Wrist Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, EPAT Therapy and Lifestyle Medicine

Recently I have had four patients come in with wrist pain, two of which were possibly the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome, and they all have been responded well within 1-2 shock wave therapy sessions (EPAT), using a combination of both focused and radial devices which I use in the office (Storz Medical, Focused and Radial Devices ). The usual treatment course for musculoskeletal problems is 3-5 weekly treatments.

Shock waves are sound waves created by a mechanical pellet moving up and down via compressed air in a tube (radial or pressure wave device) or by an electromagnetic coil (focused device). The radial device’s maximum strength is delivered at the surface of the skin where the tip hits and spreads the energy in a radial fashion with minimal depth while the focused device’s maximum strength is a focal point below the skin surface which can go to several centimeters. Using a combination of both allows for more versatility in problems treated, though the radial device (“Lil Jack Hammer” from the way it sounds) has been used by itself successfully in most musculoskeletal conditions.

These two devices are “low intensity” shock wave devices (compared to high intensity shock waves used in the disintegration of kidney stones called lithotripsy for almost 40 years) that create a biological response from the body that releases healing factors that 1) build new blood vessels (neovascularization or angiogenesis) 2) increase nitric oxide, thereby improving blood flow 3) build new tissue (stimulates stem cells) 4) break down fibrous tissue 5) reduces inflammation and 6) reduces pain by both an immediate numbing action in some cases and more rapid healing do to all the above. ( see Handout: Benefits & Function of Shock Wave Therapy).

In the cases mentioned the wrist pain was due to inflammation from generalized arthritis; a prior trauma to the wrist (fall); and an over-use issue caused by riding a motorcycle and holding the throttle for long periods of time and typing on a keyboard. The cases that might have been the beginnings of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome presented with numbness, tingling and some pain in the palm from overuse and/or the ergonomics of using a keyboard and holding the throttle for long periods of time. These both responded very positively to the first treatment with SWT. As mentioned 3-5 weekly treatments is the common course of therapy with each treatment building upon the last treatment. The key to getting well faster is what you do to help your body heal along with shock wave or EPAT treatments (discussed below).

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and It’s Causes?
Diagnosis & Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve which comes down the middle of your forearm and through the middle of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the median nerve is compressed, the symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and/or arm.

Ergonomic adjustments help some patients at their work stations while splinting, stretching and exercises are sometimes recommended. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used for the short-term but you should avoid long-term use if possible because these medications may increase gut permeability and eventually at fuel to-the-fire” by increasing molecules to pass through the gut wall in a larger state and cause of the inflammation. Nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6 may be of value. But whatever you do you the goal is to reduce the swelling within the forearm around the wrist and palm (wrist joint) especially. Surgery is a last resort but done fairly frequently by cutting the ligament that crosses the wrist (to view scroll down to Surgery - Illustration) to reduce the pressure on the median nerve and thereby improve feeling and function.

So if there is a way to avoid surgery that would be a good thing. Extracoporeal shock wave therapy or what we call EPAT for short (can be radial shock wave therapy (rSWT) or focused shock wave therapy (fSWT) is a great tool along with diet, exercise/physical therapy, adjusting your environment, a few supplements and hopefully minimal medication. The great thing about EPAT therapy it is actually healing and correcting the problem, not just the symptoms.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (see videos and references below) is non-invasive and relatively pain-free (there is some very tolerable discomfort) that works rather quickly to stimulate the body to heal itself (See explanations on handout) .

Shock Wave Therapy Video Demonstrations
Carpal Tunnel (3:37 min)
Carpal Tunnel & Tennis Elbow (3:43 min)
Why Focused Shock Wave Therapy ( 1:54 min)
Radial Vs Focus Shockwave - What is the Difference? (8:42 min)

Wrist Pain Primary Causes
Arthritis (joint inflammation)
Diet Inflammation - processed foods, high in meats (poultry, pork, etc.), eggs and dairy, processed fats, processed oil and sugar-rich fiber-less, grain products, alcohol and caffeine products (needs to be checked)
Gut Microflora Imbalance - not enough fiber, too much sugar, high fat, medications i.e. acid blockers, antacids - increases intestinal permeability and subsequent inflammation; antibiotics can be problems
Over-Use - especially keyboard work
Tendinitis - from overuse or injury
Trauma - injury or overuse

Approaches to Wrist Pain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diet - Anti-Inflammatory Diet - 1) Eat of BED Diet Food List - page 2 of handout and/or 2) Water fast 4-7 days and/or 3) Fasting Mimicking Diet (can get Prolon 5 day program online or at our office at discount) and/or 4) Eat only for 7 days whole fruits and non-starchy vegetables (avoid night shade family - See BED Food List - page 2) - steamed, water stir- fried, roasted, baked, raw and/or grilled (no oil frying) 5) Inflamx (anti-inflammatory pea and rice protein meal replacement) 2 scoops 2-4 times per day mixed with water initially for 4-7 days (available from our office). If you can do it solely for 4-7 days add non-starchy vegetables and whole fruit plus the Inflamx.

Exercise - structured physical therapy with a professional or general common sense stretching, weight lifting, circuit training and doing your normal physical activities. Obviously don’t do an exercise that aggravates your wrist. Work up to and around the pain.

Wrist Stretches - Aikido (videos demonstrations 1. 2. 3. ) - For a decade or so I took Aikido a Japanese martial art that does a lot of wrist locks so we had to do 4-5 wrist stretches and exercises before each training session. I always thought these would be great stretches for office workers or those who have to do repetitive hand work that might make their wrists susceptible to repetitive movement injury. You do a minute or so with each wrist exercise and in five minutes you loosen up your wrists increasing blood flow, strength and flexibility. GENTLE when you start! Always go up to pain and around it, but don’t push through the pain! Especially at the beginning. Maybe after a week or two when you get a feel for the exercises and your progress. You could cause more pain if you do these valuable exercises too vigorously to an injured or inflamed wrist.

Supplements
Algal Oil (omega-3 fatty acids from algae) 2-4/d
Curcumin/Turmeric (MERIVA is a good trademarked and tested product) 500-2000 mg/d
Magnesium chelate 200-500 mg/d
Vitamin B6 (in a B complex of 50-100 mg/d)
Vitamin C - 1000--4000 mg/d
Vitamin D - 2000-5000 IU/d
Other products that can be used include Glucosamine and/or chondtroitn sulfate, haluronic acid, collagen, Wobenzyme

What Makes My Approach Different for Pain?
Emphasizing a whole food, anti-inflamamtory, low allergy, mostly plant-based diet; looking at gut health to reduce inflammation (food intolerance, fiber for the microbiome, medication reduction, pathogens in gut); reducing environmental toxins in some cases; improving blood flow to the whole body by reducing or reversing heart and vascular disease; and normalizing blood sugar and insulin resistance which reduces inflammation, improves nerve health and blood flow; and an emphasis on self-help exercises PLUS Shock Wave Therapy (EPAT) mentioned above.

WHAT NEXT?…
Change your diet. Get some exercise. Stretch and strengthen the body part. Take a few nutrients and consider shock wave therapy (EPAT).

CALL ME OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
1) If you think shock wave therapy may be for you with regards to your joints or any musculoskeletal pain problem (See list of treatable problems ) make an hour appointment for the first appointment so I can take a history, do an exam and then we’ll do the first treatment that meeting. Then treatment sessions after that are 30 minutes or less per body part ($150). Two-three body parts 45-60 minutes ($270).
2) Call Kirk Hamilton PAC at Health Associates Medical Group for a quick discussion between 8-9 a.m. in the morning. If unavailable leave your name and number and I will call you back for a short discussion of your problem.
3) Call for appointment 916-489-4400.

Have a grateful and healthful day!

Kirk Hamilton PA-C

NOTE: Three of the studies below show that shock wave therapy is sometimes a better long-term treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome than steroid injections.

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Research on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a conservative treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome: A double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Nov 9;66(4):388-397. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7756840/ CONCLUSION: rESWT was applied with 1,000 shots, 0.05 mJ/mm2 intensity of energy at a frequency of 5 Hz weekly for 3 weeks. Pain and functionality significantly improved with ESWT. ESWT is a valuable and reliable treatment modality for mild-to-moderate CTS.

A randomized controlled trial: comparing extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus local corticosteroid injection for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Int Orthop. 2020 Jan;44(1):141-146. CONCLUSION: ESWT is a useful noninvasive short-term treatment for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome and elicits a better recovery than local cortisone injections.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Aug;98(33):e16870. CONCLUSION: ESWT can improve symptoms, functional outcomes, and electrophysiologic parameters in patients with CTS.

Comparison of single-dose radial extracorporeal shock wave and local corticosteroid injection for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome including mid-term efficacy: a prospective randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Jan 25;19(1):32. CONCLUSION: The rESWT group received shockwaves of continuous frequency and intensity (4 Bar, 15 Hz frequency, 5000 shocks, BTL-6000 SWT, radial shockwave mode). The duration of treatment was 3–7 min. A cold pack was applied for 15 min after rESWT. 1 ml. of triamcinolone (acetonide) 10 mg mixed with 1 ml of 1% lidocaine in a 3 ml disposable syringe was given with a 25 gauge needle applied 1 cm proximal to the wrist flexion crease between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons. The angle of the needle was about 45 degrees distally and was advanced 1 cm, where it penetrated the flexor retinaculum. Single-dose rESWT, showed significant improvement with clinical symptoms and functional recovery compared to LCsI from weeks 12 to week 24. The single rESWT provided greater symptom severity reduction and functional improvement compared to LCsI during weeks 12 and 24. Our single-dose rESWT protocol had a higher dose intensity than that study (3–7 min 4 Bar, frequency: 15 Hz, number of shocks: 5000 shocks VS 4 Bar, frequency: 5 Hz, number of shocks: 2000 shocks). This rESWT protocol provided a long-lasting effect, up to 24 weeks, without multiple-session attempts. Single-dose rESWT provides longer-lasting benefits than LCsI in the treatment of mild to moderate CTS.

The dose-dependent efficiency of radial shock wave therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2016 Dec 2;6:38344. CONCLUSION: Compared to the control group, the three-session rESWT group demonstrated significant reductions in symptoms and the effect was much longer lasting in patients with moderate CTS than mild CTS. rESWT is a valuable strategy for treating CTS and multiple-session rESWT has a clinically cumulative effect.

Effect of radial shock wave therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Orthop Res. 2016 Jun;34(6):977-84. CONCLUSION: rESWT is a safe and effective method for relieving pain and disability in patients with CTS. rESWT was administered with 2,000 shots, at a pressure of four Bar, and a frequency of 5 Hz in 3 weekly session.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs. local steroid injection for management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 Apr;92(4):327-34. CONCLUSION: ESWT is as useful as cortisone injections for relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and is noninvasive.

A Case of Hip and Wrist Pain, Urination (Prostate) and Stool Problems Treated Successfully with Shockwave Therapy

A 54 year old male who is a long-time patient, cancer and stroke survivor was seen in early December 2020 for “prostate issues.” He was interested in receiving low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT or EPAT) for urgent and frequent night-time urination. He had a history of esophageal cancer that was cured, hypertension, being overweight, a stroke four to five months ago, stool urgency, frequent night-time urination with incomplete voiding, a painful right wrist exacerbated by holding the throttle on his motorcycle, as well as left shoulder pain and an actual decreased pain recognition on the whole left arm believed to be caused by his stroke.

NOTE: A shock wave is NOT an electric shock. It is a pulsed sound wave (acoustic, pressure wave) that creates a response in body tissues that releases natural body compounds that promote healing, circulation, new tissue formation, anti-inflammation, and breakdown of fibrous tissue.

Prostate Treatment Protocol

He was started on a treatment regimen of focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) at 2000 shocks at .25 mJ/mm2 over the perineum (the area between the scrotum and rectum or in women the area between the vagina and rectum) and he also received radial shockwave therapy (rSWT) of 1000-2000 shocks at 2.5 bar/15 Hz over each crura which is the area on each side between the scrotum and the rectum. These treatments were done on a weekly basis approximately 20-30 minutes each.

Stool and Urination Controlled After 3 To 4 Treatments

He has had four such treatments and what he noticed over the last four weeks is a remarkable reduction in his night-time urination from four to five urination down to one and he is also noted a remarkable reduction in urgency when having to have a bowel movement where there were times where he could not hold his stool to get to the toilet. He also notes now more complete evacuations of the stool as well as more complete voiding of his urine.

Wrist Pain and Mobility Dramatically Improved

He also came in with the complaint of severe pain in the right wrist joint especially when he would ride his motorcycle and holding the throttle for long periods of time. He has had four treatments with a combination of vibration therapy (V-Actor) followed by focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) of 2000 pulses at .25 mJ/mm2 on the front and back side of his wrist (1000 shocks on each side). This has been followed by radial shockwave therapy (rSWT) of 2000 pulses on either side of his wrist, up and down is forearm, and the palm of his hand. All of the hand sessions repeat the vibration (V-Actor) at the end.

He noted immediate improvement in his right wrist the first treatment and today after four treatments he feels it is almost pain-free while flexing and extending the wrist.

Night-Time Urination Dramatically Reduced with Stool Normalization

His night-time urination has been reduced from 4 and 5 times per night to one-time per night. His sense of stool urgency has been reduced dramatically. He feels like he has a complete evacuation of his stool and at the same time he has much more control over his stool urgency where at times he would almost have an accident. 

Mobility and Pain Reduction in Shoulder

His right shoulder had remarkable improvement in its range of motion and reduced pain just from the first treatment. After the second treatment he had even further improvement.

Diet, Inflammation and Pain Reduction

Normally I have all patients go on some type of “anti-inflammatory diet” to enhance pain reduction. Food causes pain. If I could get every one of my patients to do a 5 to 7 day water fast, they would experience how much of their symptoms, and in these cases pain and mobility, would improve by going on very simple diet that eliminated commonly eaten foods. In this patient's case he was supposed to be on a hypoallergenic pea and rice protein supplement with anti-inflammatory components (Inflamx we sell at the office) but he got caught-up in the holiday spirit and consumed excessive amounts of food to the point where he actually gained six pounds over a two to three weeks while his pain was going down and these symptoms were improving. So, his pain reduction couldn't have been attributed to him going on an anti-inflammatory diet which makes most of the benefit, if not all, coming from the treatments using vibration (V-Actor), focused shockwave therapy (Duolith SD1, Storz Medical), as well as radial shockwave therapy (OrthoPuls 100 Ultra, Storz Medical).

Variations of shockwave therapy have been around since the early 1980s when high energy shockwave therapy (the above treatment is using low energy shockwaves) was used for the breaking up of kidney stones among other hard stones which is called lithotripsy. Over the next 20 to 30 years low frequency shockwave therapy (LiESWT) has been used to treat all kinds of musculoskeletal disorders or virtually any “…ITIS” as well as recalcitrant angina (chest pain), bone and wound healing.

Focused and Radial Shock Waves Promote

1)      Neovascularization the building of new blood vessels
2)      Release of growth factors such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase. This produces nitric oxide which is a powerful vasodilator
3)      VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) helps build new blood vessels
4)      PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) which helps build new tissue (DNA repair)
5)      An anti-inflammatory effect
6)      A breakdown of fibrous tissue
7)      Stimulation of stem cells

How Shock Waves Work  

All the above lead to increased blood flow to the area and promote growth of new blood vessels and tissue repair. All this is activated by the pulsed shortwaves through either method generated: 1) By an electromagnetic coil (focus shockwave therapy) or 2) air compression moving a mechanical bullet up-and-down a chamber moving a particular tip up-and-down rapidly against the skin surface (radial shockwave therapy). Focused shockwave therapy results in its maximum energy being delivered deep within the tissue where radial shockwave therapy delivers its maximum energy right at the surface of the skin and disperses in a radial fashion. They can be used individually or in combination which is how I use them.

 What to Expect With Shockwave Therapy?

When treated with shockwave therapy it is on a weekly basis or at least five to seven days apart and three things can usually happen after that initial visit.

1)      The pain goes away and when it returns in a day or two it is less than when you started.

2)      The pain is a little aggravated for a day or two and then it is reduced to something less than
when you started.

3)      Nothing happens in which you wouldn’t go past 5 weekly treatments and we would look for
an underlying cause (i.e. fracture, etc.).

4)      Both techniques can create some discomfort during treatment, but it is mild and very
tolerable. I constantly tailor the strength of the treatment by watching and talking to the
patient as I am doing the treatment.

How Long and The Cost

This therapy builds on the therapy of the week before and so at least three to five treatments needed for most conditions and then it is tailored to the individual response. Even after you stop the treatment these growth and healing factors continue to be stimulated for weeks. Increased blood flow to any tissue increases healing. That is why this therapy can be used for so many conditions. There cost is usually $150 per treatment (single body part) lasting 20-30 minutes.

Conditions Which Respond to Radial and/or Focused-ESWT
3-5 Weekly Treatments $150/per body part (20-30 min)

Achilles Tendinitis - Avascular Necrosis (hip) - Benign Prostatic - Hypertrophy (BPH) - Bicep Tendinitis - Bursitis Hip - Calcium Deposits - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Erectile Dysfunction (6-18 weekly or twice per week treatment sessions***) - Greater Trochanteric Syndrome (hip pain)
Low Back Pain - Lymphedema (8-12 weekly) - Muscle Strains - Overactive Bladder - Neck Pain (stiff neck) - Neuroma’s (feet) - Neuropathies (feet) - Nocturia (nighttime urination) - Patellar Tendinitis - Plantar Fasciitis - Rotator Cuff Partial Tears - Shin Splints - Shoulder Pain - Tennis Elbow (outside) - Trapezius Pain - Urinary frequency - Wound Healing

 Action Steps if Interested…

If you would like to receive this therapy make a one hour initial appointment (916-489-4400) with me where I can take a medical history, do a focused exam and then do your first treat (initial hour with treatment session is $245/$215) then each following treatment is $150 (20-30 minutes).

If you have questions you can call me between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning, or you can make a short, free 10-15 minute phone call appointment to see if you are a good candidate for this therapy (916-489-4400).

 Keys To Reducing Pain

The keys to reducing pain and promoting healing are:

1. Going on an anti-inflammatory diet. I use the following options:
a) The basic elimination diet (BED)
b) The Fasting Mimicking Diet
c) Inflamx (2 scoops 1-3 x daily) plus non-starchy vegetables and whole fruit
d) In some cases a water fast

 2. Extracorporal Shockwave Therapy using individual or in combination radial and/or focused shockwave devices from three to five weekly treatments initially for most conditions. Conditions such as lymph-edema and erectile dysfunction may take 8-20 treatments. Neuropathies may have an initial series then ongoing monthly or bimonthly maintenance treatments.

3. Range of motion and strengthening exercises and some type of aerobics are critical to stimulate blood flow and healing.

4. Certain anti-inflammatory nutrients such as curcumin, vitamin C & D, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, enzymes are commonly used.

5. Avoidance of cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/injections after EPAT/ESWT treatment if possible. Using a pain control medication such as Tylenol is preferred.

I would be happy to answer your questions and I'm excited about this new therapy with these two devices because it gives me an opportunity to help people initially with pain reduction and then lead them into living lifestyle patterns that improve their overall health and well-being because almost all chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, etc.) start with increased inflammation and this combined program will help reduce body inflammation.

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Chronic Disease Reversal (And Lower Your Risk to a Bad Outcome with Covid)

If any of you have chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, arthritis & autoimmune diseases, GI (bowel) diseases, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis and depression) that you just can’t get a handle on the 12 Day McDougall Program may be something perfect for you. I whole-heartedly recommend this program that can be done from your home. https://mcdougall-program.mykajabi.com/  1-800-941-7111.

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

Eat More Weight Less with the CHIPS Program

I know many of you might be thinking about weight loss by restricting food intake at the beginning of this new year. If you eat the right foods you can eat without limit and normalize your weight. Check out this video about the successful CHIPS program.

Here are a few hundred simple recipes to help you out...
Whole-Food Plant-Based Recipes – T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies (FREE)

• Forks Over Knives Recipes (FREE)

Try out Kaiser Permanente's Plant-Based Eating Guide

Keep it simple. Eat whole, real food. Mostly plants (palm full or less of animal food daily). Move your body every single day. Yesterday driving back from Arivaca, Arizona to Tucson to catch my plane even though I had gone on a slow long walk in the foot hills earlier in the day I pulled over at a rest stop and walked/ jogged for 20 minutes. You can really move anywhere.

Can check out my Arizona 2 day trip to see my high school football coach I hadn't seen
in 43 years... Yeh that is 4------3!. Blessed!

Should be top post on my facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/kirkham.hamilton

Call 8-9 a.m. 916-489-4400 with questions.
Join my “Healthy Living Tips” Here

Be Well,

Kirk

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

Cooling Off Joint Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with Diet and Acoustic (Shock) Wave Therapy

A 28 year old female with more than a 3 year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with pain and joint deformities in the wrists, hands, feet and ankles had her pain reduced significantly allowing her to walk better and take her boxing lessons with a combination of diet, a few supplements and combined treatment with radial and focused shock wave therapies which I have been doing in the clinic for the last six months.

She was put on 1) Inflamx a hypoallergenic pea and rice protein with anti-inflammatory nutrients for two meals per day and then just ate whole fruits and vegetables for 5-7 day periods 2) She was recommended to take a few nutrients including Algal oil (algae omega 3 (EPA/DHA) fats, vitamin D, and MERIVA (curcumin) and 3) received a combination of focused and radial shock wave therapy at our office in 25 minute sessions done weekly.

While her ankle is a bit sore the next day improvement starts a day later and now she is able to walk much farther and do her boxing because all her joints feel better. Her right ankle which, was the worst and causing the most pain, I treat with combination shock wave therapy (focused and radial) and it feels much better. Encouraging her to eat a low allergy diet (off dairy, wheat, eggs and processed foods) that is mostly unprocessed and plant based is a key to enhancing an anti-inflammatory effect.

While this combined approach is not a cure for her RA it is a way of slowing or preventing the disease process and actually causing some tissue healing and allowing the person to be more functional with considerably less pain using non-toxic therapies.

I found this excellent article on the benefit of shock wave therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. “Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Relief of Arthralgia in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Pain Pract. 2018 Mar;18(3):380-387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28665531/

The other component that needs to be added (or not neglected) is the benefit of improving gut function. The bacteria in your gut and the barrier of your gut lining can make a big difference in your joint pain. The good bacteria in your gut comes from the fiber in whole plant foods and sometimes past/present medications (i.e. antibiotics, NSAIDs, etc.)

You can make an appointment with me at 916-489-4400 to review your history and see if this approach may be of benefit to you or call me between 8-9 for a quick question to see if this 4 point approach (anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, gut health and acoustic wave therapy) may help you with your healing and pain.

Be Well,

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group|
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

A Cardiologist Tells You Why What's Good For Your Heart Is Good For Your Sexual Health

Dr. Joel Kahn is a cardiologist (watch Dr. Joel Kahn’s bio video on his home page) and colleague I know, who I correspond with, talk to at conferences and actually have done a podcast with who incorporates almost everything I envision in approaching erectile dysfunction - from the need and type of vascular screening, to treating ED and your heart with diet, supplements, exercise and acoustic wave therapy for the ED part, in combination with lifestyle. I think listening to his entertaining 23:05 min podcast will be enjoyable and have a lot of good take home information.

"Eat Right For Sexual Health" with Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn https://apple.co/39iB6HeListen to Audio Podcast: (23:05 min) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/heartdocvip/heartdocvip_112020_drjoelkahn.mp3

My Podcast with Dr. Kahn in 2016: http://www.stayinghealthytoday.com/vegan-cardiologist-joel-kahn-md/

Joel Kahn, MD is a whole food plant-based cardiologist who uses diet, supplements, lifestyle, cardiopreventive testing and acoustic wave therapy (shock wave therapy) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). He elaborates on the very clear data that most ED patients should be worked-up and treated for heart disease as well as for erectile function. (RE: Need for Cardiovascular Work-Up in ED Patients) The Princeton III Consensus recommendations for the management of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Mayo Clin Proc. 2012 Aug;87(8):766-78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3498391/

Dr. Kahn notes the fact that 40% of 40 year-olds, 50% of 50 year-olds, 60% of 60 year-olds and 70% of 70 year-olds have some form of erectile dysfunction.

He has success treating ED using shock wave therapy (acoustic waves) to enhance blood flow to the penis by this treatment stimulating new blood vessels, regenerating tissue and nerves, and reducing inflammation, in addition to diet and supplements. His approach is all about increasing blood flow to the coronary arteries and arteries supplying the penis.

The health of the endothelium, the inner lining of the artery, and endothelial glycocalyx, the jelly like substance protecting the endothelium, is enhanced by the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes and a green seaweed product called Arterosil. This product helps maintain the endothelial glycocalyx which then enhances endothelial function and improves blood flow to the coronary arteries and can improve erectile function. (We carry this product at our office. It can only be purchased through health professionals)

Review of Studies on Diet, Erectile Dysfunction and Sexual Health.

Mediterranean diet improves erectile function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;18(4):405-10. CONCLUSION: Thirty-five men with metabolic syndrome followed a Mediterranean style diet compared to 30 similar patients on a control diet. After 2 years men on the Mediterranean diet consumed more fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and olive oil. The endothelial function score and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein improved on the Mediterranean diet and there was improvement with erectile function as well. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16395320/

Effects of Mediterranean diet on sexual function in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: The MÈDITA trial. J Diabetes Complications. 2016 Nov-Dec;30(8):1519-1524. CONCLUSION: Over 8.1 years in 215 men and women with type 2 diabetes who consumed either a Mediterranean diet (n=108) or a low-fat diet, the Mediterranean diet reduced the deterioration of sexual function over time in both sexes and reduced inflammation (C-reactive protein was reduced). NOTE: This dietary pattern helped women’s sexual function as well, probably from increased blood flow to female sexual organs. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27614727/
(Note: The low fat diet used in this study wasn't a healthy low fat diet. The low fat diets used in the links below are low fat whole food plant-based diets showering reversal of known coronary artery disease - http://dresselstyn.com/JFP_06307_Article1.pdf and https://www.ornish.com/wp-content/uploads/Intensive-lifestyle-changes-for-reversal-of-coronary-heart-disease1.pdf )

Mediterranean diet and erectile dysfunction: a current perspective. Cent European J Urol. 2017 Jun 30;70(2):185-187. CONCLUSION: A MedDiet approach could be an effective dietary approach to prevent ED and preserve sexual function.

The Importance of Fruit as A Source of Fiber, Vitamin C, Phytonutrients and FLAVONOIDS" (Don't be afraid of eating whole fruit full of fiber, phytonutrients and water )

Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;103(2):534-41. CONCLUSION: In a study among 25,096 males from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study during 10 years of follow-up 35.6% reported having ED. A higher intake of specific flavonoid-rich foods was associated with a reduced ED incidence in men less than 70 years of age. Higher total fruit intake, a major source of anthocyanins and flavanones, was associated with a 14% reduction in risk of ED. Higher habitual intake of specific flavonoid-rich foods was associated with reduced ED incidence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4733263/

Flavanoid Rich Foods

Apples, berries (black, blue, cranberries, strawberries), broccoli, celery, chocolate, coco, grapefruit, grapes (purple and red), kale, lemons, lettuce, limes, oranges, onions, parsley, peaches, peppers (red), scallions, soy (organic), teas (black, chamomile, green, oolong, peppermint, white), tomatoes, wine (red).

Sexual Dysfunction Among Young Men: Overview of Dietary Components Associated With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2018 Feb;15(2):176-182. CONCLUSION: In men 18-40 years of age low flavonoid - in particular flavone-intake was associated with ED in young adult men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29325831/

Organic Diet and Intermittent Fasting are Associated With Improved Erectile Function. Urology. 2020 Oct;144:147-151. CONCLUSION: In 271 patients seen primarily for ED an organic diet and intermittent fasting was protective against ED. https://www.goldjournal.net/article /S0090-4295(20)30879-7/full text (Note: This is one of the reasons I encourage my ED patients (and really all my patients) to do the Fasting Mimicking Diet from Prolon at least 3-4 times per year (https://prolonfast.com/ ) and/or at least do a 12-16 hr fast daily. In other words eat all your food within an 8-12 hr time period daily.

Association of Diet With Erectile Dysfunction Among Men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Nov 2;3(11):e2021701. CONCLUSION: This study found that adherence to a healthy diet pattern (Mediterranean Diet, i.e. more fruits and vegetables, nuts whole grains and fish instead of meats) was associated with a lower risk for erectile dysfunction, which implies that a healthy dietary pattern may play a role in maintaining erectile health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510347/

Sexual Health Facts (posters in Dr. Kahn's medical office)

Having sex more than 8 times per month (2 x per week) resulted in a 50% reduction in heart attacks, strokes and hospitalization. Sexual activity, erectile dysfunction, and incident cardiovascular events. Am J Cardiol. 2010 Jan 15;105(2):192-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2824175/https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100121/more-sex-could-mean-less-heart-risk

Sex (ejaculation) more than 21 times per month reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 50%. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. Eur Urol. 2016 Dec;70(6):974-982. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040619/

In addition to the glycocalyx enhancing by Arterosil Dr. Kahn uses beet root extract (I use Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide), sometimes citruline (makes more arginine in the body) along with diet and low intensity shock wave therapy to improve endothelial function and ED.

What is good for your heart is good for your sexual health, your overall health and your chronic diseases risk reduction. If you can get your partner to do some of these lifestyle changes this is good for their heart and sexual health as well. Everything works better with increased blood flow!

If interested in our Heart - ED Program you can make a free 15-30 minute phone consult with me to see if you are a good candidate for acoustic wave (shock wave ) therapy and the lifestyle approaches mentioned above. Please call (916) 489-4400 to make an appointment.

(PROSTATE HEALTH: ALSO if you have symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, incomplete voiding, and frequent night time urination a similar whole food plant slanted diet in addition to perineal focused acoustic wave therapy as shown benefit in some patients with prostate issues.

Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Novel Agent for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Refractory to Current Medical Therapy. American journal of men's health, 13(1), 1557988319831899. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319831899 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6440046/

Call Kirk Hamilton PA-C for more information 916-489-4400 or set up an office visit me.

For more information go to https://kwikermedical.com/treatments Scroll down to ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (HEART - ED REVERSAL PROGRAM) - ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY (FOCUSED & RADIAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY) - DIET - EXERCISE - NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS - MEDICATION )

Be Well,

Kirk

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

Heart Failure Reversed By Diet and Other Complementary Approaches

Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalizations in the elderly and a risk factor Covid 19.
Heart Failure Statistics from CDC

It is generally preventable and sometimes reversible by eating a whole food plant based diet and moving (i.e. exercise).

Excellent video review by Dr. Greger on heart failure reversibility by diet (7 min).

Short 2 minute review of why Dr. Greger does this nutrition research and heart disease reversibility.

Cardiologist Dr. Baxter Montgomery shows heart failure reversal - 1st minute of video

Nutrients that help with Heart Failure
CoQ10 taken with food 200-900 mg per day
Ribose 5 gm (powder) 3 x day
Vitamin B1 100 mg/d (especially on diuretics - take with B complex)
Carnitine 2000-3000 mg/d but need to check TMAO that it doesn't go up (Cleveland Heart Inflammation Panel)
Magnesium (citrate, taurate, glycinate, chelate) 300-500 mg/d
Alpha lipoic acid 300 mg/d
Vitamin C 1000 mg/d

If you have Medicare or a PPO insurance CoQ10, RBC magnesium, vitamin B1 and vitamin C can be measured and paid for.

For Heart Failure CoQ10 > 2.5 preferably 3; RBC magnesium in the upper third of normal range as with vitamin C. With Vit B1 you will be outside the high normal range with a 100 mg dose. Don't worry about it. But take it with a B complex vitamin or high B vitamins in a multiple vitamin.
 
Baby Steps - but walk daily, several times per day - count your steps and try and go 1 step further.

IV chelation (Disodium EDTA plus nutrients) 1-2 x per week

Watch your medications like diuretics. Check your blood pressure twice daily. If you go strictly on a whole food plant based diet you will need to talk to your doctor about cutting your medications (diuretics, BP).

Weigh yourself daily sudden loss or gain of 2-3 lbs could be water weight and improving or worsening of heart failure.

Be Well,

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

Shock Wave Therapy Helps Two Cases of Hip Pain

I recently have had two female cases over the age of 70 come in with two different causes of hip pain who both have responded very well to a combination of radial (rSWT) and focused (fSWT) extra corporeal shock wave therapy.

Case #1
One has been an elite tennis player for may years who apparently developed osteoarthritis of the hip
and deep hip pain that was hindering her play. She had stem cells injected in her hip joint at another facility several months ago but was having some thigh pain radiating down the middle of her thigh just above her right knee and periodic difficulty with walking.  With 3 weekly treatments using both devices (rSWT and fSWT) each treatment she has noted marked improvement in her thigh pain and she is walking considerably better. It will be a great joy to hear her confidently get back on the tennis court with minimal or no pain.

Case #2|
The second patient was again a female over the age of 70 who apparently had a bursitis on her right hip over the "Greater Trochanter", the bony prominence you feel when you make a circular motion around your hip bone.  When you have a bursitis there (fluid filled sack to protect the hip) the bursae becomes in flamed and it makes it difficult to lay on that side and can be aggravated by different activities and positions. She has had some prolotherapy with partial relief but noted just after the first treatment some definite improvement and continues to improve after 4 treatments and will probably go to five treatments once weekly. This patient is doing well with some additional weight loss, being on the anti-inflammatory regimen of the Inflamx product (pea and rice protein with anti-inflammatory nutrients) two times daily with just fruits and vegetabls for a couple of weeks.

I will be writing about more cases (with literature back up) of using shock wave therapy (radial and focused) as a non-invasive way of stimulating the body to heal itself along with an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, a few nutrients in a wide variety of pain syndromes of different body parts.  Shock wave therapy, along with an anti-inflammatory diet, is a powerful "1-2 punch" in helping you reduce pain and resolving a source of chronic pain.

Each "body part" (1 leg, 1 knee, 1 hip, etc.) is a 20-30 minute treatment session. It costs $150 per treatment and should be down at least 3 times, one week apart but no more than 5 times to see if there will be a therapeutic response. Each treatment builds off the last and this regenerative effects continues to be built upon weeks after the treatment.

Radial Pressure Wave vs Focused Shock Wave Therapy

A shock wave is a type of sound wave that is created by either:

1) a pneumatic air driven device which moves a pellet up and down in a chamber hitting a movable tip which delivers its maximum force right at the skin level and then some energy dissipates deeper into the tissue but most is spread in a radial fashion on or just below the skin surface. Sometimes this is called a radial pressure wave device (rSWT or EPAT)....
OR
2) a magnetic coil creates a shock wave that goes deep into the tissue (tip dependent) and the maximum force of the shock wave crosses below the surface of the skin. This can be several centimeters or several inches deep. This is known as Low Intensity Shock Wave Therapy (L-SWT or fSWT).

Many physicians such as orthopedists or podiatrists originally started treating injuries to ligaments and tendons and painful joints with rSWT device but have added the focused device (fSWT) and commonly use them both in combination for a surface and deeper healing effect.

Shock waves induce a response in the body like it has been "gently" injured and it sends healing factors that are:
1) angiogenic - make new blood vessels from old ones increasing blood flow to the effected tissue
2) stimulate stem cells for healing and tissue regeneration
3) have an anti-inflammatory effect
4) have an anti-fibrotic effect - breakdown fibrous tissues

I will be writing more and showing the medical literature about the many different conditions which can be helped (i.e. from plantar fasciitis to ED) with these two related therapies ALONG WITH an anti-inflammatory diet (from water fasting, to Prolon, to Inflamx and vegetables to my BED Diet). People do not realize how much pain is caused in their body or enhanced by just diet alone.... "The Food You Eat Frequently Causes You Daily Pain You Just Live With!”

If a patient has persistent pain after physical therapy, Li-SWT, diet and some nutrients then more complicated reasons for inflammation and pain come into play such as gut health, chronic infections and environmental exposures.

But before that a whole bunch of people can have significant pain relief just by dietary adjustment and radial and/or focused shock wave therapy!

See Partial References Below On Painful Hip Conditions and Shock Wave Therapy

Focused Shockwave Treatment for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020 Aug 5;102(15):1305-1311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32530874/

Long-term outcome of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gluteal tendinopathy
documented by magnetic resonance imaging. PLoS One. 2018 Jul 17;13(7):e0197460. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6050036/

Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT) in a Person With Advanced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (AVNFH). Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Sep;95(9):e133-9.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26787117/

Radial shock wave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2016;29(2):108-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26787117/

Clinical application of extracorporeal shock wave to repair and reconstruct osseous tissue framework in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2010 Jan;23(1):12-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20191955/

Effects of radial shockwave therapy on the limb function of dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Vet Rec. 2007 Jun 2;160(22):762-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17545646/

If you would like to make an appointment and also get a treatment make a one hour appointment at the office (916-489-4400) so I can take a history, examine you and do the first treatment.

Then the treatments would be weekly, 1/2 hour per limb for another 2-4 times. I also am going to recommend to you to implement some type of anti-inflammatory diet program that fits your personal preferences.

You can talk to me briefly about your situation from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday 916-489-4400.

You can also find more information about Shock Wave or Acoustic Wave Therapy at
https://kwikermedical.com/treatments - SCROLL DOWN TO:

1) ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY (RADIAL AND FOCUSED DEVICES used individually and in combination)
2) ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (HEART - ED REVERSAL PROGRAM) - ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY (FOCUSED & RADIAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY) - DIET - EXERCISE - NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS - MEDICATION

Be Well,

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

"A Happy Marriage Can Lower Your Mortality Risk More Than Quitting Smoking!"

Compared with men who had had sex just once a month, those who reported having it twice a week had only half the death rate. For the entire group, as an individual's sexual frequency increased, his risk of death decreased...

CALL FOR A FREE APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS THE HEART- ED REVERSAL PROGRAM AND 25% OFF OFFERS. Ad Side 1 Ad Side 2
...

Why would sex prolong life? There are several possible explanations:

• Frequent sex means an intimate relationship. Many studies show that close personal ties enhance health and extend longevity.

• Sex is exercise, and regular exercise is a cornerstone of health.

• Sex is relaxing. Many studies show that a regular stress-management regimen is good for health.

• Frequent sex improves immune function.

At Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, researchers surveyed 111 young adults about their frequency of partner sex, and then tested their saliva for a key component of the immune system, immunoglobulin A (IgA). Compared with participants who reported partner sex less than once a week, those who had sex once or twice a week had significantly higher IgA levels.

This research adds new spin to the slogan Nike uses to promote its sneakers: “Just do it.” Yes, do it. Sex is good for you—and it just might prolong your life.
_________________

"Erections Are Back! Now What???"

Since May, 2020 I have been putting together and implementing my "Heart - ED Reversal Program" (ED = Erectile Dysfunction). Diet (whole food, mostly plant based), Exercise and Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) have really made the return or improvement in erections for almost for any man possible in 6-18 treatments of about a half-hour each. The treatment is relatively painless. Go to KwikerMedical.com Scroll down to ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

The sound (acoustic) waves when applied to the penis create a healing response by
1) Building new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
2) Stimulate stem cells and growth factors to rebuild tissue.
3) Having an anti-inflammatory effect
4) Having an anti-fibrotic effect (break up tissue like in Peyrone's disease)

This Aoucstic Wave Therapy (AWT) is a form of Regenerative Medicine.

"The reason I put up the title "Erections Are Back! Now What???" is that at first the goal was just to help the male patient go from where their erections were to an improved situation to where they could enjoy sexual relations without worry of "organ failure" so-to-speak :-)!

What I have quickly found out in the last 5 months of implementing this program is that for almost all of the men erections improve significantly with AWT. BUT that doesn't guarantee good sexual relations because now the partner's health, desire and fitness and the couples relationship comes into play. Those areas have to improve as well, or at least be functioning well for a successful sexual parntership and life to take place. I am working on a book called "ED - The Fastest Way to A Man's Heart" and one Chapter will be... "Erections Are Back! Now What?". It's going to be a fun, interesting and very important chapter.

The technology of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) has revolutionized ED treatment. Because AWT actually get's at two of the major causes of ED - poor blood flow and endothelial dysfunction in the penile arteries and unhealthy tissue, especially in the spongi parts of the penis that fill with blood called the corpora cavernosa.

My passion for prevention and reversing of heart disease with a plant based diet comes from the known effect of this diet improving endothelial functioning in the arteries of the heart. Well the same mechanism involved for building a healthy endothelium in a heart blood vessel is the same for building a healthy endothelium in the penile arteries. So working from "back to front" if I can help a man improve their erections with AWT and lifestyle, especially an improved diet, I hope to be reducing the risk to the number #1 killer of men and women, which is heart disease. And HOPEFULLY the partner will participate in improving their own cardiovascular risk while helping their parnter improve his ED through lifestyle...... Catch my logic!? Kind of a "Trojan Horse" approach to heart disease management. It is really a "Win Win" for everyone. Article 1 2 3 (video)

So if healthy sex later in life is good for your longevity the male (and the female) has to be able to function adequately to have good sex into those golden years. And for the female several solvable issues come up when the man "start's working" again. Vaginal moistness, vaginal stretching, pelvic floor muscles needing to be more toned, and sex drive or libido. Also fixable but may need to be "tuned-up" after their male partners erections are improved. And, of course relationship issues can come up as well.

I enjoy this aspect of medicine and am committed to the individual and couple in helping make their total relationship be more healthy and happy.

If you would like me to review your medical history and answer questions about your compatability with my "Heart - ED Reversal Program" you can make a FREE 15-30 minute office visit by PHONE or IN-OFFICE appointment to discuss it. Just tell the staff you want to make a 15 minute free Heart - ED visit with Kirk (916-489-4400).   I have three programs of 6, 12 and 18 sessions that include lab work and an office visits (initial and a result visit) that are be available.

CALL FOR A FREE APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS THE HEART- ED REVERSAL PROGRAM AND 25% OFF OFFERS. Ad Side 1 Ad Side 2

Be well,

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Health Assciates Medical Group
(916) 489-4400

PS: If you are not currently a patient but wanted to be this program will include the initial office vist. But I need to approve it first.... Thank you!

Foods and Diet to Boost Your Immune System

It's always important to boost your immune system whether it's in the Covid 19 era or not. Here is a great list from those at the "Blue Zones".

1. Beans—all kinds: black beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, blackeyed peas, lentils

2. Greens—spinach, kale, chards, beet tops, fennel tops

3. Sweet potatoes—don’t confuse with yams.

4. Nuts—all kinds: almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, cashews

5. Olive oil—green, extra-virgin is usually the best. Note that olive oil decomposes quickly, so buy no more than a month’s supply at a time.

6. Oats—slow-cook or Irish steel-cut are best.

7. Barley—either in soups, as a hot cereal, or ground in bread

8. Fruits—all kinds

9. Green or herbal teas

10. Turmeric—as a spice or a tea

11. Garlic—sometimes eaten pickled on Okinawa, garlic is one of nature’s most powerful natural medicines

12. Shiitake mushrooms—in soups, sauces, or stir fries, they contain more than 100 different compounds with immune-protecting properties

13. Goat’s milk—consumed by Sardinian shepherds, used sparingly in pastas, soups, and grated over vegetables, it is rich in zinc and selenium, which are essential for optimal immune system activity

You can include this list from William W. Li, MD, The Angiogenesis Foundation he gave an excellent presentation on the cardiovascular side effects of Covid 19 and recommended a Whole Food Plant-based diet plus the addition of some of these foods if desired.

I highly recommend his book "Eat to Beat Disease"

Blueberries
Broccoli sprouts stalk and floret
Cranberries, blueberries
Fiber rich foods (plants - optimize your microbiome, which enhances immune function.
Green tea
Kombu
Mushrooms (white button, Summer Golden, Chanterelle)
Pecans

Then include the 40-50 years of research from T. Colin Campbell, PhD from the China Project and his work in the Philippines which showed increased cancer risk with increasing protein in general especially animal protein, while plant protein didn't increase cancer risk (Philippines). And in  rural China (China Project) there was greater antibody production and protection against viruses (hepatitis B) the more plant food the population ate.  His online course from Cornell

Dr. Campbell's Six Inflammation Fighting Foods

1. Spices
2. Dark green leafy vegetables
3. Fruits, berries
4. Tomatoes
5. Beans
6. Nuts

Be well Kirk

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com

Frequent Urination During Covid 19 "Stay-In-Place"? …Think Food?

As you know whenever a new symptom comes up I think "What am I eating? What is different in my diet since the new symptoms started?" I always ask my patients these questions and myself. You will save thousands of dollars in medical bills if you ask those questions and do the following.

I had a patient in her 50s, professional, fit come in and complain she is urinating more frequently, especially after she goes to sleep. Then she can't go back to sleep and lack of sleep is really stressing her out. She denied having any burning with urination, flank pain or fevers. I said I'd be happy to do a urinalysis but it doesn't sound like an infection.

"First, though, how long has this been going on?" For two or so weeks. She said her husband and she are both professionals, working at home with "Stay-In-Place" and getting a little stir crazy. I said, "Are you eating differently since you have had more time at home?" She said sheepishly "Yes. A lot more sweets and more alcohol." I said, "Humor me, let me take a diet history..."

The long and short is she was drinking more alcohol, more sugar rich foods, having her normal decaf coffee & teas, rye coffee, and chewing 3 pieces of gum after dinner.

Her urinalysis turns out to be normal.... So I said, "Do this simple experiment. Eliminate all processed carbs/wheat (sugars), stop alcohol, don't have any teas, coffees - decaffeinated or not, stop having the chewing gum and just eat whole, unprocessed foods of my elimination diet (page 2, BED Diet) for at least five days and see what happens to your urination." She said she would.

She called me this morning and said she had been on the diet for about 20 hours and I laughed (:-)) because she wanted a referral to her urologist which I was happy to

do. But she said she would still stay on the diet for the 5-7 days. I hope she does. People don't believe that food can be that powerful. Any food can cause any symptom if you are sensitive to it.

My own personal example was a year ago Fall I started noticing I was urinating all the time. Like it was hard to hold it for a one hour plane flight to LA that I was doing weekly. I checked by urine and there was no infections. To make a long story short I knew in the back of my mind that the one cup of coffee daily played a roll. I stopped caffeinated coffee for a week and there was a dramatic reduction in urination within a day. Normal! Added back decaffeinated coffee which "I hate" no increase in urination. If couple of beers was consumed on the same day as coffee more urination and urgency.

I just got done with the 5 day Prolon - Fasting Mimicking diet. I think it's my 7 time doing it. The first three days I had a small cup of coffee just to break the monotony. The last two I didn't have any coffee. Last night slept through the night. Didn't have to urinate my usual 1-2 times at night. I am not saying coffee is the culprit in every incidence of frequent urination....But I am saying you have to look at the food you are eating.

Figure it out by an elimination diet (BED, page 2) or a water fast, or limited food fast like the Fasting Mimicking Diet (available at Health Associates Office discounted). Or simple elimination and challenge of frequently eaten foods.... But I would always start eliminating caffeine containing foods, sweets/processed carbs, alcohol and dairy products (i.e. like bed wetting in young children from dairy - a classic).

I am a HUGE fan of any kind of lower allergy fast for 5 Days or more like Prolon FMD because of what you learn when you REINTRODUCE food. Notice how you feel when you get off the foods, BUT REALLY NOTICE what you feel when you reintroduce food. We all get used to food reactions when they are at a low level and just live with them. Or, if we get a severe reaction you go to the doctor who will give a pharmaceutical treatment which usually masks symptoms and really doesn't cure the problem. Some type of low allergy, modified fast periodically - (every 1-3 months) if done with "Awareness" will save you thousands of dollars and hours of annoying suffering.

Be well,

Kirk

Questions 8-9 a.m. PST 916-489-4400

HealthyLivingforBusyPeople.com