Nutrients depleted , in addition to sodium, potassium and magnesium include:  

Calcium (Ca) 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 

Zinc  

Low levels of sodium can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness and sometimes even mental confusion. 

Low levels of potassium and magnesium can cause muscle cramps and in some cases, irregular heartbeats, which may or may not cause symptoms.  

Consider asking your health care provider if alternative blood pressure medications can be considered.  

However, do not stop taking your medication unless advised to do so by your physician.  

Some studies show Co-enzyme Q10 and Hawthorne Berry supplementation may help lower blood pressure. 

Magnesium may also be helpful.  Low levels of vitamin C can result in easy bruising while low levels of zinc can weaken the immune system, lead to skin rashes, and result in chronic diarrhea.  If you are are taking a diuretic, try to get these nutrients from your diet, which is the preferred method.   

A diet high in fruits and leafy green vegetables may be helpful.  Also, the  following supplements may be considered, especially if you are unable to get adequate amounts through diet.  

Calcium 500 mg daily (one needs adequate vitamin D to ensure absorption of calcium)  

Magnesium chelate-125 mg to 500 mg  

Potassium (also present in a quality multivitamin)  

Vitamin C- 500 mg daily minimum  

B-complex as directed on the label  

Zinc-10 mg to 25 mg  (also present in quality multivitamins)  

Also, follow me on instagram and twitter @ericmadridmd 

DISCLAIMER- the information in this video if for informational purposes only.  I am not providing you with medical advice. Consult with your own personal physician before making any changes to your medications.  

Sources:  

Supplement Your Prescription Copyright 2007  by Hyla Class, MD  

Drug Muggers by Suzy Cohen, RPh.  Copyright 2

Dr. Madrid and Nootropics expert, David Tomen  (Founder of NootropicsExpert.com) discuss the history of Nootropics and how they have been useful  for Dave and his journey  in seeking optimal energy and  maximal brain health.    

Watch the interview on Youtube 

Nootropic is a term used to describe so-called “smart supplements”  that can improve cognitive function and overall brain function.  According to a 2016 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, nootropics can improve memory, alertness, creativity, and attention.    

Contact: 

David Tomen 

Website: https://nootropicsexpert.com 

Subscribe to Nootropics Expert YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OJ...   

————————————— 

Dr. Madrid on Social Media

Instagram @ericmadridmd 

Twitter @ericmadridmd

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If you or a family member have diabetes, chances are metformin is being taken, or at least has been taken in the past.   

This medication is metformin, also known by the brand names Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet, and Glucophage XR. The brand names may vary depending on where in the world you live. 

If you or a family member is on this drug, you will want to make sure you are aware of this common vitamin deficiencies it can cause.

Although metformin does a good job lowering blood sugar, by making your insulin more efficient, it may cause various nutrient deficiencies, including a Vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Ironically, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with numbness and tingling in the lower legs, feet and toes. This is something doctors call peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy in those with diabetes. 

Low vitamin B12 levels can also affect the memory so optimizing blood levels is important. 

However, it is important to realize that diabetes and elevated blood sugar readings can also cause neuropathy symptoms, so don't assume your neuropathy is 100 % due to vitamin B12 deficiency.   It is possible that   both diabetes and the b12 deficiency are contributing to neuropathy symptoms.  Likewise, diabetes can also affect memory and appears to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

If you are on metformin, ask your physician to measure your blood Vitamin B12 level at least once per year.

Most laboratories report vitamin B12 levels between 200 pg/mL and 1100 pg/ml being in the normal range. Many integrative medicine doctors and  even many neurologists recommend blood levels of 500 pg/mL or more to optimize nerve and brain health.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be tested by measuring one's homocysteine level or one's methylmalonic acid level. Both will be elevated when vitamin B12 is suboptimal.  Although sometimes, the vitamin B12 blood test itself may be in a normal range. 

Other Nutrients depleted by metformin include

Vitamin B6  and  Co-enzyme Q10

Both of these are important for brain, heart and nerve health.

Vitamin B6 and C0Q10  also can be measured doing a blood test. However, depending on one's insurance, the costs may not be covered so one may consider simply taking the supplements without doing a lab test.

The recommend dosing for these Supplements are as follows:

Vitamin B12 (500 mcg to 1,000 mcg daily )

Vitamin B6 (25 mg to 100 mg daily)

Co-enzyme Q10 (50 mg minimum)

These nutrients may be present in a quality multivitamin but chances are, not at the doses advised so a separate supplement may need to be taken.

DISCLAIMER: If you have diabetes, do not stop taking your medication.  The information in this video is for informational purposes only. Consult with your own personal physician before stopping any medications.

Follow Dr. Madrid on  instagram and twitter @ericmadridmd

References:

Supplement Your Prescription Copyright 2007  by Hyla Class, MD

Drug Muggers by Suzy Cohen, RPh.  Copyright 2011, Rodale Publishing.