By: Dr. Lynn Lafferty & Nicole Simone

The Sockeye salmon, or Oncorhynchus Nerka, is the smallest most delicate of the Kenai Wild salmon family. These wild pacific salmon are the most sought after salmon in Alaska due to their unique flavor and bright red, extra firm texture. The average size is 6 – 9 pounds and they can measure up to 2.8 feet.  Sockeye salmon are typically seen in south central Alaska in late May until early August. One half pound of sockeye fillet has about 332 calories, 42 grams of protein, 2.9 grams of saturated fat, and 93 mg of sodium. Unlike farm-raised salmon, wild sockeye salmon are drug and antibiotic-free, have higher levels of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as, lower levels of saturated fats. These fish have beneficial amounts of selenium, protein, niacin, Vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin B6. It is also one of the few protein sources with alkaline verses acidic properties.

The biggest health benefit from sockeye salmon comes from the superior amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, this type of salmon has the highest content of Omega-3s verses any other fish. These fatty acids are extremely beneficial for the heart, have natural anti-inflammatory healing properties, and are necessary for the creation of healthy cell walls within your body. Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which can lead to sudden death.  Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, Omega-3s also have an anti-aging effect by improving skin tone, as well as, hair and nail texture and growth rates. People consuming high amounts of Omega-3 have reported less joint pain and stiffness. Omega-3s also have a favorable effect in breast cancer. They have been proven to delay tumor appearance and decrease the growth, size, and number of tumors. They also are beneficial in regards to mental health. Decreased feelings of depression, decreased symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, as well as, lower risks for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were seen in people who consumed high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. To receive all these benefits it is widely recommended to eat fatty fish, especially salmon, at least twice a week. Here at the Robert Fishman Institute, we also believe in supplementing your diet with an Omega-3 to achieve optimal results.

Drawing of ocean phase Sockeye (red) salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). These fish are packed with Omega 3s, protein, vitamins and minerals.

When comparing wild salmon to farm-raised salmon, the health benefits are far and away superior. Wild salmon contains no added chemicals, no artificial coloring, no preservatives, no growth hormones, no antibiotics, and no GMOs. To give an eye-opening comparison, listed below is the scary truth of farm raised salmon:

• At salmon farms, thousands of salmon are kept in net pens, endangering the health of the fish as well as the surrounding waters.
• Farmed salmon are frequently fed antibiotics, which contribute to the growth of drug-resistant bacteria in humans who consume them.
• Farmed salmon is much higher in saturated fats than wild salmon. Saturated fat is a known contributor of health problems in humans. Farmed Atlantic salmon contain 70 percent more fat than wild Atlantic salmon and 200 percent more fat than wild Pacific salmon. Also, farm-raised salmon have been found to contain significantly higher concentrations of PCBs, dioxin, and other cancer-causing contaminants than salmon caught in the wild.
• The study, A Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed vs. Wild Salmon: Geographical Differences and Health Risks, which is being considered the most thorough analysis of farmed and wild salmon to date, found in most cases that consuming more than one serving of farmed salmon per month could pose unacceptable cancer risks, according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for determining safe fish consumption levels. Farmed salmon were found to have up to 10 times higher levels of PCBs and dioxins than wild salmon.
  • Farmed salmon are administered chemical dyes to color their flesh a salmon pink. Without this dye, a farmed salmon would be an unappetizing grayish-brown. Wild salmon has a much better texture than farm-raised fish, which tend to be mushy and bland.

References:

1.    www.wildpacificsalmon.com

2.    www.kasilofseafoods.com

3.    www.wikipedia.org

4.    www.americanheart.org

The Robert Fishman Institute Dietary Recommendations for Achieving Your Optimal Weight & Well Being

AVOID

• White Potatoes
• White Rice
• Pasta
• Bread containing wheat
• White Sugar
• Soy

CONSUME

• Vegetables (preferably organic)
  

  Add a teaspoon of raw blue agave to a baked sweet potato for a delicious and healthy alternative to white potatoes.

• Fruits (preferably organic)
• Beans
• Nuts
• Sweet Potatoes
• Brown Rice
• Chicken (hormone free)
• Beef (hormone free)
• Fish (not farm raised)
• Eggs (free range, organic, hormone free)
• Butter (raw where possible, if not organic)
• Cheeses (Imported, NOT processed)
• Oatmeal (NOT instant)
• Acceptable Breads: Ezekiel, Spelt, Rye
• Milk: Cow (raw where possible, if not organic), Goat, Almond, or Rice

We do not recommend consuming products made with wheat. The reason we want consumers to avoid wheat, is because the gluten within the wheat is very damaging to our gastro-intestinal tract. Also much of our wheat has been genetically modified. Wheat gluten may cause of the following disease-states:

• Celiac Disease
  

  It is very important to avoid wheat glutens and there are plenty of alternatives available on the market.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Leaky Bowel Syndrome
• Crohns Disease (inflammation of the intestines)
• And many other diseases

However, we understand that in our society it is very hard to completely avoid wheat altogether; wheat has been an American staple. So, we have created a general rule-of-thumb when it comes to eating wheat products: If you are going to consume wheat, make sure it is NOT genetically modified (which usually means organic), look at the nutritional label and if wheat is listed in the first four ingredients, the product should be avoided.  Don’t be fooled by “whole wheat” as this still contains wheat gluten.

*THE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED OR APPROVED BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA). THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

The reason I am explaining this story is because of an alarming fact: 90% of the compounding pharmacies in this country dispense creams and they have no idea what harm they are doing to their patients. The majority of these patients will eventually stop taking bio-identical hormones and will walk-away with the impression that BHRT is not effective — when in fact, these patients are just not receiving the proper method of dosing.

When I first started with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) over 20 years ago, I originally invented a transdermal cream base called Viaderm FMG (Patented & Trademarked 2003). At the time, this was the best transdermal cream I had ever come across, so I started dispensing bio-identical hormones within this cream base.  But after two to four years of my patients being on the cream, I noticed a phenomenon occur:  The majority of my patients came back to me complaining they were experiencing the same hormonal imbalance symptoms that brought them to me in the first place. So, I had to reason out why this was occurring after so many years of success with BHRT. It was obvious the symptoms were returning because the endocrine system was out of balance once again:  but why?

Coincidentally, at the same time this was happening, I had a patient that came to me and who’s saliva test yielded these results:

It is key to note the progesterone levels of this patient, indicated by the flat line at the top of the graph.

So, I decided to re-test all of the patients who were having sudden problems with the BHRT cream. All of the saliva tests came back identical to this patients chart, with the progesterone clearly elevated and not cycling the way it should. I have approximately 500 charts that look the exact same way. At last, I had figured out the imbalance. I deduced that the creams were getting into the muscle and fat cells of these patients; thereby releasing the hormones slowly into the body. At the same time, the women were increasing their own dosage to try to alleviate their symptoms.

You will notice the same elevated progesterone level in this patient's chart. The reason that this patient's progesterone is elevated is due to the way in which the body absorbs BHRT creams. This is why I am an advocate of sublingual dosing.

After much more deliberation on what would make a better way to dose my patients, the idea of using sublingual lozenges came to me. Sublingual delivery is the most superior dosing method, because it is the most immediate method of absorption into the human body and once the sublinguals are absorbed, they go directly to the cells where they are needed. Sublingual delivery allows the practitioner to control the dosage per day, making it easier for the practitioner to alleviate the symptoms of all women, at any age in which hormones play a major part of their life, even in cases of fertility problems and puberty.

-Dr. Robert Fishman

The Healing & Nutritional Properties of Ginger Root

By: Dr. Lynn Lafferty and Truc Phung

1. Scientific name: Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae

Zingiber comes from the Greek root “Zingiberis” or from Indian root “Zindschi”. It means “known already to the ancients”

2.  Common names: African Ginger, Black Ginger, Blue Ginger (aka Galanga), Cochin Ginger, Gan Jiang, Gingembre, Ginger Essential Oil, Ginger Root, Indian Ginger, Jamaica Ginger, Canadian Snakeroot, Vermont Snakeroot

3. Nutritional profile of Ginger root (calculated on a zero moisture basis per 100 g)

Zingiber officinale

4. Ginger root active constituents

Ginger root contains several volatile oils, which account for its pharmacology properties. The aromatic substances contained within ginger root are zingiberene, bisabolene, zingiberol, zingiberenol. These substances give ginger its distinctive odor and taste. The astringent constituents are gingerol, shogaols, gingerdione and zingerone. These constituents are believed to have antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antibiotic, weak antifungal, carminative, hypocholesterolemic, diaphoretic and other properties.

5. Uses:

• Ginger can be used orally for motion sickness, morning sickness, dyspepsia, flatulence, chemotherapy-induced nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, indigestion, loss of appetite, migraine headache, anorexia, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis.
• It can also be used as a stimulating diaphoretic. In Chinese culture, they add ginger to meat in order to detoxify the animal protein.
• Ginger can be used topically to relieve pain and stiffness of joints.
• Ginger can lower cholesterol levels and limit blood clots in the same way aspirin works in the body.
• Ginger can be ground or chopped, added to hot water and steeped into a tea. The ginger tea is then used for indigestion, stomachache, malaria and fever. Japanese researchers have found that ginger may be responsible for blocking the body’s reflex to vomit.
• The FDA considers Ginger “Generally Recognized as Safe,” but is not approved by the FDA for any medicinal purposes. Ginger has, however, been approved by Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) for indigestion and to help alleviate motion sickness. Today, its most popular uses are found in the food industry as a flavoring agent.

6. Pharmacology

• (8)-Gingerol, (8)-shogaol, (8)-paradol, and gingerol analogues exhibited anti-platelet activities
• Gingerols and shogaols are believed to be responsible for the anti-emetic activity due to anti-serotoninergic and 5-HT3 receptor antagonism effects
• Regarding anti-inflammatory effect, ginger constituents are inhibitors of both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, which will lead to fewer side effects when compared to NSAID
• (6)-gingerol acts as an antioxidant
• (6)-shogaol contains anti-tussive effect
• Ginger constituents also increase stomach acid production, which in turn aids digestion. It is also shown to suppress the growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro.

7. Evidence based medicinal properties

Summary of clinical trials through the uses of Ginger shows us its effectiveness in treating these conditions

• Morning sickness
  

  Chopped galanga, or blue ginger, is typically pickled and served alongside sushi

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo
• Migraine headache
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

8. Products

Common forms of ginger include fresh root, dried root, tablets, capsules, liquid extract, tincture, tea, and use in foods. Ginger is generally available in six forms: fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, and powdered or ground.

References:

1. Zingiber officinale. Natural Standard Monograph. Available at http://www.naturalstandard.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/naturalstandard/monographs/monoframeset.asp?monograph=/monographs/herbssupplements/aux1-ginger.asp&patientVersion=/monographs/herbssupplements/patient-ginger.asp (retrieved on January 12, 2010)

2. Zingiber offcinale monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Available at http://www.naturaldatabase.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/(S(fblowa45gyzhhg3rrzw0z1nb))/nd/Search.aspx?cs=&s=ND&pt=100&id=961&ds=&name=GINGER&searchid=18601459 (retrieved on January 12, 2010)

3. Mark Pedersen. Nutritional Herbology. 2002.

*THE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED OR APPROVED BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA). THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Test

YES OR NO Do you have a family history of Breast Cancer? (Grandmother, Mother, Sister, Aunts)

YES OR NO Do you not have regular bowel movements? Meaning you go less than once daily?

YES OR NO Do you or have you used oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy?

YES OR NO Do you have a history of any cyclical issues such as: cyclical breast tenderness, endometriosis, uterine Fibroids, Fibrocystic Breast, PMS / PMDD or have you been diagnosed or told that you were “estrogen dominant”?

YES OR NO Are you diabetic, pre- diabetic, or do you have blood sugar control issues?

YES OR NO Do you regularly consume non-organic dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) or non-organic meat or chicken?

YES OR NO Is your body fat over 30%?

YES OR NO Have you had your 2/16 estrogen-ratio evaluated?

If you answered mostly “yes” to the above referenced questions, then your risk for developing an estrogen-sensitive cancer, like breast cancer, is much greater than someone who answers mostly “no.”

For at risk patients, the Robert Fishman Institute recommends the following protocol:

1. Have your health care provider give you an estrogen-ratio evaluation screening. We recommend the Estronex test.
2. Visit a Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) specialist. This individual will be able to administer comprehensive testing to evaluate your hormone levels and will then begin balancing your body’s cycle using all natural compounds from plant extracts.
3. Start consuming high amounts of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy (1)
4. Not a vegetable fan? Then you should look for supplements containing both Indole-3-Carbinole (I3C) and Di-Indole-Methane (DIM). We recommend Cruciferus Complete by Standard Process or Meta I3C by Metagenics
5. Increase your body’s alkaline PH level by eating alkaline foods (2), drinking certified alkaline water (3), and/or using supplements that increase alkalinity.

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Wondering how cruciferous vegetables can help you combat cancer? Here’s a great link to the many benefits of the crucifer plant group:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/foods/cruciferous/

(2) Wondering what foods are alkaline? Here is a great resource: http://www.liferesearchuniversal.com/acid.html

(3) Here at the Robert Fishman Institute, we are currently in the process of reviewing and testing the various alkaline water systems available on the market and will be publishing our results as soon as they are available.

-Dr. Arango

*THE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED OR APPROVED BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA). THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

As a clinical nutritionist and pharmacist, I have been effectively treating osteoporosis in women, and some men, for over 20 years and I have come up with the following conclusions based off of my observations … I call it a theorem, because much like theorems in geometry, I have been able to prove this again and again.

The Robert Fishman Theorem on Osteoporosis:

Everybody on the face of the Earth made bones as they developed as a young child. This means that everyone’s brain knows the process of how to make bones.

When you are a young child, you do the following:

1. Run, jump, play
2. Go out in the sun and obtain healthy levels of Vitamin D
3. Drink milk and consume other dairy products to obtain calcium
4. Drink water and eat vegetables to obtain trace minerals
5. Everyone had a certain amount of progesterone, an essential ingredient needed to make osteoblast, which then makes bone

Women when they reach their 30′s & 40′s, the following behaviors become the norm:

1. Stop exercising because life becomes too busy
2. No more sun exposure without sunscreen because skin cancer fears
3. Stop drinking milk and consuming as much dairy products
4. Drink bottled water, which doesn’t have minerals, and don’t eat enough organic vegetables. Our food supply is inadequate as a source of trace minerals, because the process of mass production doesn’t allow for the development of nutrition in our food supply
5. Women in the late 30′s and early 40′s naturally start losing progesterone, because progesterone is necessary to start making placenta, in order to make babies. At this stage of life, your body is preparing not to make any more babies

So, you’re body is not missing Fosamax, Boniva, Actinel, Foreo or Reclast, because they were never a part of what we were born with. In order to replace bone you’re losing, all you have to do is give the brain the tools it needs to start making bone once again. This process will take 2 years to replace all of your bone, which is — not coincidentally — the same amount of time your body originally took to make bone. Think about it: At age 2, you are already walking upright and steadily, meaning your body took 2 years to make the bone necessary in order to carry out this function.

The treatment process for osteoporosis is as follows:

1. Exercise every day, especially using weights
2. Go in the sun for 30 minutes without sunscreen on your arms -or- consume 5,000 units of Vitamin D3
3. Obtain a source of absorbable calcium and trace minerals. I recommend Osteoapatite or Calcifood for my patients.
4. You will need to raise your progesterone levels PROPERLY by consulting an expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

I welcome any questions, comments or concerns. Please feel free to contact me at askrfi@gmail.com

-Dr. Robert Fishman

*THE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED OR APPROVED BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA). THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

The 2009 “Yes … We Can Think Outside the Box” Conference on Science-Based Medicine is available for purchase. Presented by The Robert Fishman Institute for Training & Research and sponsored by Life Extension, For Longer Life – this 6-Disk DVD Set features the keynote speakers from last year’s symposium and comes with 2 Bonus CD’s filled with all of the presentors slideshow files.

Now’s your chance to catch up on what you missed. Plus, enjoy the benefit of sharing this valuable information with others! Cost is only $99.99 plus $5.95 shipping and handling. To purchase CLICK HERE.

Here’s a sampling of what the DVD set has to offer:

The Robert Fishman Institute for Training & Research is pleased to announce it’s upcoming conference on science-based medicine to be held on February 19 & 20, 2011 at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL. The second annual “Yes, We Can … Think Outside The Box” symposium will be full of the latest health & wellness information and will feature world-renowned keynote speakers. Implement the next generation of scientific medical innovation into your practice and save $200 by registering before September 27th. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Topics include:
• What to do when your patients want to get off prescriptions
• The gut-brain connection
• Weight Loss: New findings on losing it and keeping it off
• Optimal Sexual Health: Amazing new findings
• Your Hormones: More than you think
• Alternative approaches for cancer patients
• Neurotransmitters: A new way to look at psychiatric diseases
• Pancreas Fatigue: Predicting & treating before diabetes begins
• Practical use of supplements & nutrition in your practice
Early bird registration discounts have now been extended through September 27th, 2010. Click here to sign up and save $200 on your registration. Don’t miss out on two full days of “Outside the Box” information presented by the sources that are leading the wellness revolution. Special travel discounts and arrangements have been provided by our platinum sponsor: Life Extension, For Longer Life.

Check out a quick preview of last year’s conference.  The 6-Disc DVD Set is available for purchase, complete with 2 CD’s filled with all of the presenters slideshows. Click HERE for more info.

Dr. Lynn Lafferty interviews her pharmacy students on the healing properties of lettuce and carrots.

Dr Lynn Lafferty explains the the importance of using natural sugar sources and products over those containing high fructose corn syrup.

Some food might cause diseases and some food might heal disease.

Several studies show that high doses of fructose can increase triglycerides. This also may increase fat as insulin rushes in as a natural response. Consider this before ingesting soda-pop and many fruit drinks. Read the labels and look for natural sugars.

A pear has the most amount of fiber of any fruit. and so acts as a timed release sugar, avoiding the sugar and insulin rush. Pears sweetened with high fructose corn syrup are not as healthy as the real thing.

This is related to offsetting pre-conditions of Type II Diabetes.