Ask the Doc
I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. My doctor does not give me much hope in improving my vision. What do you think?
It is true that there is no magic cure for age related macular degeneration (ARMD). There are studies that an increased consumption in trace minerals, lutein, and bilberry can help with reducing the progression of the disease. Recently, a June 2009 study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology with 2,924 patients, reported a decrease in ARMD by increasing the consumption of DHA and EPA oils. This boost in supplementation can be achieved by increasing intake of fish rich in EPA and DHA. For those who do not eat fish, such as salmon, you can take gel caps of EPA and DHA or even ask your physician to prescribe Lovasa (prescription fish oil).
My mother has used acupuncture for a variety of conditions especially lower back pain. Do you think it could help an individual who suffers from depression?
Traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for many common disorders—arthritis, cancer, low back pain, migraines, heart disease and anxiety. Recently a 2009 Chinese study published data revealing that patients utilizing acupuncture with low dose Prozac (10mg /per day) improved symptoms of depression when compared to patients utilizing no acupuncture and high dose Prozac (30-40mg /day)
I have read that one in four men at the age of thirty have low testosterone levels as a result of accumulation of stress associated with job security, relationship issues, and the overall economic climate. Is this information fact or fiction?
It is alarming but your statistics are correct that one in four men have low testosterone levels. Low testosterone has been shown to be a cardiovascular risk factor. We do know that testosterone levels decline with age, and the average man will passively accept this aging process and the inability to sexually perform. I suggest trying natural libido enhancing strategies before starting intramuscular testosterone or testosterone cream. To provide support for optimal male performance, I utilize herbs and supplements. Some of the herbs I have used with effective researched studies have included green tea, panax ginseng, ashwaganda (Withania somnifera,) Tribulus terrestris, and even pomegranate extract.
I am a food or carbohydrate addict. I am overweight. I have tried various diets but never changed my dietary lifestyle. I always prefer the magic bullet. I have heard that an herb called ‘gymena’ can control my appetite. Is there any truth to that?
Gymnema (Gymnema Silvestre) is a perennial, slow growing plant native to India, Africa, and Australia. It is helping in treating obesity and diabetes, which basically answers your question; however, human trials are needed to confirm it. Gymnema exerts a hypoglycemic effect by increasing insulin, promoting regeneration of pancreatic cells that make insulin, and increasing the uptake and utilization of glucose (sugar). The hypothesis is that taking gymnema will bind to the taste buds where sugar binds, thus preventing sugar cravings. There are many other positive effects of gymnema; it acts as a diuretic, a laxative, and a cough suppressant. More studies need to be completed on its atherosclerotic and lipid benefits. I like to combine gymnema with two other herbs, rosemary, and fenugreek as well as three supplements: vanadium, chromium, and alpha lipoic acid.
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"Ask the Doc"
authored by:
Patrick Fratellone, MD is the Executive Medical Director of Fratellone Medical Associates, LLP in New York City, New York. Before going into private practice, he was the Chief of Medicine and Director of Cardiology of the former Atkins Center for Com...
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