Acknowledgments
Disclaimer
Chapter 1: The Pillars
Chapter 2: Sleep
Chapter 3: Good Nutrition
Chapter 4: Sufficient Physical Activity, Or Exercise
Chapter 5: Avoiding Harmful Substances
Chapter 6: Hereditary Factors And Other Yet Undiscovered Factors
Chapter 7: Atherosclerosis (Coronary Artery Clogging With Cholesterol)
Chapter 8: Hypertension (Abnormal Persistent Blood Pressure Elevation.)
Chapter 9: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Chapter 10: Depression
Chapter 11: Fibromyalgia
Chapter 12: Headache
References (in alphabetical order)
Appendix: The Diet
I just became one of the uninsured. Ironically I work in the health care industry. Hmmmm....
ReplyDeleteDear tsmith25,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that now you have become uninsured, but alas a very common occurrence in our health care system. The way to overcome your situation is to be as healthy as you can by preventing illness with lifestyles outlined in the POH (Pillars of Health). And since you have worked in the health system you should have an above average level of health knowledge already. That being said getting and staying healthy is very difficult. But...Worth it. Your target should now be attaining (or maintaining) a status of no need for health insurance, or medications or doctors. Unfortunately there remain certain conditions, like appendicitis or infections where above doesn't apply. Good luck and hang in there.
Dr Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteI just received the notice that you are leaving your practice in Oberlin. I was very disappointed in the news. Will you be relocating nearby? While there are many doctors in the area, it is so difficult to find a doctor I like and trust with my care.
Tammy
Dear Tammy:
ReplyDeleteI am very flattered by your comments, and do appreciate them very much. Alas I am not relocating nearby, but rather have gained employment in a country overseas that has universal health care, which I am a steadfast proponent of.
I was not able to maintain the minimum quality of care (which I deem a pre-requisite at staying at a job) under the oversight of profit seeking health insurances, bureaucrats of uncaring institutions (governmental and otherwise), and the constant threat of malpractice lawyers. All of the aforementioned have successfully put quality of care of patients (who the powers that be have gone to the length of calling them “consumers”), at a pretty low priority.
I am very sad that I am leaving my patients here in the US, but encourage you and anyone to utilize this blog site as a resource for any health or medical question.
And as always the price I ask you to pay is rewarding me with you getting healthier.
Dr. Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteI certainly understand your position. It is a tragedy that the insurance companies command our health care here in the US. I am hoping that the administration coming in can fix that although I have my doubts. I have some issues at my employment in health care as well but I don't feel comfortable discussing them in a blog. You know you never can tell who is reading. However, I wish you prosperity and happiness in your new arena. I will continue to use your blog for insight and guidance. You will be sorely missed.
Thanks!
Tammy
For the uninsured they will not go to the ER or doctor unless it is so bad, or they abuse the system because they have no recourse. Too bad the government will not reimburse those health care providers who will do probono service and they would still get quality care if that PCP had a real heart for people. Isn't that the reason why some of us chose the healthcare field? If it was money, shame on them, you have to at least like what you do somewhat..
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more. I do believe the only humane solution that would make our society happier with much less stress (no anxiety over health care) is universal healthcare sponsored by a governing body that is for the people, by the people (and not for the insurance companies, by the insurance companies).
ReplyDeleteDr. Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteI had an office visit with you recently and asked you if you knew anything about the herbal supplement called Essiac for my mother - She has been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Please let me know what you find. Thank you SO much!!
I am afraid you should not get your hopes up too high about Essiac. The National Cancer Institute [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/essiac/patient/page1] and The American Cancer Society [http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/essiac-tea] both have found evidence to support its usefulness in treating cancer, lacking. Looking at its ingredients the only one I recognized, which I know has merit for health in general is kelp, by virtue of its containing iodine. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteDr. Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteHello doctor! I am a patient of yours and have been diagnosed with NOS depression from a psyhcologist I had seen a couple months ago. We had elected to take the scientific route in stabalizing my brain chemistry through the way of amino acids (5-HTP and L-Tyrosine) and vitamins ( D3, Calcium, and C). Is it safe to take 200-300mg of 5-HTP a day? Also, what are your thoughts on adding Rhodiola Rosea to the mix? I have read some good things on it but would like a professional opinion. Aside from diet and exercise, are there any other herbs, amino acids, or vitamins you would recommend? Thank you doctor and I look forward to reading your response.
Best Regards,
Patient
Answered: http://thepillarsofhealth.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-it-safe-to-take-200-300mg-of-5-htp.html
ReplyDeleteHello Dr. Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteI am currently on 10mg of Escitalopram and have been taking it for 2 weeks. I am also an ex-smoker and quit seven years ago. When I began suffering from anxiety and depression (2.5 years ago), I went back to smoking periodically and eventually went to a nicotine patch (7mg). I stopped the patch a few months ago and had to go back on antidepressants. Well, I am again battling with smoking/nicotine replacements and have done some reading on the effects of nicotine on antidepressants and how nicotine enhances the antidepressant effects of such medication. I am absolutely disgusted by smoking cigarettes but the nicotine really does help with my depression. My question to you is: does the nicotine enhance the antidepressant effects of Escitalopram during the initial 6-8 week period or is this continuous? Also, is there anything on the market today that is safer than smoking or nicotine patches to help 'enhance' the antidepressant effects of my current medication? I appreciate your timely response to this matter and I look forward to reading your response.
Sincerely,
Your patient
Hello anonymous. Sorry for the delay. Was out of state on vacation. Will give you some pointers on your dilemma and the 'why' soon. Give me a few days to write it up.....
DeleteAnswered here:
ReplyDeletehttp://thepillarsofhealth.blogspot.com/2012/11/smoking-and-depression.html
(Sorry I couldn't put a direct link here in comments)
Would you be able to post the diet for Fibromyalgia?
ReplyDeleteI would also love recommendations for foods that are good to order when going to a restaurant.
Sorry for the delay. Answer is here: http://thepillarsofhealth.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-diet-for-fibromyalgia-foods.html
DeleteHi Dr. Aldoori,
ReplyDeleteI am taking 5-HTP and L-Tyrosine supplements for mild depression and have been doing some research. I have read that a 10:1 ration (L-tyrosine to 5-HTP) is recommended so that no neurotransmitter is depleted. What are your thoughts? How about a 5:1 ratio? I know everyone is different but how would you recommend starting out and adjusting dosage?
Thank you.
You may find my answer here: http://thepillarsofhealth.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-decide-on-how-much-5-htp-5.html
Delete(Great question by the way.)