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Saturday, January 31, 2015

Best “Anti-Aging” Method I’ve Seen To Date…

This is the best “Anti-Aging” method I’ve seen to date…  Harvard study unveils what meditation does to the brain in one of the most recent studies on meditation.  Much of the following is copied from http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/12/11/harvard-study-unveils-what-meditation-literally-does-to-the-brain/ with some minor modifications made by me, Yoshi Rahm, D.O.
Numerous studies have indicated the many physiological benefits of meditation, and the latest one comes from Harvard University.
An eight week study conducted by Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) determined that meditation literally rebuilds the brains grey matter in just eight weeks. It’s the very first study to document that meditation produces changes over time in the brain’s grey matter. (1)
“Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day. This study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing.” – (1) Sara Lazar of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program and a Harvard Medical School Instructor in Psychology
The study involved taking magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain’s of 16 study participants two weeks prior to participating in the study. MRI images of the participants were also taken after the study was completed.

“The analysis of MR images, which focused on areas where meditation-associated differences were seen in earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection.” (1)
For the study, participants engaged in meditation practices every day for approximately 30 minutes. These practices included focusing on audio recordings for guided meditation, non-judgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind.
“It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life. Other studies in different patient populations have shown that meditation can make significant improvements in a variety of symptoms, and we are now investigating the underlying mechanisms in the brain that facilitate this change.” – (1) Britta Holzel, first author of the paper and a research fellow at MGH and Giessen University in Germany
How To Meditate
A common misconception about meditation is that you have to sit a certain way or do something in particular to achieve the various benefits that it can provide. All you have to do is place yourself in a position that is most comfortable to you. It could be sitting cross legged, lying down in a bed, sitting on a couch etc, it’s your choice.
Another common misconception about meditation is that you have to “try” to empty your mind. One important factor I enjoyed reading from the study mentioned above is that participants were engaged in “non-judgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind.”  When meditating, you shouldn’t try to “empty” your mind. Instead, try to let your thoughts, feelings and whatever emotions you are feeling at the time flow. Don’t judge them, just let them come and go and be at peace with it.
I also believe that meditation is a state of being/mind more than anything else. I feel that one does not have to sit down for half an hour and “meditate” so to speak in order to reap the benefits of it, or to be engaged in the practice itself.  One can be engaged in meditation while they are on a walk, for example, or the time they have right before they sleep. Throughout the day, one can resist judging their thoughts, letting them flow until they are no more, or just be in a constant state of peace and self-awareness. Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one way to meditate.
“You will have to understand one of the most fundamental things about meditation: that no technique leads to meditation. The old so-called techniques and the new scientific biofeedback techniques are the same as far as meditation is concerned. Meditation is not a byproduct of any technique. Meditation happens beyond mind. No technique can go beyond mind.” – Osho

Sources:



Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.

Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

If You’re Over 40, Read This


Wife: Do you think my skin is starting to show my age? 

Husband: I can't tell - there are too many wrinkles!



I thought this was an interesting article that might apply to anyone over the age of 40-ish or so J
Silibinin, a flavonoid found in milk thistle, has been repeatedly shown in animal models of UV radiation-induced skin damage to be protective of the skin by reducing radiation-induced DNA damage and skin cell apoptosis.  Of course and as always, please get milk thistle from a reputable source if you choose to use it.


Source:  MolCarcinog. 2013 Jan 28. Silibinin inhibits ultraviolet B radiation-inducedDNA-damage and apoptosis by enhancing interleukin-12expression in JB6 cells andSKH-1 hairless mouse skin.


Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.


Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Hand Sanitizer Nastiness – What can I do?


Around here, in my office, it seems like the New Year brought in the cold and flu season.  Happy 2015!  For the past couple years, the FDA has been looking into the usefulness and safety of hand sanitizers.  After all, that evaporating hand sanitizer is so handy and is great to help reduce the transmission of cold and flu germs, right?

Not only do they not work better than regular soap and water for killing germs, they can also increase antibiotic resistance.  And, they’re actually dangerous!

In 2010, the FDA first announced its concerns about the chemical triclosan in sanitizers, soaps and toothpaste that has been used for many, many years.  Congressman Edward Markey, from Mass., has been pushing for tighter control over triclosan and other consumer product chemicals because he says “It’s in our drinking water, it’s in our rivers, and, as a result it’s in our bodies…. It’s something that creates a danger.”  Triclosan has been banned in many other countries and in the state of Minnesota, as of 2014.  It is a very reactive chlorinated phenol compound. It degrades to extremely toxic dioxins. It is an endocrine disruptor and most Americans have it in our bodies.  "Endocrine disruptor" is a term for manmade chemicals that have extremely toxic hormone-like effects on your body.

Research suggests that Triclosan can combine with chlorine in your water supply to generate chloroform, a known carcinogen (cancer promoter), and which is very stable in your body, and will last a long time.  As an endocrine disruptor, it could wreak havoc on your breasts, prostate, uterus, and more.

Don't buy clothing laced with antibacterial or anti-odor chemicals.  These organic chemicals can migrate right through your skin.  And, because of their lipid soluble nature, wind up in the fat of your mammary glands, or move right through your blood-brain barrier into your brain and entire nervous system.  Instead, stick with natural fabrics.

Please do not use chemical laden soaps and especially antibacterial soaps! The best defense against infection is a powerful immune system.  Triclosan and other chemicals like it destroy your immune system.  If you need topical antibacterial support, consider the wonders of essential oils like oregano and thyme.


One of my favorite soaps is anything made by Dr. Bronner's.  Their peppermint soap is great to use in the morning to wake you up for the day, while their lavender soap is great for evening and to relieve stress and promote sleep.  Why do I like Dr. Bronner’s soap?  Because I could eat it and know that it would not be bad for me.  Of course, I don’t eat it and I don’t encourage you do that either. J  Dr. Bronner’s products are quite pure and Dr. Bronner's is an amazingly ethical company in my opinion.  You can find it in most health food stores.  


Get rid of toothpaste containing antibacterials. Why would any regulator allow such a compound to enter your mouth??  For a nice, effective and super easy homemade toothpaste see my recent blog here.








Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.

Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Mass Public Shootings Will Increase


Why?  Because of diet, specifically BCDS…

My theory is that BCDS (B-Complex Deficiency Syndrome) is to blame (at least partially).  B-complex is for multiple B-vitamins.  I can’t believe how often I hear that diet “has nothing to do behavior” or “my kid’s doctor said that what I feed him has nothing to do with why he’s acting out”.  Mind boggling to me.  Truly.  The SAD (Standard American Diet) is filled with mostly what I call “nonfoods” like refined and processed carbohydrates and sugar which are nearly devoid of any healthy naturally derived B vitamins (ie. Cereal and pasteurized homogenized milk for breakfast, then chips for a snack, then sugary peanut butter sandwich for lunch).

In young people, BCDS (B-Complex Deficiency Syndrome) leads to emotional problems.  In the young, one of the first signs of BCDS are in the brain and are emotional.  Physiology textbooks explain that vitamin B deficiency in young people can start out as depression then turn to anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, then severe depression, paranoia, hostility, rage, and overwhelming fear.  Some might say it’s a stretch to blame mass public shootings by more and more teenagers on BCDS, but I don’t think so.  I do not believe the answer to this is more antidepressants and psychotropic drugs.  The crazy part is that all these fear-based feelings are often not even the kids' fault because they don’t know any better.

If you know or own a troubled young person, please encourage them to eat real food and at least consider a whole food based B-complex (NOT a B complex derived from synthetic sources, as this will only make the problem worse after a short improvement!!!!).  A great example is Cataplex B from Standard Process.  6-9 capsules every day.  If the young person is more on the agitated mental side with ADD or ADHD, make sure to also add the calming portion of the B complex which is vitamin G and is found in Standard Process’ Cataplex G.  Take 4-6 capsules every day.  These will make a difference when it comes to emotional health.

Sadly, I don’t see change immediately on the horizon, since millions of people are employed in the processed and fast-food industries, fast food concoctions taste amazing, much money exists in the business of making these nonfoods, and physicians are still prescribing the absurd low-fat diet.  No gun control, background checks, mental health facilities, drugs, or anything else commonly prescribed is going to lift a young person out of a dark place until nutrition is understood and addressed as being hugely related to emotional problems.
I am still optimistic, though, because simply improving the nutritional status of young people will make a monstrous difference. Let me be clear that mental health is much more than just B vitamins; but I am also clear that B vitamins from a whole food source is pertinent to anyone’s mental health.  So, from a B complex standpoint, buy real foods, encourage consumption of said foods, or at least consider B complex supplementation from a real whole foods source.


If you know anyone who is in a dark emotional state or know anyone who owns anyone in this state, please pass this along.  Maybe YOU can help them by doing so.


Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.

Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Bugs help us Think Straight

First, let’s start off with an on-topic joke: 

Adult: You are getting on my last nerve!

Child: What happened to the other nerves?

How do bugs help us think straight? …

Research continues to explore the intimate relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain.  Numerous studies have gone so far as to connect gut-friendly microbes or probiotics to improved mood and brain function.  This notion is true for diabetics, as their metabolic disturbances can negatively impact brain function, including memory and learning.  When used in animal models, probiotic supplementation was shown to actually reverse deterioration of brain function through the bacteria’s ability to improve synaptic function.  Of course, not all probiotics are created equal, so make sure to use a high quality source.

Source: Neuroscience, 14 June 2013, 240;287–296. Probioticstreatment improves diabetes-induced impairment of synaptic activity andcognitive function: Behavioral and electrophysiological proofs formicrobiome–gut–brain axis


Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.


Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Out of Gas – Beat – Spent – Fatigued – Tired – Done?

What can help?  Continue reading for 5 tips for regaining your energy.

Doctors tend to under-appreciate adrenal glands.  We are only taught about life threatening adrenal ailments in Medical School.  Adrenal glands are our primary gland that helps us deal with stress.  As far as I can tell, everyone has stress, at least here in the U.S.  That makes the adrenal glands probably the most important gland to address when someone complains of feeling “out of gas”, says “I’m spent”, “I’m beat” or complains of feeling tired or fatigued.  It should be the first place/gland that a doctor looks to (short of there being another obvious problem).  Everyone has adrenal glands.  And everyone is busy stressing theirs out!  One tiny walnut sized gland sits on top of each kidney.  These two tiny glands pack a lot of power in terms of our vitality and overall health.  The adrenals interact closely with the thyroid, the pancreas and the immune system and are responsible for producing cortisol – a potent anti-inflammatory – and the body’s best friend when in balance, but which can be quite a health challenge when out of balance.  When we treat the adrenals with whole food sources of support and herbs, energy returns, blood sugar balances out and gut health improves.  Adrenals crave plenty of B vitamins, trace minerals and Vitamin C for long term improvement.  I find that adding herbs like rhodiola and ginseng (among others) are a great way of speeding up the adrenal healing process. Another fantastic way to help reset the adrenals is to do a mild purification or detox.

6 additional tips for healing adrenal glands to regain your energy:
  • Enjoy the healty stress of mild exercises like walking or yoga.
  • Enjoy uninterrupted night-time sleep… and plenty of it.  
  • Enjoy taking short 1 or 2 minute (or longer) breaks to breath slowly using your belly (not upper chest).  This is great to do before sleep and right away when waking.
  • Cut out refined sugars and carbohydrates and add in healthy fats and proteins.
  • Don’t skip meals.
  • Make a short (or long) list of things to feel good about and focus on them.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this blog.

Information provided in this blog and the use of any products or services related to this blog by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this blog. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.